Couples commission me to be their personal image maker during their entire wedding experience, not just the wedding day.
There is simply nothing like the warm feeling of owning a full collection of images that remind you of your loved ones. It’s beautiful.
Dave and Hilary married on a sunny, breezy afternoon at her magnificent family home nestled in Lake Forest. The celebration capped off a weekend full of emotional reunions and sweet moments shared with their closest friends and relatives.
It was my honor to photograph their unforgettable wedding and present their romantic story to you.
We begin Friday afternoon, on rehearsal day…
Episcopal minister Jay Sidebotham gives directions to the wedding party
Soaring trees surround the Smiths’ beautiful backyard
Hilary’s sister Lydia agrees to be an official witness
The elegant layout of the rehearsal dinner planned by Dave’s mother Mary Anne
50 of Dave and Hilary’s closest friends and relatives reunite over cocktails
Hilary’s siblings give a surprise toast highlighting samples of her childhood poetry
Dave toasts his bride
Hilary’s extended family relaxes later into the evening at the Smith home
Bridesmaids watch as Hilary gets her wedding day hair styled
Hilary’s mother Kiki checks on the spectacular transformation of her property into a tented ceremony space
Hilary’s dress, designed and created in Paris
Dave and the groomsmen get ready at the nearby Deer Path Inn
The groomsmen’s bowties wrap Dave’s gift to them: sets of bespoke cufflinks
Hilary’s brother Duncan
Hilary surprises Dave with a fox hunting print
Gorgeous floral arrangements welcome guests to the Smith home
Hilary’s mother and aunt
The bridesmaids accompany Hilary to a salon in Lake Forest
Hilary’s sister Beatrice | Hilary’s brother Duncan
The stylist creates a timeless look for the bride
The ladies cinch Hilary’s gown
Isn’t she perfect?
Hilary’s father sees his daughter for the first time on her wedding day
An heirloom pin attached to Hilary’s bow
Hilary’s family is caught spying from above
Beatrice is moved by the moment
The Smith family
Hilary surprises her parents with reminders of her treasured relationship with them
A quiet moment between mother and daughter
Hilary makes sure to get out of sight before Dave arrives
Dave strides up the driveway
The Cronheim family
Dave cannot resist tormenting his younger brother Robert
Arriving guests take in a spectacular sight
The fathers await the ceremony
Dave enjoys a quiet moment alone as guests arrive
Bridesmaids open gifts from Hilary: lingerie bags brought from France
Sisters Lydia and Beatrice open sentimental gifts from Hilary
Hilary receives a gift
Bridesmaids view guests arriving downstairs
Dave’s grandmother and brother | Dave’s parents
Mother of the bride
Guests queue up to greet the newlyweds
View of the Onwentsia Club course as seen by guests arriving for the reception
The father of the bride toasts the newlyweds
Toasts by the best man and maid of honor
Hilary and Dave’s first dance together as husband and wife
Hilary embraces her father
Dave dances with his mother
Guests enjoyed a luxurious dessert bar
A groomsman shows off his alma mater cufflinks received as a gift from Dave
Vocalists with the Stu Hirsch Orchestra
The newlyweds with their classmates from Cornell
Hilary tosses her bouquet from the balcony high above the ballroom
The couple departs through an unexpected sea of sparklers
The end of the beginning
These photographs are merely the highlights. View the complete gallery.
It was my great pleasure to meet everyone! I look forward to seeing you all again at future weddings. Thank you Dave and Hilary!