Erin Elizabeth: Lifestyle Photographer & Certified Wedding Planner: May 2014

It feels like ages ago that I met Emily and Gene, but it was really just last Spring. We met early in the planning process so they were truly one of my first couples to help or be there throughout the entire planning process. As we got closer, we became friends on Facebook and come to find out we know people in common! It's such a small world! I met their very good friend Erin Dunn while I was living in DC. They've known Erin Dunn forever. Putting these pieces together only made it easier to see who Gene and Emily really are, fabulously fun and well educated and culturally literate and just downright good people.

And it was so refreshing and neat to see how much interest Gene took. He was so sweet and just wanted things right for his bride Emily. These two were truly meant for each other and I am so blessed to have met them and have been a part of their big day.

Emily and Gene went to Loyola University and so it was only fitting they get married at Holy Name of Jesus. It is truly a gorgeous church with great people working there (Liz the wedding coordinator is extremely helpful and so caring!). Emily was married in her great aunt's dress which she had altered to fit her and her style. It was previously worn by two of her aunts. Love this!

Their reception was at Southport Hall where they also had their Rehearsal Dinner. la Cocinita the food truck catered it and the food and atmosphere were great! For the reception, Southport provided most of the delicious food, but instead of doing a traditional cake cutting, Gene and Emily cut a pig in honor of his Cuban ancestry. Have you ever seen this done? It's pretty cool!

Saturday, for the wedding Glowing Occasions and Ambrose Garden turned the Hall into a reception and not just a concert hall. Emily and Gene brought in a brass band to round out the fabulous party night. They danced and second lined for over an hour and onto their rented school buses (Gene is a teacher so it was only fitting!).

While I used to cringe at the thought of people using family or friends as their vendors, it's worked out so perfectly for several of my couples. Gene and Emily's photographer is his cousin which made it all that more personal. Her and her husband were great to work with for this wedding!