A Change of Scenery

As we’re all aware, the COVID-19 pandemic has certainly thrown a wrench in every single one of our plans and our lives in the last year. As a wedding videographer, I’m not immune to the havoc induced by the virus.

Schedules have been shuffled, flights cancelled, families separated, and events postponed more times than we can care to count anymore.

I don’t know about you, but after all the navigating and redirection we’ve taken, we sure could go for some precedented times. Sit back and take a deep breath, because we have a love story that will make you forget about any unnecessary stress that’s come your way in the last year. 

All photos courtesy of the awesome husband and wife duo Adams Photography

When I first heard from Kelli and Emmitt, I knew there was something magnetic about this couple. Nothing seems to faze them, even when they were forced to change their reception venue in the middle of planning their wedding due to the pandemic! 

What would’ve been an ideal, picturesque fall wedding in Princeton, IL, (where so many other couples including US have gotten married!) ended up being a more intimate and meaningful celebration at the Emmitt’s family farm in the small, rural town of Harmon. 

But before I get too ahead of myself, let me set the stage for Kelli and Emmitt’s story and how these high school sweethearts have overcome any and all adversity so they could one day say, “I do.” 

Modern Day Romeo and Juliet

Kelli and Emmitt met in high school, at just 14 and 15 years old. Kelli was an outgoing, bright, and beautiful cheerleader, while Emmitt was a football player at her rival high school.

They met in driver’s ed class (seriously, how much more rom-com can you get?) and it wasn’t hard to see how these two would end up falling in love with each other over the next 8 years.

Kelli’s smile warmed everyone on that crisp October day in Harmon. Her optimism, hope, and that always-look-for-the-silver-lining mentality is so infectious, I forgot that the world had come to a screeching halt just 8 months prior. 

She beamed with pure love and joy, especially as she read a letter written and given to her by her soon-to-be husband just minutes before walking down the aisle with her father.

Love Manifests Miracles

By the way, let me tell you how special it was to witness the moment between Kelli and her father as she stood before him for the first time in her dress, a radiant bride. Every bride dreams of the moment her father gazes upon her in her perfect wedding dress. 

But that moment almost became impossible when Kelli’s father lost his eyesight 5 years ago. Kelli believed her dad would never be able to see her in her wedding dress. By some amazing miracle, he regained most, but not all of his sight.

Capturing that sentimental moment poignantly represented how love truly conquers all. It conquers all fear, doubt, worries, and concerns one might have, especially when it comes to the fine-tuning of your wedding details. And with unpredictable fall weather and a pandemic, there were sure to be some bumps along the way.

We’re In This Together

When Kelli and Emmitt’s original plans to have their wedding at The Barn at Hornbaker Gardens were scrapped because of COVID, they refused to let that deter them from making it to the altar. 

With just three months before the big day, Emmitt and his family decided to roll up their sleeves and completely renovate and restore the shed on Emmitt’s family farm to hold their reception. And just… look at it… 

This was definitely the place where Kelli and Emmitt were meant to celebrate their marriage. Look at these elegant details!

It’s hard to believe just a few months prior, there was nothing but an uneven dirt ground and old farming equipment in that shed.

And now, it will be a place that will forever commemorate their unyielding devotion for each other. It was as if all the ups and downs of planning their wedding, only magnified their love for each other.

When love is forever, when love it meant to be, when love is what you focus on… you know there isn’t anything that can stand in your way. 

A Wedding for the Books

Truthfully, of all the weddings I’ve shot, I’m not sure if this wedding videographer can pinpoint a favorite moment from that day. Kelli and Emmitt were surrounded by so many loving friends and family and I want to extend my warmest and most sincere congratulations and best wishes to this couple. 

Kelli especially was everything that #bridegoals are. She is the epitome of why I love this job. Kind, warm, thoughtful, fun, positive, caring and just on overall once-in-a-lifetime human being that everyone should get the chance to meet.

