Chicagoland Photographer | Heidi + Bob's wedding
So happy to share some images of Bobby and Heidi's wedding. They got married at the historic Courthouse in Crown Point, Indiana. With it's marble floors, huge chandeliers, dark woodwork and the old Courtroom it was the perfect setting for their vintage inspired wedding.
I meet the girls at Bob's mom's house where they were getting ready. "It was nice because we could chill out and relax while getting our hair and makeup done instead of sitting in a salon." The boys got ready in Heidi and Bob's home so they wouldn't see each other beforehand.
I had blogged their engagement session. In case you didn't read how they met, here it is (again). I think it's so cute and it paid off that Bob was so persistent.
How did you both meet?
We met randomly online 9 years ago talking about cars. I (Heidi) had a slow day at work and was scrolling through MySpace (remember that?! haha) and came across his car. I randomly sent him a "nice car message" I think and obviously he responded. About 3 years later he along with a lot of convincing from one of my friends wore me down and I came from WI to IN for a visit. We hit it off but the timing wasn't right. We continued to talk and after a lot of wooing on Bobby's part, he won me over and I came down again 2 years later. We've been together ever since. We dated long distance for 2 years and then Skylar and I moved down to Indiana. Bobby likes to tell a different story of how we met... our close friends know it and it makes us all laugh.
What is your favorite way to spend time together?
We both grew up with a car background and that is our major similar interest. We both love Chicago sports. Go Blackhawks, Bears, and Cubs. We like to sit out in the garage and watch thunderstorms roll in. TV shows on the otherhand....we can't agree on anything to watch! :) When we win the lottery, you will find us on an island with our boat soaking up the sun!
How did you know HE was THE ONE?
“I would chat with one of my friends all the time about finding a boy like my friend Bobby in Indiana. Who would have guessed that I would have married him?? :) He makes me laugh, like roll on the floor crying laugh. He was the only boy that could keep my attention. And all my friends can verify how huge of an accomplishment that was! He keeps me calm and grounded. He knows how to calm me down when I start to over-analyze and “go all girl”. He and Skylar are two peas in a pod. He is a fantastic Dad to her and that only makes me love him more. He is the boy I will love forever.”
How did you know SHE was THE ONE?:
“She makes me feel like i had never felt with anyone before. I knew i wanted that feeling for the rest of my life. We have so much in common as far as hobbies go. In the 9 year she have know each other she has always been there for me. And she puts up with the madness that is Bobby lol.”
The Proposal
He proposed at home one night after a car cruise with his 1991 Bulls replica championship ring . I told him I was not wearing that and he then gave me his great grandma's ring. It is so original, vintage, and unique. Perfect for me. The proposal surprised me so much that I asked him if he was serious...a few times.
The Bridal Party
My bridesmaids and I have been friends for a long time. My matron of honor, Melissa Haines, and I went to college together. That is the only time we lived close to each other. Our 20+ year friendship has mostly been long distance. We try to visit each other at least once a year.
Becky Jones and I met working at a grocery store when I was 18. Melissa Foret and I met when I lived in Phoenix. Morgan Kleinaman is Bobby's sister and I met Nikki Yurchak through Bobby's friend Tim Yurchak.
I love these girls. They have been my rock. We have been there for each other during good and bad times. I look forward to being the crazy old ladies in the nursing home with them. :)
The bestman, Nick Gill, and Bob have been friends since high school. They have a lot of stories and adventures together. Tim Yurchak and Bob met at work almost 15 years ago and been friends ever since. Angelo Setta and Bobby used to be neighbors. They often get asked if they are brothers. They are always entertaining when they are together. Rich Gill is the bestman's nephew and used to live with them. They have been friends as long as they can remember. TJ Piccirilli and Bob met doing car show stuff a few years back. Whenever this group of guys are together, you can guarantee there will be laughs... and a story.
Describe your wedding style in 3 words!
vintage, simple, classic
What were your wedding colors?:
blush, gray, and ivory
The Vendors
My ring was Bobby's great grandmothers. It is from the 1920's. His ring was his grandpas. Our wedding bands came from Moriarty's in Crown Point. We like that they are a local business and the customer service is superb.
My dress came from Vera Wang at David's Bridal. Melissa was in town and her and Morgan went with me. I was originally looking for a tea length 50's style but when we saw the dress I bought, there was no turning back! Plus it was on clearance! :) I loved that it had color and tulle....lots and lots of tulle! The girls bridesmaid dresses came from David's as well. I gave them the color families and let them pick what they wanted. They looked amazing together.
The tuxes came from Dunhill in Merrillville.
Charlyn's floral did our flowers. I was going to do our wedding flowers myself. During a conversation with my photographer she mentioned Charlyn. I looked up her work & immediately fell in love with it. I was on a strict budget for our wedding so I originally contacted her for our mother’s corsages. After talking with her about my ideas and budget and few exchanged pictures she said she could do all our flowers for my budgeted price! I was so excited! When she delivered them, we were so happy! She captured exactly what I wanted and the flowers were way better than anything we could have done ourselves. Simply amazing! We got a ton of compliments on them all day long! Charlyn is such a sweet person and did a fantastic job that I will continue to use and refer her.
Pat Quinn, DJ Mighty Quinn was our DJ. I was so relieved to have an experienced DJ there to MC and keep our reception on a timeline so nothing was missed.
Jen Yanke from Tekneeks in Watertown, WI did our hair. Jen and I have been friends for a long time. I was so happy when she said she was driving down to do our hair! She is crazy talented and that is why I still drive up to WI to have my hair done. :)
I found Emily Dupré through a facebook seach. When I saw her work, I knew she was the girl I wanted for us. Emily made us look AMAZING...I truly felt beautiful♥ Her confidence in her work and fun personality helped set the fun, relaxing mood of our wedding! I wish I could hire her as my permanent makeup artist! :)Emily made me look AMAZING...I truly felt beautiful♥ Her confidence in her work and fun personality helped set the fun, relaxing mood of our wedding! I wish I could hire her as my permanent makeup artist!
Our cake was made by Leslie Morrow. I am really picky with baked goods since it is a hobby of mine. Leslie's cake was so delicious that even my husband who hates cake ate two pieces.
Vendors at a glance:
Venue: Old Lake County Courthouse
Officiant: Rev. Doug Klukken
Wedding Bands: Moriarty's
Wedding Dress: Vera Wang from David's Bridal
Tuxedo's: Dunhill, Merrillville
Make-up: Emily Dupré
Hair: Jen Yanke/ Tekneeks
Cake: Leslie Morrow
Florals: Charlyn's Floral
DJ: Pat Quinn/DJ Mighty Quinn
What piece of advice would you pass on to future brides and grooms?
Elope. It will save your money and sanity. If a couple can stay together while wedding planning...they can handle anything. :)
What made you choose CHC-Photography as your wedding photographer?
My photographer was the most important choice for me for our wedding. I wanted someone who could capture the moments and memories. I met with a few photographers but when I came across Carmen, I knew she was the girl for us! I knew immediately when we met that she was going to be perfect for us! If I could give Carmen 10 stars, I would. Words can not express how talented she is! Her work is truly artistic. I feel I need bigger walls in our home because I would love to print every single picture! She's that good! She's the photographer that you dream of. I tell everyone about her! :)
I absolutely loved being part of Heidi & Bob's amazing wedding day! Thank you for making my job easy and fun! I wish you both a lifetime of happiness - you both deserve it!
Final Word from Bride & Groom:
We really missed our grandparents and Bob's Dad at the wedding. Although we couldn't see them, we knew they were with us in spirit smiling down on us and watching our "I Do's".