A Magical Wedding Day at Morton Arboretum: Celebrating Annie & Paul
Capturing Annie and Paul’s wedding was an incredible experience filled with laughter, love, and a beautiful blend of personal style and natural charm. Held at the stunning Firefly Pavilion in the Morton Arboretum, their day reflected their shared love for the outdoors and was beautifully timed for the crisp autumn season.
The Wedding Morning at Hotel Indigo
Annie and Paul began their wedding morning at Hotel Indigo, with separate suites full of friends and family as they prepared for the day ahead. Though both were excited, they admitted to a bit of pre-wedding nervousness, especially knowing they’d soon be at the center of attention. This feeling was softened by having their closest friends and family by their side. True to their togetherness, Annie and Paul’s bridal party included friends from both sides, emphasizing how they’ve shared so much of their journey as a couple. Seeing each other for the first time was magical, and the emotions of that shared moment grounded them for the day’s events.
Portraits around Naperville Riverwalk
Some of their wedding portraits against the charming Naperville Riverwalk, a location close to their hearts and a serene backdrop for their private moment. They then made their way to Morton Arboretum, with a plan to capture the scenic beauty of the Arboretum before heading to the ceremony.
Capturing Annie and Paul at Morton Arboretum was a dream, surrounded by the vibrant fall foliage and the captivating “Of the Earth” sculptures. This beautiful blend of art and nature set the perfect scene for their love story
Ceremony & Reception: Firefly Pavilion
The couple exchanged vows at the Firefly Pavilion, surrounded by nature and the “enchanted forest” feel they had envisioned. Annie and Paul had put so much thought into every detail, with terrariums, fairy lights, and personal signs adding touches of moody elegance that perfectly captured the Halloween weekend vibe. The wedding playlist was also a reflection of their journey together, featuring songs from their favorite movies, video games, and a mixtape Paul once made for Annie.
As they walked down the aisle, it was a beautifully intimate moment for these high school sweethearts who met through a mutual friend. Annie had always thought of Paul as “mysterious and attractive,” and over the years, their shared taste in music, aesthetics, and adventurous spirit brought them closer. Their vows, heartfelt and sincere, revealed the depth of their love and commitment to each other.
Reception Highlights & Personal Touches
The reception was as fun and unique as the couple themselves. Their friends surprised everyone by dressing in costumes, bringing an extra element of Halloween spirit to the evening. Annie and Paul even shared hors d’oeuvres alone for a few minutes after the ceremony, a precious chance to catch their breath and soak in the day. Friends and family enjoyed dancing, sharing stories, and celebrating the couple’s beautiful journey together.
A Special Proposal & Lifelong Memories
Paul’s proposal to Annie was unforgettable—a private, romantic moment on a cliff in Jamaica, overlooking the ocean at sunset. This surprise proposal set the tone for their engagement and their journey to this day. They also shared many other beautiful memories during their relationship, including front-stage concert tickets and countless hikes where they relied on each other’s strength and care, proving they are a strong and attentive team.
Advice for Future Couples
Annie’s advice for future couples was heartfelt: “Get a wedding planner early on!” They had chosen a day-of coordinator, but Annie reflected that having professional guidance earlier would have made the planning process much smoother.
Wedding Day Moments
The morning of the wedding brought a mix of excitement and nerves for both of us. Neither of us is used to being the center of attention, so knowing we’d be surrounded by all our loved ones gave us comfort and helped us feel fully supported. We chose to combine our bridal parties as one group since so many of our friends overlap – it felt natural and reflected our usual dynamic. Throughout the day, any quiet moments we found to step aside together were cherished; they let us recharge and truly appreciate the occasion. Hearing each other’s vows for the first time was also unforgettable. While we didn’t keep much a surprise for each other, this was the one heartfelt moment we hadn’t shared before. Paul is thoughtful with his words, so those vows felt like a special window into his heart. One of the most enjoyable parts was seeing our friends get into the spirit, especially when they started dancing in costumes at the reception – it was a surprise hit that brought everyone together in laughter and celebration.
Looking Toward the Future
For Annie and Paul, marriage signifies the creation of their own family unit. With six years together already, their connection feels unbreakable, and they’re excited to consider starting new traditions, including the possibility of growing their family.
Annie and Paul’s beautiful autumn wedding at the Morton Arboretum came together perfectly, thanks to The Simply Elegant Group for planning, Floral Wonders for the stunning floral arrangements, Ginko Catering for delicious bites and cocktails, Patty McGuire H&MUA for flawless hair and makeup, Magic Reflections for the fun photo booth, WedStart for the lively DJ beats, and of course H Photography for capturing every special moment.
Curious to see more beautiful weddings at the Morton Arboretum? Click here to explore another unforgettable celebration!