This is a husband and wife that will always exude that fun, innocent, high school sweetheart love for as long as they’re married. Thank you so much to Kelli and Emmitt for letting us witness such a blessed and magical wedding! P.S – BFFs for life?? #yes.

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Check out more of our favorite snaps from the day!

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VENDORS

• Videographer: Anchored Films | Katie & Peter
• Planner: Sara O’Shea | sara@so-chic.com
• Ceremony: St. Patrick’s Catholic Church
  • Reception: Hicks Family Farm
• Photographer: Adams Photography (One of our absolute FAVORITES!!!)
• Makeup: Makeup by Annetta
• Hair: Kristen Altamore
• Officiant: Fr. Keith Romke
• String Quartet: White Lake Quartet
• Flowers: Barb Harrison
• DJ: Guys on the Radio
• Photobooth: Impulse Entertainment
• Catering: Smoked on 3rd Catering
• Bakery: The Noble Cakery
• Transportation: 3 Guys and a Bus
• Invitations & Stationery: 3rd Floor Paper Co.
• Rentals: Create a Scene Inc.

Want us to film your wedding? Awesome 😉 Reach out here

*sigh* I will never get tired of fall weddings in Chicago.

Allow us to take you on a love story that’s been over a decade in the making. Last September, we had the privilege to witness one of the most beautifully woven love stories in the lush and open spaces of Heritage Prairie Farm in Wheaton. 

When you watch Ryan and Mike interact, the first thought that runs through your head is, “Wow, these two… These two are it!” Throughout the day, there were so many little moments that gave tribute to the bride and groom. It was so apparent to see how involved and supportive their friends and family were in their big day. 

A Decade in the Making

One of my favorite things about Ryan and Mike’s relationship is their subtle synchronicity and adventurous spirit they carry as a by-product of being together for ten years. 

Let me just reiterate in case you missed it… *ahem*… TEN. YEARS!!!

After a decade of growing in love, these two have travelled far and wide together. Yet, the most exciting adventure they would take together wouldn’t be along the shores of Fiji or in the tulip fields of the Netherlands, but instead it would take place in the natural and organic fields of Heritage Prairie Farm in suburban Chicago. 

The venue was fully reflective of how natural it felt being around these two and the bridal party. Ryan looked absolutely stunning in her bohemian-inspired wedding dress and we couldn’t help but join in the tenderness of her reveal to her bridesmaids. 

By the way, how absolutely adorable did these bridesmaids jumpsuits look? With the maid of honor joining Ryan in wearing a bridesmaids dress, the rest of the bridesmaids looked equally parts elegant and stylishly cool with this modern twist on a bridesmaids dress! 

“I’m Always Home”

One of the most easily memorable moments from the entire day was the actual ceremony. Ryan’s brother officiated and delivered one of the most entertaining and hilarious speeches we’ve heard! Including his opening line:

“Today we finally, finally, get to answer a question a decade in the making… ‘when the hell are Ryan and Mike gonna get married?'”

This was one of those ceremonies where you looked around and you saw love radiating from every single person. There were moments of full-belly laughter and moments of tearful reflection as everyone took a moment to honor Mike’s mother, who had recently passed and was unable to witness the joy of seeing her son get married.

It was beautifully comforting to watch Ryan and Mike as they shared their vows. Just read what Mike had to say as he reflected on the last ten years of love for Ryan:

“Through all of our experiences I can confidently say, I want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with you.”  

That was what made this wedding so unique for us: you just know that the last decade of love and growing together as a couple and as individuals, has given them the confidence and foundation they require to move forward in this new chapter of their lives. 

Where You Go, I’ll Go

One thing we learned about this couple is that they love seeing new sights and being on the go. So it came as no surprise to see how eager they were to get their beautiful reception at Heritage Prairie Farm started.

We loved the vintage travel chests at the entrance, which perfectly reflected Ryan and Mike’s love of traveling together. 

