Carrie + Will and I clicked right away. I met with them and Carrie’s mom after booking, and after the meeting, I just thought – “this is going to be fun”. They are a fun-loving, kind, and warm pair (and it doesn’t hurt that every meeting at their cozy condo included their tiny pup, Tito!!) and it was an immense pleasure to support their wedding day dreams.

Carrie grew up going to the University Club with her dad and so it seemed natural to host her wedding ceremony and reception in the stunning Cathedral Hall (doesn’t hurt that it looks a bit like Hogwarts!). Their ceremony was officiated by a friend and it was breathtaking. The joy and love between these two made the entire room shimmer. The rest of the day was carried along by that wave of love, and the dance floor was a HIGHLIGHT. When both mom and daughter are named Caroline.. You can imagine the energy in the room when Rush Street Rhythm played “Sweet Caroline”. WOW. It is a night I remember with so much joy!

Happy first anniversary to Carrie + Will! xo Olivia

All photos courtesy of Ashlyn Henry.

The University Club hosted both getting ready parties and spirits were high from the first moment. Carrie’s two sisters and mom share such a strong bond and it was so lovely to witness their joy on Carrie’s wedding day. Carrie’s mom helped her get dressed into her stunning gown (the detail!!!) and we paused for some shots to capture the bride.

Carrie then shared a first look with her bridesmaids and her dad and Will finished getting ready to see his future wife at their first look.

They met in the Library at the University Club for their first look - the perfect spot for this book-loving pair.

And then sweet Ashlyn took them to the Art Institute and surrounding gardens for some iconic Chicago wedding day shots. How lucky to have all of this steps from their venue!

And TITO SHOWED UP for a cameo! I cannot handle him!!!

The wedding party joined their couple for a few beautiful shots at the Art Institute Gardens.

Meanwhile, A Stem Above and the University Club team put the finishing touches on Carrie + Will’s ceremony space - the breathtaking Cathedral Hall. Carrie + Will’s ceremony was officiated by one of Carrie’s best friends and it was so moving. What a space, what a pair, what a setting.

After the ceremony, guests moved to the Library for cocktail hour while the floral, venue, and planning teams executed a quickkkk flip of Cathedral Hall. The band got fully set and once we guests filled in the room, the energy was electric. The special moments of the evening - speeches, cake cutting, and dances - were just perfect. It really felt like the whole room was engaged in the evening, which doesn’t always happen! It speaks to the kind of people Carrie + Will are and the people they surround themselves with.