Kirsten coordinated this this happy, happy wedding in July. I am thrilled to let her tell the story of Shannon + Steve! Read on for some stunning images and Kirsten’s words.

When I first chatted with Shannon and Steve, I knew there was something special between them. I may be a little biased since we all graduated from Indiana University, but hearing their story and the love they share for each other got me hooked. Although they both went to Indiana, they didn’t connect until years later at Steve’s sister Jen’s wedding who also happened to be best friends with Shannon. The two ended up hitting it off and chatting all night. With how their love story started, their special day was going to focus on their families, friends, and a lot of fun.

All photos courtesy of Krista Scarlavi Photography.

The day started off with Shannon getting ready at the Hyatt Place River North with her attendants and a handful of her closest friends from high school. She wore the veil her mother wore at her parents wedding and had a meaningful first look with her dad.

While the ladies were getting all gussied up by Angela Makeup, the gents were getting ready at Shannon and Steve’s apartment in Lincoln Park. As this couple is so family focused, Steve had his father help him perfect his look.

Continuing with the theme, Shannon’s good friend Alex from Mertle and Dot did all the florals for the ceremony and reception which was held at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. Alex’s mom Meredith married Shannon and Steve right as the sun was coming out on a beautiful July evening.

After the ceremony, guests were able to enjoy the entire nature museum while Shannon and Steve took pictures with their families and wedding party outside the museum.

One of my favorite aspects of Shannon and Steve’s wedding was Steve’s dance with his mom. Steve and his mother Linda started dancing to Good Riddance by Green Day. As the first verse ended, Steve hugged his mom then grabbed his sister to dance with and his mom grabbed his father. As each verse and chorus ended, each new couple broke off and grabbed a new dancing partner until everyone was one the dance floor. This was one of the most special first dances I have ever seen.

Once everyone was on the dance floor, it was dancing for the rest of the night with some delicious cake and late-night bites to sustain everyone’s energy.