This party had it all, y’all. From the bohemian-inspired theme with touches of rustic, earthy elements…

To a tender mother-in-law/son dance shared between Mike and Ryan’s mom, Robin…

Everything felt so natural and effortless! The evening consisted of heartwarming toasts, too many dance-offs to count, and a traditional Hora dance which saw our starry-eyed bride and groom hoisted in chairs above their guests in celebration of their commitment in front of friends and family. 

We were so honored to be a witness to this remarkable ten-year journey and we wish nothing but decades of love and laughter and traveling for Ryan and Mike! 

VENDORS

• Videographer: Anchored Films | Adam as Lead
• Photographer: Ashley Galminas Photography
• Venue: Heritage Prairie Farm
• Makeup/Hair: Levato Salon
• Officiant: Craig Dickey
• Flowers: Three Sisters Park Events
• DJ: Toast & Jam
• Invitations/Stationery: Etsy
• Jeweler: New York Jewelers
• Dress: Rue de Seine | Alice in Ivory

Want us to film your wedding? Awesome 😉 Reach out here

Your wedding day is a beautiful, nerve-wracking flurry of moments. Ten seconds of staring at yourself in the mirror can feel like an hour while you’re second guessing if you got every word in during the twenty-minute ceremony. The fun part of being a wedding videographer is I get to witness all those moments.

All photos provided by the insanely talented: Joelle Elizabeth (http://joelleelizabeth.com/)

Bride, groom, families, friends, and vendors work tirelessly and give so much energy and love into celebrating the devotion you and your spouse make to each other. 

And all too easily can we become distracted, anxious, or sidestepped by the minute hiccups everyone naturally faces on the day of your wedding. Do you know where I’m looking in those moments? I’m looking right at the bride and groom. 

On the outside, Alina and Christian already look like the most perfectly fitted couple. They’re gorgeous, athletic, compliment each other so well, and more important than their love for each other is their love of Christ. Their commitment to understanding the mystery and beauty of Christ parallels their commitment to the life-long ties they were about to make.

Shake the Jitters

Fall weddings in Chicago tend to get gray and overcast, but not on this day. Love and light emulated from everyone at the rustic Oak Brook Bath and Tennis Club located in a little west Chicago suburb. 

The forecast may have called for clouds, but new life and new love were springing forth from the sweet groom, Christian.

Just read what he had to say as he waited for his bride moments before they shared the sweetest first look I’ve captured: 

“I can’t even describe the feelings I’m getting in my heart…I feel like new veins or arteries or something is opening up.”

Wow. Doesn’t that capture what perfect love looks like? To be so moved and affected by the love you have for another, it feels like you’re morphing into an entirely new person? That is powerful and transformative love, if I’ve ever witnessed it. 

To Love and Be Loved

From the beginning, it was obvious that Alina and Christian’s friends and family were just as excited and eager to have these two tie the knot as they were. 

Alina’s bridesmaids added a much-needed pop of color with varying shades of plum, wine, and blush dresses.

Alina was the center of attention, as she literally looked like a Disney princess descending the staircase of the Oak Brook Bath and Tennis Club. If we listened close enough, I’m sure we could hear the Disney theme song playing somewhere off in the distance! 

We captured so many sweet moments of Christian with his groomsmen and Alina with her mother as she stepped into her wedding gown, and father as he gazed upon his daughter. 

It was overwhelming and very obvious to see just how loved the newlyweds are. In fact, when we asked if there were any important relationships that would like to be highlighted, Alina’s response was “Everyone!” 

“If There is One Decision…”

Okay, I need to get to the ceremony now because wow, I was so touched by both Alina and Christian’s vows. 

I will never get over watching Christian’s reaction to seeing his wife walk down the aisle. It will make your heart melt. 

And although his voice shakes and you can hear him catching his breath every time he looks up to catch a glimpse of his radiant bride, the words and promises he declares in front of Alina, friends, and family only serve to solidify the strong foundation they’re building their marriage on. 

