A New Leaf Wedding full of joyful tears and tender embraces

Esther and Zach were waiting for me over a shared plate at the Next Door Cafe on Diversey street in Lincoln Park.  Esther looked amazing (as always), wearing a mini-black leather skirt and white top. I suppose working in the magazine industry, it only makes sense that she’d have a killer sense of fashion (see their engagement session for proof).

Zach sat next to her. He had a warm smile, and he sat with his elbows resting on his knees. I’d met Esther a year before this meeting on the set of a photo shoot where she was the one taking pictures while I helped my sister-in-law on set.

There was an instant kinship. Her sweet, down-to-earth nature were disarming. She works in journalism, which I was drawn to. During the three-day shoot, we’d sit drinking La Croix and chat about the industry and what drew us to the field–telling stories.

Our meeting at the Next Door Cafe was the first time I met Zach, but within a few minutes I felt comfortable. He’s a man of few words, but his vibe is calming.

They are self-professed opposites in many ways. Esther is gregarious, outgoing, and direct. Zach is more reserved, internal, and subtle. They are obvious best friends who have so much fun together (see photo of them dancing on the bus). I often noticed  them sharing whispered laughs and words passed through non-verbal expressions.

Being their wedding photographer made me teary-eyed many times throughout the day, then all over again while putting this post together. I nearly lost it while photographing Zach’s reaction to Esther walking down the aisle at the church. She was stunning in a soft, chiffon wedding dress that gently swayed as she slowly measured each step, till her father proudly delivered her hand to Zach at the very end.

Esther said to me in an e-mail leading up to the wedding that she was a “picture hoarder,” so it’s no surprise that she couldn’t resist snapping at least one of her own.  Right after their first kiss, she turned to Zach with her hand opened. He reached in his coat pocket and pulled out her cell phone, which she used to take a quick overall of the church filled with family and friends.

There are many other cherished moments from the day. But rather than tell about them all, I’ll share them through these pictures. Big thanks to Michael Boyd for his help seconding this wedding with me! 

Shout out to these vendors who made the day possible:

+Gerard McGuiggan: Occasions Chicago

+Cake artist: Lora Buco

+ Florist: Susan Lovejoy

+ Venue: A New Leaf

+ Dress: Watters Austin via RecycledBride.com

+ Makeup and hair artist: Tracee Badway

+ DJ: Anthony Nevalga

+ Photo booth: Ray Whitehouse

+ Pies: Hoosier Mama Pie Company