I have photographed a lot of weddings this year. And honestly, nothing quite prepares you for pulling up to the Japanese Garden at Fabyan Park on a fall afternoon and just... standing there for a second.
It is genuinely one of the most quietly stunning places in the Fox Valley. The water, the bridges, the way the trees frame everything like nature decided to be an art director that day. I was already in love with the location before Brittany and Steve even arrived.
And then they arrived.
Brittany had this calm about her that made the whole day feel grounded. Steve looked at her the way everyone hopes someone will look at them. There was no fuss, no nerves, just two people who were genuinely ready to get married and happy to be doing it right there in that garden.
Oh, and it rained a little. Just a sprinkle, just enough to make the light do something absolutely incredible. Honestly one of the luckiest things that can happen on a wedding day if you ask me. Some of my favorite shots came out of those misty, moody, golden moments between the raindrops.
The ceremony was intimate and beautiful and over too soon, the way the best ones always are.
From Fabyan the celebration moved to The James in Geneva for the reception, where the whole tone of the day shifted into something warmer and louder and full of dancing. Their first dances were something I will not forget for a long time. The kind of moments that remind you that the party is not separate from the love story. It is part of it.
Brittany and Steve, what a privilege it was to spend that day with you both.
Brittany and Steve, thank you so much for having me on your wedding day. The Japanese Garden, the rain, the first dances at The James!! It was such a beautiful day to be a part of and I am so glad I got to document it. Congratulations, you two. Wishing you a lifetime of the same joy I saw on your faces that day.
XOXO,
