Classic Sunset Ridge Wedding

No words can adequately describe Meghan and Patrick’s classic Sunset Ridge wedding day and how special it was. I smiled from ear to ear the entire day. There was so much joy and love surrounding these two that you couldn’t help but smile. Meghan and Patrick are deeply and truly loved by every single person in their lives. Their bond with their families is unmatched and it’s easy to see where they both get their kind, fun, hardworking, and genuine personalities from, as I was greeted with warmth and kindness from every person I met.

Pre-Wedding Festivities

Their wedding weekend began with their rehearsal dinner at the gorgeous Theater on the Lake in Chicago. They had a welcome party following the rehearsal dinner where Meghan’s friend played the guitar and guests gave speeches detailing how special both Meghan and Patrick are, as well as their relationship. They also spoke about their perfect love and how they treat each other with such respect and kindness. It was a joyful, emotional evening that set the tone for their weekend.

rehearsal dinner and wedding party at Theater on the Lake

Meghan is warm, kind, and so loved. She must have gotten it from her mama because she was just as sweet. The morning of the big day, Meghan readied with her mom by her side. I loved her mermaid fitted wedding dress that flared at the bottom with ruffles. She wore her hair swept up in a chic ponytail with loose curls. Her classic bridal bouquet featured white, long stemmed roses completing her elegant look.

Classic Sunset Ridge Wedding invitations

Before their wedding ceremony, the soon-to-be newlyweds shared a first look outside followed by wedding portraits around the stunning property.

The couple exchanged their vows at the gorgeous Sacred Hope And Heart Church in Winnetka, IL. The bridesmaids wore different style dresses in varying shades of dark blue, which all came together beautifully. As the newlyweds exited the church as husband and wife, you could feel the joy and love radiating from them and their guests – creating such a wonderful energy for the evening ahead.

groom waiting for bride at wedding ceremony

Wedding Details

Meghan and Patrick are a big basketball family, as Meghan’s dad is a women’s Big 10 basketball coach, while Meghan herself is a Big 10 analyst. Then, there is Patrick who is also a collegiate coach! Since basketball is such an important part of their lives, they wanted to include a few details that nod to the sport they all love. The custom Nike shoes with nicknames and wedding date on them were one of my favorite details. Their wedding programs were also designed after scouting cards that college coaches use to scout players.

Sunset Ridge Country Club is a stunning wedding venue. The elegant details and classic floral arrangements elevated the space. As the evening unfolded, more toasts and speeches were given that evoked both laughter and tears. Even though I don’t know the couple as well as their loved ones, I could tell everything said about them was genuine and true. One speech mentioned how they take each other as they are, 100%, and that they don’t dim each other’s lights, which I can tell is completely true about them. On top of them being a super sweet couple, they have such fun, goofy personalities, and you can tell they have the best time together and bring out the best in one another.

Classic and elegant Sunset Ridge Wedding

Their classic Sunset Ridge wedding celebrated the love of this perfectly matched couple. Their celebration ended with a big party on the dance floor, where everyone spent the entire evening. Before hitting the dance floor, Meghan swapped her gown for a fringe party dress. I loved the movement of her dress and the addition of her custom white Nikes!

bride in fun fringe party dress at wedding reception

Capturing this beautiful couple’s wedding day was such an honor – both Meghan and Patrick, and their families, were such a joy to be around. They are one of those special families and couples that remind you why you do what you do – reigniting the joy and love of photography. One thing is certain, their wedding weekend was one that I won’t soon forget!