Sammi & Quinn at Chicago Forest Preserve

A picturesque wedding in the middle of a forest preserve on a beautiful fall day-Sammi and Quinn couldn’t have planned it better!

9.17.22

Is there anything more romantic than a wedding in the woods? Chicago has some of the most beautiful forest preserves throughout the city. For Sammi and Quinn, they envisioned their day filled with wildflowers, sunshine, and a soft breeze. Luckily for us, the weather was perfect, and we had the entire forest preserve to ourselves. Opting to forgo a first look and arriving at the venue together, Sammi and Quinn were thrilled to spend the day with their closest friends and family members. The two wanted simple yet timeless portraits of the two of them in the forest preserve, and Sammi was so excited to have film photos of the day as well. We took photos on my film camera, as well as my vintage and more modern Polaroid cameras.

Sammi and Quinn’s ceremony was filled with poetry, tears, and personal stories. Quinn’s sister officiated, while the couple recited their own vows in front of their guests. The forest preserve provided a perfect backdrop for the couple’s heartfelt vows. Both Sammi and Quinn’s mothers gave readings during the ceremony, while Quinn’s sister told some hilarious and heartfelt stories about the couple.

The couple kept the guest list fairly small and opted for a delicious brunch menu. Guests were treated to homemade waffles, compotes, and even a donut cake! The fathers of the bride and groom both gave toasts, often causing the entire room to burst into laughter. Following brunch, the couple went back outside for their first dance, as well as Sammi’s dance with her father.

The rest of the afternoon was a straight up party! Everyone jumped on the dance floor at one point, and the weather was simply perfect for the rest of the reception. Throwing your wedding in the middle of a forest preserve can be a gamble; if it rains, you have to stay inside! Luckily for Sammi and Quinn, they had one of the most beautiful wedding days, all in the final weeks of summer.

Thank you Sammi and Quinn for such a perfect day!