“You have the most prudent and purest soul. And I’m grateful to have the privilege to experience it firsthand and nurture this soul.” 

Then, almost as if she’s compelled by the safety and security she feels from being in front of Christian, Alina makes a bold and vulnerable confession in her vows: 

“You and I both know how indecisive I can be at times. But if there is one decision of my life that is the right one, it’s to spend the rest of my life with you.” 

Need we say more?

#BecomingBokvich

Rare to find, safe in each other’s arms, surrounded by an explosive display of love from friends and family, and sustained by the deep love and commitment they have for each other, Alina and Christian continued their big day with a packed reception and Serbian dancing! 

Personally, my favorite moment was capturing Alina as she serenaded her new husband with a song during the reception. Can we just watch these two love each other forever?

This wedding had everything: a gorgeous couple, loving family, and an outrageously fun bridal party that kept the whole party going!

I even managed to shake it to a couple of songs on the dance floor…

What a privilege and honor to have captured such a rare love like Alina and Christian’s. Thank you to this elegant couple for letting us be a part of their big day. We ask for nothing but blessings in your marriage and a lifetime of growing and transforming in love! 

VENDORS:

• Videographer: Anchored Films | Katie as Lead
• Venue: Oak Brook Bath & Tennis Club
• Photographer: Joelle Elizabeth Photography
• Makeup Artist & Salon: Anna Yakimachuk
• Officiant: Ruslan Drumi
• Florist: Youth and Yarrow
• Catering Company: Tasty Catering
• Bakery: The Bakester
• Host: The Andreys Host

Whew! You may want a glass of cold water for this story today because the love between John and Alexandra will have you fanning yourself once you see how passionate and soulful their love is for one another. 

I try not to use this word too much as a professional wedding videographer, but there was something so sexy about John and Alex’s wedding day, we almost forgot we were shooting in October in an open-air park in the suburbs of Chicago! 

Spending five minutes with the bride and groom, their love for each other was so electric, so unbridled, and so palpable, I actually felt as if everything around me was truly fading away; that the only thing that mattered was capturing the look of complete adoration Alex had as she looked at John while he indulged her in one of the many jokes that never fails to make her laugh.

Behind-the-Scenes

We were loving how many sweet moments like this we captured not just between Alex and John, but between Alex and her mother as she helped her into her jaw-droppingly stunning dress; 

Between Alex and her father as he embraced his daughter for the first time in her bridal beauty. 

And between Alex and her assembly of elegantly-dressed bridesmaids, all wearing the classiest floor-length, black gowns. 

No Rain on This Parade

Their Story

The weather itself might have been cool that day (the forecast even called for rain!) but between the two families, bride and groom and the bridal party, there was enough love and affection to heat the entire town of Wheaton. We like to think it was their soulful love that kept any precipitation away. 

Extreme weather seems to be an interesting theme as we learned more about this couple’s story. Their first date was on a freezing December night in Chicago, but neither wind nor snow could extinguish the spark from when these two first met. 

Alex was immediately smitten with how much John could make her laugh, and John was grateful for learning about the wonders of dry cleaning from Alex. And if there was any indication that this relationship was destined for marriage, maybe it could be the fact that their first date lasted for seven hours.

Only Have Eyes For You

And it’s true, time does seem to slow down and fly by when you’re watching these two. Our eyes were naturally drawn to the couple as they basked in their day. The way they look at each other is as if there’s a deep-hidden secret that only the two of them share. 

It’s hard to focus on much else when you watch Alex and John together. Alex is a gorgeous woman, but there is something almost divine when you’re watching a beautiful woman in love. Simply put, she shined, even through the crisp clouds and gray skies of an October day in Wheaton.

The Afterparty

I think the most amazing part of their wedding was seeing how elegant, classy, and soulful the ceremony and reception were while also feeling how effortless everything ran! It was as if you could stop at any moment throughout the day and think, “Yes—everything is exactly how it’s supposed to be right now.” And isn’t that how love is supposed to make you feel? 

