06.14.2025 Wedding at The Grove Country Club

S+D got married on a gorgeous Saturday in June at The Grove Country Club in Long Grove, Illinois. The couple leaned into the beauty of the lush, green golf course and chose to keep their décor very neutral, using white florals, greenery, and candles to decorate their reception tables. A neon sign with their new shared name hung from a faux greenery wall that stood behind the sweetheart table. Gold frames containing photos of the couple throughout their relationship were placed around the cocktail hour space. S+D created their table numbers by matching photos of them at that age to the table number. For their guest book, the couple bought custom playing cards with a space to write a note and sign on the front and a photo of them on the back. The bridesmaids wore varying shades of light green, and the groom and his groomsmen wore gray suits.

After their emotional first look, the bride surprised her future husband by having some friends secretly bring their golden retriever puppy, Joey, to the venue for some photos. S had spent the whole week telling D that their puppy wouldn’t be at the wedding, so he was shocked and thrilled when Joey wriggled her way over to them as they took their portraits. Although Joey left after photos, she was still a part of the celebration – as a party favor, S+D left a lottery ticket at each guest's place setting, tucked inside an envelope sealed with a sticker of their puppy’s face.

The ceremony was held on the patio outside the reception room. A white archway adorned with greenery stood at the end of the aisle. The bride’s uncle officiated the ceremony and he took his role very seriously. He wrote a beautiful speech, and he even asked family members close to the couple to give them advice, which he read. S+D wrote and (tearfully) exchanged their own vows and then they were married!

Guests headed inside to cocktail hour, where they were soon joined by the newly weds after S+D did a reception room reveal. A friend of the family had done the décor and the couple was blown away by how wonderful everything looked.

When it was time for the reception, guests filed into the room and took their seats. The wedding party was introduced, and then guests were on their feet as the bride and groom were introduced for the first time as Mr. and Mrs! S+D went right into their choregraphed first dance which was then followed by their cake cutting (complete with a cute "just married" banner cake topper!). As guests ate, the bride’s father shared a heartfelt toast that didn’t leave a dry eye in the audience. Then the Maid of Honor gave her speech followed by the Best Men, the groom’s two brothers.

Guests were treated to wedding cake and coffee as the bride and groom danced their special dances with their parents. Finally, it was time for everyone to dance! Guests made their way to the dance floor, ready to party for the rest of the night. The lights were turned off and foam glow sticks lit up the room. Although the dance floor was bustling all night long, yard games were set up on the patio and a photobooth was available for guests who wanted a break from the dance floor.

It was such a joy to coordinate this wedding for S+D! The two of them spent the whole night at each other's side and it was evident to everyone in the room how perfect of a match they are for each other!

Vendors:

Venue: The Grove Country Club

Photographer/Videographer: Fox and Ivory (Julia as lead photographer)

DJ: An Enchanted Evening (Calvin)

Photobooth: An Enchanted Evening (booked through the DJ service)

H&MU: Hairs 2 the Bride

 Florist: Lori Pedersen (family friend) - Mozzafiato Events