Spring was flirting with us that morning — the tulips were dancing in the breeze, the birds were singing their cheerful songs, and the sun kept peeking in and out like it couldn’t quite make up its mind. But even with all that natural beauty, nothing could compare to the joy that radiated from Josephine and Anthony on their wedding day.


We were standing at the front of the church, right before the ceremony, when one of my favorite moments of the entire day unfolded. Josephine stood on one side of the church door, her back to the entrance. Anthony was on the other side, facing the opposite way. They reached their hands out, fingers finding each other, hearts immediately settling. Josephine let out a bubbly little giggle, and Anthony — just to be safe — squeezed his eyes shut even tighter. They had decided to do a first touch instead of a first look, because Anthony’s one big wish for the day was to see Josephine for the first time as she walked down the aisle. (Cue the collective swoon.) So, in that sacred, sweet moment, they held hands without peeking, greeting each other with voices full of love and smiles you could hear even without seeing. You could literally feel the nerves melting away, replaced by pure excitement.


And then, Josephine — in her true, bubbly, sweet fashion — made us all laugh. Anthony, ever the sweetheart, asked her how she had slept the night before. Josephine scrunched up her nose and giggled, "Honestly, I couldn't really sleep. I wasn’t able to put my feet on yours, so I wasn’t comfortable." STOP. Tell me that isn’t the cutest thing you’ve ever heard?! Anthony chuckled softly, I hid my laughter behind a grin so big it hurt my cheeks, and the whole moment just felt like the purest depiction of them. What makes this even better? Josephine had no idea that Anthony had woven that adorable sleeping habit into his vows. When he shared it during the ceremony, the entire church burst into the happiest, most love-filled laughter you could imagine.


That’s just Josephine and Anthony for you. Their relationship is a perfect cocktail of fun, deep love, and pure playfulness. Like I said when I photographed their engagement session — laughter is their shared language. They don’t take life too seriously; they take their love seriously. And in doing so, they bring out the absolute best in each other. And I know this to be true because all I ever see them doing is smiling and making beautiful memories together. Whether it’s a quiet hand squeeze, a goofy inside joke, or the way their eyes light up when they look at each other, everything about them feels effortless — like the universe knew exactly what it was doing when it brought them together. Their connection is the kind that not only fills up a room but spills out the doors and down the street, catching anyone lucky enough to be nearby. It's joyful, it's magnetic, and it's something you simply can’t help but admire.


And because of all that, their entire wedding day was filled with happy tears, heartfelt hugs, spontaneous giggles, and so much love — not just between the two of them, but pouring in from every guest lucky enough to witness their day. For me, their wedding was a beautiful reminder to cherish even the tiniest parts of our relationships — the silly routines, the inside jokes, the little touches that make our hearts feel at home. To be unapologetically yourself. And to soak in every dang second of it all.


Josephine and Anthony, you two are the real deal. And your love? Well, it’s the kind that makes the world feel just a little bit brighter. So thank you for letting me be a part of your beautiful story. It's one that I'll hold near and dear to my heart for a very long time!


VENDORS


Venue: Abbington Distinctive Banquets

Church: First Congregational Church of Glen Ellyn

DJ: Eric Drick | SoPrime Entertainment

Videographer: Rhys McIntyre

Florals: Shamrock Garden Florist

Beauty: Beaute Luxe Artistry

Gown: Davids Bridal

Suit: Mens Wearhouse

Rings: Zales

Dresses: Azazie

Cake: The Baking Institute