From the extraordinary jazz trio playing at their reception to the ingenious mac and cheese bar (that is still talked about to this day!), we were spinning with smiles and joy throughout the reception at the Cantigny Golf Club, we truly felt like we were being pulled away from all the fun at the end of the night!

Life may try to throw this couple all the extreme weather and curve balls it wants, but there is something so unshakeable about both Alex and John as individuals, any attempt to tear them apart as the beautiful couple they are is not only futile but laughable. We wish a lifetime of effortless love and laughter to this wonderful couple!

Here are some more photos from the incredibly talented Hannah Stachowiak from Lus Lens Photography

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Vendors:

• Videographer: Anchored Films | Katie as Lead
• Venue: Cantigny Park
• Planner: ChiChic Weddings | Mallory Powell
• Photographer: Lus Lens Photography | Hannah Stachowiak
• Makeup: Bianca Sansosti
• Hair: Shine Salon
• Officiant: Father Greg Zimmerman
• Flowers: Stemming From Love | Jessica Kokocinsky
• DJ: Sounds Abound Entertainment | Michael Lang
• Jazz Trio: Elaine Dame
• Bakery: Sugar Path
• Invitations/Stationery: Twig and Juniper
• Transportation: Chi Town Party Bus
• Jeweler: Icing on the Ring
• Calligraphy Mirrors | Christy Toney Calligraphy

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THE REFLECTION

As we head into one of my favorite times of the year, I thought about a wedding we filmed a little over a year ago and how important intent and choice are in marriage. Anthony and Mallory wed during a crisp and cloudy Chicago afternoon with their love as a bright reminder of how love is more than a warm feeling – it’s a deliberate choice. 

All photos by the very talented @thisisfeeling || thisisfeeling.com

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THE RITUAL

Notably, a ring warming was held before the official ceremony. This allowed the couple’s friends and family to hold their rings while speaking a small prayer or blessing over their marriage. I personally love the idea of saturating the couple with love. Infusing the symbols of their life-long commitment to each other with nothing but good intent and love that will stay as a reminder of their vows exchanged that day.

Not that you needed a ring warming to see how loved and supported Anthony and Mallory were! One of our favorite interactions was watching Mallory’s dad as he looked at his daughter for the first time in her wedding dress.

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In their relationship, Mallory and Anthony have seemed to arrive shockingly close to the perfect balanced dynamic. Mallory looked beautiful, classy, and polished — sentiments that were clearly shared by her dad during the first look between bride and father. And what’s a classy, polished bride without her foundation of strong, lovely, bridesmaids to back her up? 

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THE REVELATION

We got to see more of their laid-back love following the ceremony, when the couple took a stroll down Ravenswood Ave in downtown Chicago. What was it about their love that made them so effortlessly comfortable and at ease with the other person?

Is it their love of discovering new and casual breweries or taking walks with their dog down by the river? There is a certain childlike love and wonder in their relationship. That love has matured and evolved into such a beautifully accepting love for the other person. 

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Anthony and Mallory hold such a tenderness and fondness for each other that we are so glad we got to capture during the ceremony. The lofted atrium made it so that you felt as if you were watching Mallory float in a bubble, rather than walk, down the aisle. 

Nothing mattered to Anthony in that moment except the woman walking towards him. That understanding and acceptance of who she is was written all over his face. It’s as if he said, “Look at this beautiful, strong woman,” with nothing but pride and enamorment in his eyes. 

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THE VOWS

Let me just get to the good part that perfectly highlights their love and devotion to one another. 

“Mallory, because of you I am the person I am today. I laugh louder and dream bigger. I will always listen to you with an open heart and an open mind.” 

“Anthony, I love the way you love me,” *cue the heart melting* “and I will continue to choose you.” 

BOOM! MARRIED!!!

