Rachel + John’s spring wedding at Byron Colby Barn had all the DIY details you could imagine and more. Rachel put a lot of blood, sweat and tears of joy into creating every detail for her wedding and we were so excited to be there to bring it all together.
Sarah + Jamie were married at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church and hosted their reception at Byron Colby Barn. It was the second wedding of the year and I had the pleasure of working with Brian Kinyon Photography. One of my favorite things Sarah, Jamie and Brian did together was take some bridal party photos at Pickwick Theatre, how great is that space? And their handmade barn wedding reception? Swoon!
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Ali & Matt got married in June at the Byron Colby Barn in Grayslake and their rustic barn wedding was pure perfection. Take a look at them getting all dolled up.
Ali’s dress and hairpiece were amazing. She was so effortlessly beautiful.
A glowing mom and a dapper dad (love the hat, right?) escort Ali to her waiting groom.
Poor groomsman on crutches in a suit in the June heat. What a trooper he was and still smiling the entire way down the aisle.
Waiting…
Walking…
Kissing!
This picture is amazing. So happy to be married were these two!
After, the crew headed into the party.
Meanwhile, the dudes took some glamour shots of their own.
The barn was ready for revelry.
Wine bottle table numbers and mis-matched vessels made for a cozy and eclectic atmosphere.
Then Matt decided it was time for everyone to get down…
…and then their friends decided it was time to put them up, high up in the air.
Matt and Ali were just so lovely to work with and they made my day week when they called me (on their way to Hawaii no less) to tell me what a great day it was and say thanks one more time before they jetted off. Such class acts and it was my pleasure to be a part of it all.
Ceremony + Reception Venue: Byron Colby Barn
Planning + Styling: Anticipation Events
Photography: Victoria Sprung Photography
Florals: Nancy Rolison
DJ: Toast + Jam
Catering: Dave’s Specialty Food
Cupcakes: Bleeding Heart Bakery
Custom Hairpiece: Love, LuLu Mae
Stephanie and Brian’s wedding at Byron Colby Barn in Grayslake in August was the outdoor barn wedding of our dreams. Both Brian and Stephanie are super creative and artistic and put a ton of effort into making their day unique to them. Which is my MOST FAVORITE thing. Brian’s hat and bowtie were so dapper and Stephanie rocked an amazing dress and killer shoes:
Stephanie’s dad has passed away but Stephanie kept him close by all day long on her bouquet.
Stephanie and Brian were super troopers trucking through the fields surrounding the barn with Jeremy Lawson to get these shots. Stephanie even brought some little insect friends back with her trapped in the layers of her wedding dress! And yes, that was just after they shook hands with Mr. Ed.
Then it was time to get married!
So I rallied the troops: Stephanie’s brother escorted her down the aisle, they exchanged rings, shared a smootch.
Brian just could not help himself: a fist pump on the way out of the ceremony.
I mean, when you are marrying this girl, who wouldn’t be?
Fabulous details from the party follow. By now you know this is my absolute favorite part, right? Right.
Stephanie collected doilies that we fashioned into table runners and blue mason jars that Nancy filled with gorgeous wildflowers.
Stephanie and her family made these magical magic wands for their guests to shake and wave as Stephanie and Brian walked back down the aisle as a married couple. Then they shook them when the bridal party was announced, and when they shook their booties on the dance floor and I’m hopeful they shook them back at the hotel and at brunch the next morning as well!
A lot of laughing, singing, drinking and dancing capped off an incredible day celebrating two incredible people. S & B: It was so much fun to be a part of your day and may you always be able to laugh off the bugs that fly up your dress!
Stephanie & Brian’s Vendors
Venue: Byron Colby Barn
Photography: Jeremy Lawson Photography
Planning: Anticipation Events
Florals: Nancy Rolison Designs
DJ: Stax-O-Wax
Catering: Catered Productions
Julia + Dave’s wedding at Byron Colby Barn in Grayslake in September was the most impressive DIY wedding you’ll ever see. First, it rained so hard the night of the rehearsal that it took me three hours to drive from the city to the rehearsal at Dave’s parents house in Crystal Lake. It was not looking good for their outdoor ceremony at the barn.
Let me pause this recap for a moment to just say that Julia is likely one of the craftiest brides I have ever met.
This wedding was such a team effort. The morning of the wedding so many of their family members were at the site with me setting up: Dave and his Dad put up the AMAZING flower wall that Julia made. Aunts tied chair cover ribbons. Grandpa laid runners out and arranged centerpieces. Julia’s brothers lit candles. The list goes on. Needless to say, I think (hope!) Julia felt good about leaving all of her hard work in many capable hands.
They had an adorable first look and took some photos with Kim from Bowtie Photography:
Except! if you love Julia and want to see more of their wedding check out her wedding blog The Eventual Wedding and her current blog Ordinary Saturdays.
*all pictures in this post courtesy of the lovely Kim at bowtie photography
Julia + Dave’s Vendors:
Ceremony & Reception: Byron Colby Barn
Reception decor: Julia
Catering: Marvela’s Catering Services
Photography & Photo Booth: Kim at Bowtie Photography
Florist: Julia
Cake: Lovin Oven Cakery
DJ: Kristin with Toast & Jam
Day-of Coordination: Anticipation Events