Ally and John are THAT couple… the ones you meet with over beers and comfortably feel like you have just made a great new connection with. Which is no surprise that this laid back couple first met at a summer BBQ thrown by mutual friends. John knew that Ally was the one when they took their first vacation together to see the Cubs spring training in Arizona. After spending 4 straight days together just 3 months into their relationship he just knew that they were headed to forever.

One of their favorite first memories involved a night when John invited Ally and a few friends over to his tiny 1 bedroom apartment for dinner. Since John only owned 2 sets of silverware- his dinner guests had to BYOF (bring their own forks)! Sharing so many interests together like taking road trips, bike rides, and visiting breweries to name a few- Ally and John wanted their wedding to reflect their causal and fun natured spirit.

Which made the Illinois Beach Resort in Zion IL the perfect natural backdrop to exchange their vows to each other in a private ceremony along the shoreline of Lake Michigan surrounded by their closest family and friends. A mutual friend of Ally and John’s set the stage for officiating an intimate ceremony followed by a beautiful reception featuring floor to ceiling windows displaying panoramic views of the beach below. Named one of the Top 10 Best Outdoor Wedding Sites by The Knot Chicago Magazine I love photographing at this unique venue located only 40 mins from Chicago because it feels worlds away from all the urban hustle.

Thank you to John and Ally for inviting us to capture their amazing day and for showing us that all you need is a white glove (that lights up) and a champagne bottle to channel Michael Jackson’s sweet dance moves all while keeping the dance floor alive- cheers to many more first dances! xo

Ceremony and Reception Venue: Illinois Beach Resort

Venue Coordinator: Kim Hall

Officiant: Anuja Patel (friend of Bride + Groom)

Florist: Anemone Creative

DJ: Parker Greenlund of The Total PKG

Catering: Illinois Beach Resort

Sweets/Desserts: Sweet Discoveries

Invitations: Groom’s Design

Bridal Shop: BHLDN

Hair: Lauren Sweenor

Makeup: Simply Perfect Makeup Artists

In case you missed it last week, our handmade vintage Blumen Garden wedding was featured on Style Me Pretty, yayyy!!! And almost a week before our 1 year wedding anniversary to boot!  We couldn’t have asked for a more special way to commemorate our best day ever. Check it our here to get the full scoop along with all the diy goodies that we created to express our amazing day.

Being in this years Indie Wed wedding show was definitely highlight for us!  Joe and I were  excited to see so many familiar (and talented) faces at this years show. We worked really hard to highlight our booth and I think we did just that and more! With a custom chalkboard and beautiful fresh arrangements by the uber talented Becca Blue Flowers to help make our booth smell and look fresh! We enjoyed getting to meet a handful of really nice couples and  got to share with them what we are about.  Thanks to all who stopped by to say hello!!

It has been a whirlwind the last few weeks as we settle into the married life!  I love this photo of me and Joe walking down the aisle for the first time as Mr & Mrs. Bankmann!  I especially love the expression on my face, it’s the Ahh..we did it face!!  It really was the best day of our lives!  So many beautiful memories were created that day and we were so blessed to be surrounded by all our family and friends!  And of course we couldn’t have pulled it off without our rock star team of vendors (more to come on who they were!) Thanks for all the love!!

xo,

~Liz + Joe

This past Sunday morning a group of vendors met for the first time under the El tracks in Ravenswood to meet, greet, and collaborate on this shoot that Elaine from Shadowbox Dreams had been putting together for  while.  I think I’m not the only one who left that sunny morning totally inspired and grateful to be part of an industry that is so supportive, collaborative, and full to the brim with creative energy. Each of these ladies not only brings talent to the table but personality and passion for what they create. Thank you Elaine for inviting me to be a part of this fabulous group of ladies!  I hope we can all work again soon 🙂

Vintage Rentals: Shadowbox Dreams

Paper Bouquets: Little Spoon Events

Candles: Chicago Candle Co.

Wedding Suite: Chykalophia

Baked Goods: Bot Bakery

Graphic Artist: Chyrel Banias

Handmade Backdrops/Supplies: Penelope & Lala

Where do I begin with this couple?  Not only are Colleen and Alex high school sweet hearts but they lit up our session with so much love and positive energy that my face probably hurt just as much as theirs did from smiling so much throughout the afternoon.  I secretly think they made the sun shine brighter and warmer on this beautiful Fall Sunday afternoon. Joe and I truly couldn’t have asked for any more. A special thanks to Shadowbox Dreams for the vintage prop rentals. Thank you so much Colleen and Alex for inviting us be in your lovingly playful presence!