Navy Military Wedding in Chicago - Bri Cibene Photography

We met Brian + Hope over a year and a half ago, before we were pregnant with Greyson. Since he’s been born, we seem to define time as “before Greyson” and “after Greyson”. It only seems appropriate considering how life changing having a child is! We left him for the first time this past weekend with his grandparents so we could travel to Chicago for Brian + Hope’s big day. We really haven’t had much alone time together since he’s been born, so it was a refreshing weekend for us doing what we love!

We’ve never been to Chicago, so when we flew in Friday night we made sure to get downtown and do the touristy things! First, on recommendation from Brian, we ordered a delicious deep dish pizza at Gino’s East. So. Good. We’ve been waiting for that authentic Chicago pizza since Brian + Hope told us they were getting married there, haha!!

Then we headed to Millennium Park, because of course we had to see the bean! Having a night to ourselves was such a blessing to our marriage. We had so much fun just being together!

Saturday was Brian + Hope’s wedding day! We first met Hope at the hotel where she and the girls were getting ready. She brought so many pretty details, and I was swooning over the bridesmaids dresses! BHLDN never disappoints. Hope wore the lace overlay and train that her grandmother wore on her own wedding day and it looked perfect on her! Hope managed to keep it a surprise from her grandmother that she was wearing it which we thought was super sweet.

We were loving the gorgeous weather – clear skies, a slight breeze, and the best part – no humidity!! It’s easy to see why “wedding season” is in the summer for most of the nation, opposite of what it is in Florida since it’s SO hot and sticky here right now!

It was easy to see how much love Brian + Hope have for each other. They were engaged for just over two years and went through deployment (Brian is in the navy) – so this day was a long time coming for them! They were surrounded by friends and family that adore them. One of our favorite moments was Brian’s dad’s toast. Not only was his speech incredibly sweet, but near the end he prayed over them and asked the entire room (over 300 guests!) to reach out their hands toward the newlyweds.

Another favorite moment was their decision to say personalized vows after the ceremony with just their immediate family and wedding party with them. They were some of the most well written, creative, adorable and loving vows we’ve heard – and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t leave the room with tears in my eyes!

Congratulations, Brian + Hope! We wish you a lifetime of happiness and love!