You may remember Jill and Ken from their recent Lincoln Park engagement shoot, where we were so impressed by their natural affection and easy laughter.   We were really looking forward to their wedding day at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, and we could not have imagined a day filled with more genuine joy and love than surrounds Jill and Ken.

Jill is one of those people whose soul seems to fill the room with light.  She laughs deeply and freely, and inspires those around her to give their souls in return.  Jill and Ken’s wedding was filled with so many personal touches and surprise contributions by their friends and loved ones that you could just see how many hours so many people had put into making this day special.

We also have to mention the fabulous vendors who did an amazing job making this wedding day beautiful, unique and perfect.  The food from J & L Catering was delicious and beautiful, and the staff could not have been more professional and kind.  Mary from Toast and Jam kept the party rocking and the dance floor packed ALL NIGHT.

On with the photos!  With an evening ceremony, Ken and Jill decided to see each other before the wedding for a few photos.  With their wedding so close to Arbor Day, Jill and Ken incorporated the theme of nature and trees throughout their wedding.  We were lucky that the trees were leafing beautifully for their wedding day.

Jill and Ken created leaf-like place cards for guests to take to the reception.  One of Jill’s friends created a wonderful interactive sculpture (right, below), which invited guests to participate in weaving the textured background to the heart-shaped tree trunk.  It was awesome and beautiful.

Jill’s nieces did a great job as the flower girls.

This just cracks me up. You know the family is going to laugh about this for a looong time.

Kamran caught this, one of my favorite shots from the whole day.

Or maybe this is my favorite shot… also by Kamran, who was able to capture close-up shots of Ken greeting Jill while I shot from the other end of the aisle.

Jill and Ken could not stop smiling, for the whole day.  It was infectious and wonderful.  And who could blame them?  Two good friends officiated the ceremony, two more sung for them, four more read poems, it goes on and on and on.  That is love.

Joy.