The Time Before The Ceremony

As I mentioned, we used that time before the ceremony to take photos. We took pictures in Lincoln Park with our dogs as that is where you would have found us nearly any weekend day the past 5+ years, pictures in the courtyard garden at our venue, and the "formals." Many brides are a bit torn on the idea of formals as photojournalist has taken the stage for wedding photography; I knew that someday I would want a picture of my family all grouped together from my wedding day... and my mom would have put her foot down to no formals!!

I will post up a few of my favorites taken during that time but will keep from too much overloading, when the anticipation was still strong...

As dear husband puts it, this picture is typical us: dogs pulling us where they want to go and us just laughing at them...

We decide not to go to the "downtown" area of Chicago as the park and Old Town neighborhood felt more like the "neighborhood side of Chicago" that we love and feels like home to us...

I love this picture but it makes me laugh as I can tell that I was getting warm (it was a hot summer day)...

As I mentioned, we did do formals. It took maybe 20 minutes to get all the variations... I like that they are fairly relaxed and in the courtyard... (even if my mom is mid-word in this one!)

We did a few of the traditional wedding party photos but this is my favorite where they were just hanging out in the background...

And of course, all those photos in the park and walking around made my dress and veil filthy! My sisters were frantically scrubbing while I just stood there trying to make sure I drank enough water... (and you can see way in the background the restroom signs we made!)

Next up... it is time to get married!!!

Wedding Recap Posts:

- My Version of a Perfect Wedding
- A Stolen Moment During the Reception
- Eat Drink Be Merry
- The Garden Party Floral Decor
- The Garden Cocktail Reception
- The Ceremony
- The Time Before The Ceremony
- The Meeting
- Florals: The Personals
- Getting Ready: The Groom's Side of the Story
- Getting Ready: Dress and Accessories
- All About The Shoes
- Getting Ready: Hair & Makeup
- 300th Post A Wedding Photo
- Wedding Photos Are Arriving: Almost A Bride

Or all of the post on our wedding day can be found through the label My Wedding.

{Photography by Brian Kinyon}

Comments

[Topanga Bay]

You look amazing! I have loved every single photo. I actually have been looking forward to checking out your blog each morning to see what you posted. You're wedding day so far looks fantastic!
Thanks for the comment too...perspective helps a lot!!! :)

[Blablover5]

I love puppy pictures. They just have such a calm demeanor and look sometimes compared to all the humans running around.

I can just about imagine them sitting back thinking "What's all the rush? It's a nice day out, lots of sun. Oh wait, there's food involved? That's all right then."

[April]

I love these! your beagle is too cute...although I'm partial because I have a beagle too.

[Melissa]

I am loving all of your photographs! It's so nice that you have photographs from your wedding with your puppies :)

[Tiffany]

awww... I love the pictures with your doggies. I so wish we could have pictures with our pups.

[Allie]

They are all gorgeous, especially the black-and-white of the arbor. So lovely.

[Etiquettely Correct]

You look beautiful! I love your pictures - especially the ones with the puppies :)

[Tara]

Thank you ladies! We were so happy that we were able to have the dogs there for photos.