Haley and Chris were married on New Year’s Eve at Two Brothers Roundhouse Brewery in Aurora, Illinois. I’m very thankful that Michael was with me for the day. I used to work in Aurora for The Beacon newspaper almost 15 years ago when first moved to Illinois, so it was fun to return to my old coverage area.

Winter weddings can be a challenge with light disappearing early and the cold making outside portraits tough as well. Thankfully, Haley and Chris trusted us to document the moments of the day, and they gave us some great energy!

We started across the parking lot at the Holiday Inn Express hotel where the bridesmaids got ready with Haley and Chris got ready with his groomsmen. Once everyone was ready and walked across to the brewery, Haley and Chris met for a “first moment.” It was sort of a first look without the look. I think this is a great option for couples that don’t want to see each other, but like the idea of getting together to share the pre-wedding nerves.

The ceremony was officiated by Chris’ cousin and she did a great job! I loved seeing Chris pick Haley up for their kiss and the smile on Haley’s face as they practically ran back down the aisle in celebration.

After some family group portraits, we moved upstairs for the reception. Haley and Chris carried their energy into the room and made for one of my favorite grand entrance pictures of the year. Everyone did a great job with their toasts and then we moved into first dances. Haley’s dance with her dad was super cute and all the market lights made for some interesting compositions!

After dinner, we had a few minutes for portraits around the brewery before it was dance party time! Before we knew it, midnight was upon us and the balloons dropped from the ceiling! Thankfully maid-of-honor Abby was able to fill in until Chris and Haley found each other to celebrate together!

I couldn’t have done without the help of Haley’s amazing coordinator Stacey! She kept everyone on track and pulled together all the pieces for an incredible day.

Haley and Chris, thank you so much for choosing us to document your wedding. We loved working together and hope to see you again soon!

Bride has her makeup done for wedding Bride has her makeup done for wedding Bridesmaids laugh while getting ready for wedding Mom and flower girl daughter look into mirror while getting ready for wedding Groom puts on tie while getting ready for wedding Groom and groomsmen put on ties while getting ready for wedding Groom and groomsmen put on ties while getting ready for wedding Bridesmaid holds hand while mom helps daughter into wedding dress Mom puts shoe on bride bridesmaids react to seeing bride in dress Bridesmaid helps bride on way to first moment A first look without the look A first look without the look A first look without the look Bride and father wait to walk down the aisle before wedding ceremony Groom watches as bride walks down the aisle Bride walks down the aisle with her father during wedding ceremony at Two Brothers Brewing in Aurora, Illinois Bride hugs father during wedding ceremony at Two Brothers Brewing in Aurora, Illinois Groomsman smiles during wedding ceremony at Two Brothers Brewing in Aurora, Illinois Wide angle view of wedding ceremony at Two Brothers Brewing in Aurora, Illinois Parents watch during wedding ceremony at Two Brothers Brewing in Aurora, Illinois Wedding lasso exchange during wedding ceremony at Two Brothers Brewing in Aurora, Illinois Wedding ceremony at Two Brothers Brewing in Aurora, Illinois Wide angle view of winter wedding ceremony at Two Brothers Brewing in Aurora, Illinois Groomsmen watch during wedding ceremony at Two Brothers Brewing in Aurora, Illinois Bride looks at groom during wedding ceremony at Two Brothers Brewing in Aurora, Illinois Bridesmaids watch during wedding ceremony at Two Brothers Brewing in Aurora, Illinois Bride and groom laugh during ring exchange of wedding ceremony at Two Brother Brewery in Aurora, Illinois Bride and groom kiss at the end of wedding ceremony at Two Brother Brewery in Aurora, Illinois Bride and groom kiss at the end of wedding ceremony at Two Brother Brewery in Aurora, Illinois Bride and groom walk back down the aisle at the end of wedding ceremony at Two Brother Brewery in Aurora, Illinois Bride and groom walk into wedding reception at Two Brothers Roundhouse Brewery wedding Father of the Groom toast during wedding reception at Two Brothers Brewery in Aurora, Illinois Maid of honor toast during wedding reception at Two Brothers Brewery in Aurora, Illinois Maid of honor toast during wedding reception at Two Brothers Brewery in Aurora, Illinois Best Man toast during wedding reception at Two Brothers Brewery in Aurora, Illinois Best Man toast during wedding reception at Two Brothers Brewery in Aurora, Illinois Groom dances with mom during wedding reception at Two Brothers Brewery in Aurora, Illinois Bride dances with dad during wedding reception at Two Brothers Brewery in Aurora, Illinois Bride and groom dance together during wedding reception at Two Brothers Brewery in Aurora, Illinois Bride and groom dance together during wedding reception at Two Brothers Brewery in Aurora, Illinois Bride and groom dance together during wedding reception at Two Brothers Brewery in Aurora, Illinois Bride and groom dance together during wedding reception at Two Brothers Brewery in Aurora, Illinois Bride and groom pose for portraits during winter wedding at Two Brothers Roundhouse Brewery in Aurora, Illinois Bride and groom pose for portraits during winter wedding at Two Brothers Roundhouse Brewery in Aurora, Illinois Bride and groom pose for portraits during winter wedding at Two Brothers Roundhouse Brewery in Aurora, Illinois Bride and groom pose for portraits during winter wedding at Two Brothers Roundhouse Brewery in Aurora, Illinois Wedding guests dance during winter wedding at Two Brothers Roundhouse Brewery in Aurora, Illinois Wedding guests dance during winter wedding at Two Brothers Roundhouse Brewery in Aurora, Illinois Wedding guests dance during winter wedding at Two Brothers Roundhouse Brewery in Aurora, Illinois Wedding guests dance during winter wedding at Two Brothers Roundhouse Brewery in Aurora, Illinois Wedding guests dance during winter wedding at Two Brothers Roundhouse Brewery in Aurora, Illinois Wedding guests dance during winter wedding at Two Brothers Roundhouse Brewery in Aurora, Illinois Wedding guests dance during winter wedding at Two Brothers Roundhouse Brewery in Aurora, Illinois Wedding guests dance during winter wedding at Two Brothers Roundhouse Brewery in Aurora, Illinois Wedding guests dance during winter wedding at Two Brothers Roundhouse Brewery in Aurora, Illinois Wedding guests dance during winter wedding at Two Brothers Roundhouse Brewery in Aurora, Illinois Wedding guests dance during winter wedding at Two Brothers Roundhouse Brewery in Aurora, Illinois Wedding guests dance during winter wedding at Two Brothers Roundhouse Brewery in Aurora, Illinois Wedding guests dance during winter wedding at Two Brothers Roundhouse Brewery in Aurora, Illinois Wedding guests dance during winter wedding at Two Brothers Roundhouse Brewery in Aurora, Illinois Wedding guests dance during winter wedding at Two Brothers Roundhouse Brewery in Aurora, Illinois Wedding guests dance during winter wedding at Two Brothers Roundhouse Brewery in Aurora, Illinois