Bryndl + Blaine originally planned to host a large wedding at Glen View Club, a meaningful location to the bride — her parents are long-time members, and she has countless memories of attending parties there as a child and teen. She always loved the classic holiday decor at the Club, so when she and Blaine got engaged, a winter wedding at this special place seemed obvious.

COVID had other plans, of course.

So, the couple pivoted (over and over) and ended up with a truly special wedding at the bride’s home church, with just family in attendance, and Glen View Club was able to cater an intimate meal at the couple’s new home, just down the block from where she grew up. We spent a chilly December day with the couple and their families, and it was truly magical — down to a spectacular surprise engineered by the bride’s twin. Read on, friends. Happy one year anniversary, B+B!

All photos courtesy of Kent Drake Photography.

The day started off with the gents getting ready at B+B’s new home, while the ladies relaxed in Bryndl’s childhood home, with beauty services provided by our fave, Beauty by Ann Krause.

A stunning film capture by Kent Drake Photography.

I am obsessed with the color that the couple brought into their wedding — from the invitations, to the bride’s engagement ring, to the florals from Fleur — the punch of color to an otherwise grey time of year here in Chicago were magical.

Since it was such a small event, I had the absolute honor to set up the first look with Kirsten (with Kent’s direction, of course!) in a small nature walk that connects the couple’s home with the bride’s parents’. And, as it was a chilly winter day, we were on coat duty (in a beautiful fur that belonged to her grandmother) for the stunning bride.

The couple headed over to the church to prepare for the ceremony — for 8 of their most special guests.

Married! The couple processed and stopped for a sweet hug at the back of the church before hearing lots of honking outside…

The MOH (and bride’s twin) organized family and friends to drive by the church with sparklers, signs, and lots of clapping, honking and hollering to celebrate the newly minted Mr. and Mrs. We all got chills!

After the send off, the wedding party headed back to the couple’s home for delicious food prepared by the Glen View Club. The lights of the Christmas tree glowed, adding a bit of magic to the evening.