Elements at Water Street Wedding | Ondrea & Bill | Naperville, IL

 

Ondrea & Bill’s wedding at the Elements at Water Street in Naperville, IL will forever be one for the books.  I’ve known Ondrea now for almost 12 years, we met through mutual friends during our first year living in Vail. She was always so easy to get along with, outgoing and adventurous, and had a welcoming, loving spirit that always matched her radiant smile. She left Vail a few years after we met and I didn’t see her again until she returned for our mutual friend’s wedding, which I photographed. She was as I always remembered and she had said it then, “whenever I get married, you’re coming to photograph the wedding”. It wasn’t long after she met Bill, and the rest is history :).

I arrived in Chicago a few days before their wedding to get ready for the big day. When we reunited at their rehearsal dinner in Naperville, it was like no time had passed. Meeting and getting to know Bill was as easy as reconnecting with Ondrea, and I could instantly see how perfect they were for each other. I couldn’t have asked for a better couple to work with, on what would be the rainiest wedding day I have ever photographed! We had flood warnings and constant waves of wind and storms. With an indoor ceremony and reception, a party bus and umbrellas, Ondrea & Bill managed all the weather with a smile. It was never even an issue for them, all that mattered was celebrating their love with all of their friends & families, and what a great celebration it was!

The next evening, after the wedding, we planned to meet in Chicago for some additional portraits in the city but the rain and clouds gave us delay after delay. We had planned for a few photos in the 103rd floor Sky Deck of the Sears (Willis) Tower and when we arrived, it was nothing but a gray cloud in the sky. We managed a few photos in the tower and then finally gave into the midwest spring weather. Even after being exhausted from their wedding day celebrations, Ondrea & Bill smiled and stood in the rain for a few final photos before we said our goodbyes. It was such a pleasure to be a part of their special moments and work with such a loving couple, with such unbreakable spirits.

Congratulations, Ondrea & Bill!

 

Ceremony: Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus

Reception: Elements at Water Street

Videography: Niswender Films, LLC

Second Photographer/Assistant: Photography by Ronica

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