Chiara and Jacob’s wedding at The Starline Factory in Harvard, IL was one that I was looking forward to since they booked me about a year ago! Seriously - As soon as they booked, I drove out to the venue to get a better idea of what the area looked like - and the ivy wall that’s showcased online does NOT disappoint!
Chiara and Jacob’s love story was one that has been in the works for years - long before they probably even knew it! Chiara has been best friends with Jacob’s older sister, so growing up, Chiara was constantly around Jacob (and the rest of the family). They considered each other a big part of one another’s lives long before they realized there was any chemistry between them. Once they realized there were other feelings, it didn’t take long for friends and family to be adjusted to the couple - since the families knew each other already, it wasn’t like your typical Meet-The-Parents fear that a lot of couples would normally have to face.
Despite doing their engagement photos in the middle of the winter season in Chicago (if you know, you know!), we were able to capture some truly amazing moments at their engagement session at Garfield Park Conservatory, and their engagement session definitely set the tone for their wedding!
The day started out with Chiara and the gals getting ready in the Bridal Suite that the venue has on-site. This made it super easy for the girls to load in everything they needed for the day, and relax and get ready! I arrived shortly after the girls started their hair and makeup - This gave me time to scout out locations for Chiara’s first look with her dad, and the first look with Jacob! While the girls got ready at the venue, Jacob and the guys hung back at his parent’s house where they were able to chill with their dog, and Jacob and his mom was able to share a special mini-first look that pulled at heart-strings, FOR SURE! Once Chiara was ready for first looks, she went out to meet her dad, where they shared some tears and hugs before Dad sent her off to see her soon-to-be hubby! Jacob and Chiara’s first look in front of the ivy wall was amazing - both visually, with the fall leaves covering the building, and emotionally, as they both shared their personal vows to one another. After the first looks, we did wedding party photos outside, where I’m 90% sure their bridal tribe thought I was insane for the amount of times I asked them to get into the middle of the street. (It was worth it!). For the ceremony, it was short a sweet, while still incorporating the details they wanted - like planting a baby tree together!
After the ceremony, we snuck into the venue’s greenhouse (where only the bride, groom, and photographer are allowed to go - Talk about exclusive!) where we did a few formals of the two newly-weds, I stepped through an EXTREMELY LARGE spiderweb, and we blinded Chiara and Jacob with our flashes - Again, 100% worth it!
After dinner, we snuck outside to do a fake send off, where Jacob and Chiara were able to run through the line of friends and family waving glow wands about at night! We wrapped up the night with a few more outside portraits, and then sent them back in to party the rest of the night away!
Chiara and Jacob, no one deserves the perfect day the two of you had more than you guys! I am so beyond happy and blessed to not only have been there to capture and celebrate the day with you, but to also be able to call you both friends after our time together. I hope your marriage is everything you want it to be, and I hope your adventures of traveling together never stop. Your happiness and love is contagious, and I absolutely loved being around it! Here’s to many more happy years together as husband and wife!
Dream Team:
Ceremony Venue: The Starline Factory - Harvard, IL
Reception Venue: The Starline Factory - Harvard, IL
Caterer: The Starline Factory - Harvard, IL
Coordinator: Robi - The Starline Factory
Photographer: Sierra Marie Photography
Florist: Town and Country - Elgin, IL
Cake Artist: Delish Cakes and Costco
Band/DJ: DJ Karl
Makeup Artist: Maggie Carter
Hair Artist: Jenn Miller
Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie
Bridal Gown: Enzoani from Here Comes the Bridal Boutique
