Back in February of this year, I met with Anna + Reyahd at Haymarket Pub in the West Loop. We talked about their wedding planning and my photography over beers, wings, and pizza… (hellllllllo my type of clients!). It felt more like a night out with old friends than a business meeting – and that’s exactly how I like my relationships to be with my clients/new friends. I learned about how they met through a mutual friend… and how Anna got so nervous that she said hi and then literally walked away. Reyahd had to find her contact info through Microsoft Outlook – and thank God for his initiative because it turned out that she was the woman of his dreams. And anyone that knows this couple can see the way that Anna looks at Reyahd, too. Definitely a perfect match!

How many things did I love about this wedding? A beautiful bride and handsome groom madly in love… check. One of my favorite Chicago wedding locations, Prairie Production… check. First Look at a completely shut down only-lit-by-a-Christmas-tree City Hall… check. Intricate details that made the day special and unique to their relationship… check. Every detail embodied Anna + Reyahd as a couple, all the way down to the food – which was a mixture of their cultures as they served Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Chicken Mole and Hummus. Even the dessert bar was special to them. Since Reyahd’s favorite food is ice cream, they opted for an ice cream bar with their favorite toppings.

But even without all of these details that I always adore – I cannot say enough about Anna + Reyahd. Working with them was such a pleasure. The entire wedding party was a blast and reminded me why I love my job. I could go on and on about how sweet, fun, thoughtful this couple is… and have I mentioned they can cut a rug? But I’m just too excited to share these gorgeous photos. Anna + Reyahd, congratulations on your beautiful wedding! I hope 2014 brings you nothing but happiness and love, and thank you for letting me be a part of your special day 🙂

 

Anna’s mom and sister helped with the DIY ornament centerpieces and her mom even went as far as to buy out all the silver ornaments on sale after Christmas last year! Anna and her sister also got creative by gluing lace and rhinestones to votive candles to give them that extra special detail. And Reyahd even brought his craftsmen skills into the mix by making the table numbers himself by using leftover invitations and adding glitter numbers into silver frames from the Dollar Tree.

VENDOR CREDIT /// 

Photography: Jill Tiongco Photography

Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, And Reception Venue: Prairie Production