It’s always fun for this Naperville wedding photographer to do a wedding here in Naperville! Julia and Chase’s beautiful winter December wedding at Hotel Arista was no exception, it was a warmer winter day filled with lots of laughter and love. Julia was probably one of the calmest, laid back, brides I have ever had the pleasure of working with. There is something empowering for a wedding photographer when a bride takes a laid back approach to her wedding day and trusts you to simply do what you do.
Their first look was amazing, out on the balcony at Hotel Arista, filled with so much emotion and parents hiding in the corner watching their kids see each other for the first time on their wedding day. Chase couldn’t wipe the smile off his face as he tenderly wiped the tears rolling down his brides cheek. In that moment, I knew this wedding was going to be really special. It was magical the way Chase and Julia looked at one another. Maybe it was young love, but it certainly took no time at all to realize when I first met them that their love was unique and it was clear in this moment that their family and friends who surrounded them knew that too.
The ceremony was elegant, giving a good insight into who Julia and Chase were. Julia’s brother and one of her bridesmaids performed two songs which was incredible. They both are extremely talented and it always brings such a nice sentiment when people you love get to do something extra special for your ceremony.
The reception was gorgeous, the tables stunning and the details exquisite. You could definitely tell the time and effort put into these things. Touches of gold and red scattered throughout the room, tasteful nods to the holidays, and people who seemed to be just as aware as I was that these two, and their love, was simply remarkable.
One of my favorite memories from the wedding and something that I will remember for years to come was the toasts given during the reception. Julia’s best friend gave a heart felt speech right after Chase’s brother talked about what an incredible brother and role model he had been while growing up. This couple was loved and everyone in the room knew it.
Following the maid of honor and best man was Julia’s father. Having photographed many, many weddings the Father or the Bride toast has definitely become one of my favorite moments. Sometimes we get to hear funny embarrassing stories about the bride, other times we get to hear how the family put the groom through the ringer while the couple was dating, it always pulls you in and leaves you wanting to know more and Julia’s dad toast was no different.
Not only did we hear fun stories about Julia and Chase we got to listen to him profess his love not only his daughter but too his wife something that we very rarely hear. He equated the beauty, power, and strength that radiated from his beautiful daughter on her wedding day was mainly in part to her mother, who she was and the example she has given her children. Talk about powerful. There were definite tears streaming down my face as I got to not only document but witness the power of love between a father and his daughter and between a man and his wife. Julia and Chase are in good hands with incredible examples of love as they start their journey as Mr. and Mrs. Fifield!
With Love,
Samantha Jensen
Hair and Make Up: Arista Salon
Venue: Arista Hotel
Dress: Crystal Bride
Flowers: Celidan Creations
