Elegant Wedding at Esplanade Lakes

Written by Lauren Ashley Studios

So many couples have struggled to arrange weddings and actually say ‘I do’ during the pandemic. For Taylor and Jon, this was their third attempt. But you know what they say, ‘third times a charm! We knew intimately the hardship that they’d gone through to actually tie the knot and the wait they’d endured while trying to plan their reception. And so, when these two managed to exchange their vows and celebrate with their loved ones, we couldn’t have been happier for them. They are both so sweet, so full of life, that not even a little bit of rain on their big day could bring them down.

So often we hear brides say that their chosen dream dress was nothing like they had imagined before entering the bridal store and our bride Taylor was no different. “My dress was not what I was expecting to pick out. It was an A-line ball gown by Eve of Milady. I was between two, but I knew it was the one by how much I wanted to go back and put it on, while I was still trying on other dresses at Bella Bianca. It also made my mom and bridesmaids cry”, shared Taylor. We are so glad she chose that gown because it felt like it was made for her, and looked incredibly chic in the photos!

Jon and Taylor have been together for over 4 years, but they actually met long before, back in high school, and dated briefly during that time. These two eventually got engaged in the cutest way, with an impromptu proposal while they were moving into their new home. While in different rooms, Jon called out to Taylor and told her there was something she needed to look at. Upon walking into the room, she found Jon, on one knee, ring in hand. So sweet!

Their first look was a really special time, and one that was shared with their loved ones, some of whom had to be there virtually via video call. You could certainly still feel the emotions in the room all the same. Taylor also loved doing a first look as it allowed her to get all the group photography in early, and let the bridal party really enjoy cocktail hour!

Even though the day was a bit of a whirlwind for Taylor, and an emotional rollercoaster after the difficulty of planning a wedding during Covid-19, there was still one moment that stands out above all else for her. “I think we just enjoyed every single moment. But if I had to pick just one – it would be when we had our reception reveal to do a private first dance”, shared Taylor. This was a uniquely beautiful, and emotionally charged scene, one that we felt privileged to be able to witness.

A HUGE thank you to Taylor and Jon for sharing their beautiful wedding with us and our Chicago community. Cheers to many more years of happiness!

Wedding Pro’s:
Photography: Lauren Ashley Studios
Planner: Alice Veronica Events
Reception Venue: Esplanade Lakes
Decor and Design: Kio Kreations
Lighting: A Posh Production
Hair: Evolve Hair Salon
Makeup: Planet Color
Dress Designer: Eve of Milady
Dress Shop: Bella Bianca Bridal Couture