Where do we even begin with Gina and and Phil’s DIY backyard best day ever? Hanging dreamcatchers, succulent favors, a babe cave and a school bus made this one of the most unique weddings we’ve seen!! From sunrise to sunset, Lauren Sims Photography and second shooter Dana Ann Photography captured all of the love and laughter in photos we’re sure these two will cherish for a lifetime.
The bride got ready with her bridesmaids wearing the cutest mis-matched flannels from Gipsy Bridge. Brittany Antos and Mary Kate O’Donnell Jilek, Gina’s beauty crew, pampered her with stunning makeup and beach waves tied back with braids, greenery and flowers. The girls drank coffee (and probably mimosas) out of personalized Daisy and Decor mugs while Brianna Klein did each of their hair and makeup. The bride was nearly bouncing off the walls with excitement, sliding across the hardwood floors Risky Business style and jumping on the bed with her MOH. When she slipped into her wedding dress, the Sia from Grace Loves Lace we were blown away. The gorgeous two piece gown had a romantic capped sleeve lace top and full skirt. Her shoes were the coolest. Brown leather booties that her tattoo artist Mike Austin painted with flowers and greenery. She looked like a boho goddess!
Phil got ready with the guys in a room nearby. He gave each of them customized Stanley growlers and they knocked back cans of Coors Light while getting dressed in mis-matched blue shirts, Lulu Lemon pants and trendy brown suspenders. The groom wore a blue suit with a floral pocket square for a splash of color. He stood anxiously in the woods waiting for bride Gina to tap him on the shoulder so that he could turn to look at her for the first time. Their chariot, a big yellow school bus, peaked out of the trees in the background.
After the sweetest first look ever, the wedding party went on quite the adventure for photos. They started in the woods, with bridesmaids in colorful and unique dresses carrying beautiful bouquets by Flowers for Dreams. Then while the crew grabbed spots on the bus, Gina and Phil snapped some shots alone and from the looks on their faces it’s easy to tell they’re the happiest they’ve ever been in this moment.
The bride and groom jumped on the bus and headed into town. They threw popcorn in the air (and at each other), strutted their stuff down the streets and sidewalks of Lemont, and even grabbed a beer and played Connect Four at Pollyanna Brewing Company! We love that this couple chose to make their wedding party photos an adventure instead of a chore and we’re sure their friends did as well!
The ceremony space was breathtaking. Tiny flowers and a handmade dreamcatcher hung from an outstretched branch. Beautiful rugs from The Rug Collective lined the aisle, the largest at the front on a wooden stage made by the groom. Phil’s mother, who clearly has a green thumb, planted wildflowers in silver pots which framed the stage.
Nearby the reception tent was filled with mason jar centerpieces, mis-matched china, and burlap runners sprinkled with greenery. In preparation for the big moment, three cutest flower girls ever, wearing Tori Boutique dresses, adorned blush flower crowns. Gina walked down the aisle with her mother and father who smiled and wiped away her tears before giving their daughter away. The ceremony was intimate and sweet, both Gina and Phil wore permanent smiles as they said their vows and exchanged wedding bands. The first kiss was followed by hands in the air and high fives from loved ones! The couple ran off to snap some quick sunset shots before joining their party.
We love so many details about this day. Favors were succulents planted in the cutest black jars. The sign on the table said Let Love Grow. Gina and Phil had a s’mores bar, a babe cave, and even a tree swing!! They decided on food trucks 5411 Empanadas and The Slide Ride for dinner and drank out of personalized mason jars. Do you wish you were at this reception yet because we do?!
Speeches, dancing, a fire pit and kisses goodnight in the shed decorated as a lounge and photo booth rounded out the night. It’s so incredible what a group of creative and adventurous people can do with their own two hands! This wedding will be a DIY inspiration to so many brides!! Congratulations Gina and Phil! We wish you a lifetime of backyard parties, brewery fundays, s’mores and kisses. Thank you for sharing your amazing day with us so that we could share it with the world. Welcome to Married Life!!
