Sarah & Eric's Wild in Love Wedding Day
Sarah and Eric’s wedding day was themed “Wild in Love” and featured colors like pink, blue, dark red and gold. They were married on a beautiful summer day in front of the hedge maze at The Homestead 1854 in Plano, IL just outside of Chicago.
Written by Photographer Missy Miller of Elite Photography:
“This was my first time photographing an event at this gem of a venue in the western suburbs of Chicago. The mansion has the feel of an 1800’s Tuscan villa. Combine that with the beautifully manicured grounds and exemplary staff and service, this place is truly an inviting and memorable wedding venue.
The very first time I ever met Sarah, the first thing I noticed about her was her natural beauty and style. She's one of those people I call "glowy". As I've gotten to know her and her family more, I've learned they all are beautiful souls. Eric wasn't able to come to our first meeting, but I got to meet him as well as his two amazing kids at their engagement session. You can view their e-session here.
On wedding day, Sarah got ready in the bridal suite which featured old, big windows, striped wood floors, and a full length mirror.
The florist RJA Design and their staff put together their ceremony and reception decor which featured a "Forest Floor" feel to the long reception tables and many vintage pieces set up in and around the grounds.
The couple took some time during their reception to take a joyride on their tandem bike they decorated with streamers to match the day.
In the evening, guest were treated to eats provided by the talented Ginger & Soul Catering in the Homestead pavillion. Guests were seated at mismatched farm chairs and the couple chose a mauve love seat. The dance floor under the stars featured a checkered black and red design. What a fun place to get your groove on.
I asked the bride, Sarah to describe one or two details that were special to her at their wedding. Here's what she said "Definitely, planning the wedding menu around our garden. We were lucky enough to find chef Kate of Ginger + Soul Catering who was willing to work with us on a creative menu and to adjust food cost pricing accordingly. Brussels sprouts, potatoes, squash, tomatoes, watermelon, tomatillos, and even all the herbs.
It was a slightly added pressure but we loved the responsibility and the connection we had to the menu. We also kept it a secret, so our guests didn't find out until they read the menu cards at their place settings. It was super special for everyone involved."
When I asked her what advice she could share with other wedding couples in the planning process, she said "DO NOT stress or waste money on little things like guest favors or adding lots of wedding signage because your guests will probably forget them. Save that money to use to splurge on a great photographer and caterer. Also, find a dress with pockets ;) Invaluable space for my backup lipstick and *tissues! *I KNEW I would be a total hot mess walking down the aisle and during the ceremony. Instead of stressing over what you know you are going to tear up about, just let it go, grab a tissue, and feel it."
Sarah told me the most important and nerve-wracking part of her wedding day was the 4 sentences she dedicated to Eric's kids during the ceremony. She wanted to tell not only the kids but the whole family her intentions when marrying the children's Dad – "That I would commit my whole self to being their Stepmom". Eric hand wrote it on a piece of paper for her because she was worried her nerves might get the best of her. She said "I carried those (words) in my wedding dress pockets, too! And now they're in a memory book."
Wedding Pro’s:
Photographer: Elite Photo
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Homestead 1854
Floral and Decor: RJA Design
Caterer: Ginger and Soul
Cake Designer: Ginger and Soul
Wedding Dress Store: Saks Fifth Avenue
DJ: Spread Music
Hair Stylist: Eclipse Salon
Bridesmaid’s Dresses: ModCloth
Invitations: DIY, The Bride, Sarah
Favors: DIY pickled beans and cucumbers, The Couple