Sonia's morning started off smoothly - she was about 1/2 and hour ahead of schedule when I arrived and started setting up. She removed her gown from the plastic cover, and I took a few shots of the gown and her accessories. It was shortly after she finished up her makeup that we decided it was time for her to step into the gown. She couldn't get the zipper to unzip!
After about 20 minutes (perhaps a little longer), one of her bridesmaids finally managed to unzip the stuck zipper without damaging the dress! Sonia handled the scare gracefully, and remained calm (yay, Sonia!).
We then began her bridal session, plus some photos of her with the girls and her family.
Because of the zipper incident, I was running behind schedule by almost 20 minutes! I had to rush to the church to then get some pictures of the guys, plus detail shots of the church. It was during the photo session of the guys that I realized I was going to have a slight challenge on my hands, as it was difficult for me to make the groom smile. Thankfully, I have his brothers to thank for helping me out in that department!
It was time for the ceremony to begin! The church was beautifully decorated, and everyone smiled as beautiful and smiling Sonia gracefully floated down the aisle with her father at her side. Before we knew it, they were newlyweds!
We did our formal session in a very tight 1/2 hour time window at the church, and then headed off to the riverwalk in Naperville.
After the riverwalk session, we went to the reception at Meson Sebika. I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful and versatile setting to take more pictures!!! The sun was definitely cooperating with me, and I know I got a few really great shots because of it.
My absolute favorite shot came at the end of the night. I noticed this fantastic light pouring toward the ground outside of the reception room. I asked Sonia if she would stand beneath the light, and I proceeded to take this beautiful picture:
Congratulations, Sonia and Bill! Thank you so much for making me a part of your special day.
