I have realized that since I started Griff Photography, my work usually attracts couples that I actually click with and the couples that usually reach out to me are people I wouldn’t mind actually getting to know. With Danielle and Jonathan, I couldn’t agree with this more! They are such an amazing laid back couple with such an awesome baby boy and the three of them make one terrific family. Later in the day, I found out that Jonathan is an artist and he gave me his Instagram name to check out, I was blown away! Interested in checking him out, take a look at @jonathanmueller10 to get inspired!
Throughout the entire day, they were so easy to talk to and honestly I never saw them without a smile on their face. I started the day off with Danielle at the Hotel Arista in Naperville. Side tangent, the Hotel Aristas balcony rules! I have had the chance to use their balcony quite a few times in the past and it’s gorgeous especially if you are doing a first look, more on that in a second. End tangent. When I arrived Danielle was so calm that you wouldn’t even think she was getting married! After spending a little time with her, I was able to pop by Jonathan’s room to see what him and his son were doing.
After getting shots of the guys getting ready, it was time for Danielle to get into her dress. Her mom had the biggest smile that I have ever seen when she was helping her zip it up and gave her a giant hug when it was on. We had a few extra minutes to do some photos around the room so we capitalized on the beautiful view. Then it was time for the first look!! And what a first look it was!! The look on Jonathan’s face as he saw Danielle for the first time was amazing. They decided to read each other their vows right then just because they were a bit more personal so they wanted to share the moment in a bit more private setting. I can safely say that the videographer and I could not have witnessed a more romantic moment. The setting was perfect, the words that they were reading each other was so passionate, and the feelings that these two expressed when they looked at each other was awesome! Honestly, this was one of the coolest moments of me being a photographer. I am not embarrassed to say that I got choked up quite a few times.
Once we all dried up our eyes, we headed over to the gorgeous Saint James Farm in Warrenville IL. Danielle and Jonathan chose to have their ceremony at the beautiful row of old growth trees tucked in the back of the farm. The ceremony was on the shorter side but definitely didn’t lack romance. Their son was awesome through the whole ceremony and was so excited to bring the rings up which got a lot of laughs from the crowd. After the ceremony, we had some time to walk around the farm and explore downtown Naperville before we headed to the Naperville Woman’s Club for their reception.
It was my first time shooting at the Woman’s Club and when I walked in and saw their jaw-dropping stained glass windows, I knew that the rest of the night was going to be amazing. The party started right away and all you could hear the entire evening was excited chatter and a ton of laughing as the dance floor opened up. I left this wedding feeling so fulfilled and I am proud to have had the chance to photograph this awesome day with such a terrific couple!
Ceremony Venue | Saint James Farm | Warrenville, IL
Reception Venue | Naperville Woman’s Club | Naperville, IL
Hotel and Accomodations | Hotel Arista | Naperville, IL
Bride’s Attire | Lulus
Florals| Amlings Flowerland | Elmhurst, IL
Catering | Two Chefs Catering | Bensenville, IL
Desserts | Step Mom and Grandmother
DJ| Eclipse Entertainment | Elk Grove Village, IL