Garfield Park Conservatory Wedding

Garfield Park Conservatory is a special place for Michelle + Richard. In addition to it being Michelle’s favorite place on earth, GPC was also the place of many of their dates in the summers, many afternoon strolls in the winters, and where Richard finally asked Michelle to be his wife. Like Michelle + Richard, the Garfield Park Conservatory is my favorite place in the city; a warm and green oasis in our big city, free to the public and just gorgeous. It’s also the perfect place to get married- there is something so truly magical about strolling through the conservatories many plant and flower-filled rooms without a single other soul after-hours, hand-in-hand with your new spouse. But a love of their wedding venue is not all that I have in common with this sweet pair! Richard and I have actually known each other for nearly a decade. He was one of my first friends when I moved to Chicago, and was such an incredibly kind and warm presence that I nicknamed him “Gentle” (which is still his contact name in my phone all these years later, sorry, Rich!). Imagine my joy when my kind, gentle friend told me his was engaged to an equally kind and wonderful, powerhouse of a woman named Michelle, and that they wanted me to photograph their spring wedding.

Every speech, toast and feeling expressed by those closest to Richard + Michelle on their wedding day carried the same sentiment. These two are the kinds of people you are truly lucky to have on your side. Generous with their space, their time, and their friendship; good listeners, excellent partners in crime, and great friends. There’s not much I can say to express how true that is. The love they have for one another is something you can physically feel just being around them; I was lucky to be there to capture it all. Both have worked in live events for years, so the music, sound, decor, and details were all perfect with the GPC’s space. Simple decor of succulents, driftwood and candles with a gorgeous naked cake accented the venue perfectly, and set the scene for a magical, tear-filled (seriously, so many happy tears!) wedding day.

I could ramble on forever about the beautiful space and the beautiful couple, but instead I’ll share some of my favorite photos from their Garfield Park Conservatory wedding below:

Thank you, Michelle + Richard, for choosing me to capture your beautiful wedding day.
Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness and joy.

XO,

AJ

THE DETAILS

Coordinating: Patti Herioux, MDM Entertainment
Hair and Makeup: Brittany Vogel, BeVoge Makeup
Michelle’s Dress: Bijou Bridal
Michelle’s Shoes: Macy’s
Richard’s Suit: Men’s Warehouse
Catering: Inspired Catering and Events
Venue: Garfield Park Conservatory
Officient: Sarah Lusche
Music: Mike, MDM Entertainment
Cake: Bjorn Cakes
Cake topper: Ella Celebration
Rings: Oak Park Jewelers