Emily & Jon @ Pinstripes

Backyard portraits & bowling alleys make for the perfect DIY wedding!

10.21.23

I want to start this by saying one thing: I love love LOVE when people create their wedding to fit their personalities. If you don’t want to get married at a trendy venue or on a suburban golf course, don’t do it! If you want to take photos in your parents’ backyard then go bowling after you say “I do”, let’s make it happen! That’s exactly what Emily and Jon did for their wedding at Pinstripes in Northbrook.

The couple started their wedding off by taking family and couple’s portraits at Jon’s parent’s home, and when I got there I totally understood why: their home is gorgeous! Their backyard felt like a mini English garden, and we captured so many gorgeous moments before heading off to Pinstripes.

When Emily and Jon described their wedding to me, they told me they just wanted to be surrounded by their closest friends and family and celebrate their relationship. They had a guest count of 50 or so people, which meant that they were able to spend time with all of their guests. Their ceremony was short and sweet, officiated by a family friend in a private room at Pinstripes. Afterwards, they cut the cutest little cake and we snapped some adorable shots of them at the bowling lanes.

One of my favorite moments of the night was the couple celebrating Emily’s grandmother’s birthday. She turned 95 on their wedding day! I used my film camera to document her joy at the cake they surprised her with, and I feel like they’re some of the most timeless photos I’ve ever taken. Celebrating your 95th birthday at Pinstripes with your granddaughter and brand new grandson-in-law? I love it.