Outdoor Wedding at Creek Bend Nature Center, Leroy Oaks Forest Preserve

Oh boy, where do I even start with Ryann + Bo? Have you ever met a person and just instantly adored them? The kind of person that you can just tell has probably been a bridesmaid or groomsman for every single person they’ve ever met from every stage of life, because they’re just that true, and kind, and straight up fun? Ryann and Bo are both that person, and together they’re incredible. From the moment I met them in a dive bar, to squirt gun fights and shared pizza and drinks at their engagement session, to planning their wedding timeline over more snacks and drinks, every second I’ve spent with this couple has been a true pleasure. I’ve dreaded writing this blog post because there are just not the right words to describe how lucky I felt to spend their day with them, and how beyond honored I am to have been entrusted with capturing these memories.

Before Ryann even arrived to her first look with Bo on the gorgeous, rolling grounds of the Leroy Oaks Forest Preserve, Bo was already in tears. The moment she reached him, Ryann literally ran into his arms, and believe it or not, their wedding day only got more touching and beautiful from there! Their beautiful celebration was family-centered, with their siblings (and Bo’s eldest nephew) standing up as their wedding party, and with touching tributes and nods to Ryann’s late father, Pat, sprinkled throughout the day. After a beautiful and personalized ceremony beneath a huge oak tree, officiated by the friend that facilitated their first meeting, it was time for their fantastic outdoor reception. The lawn games, personalized mason jars for guests, and array of food trucks for dinner perfectly exemplified Ryann + Bo’s laid back, fun, personalities at their outdoor Chicago wedding and allowed for maximum time spent mingling with their families and friends before they took to killin’ it on the dance floor.

I already have so many favorite images from this incredible day that this blog post is a few days past due… but can you blame me?!

Thank you, Ryann + Bo, for choosing me, trusting me and befriending me. I am beyond grateful for you both and to be a witness to a love like yours is so very special. You guys reminded me every second of your wedding day why I truly love this job. I am so happy for you both!

XO
AJ

The Details
Venue: Creek Bend Nature Center at LeRoy Oaks Forest Preserve
Hair: Parlour Beauty Bar
Makeup: Alicia Salemi Brooks
Ryann’s Dress: Tara Keely
Bo’s Suit: Indochino
Florals: Becky’s Bouquets
Tent: Affordable Party Tent Rentals
Food Trucks: Crust Culture (Pizza Truck) / BabyQ’s BBQ (BBQ Truck) /La Adelita (Taco Truck)
Sweets: Donuts by Bosa Donuts; Crumb cakes and brownies by Hahn’s Bakery
DJ: Toast + Jam
Video: 720films