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THE AFTERPARTY

Now who doesn’t want to celebrate that kind of love? The open, airy space of Ravenswood Event Center drew all eyes to the awesome couple as they and the rest of their guests got down during a fun dance reception. There was even some traditional Greek dancing! And how instantly more fun does that make a party? 

Who doesn’t want a love like that? Love that motivates you to love harder than you did the day before. A love that is so understanding that you instantly feel not just accepted, but safe. Can you imagine what our world would be like if everyone acted from that place of motivation? 

It’s a shocking and bold kind of love. The kind that was written on Anthony and Mallory’s faces after taking the first walk up the aisle as husband and wife. It’s a love that I hope we all get to experience some day, if not for ourselves, then for our loved ones that surround us. 

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Vendors from the day:

• Venue: Ravenswood Event Center | Chicago, Illinois
• Videographer: Anchored Films 🙂
• Photographer: This Is Feeling Photography
• Makeup: Monica Tassi | Beauty By Tassi
• Flowers: Louloudi Design
• DJ: Toast & Jam
• Bakery: Alliance Bakery

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Want to check out some of our other films? Click HERE!

Did that title get your attention?? Ok, fine if you’re looking for some crazy story about how the groom made a scene at a wedding… I’m sorry (not sorry) to break it to you, but that kind of drama is not how this story goes.

In fact, it’s the exact opposite.

Steph + Carson

July 14, 2018

*All photos are by the lovely Rachel McDowell of Complete Wedding & Events

The Film

The Letters

Both the Carson and Steph wrote and read their letters to the other and wow were we blown away. Such conviction and commitment for the other person. And bonus points because the groom used the word “Anchored” in his letter. (Hey-yo!)

But for real – these two made editing their film SO simple. Their story and vows did all the hard work. The challenge was not including ALL of the audio! So let’s just take a step back and clarify what Carson actually said to Steph…

Here’s what the groom writes to his bride,

“I don’t want to sit here and use the cliché, ‘You complete me’ because you don’t. God does. But God also uses you on a daily basis to humble me and to show me where I need to be better. God’s always been the one to change my heart, but you provide such a fullness to my day to day. 

I will always serve you in the hopes that God might smile. I’m so excited to show you how much I love you every single day.”

Ok who’s crying?? *insert raising hand emoji* These two made their deeply rooted love for Christ and for the other clearly eminent – in every aspect of their wedding day. Truly they were/are a match made in Heaven. I mean, just listen to what Steph wrote to Carson..

Bride to the Groom:

“Your love for Jesus is the most attractive thing about you. And because of your firm foundation in Him, I know that you will love me and lead me well. You are everything I’ve been praying for since I was a little girl…”

I mean come on… #goals

The Setting

Carson & Steph were married at the quaint, charming Cherry Barc Farm in Vermontville, Michigan. The slight morning drizzle made alllllll the greens come alive. And brought out some cute little friends!

The couple shared a “first touch” where Carson prayed over their future marriage and walk with the Lord as they entered into the most sacred covenant.

Tears were shed (by everyone) and we all couldn’t wait to see these two married. And we rejoiced when they were announced as husband and wife!

The whole atmosphere felt like a true familial setting. Where you feel like you’ve known everyone your whole life. The speeches were moving, the first dances were heart-warming and this crowd partied all night.

 

The Stolen Moments

Right before sunset, Rachel and I grabbed the couple and whisked them away for some sweet, intimate moments out in the quiet, country fields of Cherry Barc Farm. Steph and Carson swayed back and forth and time just stood still.

 

The Laughs

Of course, these two were the perfect pair when it came to humor. Carson cracked the joke, or made the goofy face, and Steph’s inviting laugh lit up the room.

Heck, I even joined in on the fun!

 

Their authenticity and kindhearted personalities made for one of the easiest weddings to be a part of. Sending these two off was truly bittersweet. SO honored that we got to play a role in their perfect day. We are praying for more couples who are just as fun-loving, vulnerable and incredible as they are.