Lauren Wakefield

He went back to every spot.  All the places that meant something to them.  First date…first kiss…  Every spot was special and he compiled them all into a video.  A video he would later use to ask Carine to be his wife.  He told her they were going to a screening of a friend’s film.  That friend sat in the front row…in secret…filming as Carine watched the video play.  As soon as she heard Farouq’s voice she realized what was happening.  He was proposing.  And in the best way possible.  A way that was unique, romantic and truly them.

 

Their wedding day was no different.  But this time instead of remembering where they’d been…they were looking at where they were headed.  Together.  As husband and wife.  Their wedding was just the beginning.  It was a celebration of family and friends…love and dancing…lots of dancing.  Even in the short time I’ve known Carine and Farouq it’s so easy to see how well they fit together.  They make each other laugh and share a love of adventure.  Right now they are on their honeymoon…hiking up Mount Everest.  Yes you heard me right…Mount Everest.  There’s no doubt about it…they are 2 of a kind.

 

Carine and Farouq…thank you so much for sharing your day with me.  I hope you always look at these photos and remember how truly spectacular your wedding was.  I know I will.

 

Carine’s Abaya was hand embroidered with a love poem.  So beautiful.

I love a good Nicole Miller dress.  So timeless.

Farouq had his GQ face down…like no one’s business…

Outfit change…

Farouq liked her dress…a lot.

How cute are these cake toppers?!?  I mean come on…

Coolest first dance EVER!

Carine you are absolutely gorgeous!

To see more of Carine & Farouq’s wedding, you can view their slideshow here.

And once again…a ginormous thanks to Amanda Miller for rocking this wedding with me.  She’s the best!

And to all the amazing vendors that made Carine & Farouq’s day so special:

Venue:  The Blue Dress Barn

Florist: Marco Alexzondra

Dress: Nicole Miller

Hair: Gennelle Smith

Makeup: Melanie Hart

Caterer: Al Ameer Restaurant

DJ: DJ Grafitti

Videographer: Joseph Isaacs

I was going to write a post about my extreme anger towards NATO and their decision to close the highway while I was on it last night.  With no warning or explanation.  And completely disrupt the lives of chicagoans everywhere.  But that is over now…and I’m choosing to focus on something happy.  And let me tell you…there is nothing happier right now than Carine and Farouq.  So here is a little sneak peek of their incredibly beautiful…amazingly fun wedding yesterday.

 

Happy Monday.  Aka…last day before NATO gets the *#$&3 out!  And breath….

It wasn’t nerves or apprehension…it was just a palpable excitement.  I walked in the room and you could feel it.  It was filled with the buzz of finishing touches and last minute fixes.  The smile on Erin’s face…which never went away…said it all.  She was ready.  Ready to marry Nick.  The strong, quiet guy who stole her heart.

 

When Nick saw Erin his face lit up like he was seeing her for the first time.  But in a way he was.  From that point on she would be his wife…and that was something you could tell they were both more than ready for.  Their day unfolded perfectly.  From her dress to his socks to every little detail.  Everything was so them.  The whole day was a perfect mix of laughter and tears…family and friends…and the beginning of their life together.

 

Erin and Nick…thank you so much for inviting me to be a part of your special day.  I know your guys’ life will be nothing short of happiness, love and delicious meals.  Speaking of which…double date soon??

 

These girls had their shoes down…

Erin…you are breathtaking.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen him smile that big…

Nick did good…

Rawr Mrs. Fiore…rawr.

View Erin & Nick’s wedding day slideshow here.

An ENORMOUS thank you to my second shooter, Amanda. She totally rocked it!  🙂

A huge thanks to all the vendors who made their day extra fabulous!

Venue |  Marriot Chicago

Flowers  |  Flowers by KH

DJ  |  Non-stop Entertainment

Dress  |  Demetrios

Makeup  |  Kristina Evans

Hair  |  Salon Bellissimo