You know when you meet a couple and you just immediately fall in love with them? That’s how I felt with Courtney + Thomas. They’re as funny as they are kind. They’re as generous as they are fun. It was an absolute pleasure to work with them to pull off a fabulous wedding last May.

As did many other couples in early 2021, Courtney + Thomas’ original wedding plans were upended by COVID-19. They planned to have 150 people at a restaurant in Lincoln Park, but with the changing city-wide restrictions, they decided to move their reception to a boat cruise so their guests could enjoy an evening outdoors. May 1 is a risky weather date in Chicago, but magically, it was 80 degrees all day which led to an absolutely perfect day on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Can’t believe it’s already been a year since we celebrated these two. Congratulations Courtney + Thomas!

All photos courtesy of Sally O’Donnell Photography.

Courtney started her day at The Claridge House in Chicago’s Gold Coast, with beauty services provided by the talented Diem Angie team. The wedding party was lovely, kind, and just so supportive of each other. Courtney’s gown from Viero Bridal was a stunner — the sparkly detail was to die for!!

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I absolutely loved the color scheme of Courtney + Thomas’ wedding day - the rich pinks just sang spring, and the deep green in their stationery designed by the talented Stone Fruit Studio and in their floral by Fleur was just perfect.

Courtney + Thomas also collect copies of The Alchemist on their travels, so she brought a few copies to be photographed. What a lovely detail.

After getting dressed, the bride and her gals traveled up to Madonna della Strada Chapel on Loyola Chicago’s campus. Her dad met her at the bus and he, along with my OFW assistant, Taylor, escorted her to the church.

Courtney and her dad walking towards her future with Thomas. I may or may not have shed a few tears.

Their ceremony was meaningful and full of traditions. Courtney is part-Filipina, so they included the Lasso ceremony as part of their Catholic wedding.

M A R R I E D !

After the ceremony, the couple and their wedding party spent some time on campus taking photos on the breezy lakefront. The light was just perfect and their post-wedding glow was perfectly captured by Sally O’Donnell Photography.

Then, the group traveled to Lincoln Park for some fabulous, sunny, colorful images. Spring was in full force!

After photos, the team traveled back to Hotel Lincoln for a special coffee set-up by On the Go Jo.

Meanwhile, my team traveled to Chicago First Lady Cruises to set up an intimate reception on the river for their guests. Yummy food was provided by Mon Ami Gabi (one of the couple’s favorite restaurants), cake by TeaPotBrew Bakery, and of course, floral by Fleur.

Did I mention that it was a perfect 80 degree night?! Man, the cruise was absolutely joyful. Everyone had a fabulous time on the upper deck, jamming to a playlist curated by the couple and enjoying the first fireworks of the season!