Real Wedding | Stacy and Joshua

Happy First Monday of the new decade.  In the spirit of paying homage to 2009 while looking ambitiously to a new year, we kick off this week with our very first: “I Will – to – I do” feature.

Back in September, Wedding Nouveau featured Stacy and Joshua’s hip engagement, and I’m very happy to feature their beautiful wedding today.  Thank you so much to Sarah and Ryan of Miller + Miller Photography for sending over these lovely photos.  Let’s get started.

Setting: Lincolnshire, IL

Heroine & Hero: Puerto Rican Bride – Stacy and her Korean Groom – Joshua

Scene #1: THE SET UP…

(Above: Bridal gown from Plus Size Bridal; Bride’s Hair & Make up by Zaza Salon and Day Spa; Bride’s Shoes are Dyeables from David’s Bridal; Jewelry from Bride’s Mother; Flowers via Dominick’s Floral Department; Groom’s Suit from Zara)

Stacy shared how her expectations to have a “natural, yet stunning look” were not only achieved but exceeded by the fab team at Zaza Salon.  However, she wasn’t alone in her willingness to offer her experience.  I am accustomed to speaking with brides to get insights on all the details of their weddings.  After all, they usually eat, sleep, and breathe that big day.  Not this time around, Joshua (the groom) not only answered the bulk of my questions in detail, but offered a fresh jolt of humor, that is often overlooked when checking off each planning detail.  I could tell, that the design of this wedding was a joint venture.

Scene #2: WALKING THE AISLE

Stacy’s handsome twin boys walked her down the aisle, which by the way is one of my favorite shots.

(Above: Ceremony at Lincolnshire Marriott Resort)

Scene #3: CINEMATIC PORTRAITS

(Above: Bridesmaid’s gowns from David’s Bridal; Groomsmen’s suits from Men’s Wearhouse)

As a way to distinguish himself from the classic black look of the other groomsmen, Joshua chose to wear a white hanker chief in his jacket packet:  a subtle and classy choice.

One of the most striking shots from Stacy and Joshua’s wedding album has to be from the rustic bridge over the stream.  When asked how they scouted the location, Joshua gave full credit to Sarah and Ryan for their discerning eye.

“It’s so much fun to watch them scout a location while whispering to each other.”  Joshua says, “You can see them working out their vision to each other and then they go into action.”  Moral of the story: finding a talented photographer (or team) who isn’t afraid to take bold chances, will make for memorable shots for years to come.

Scene #4: PRESENTING MR & MRS…

(Above: Reception at Lincolnshire Marriott Resort; Cake by Rolf’s Patisserie; All photos by Miller + Miller Photography)

“The best advice I got from my dad was more about marriage rather than planning, however I think it applies to both.  He said that some people say their pet lives in their home, however that is wrong.  The pet IS their home.  Just like some people say arguments are an unfortunate aspect of marriage, however arguments ARE marriage.  There’s no such thing as a marriage without conflict, so you must cultivate a strong bond that can endure all the inherent bumps in every marriage.”

-Joshua, the Groom.-