In the heart of Illinois, a white farmhouse is snuggled into a dense garden bursting with flowers. Nearly 70 years (and five family weddings!) after Clara’s grandparents first walked through the doors, she walked through them on her wedding day. Talk about a family legacy! “I wouldn’t dream of getting married anywhere else,” she told me. I’m so glad she didn’t! Clara and Clarence’s backyard wedding day was an unforgettable one steeped in family love and legacy. And I can’t wait to show you the highlights!

But first, you have to hear the story of how they met! Sure, every couple hopes they can build a relationship on a foundation of shared interests and aligned values, but few have a story that begins in a literal moment of activism. Clara and Clarence’s love story actually began at a march! When Clara and Clarence chose to march side by side at the Denver Women’s March in January 2017, they had no idea that this simple choice would change their lives forever. Clarence asked Clara on a date just days later, and the rest is history!

Clara began the big day down the street at a friend's house, where hairstylist Tiffany Evans curled her hair into a lovely updo. Her makeup artist from Salon Trio finished the look with a brilliant pop of red to complement the bright flowers of the day. Meanwhile, I styled photos of her custom invitation suite by Knapp Design Co, which featured a painting of the family farmhouse! I’m such a sucker for handcrafted details like these, especially when they so beautifully represent the day!

Meanwhile, Clarence got ready in the library, surrounded by stacks of old books. Instead of the traditional black tux, Clarence chose a white dinner jacket—just one more way this couple turned “the way it’s always been done” into something that better fit their personalities. Because this wasn’t just an arbitrary choice. Do you know the history of the white dinner jacket? I didn’t, either! But I do now, thanks to Clarence! He told me that when people started vacationing in Florida in the 1920s, they needed a lighter alternative to the traditional black to beat the heat! That’s why this choice is so ideally suited to the theme for the rest of their day!

With the final zip of Clara’s lace-covered Mikaella wedding gown, it was time for the celebrations to begin! As music started to play in the backyard, the flower girls made their grand entrance, followed by the wedding party. Several guests wiped away tears as they noticed the missing groomsman spot where Clara’s brother, who tragically passed away years before, should have stood. The backyard was also decorated in paper cranes honoring Clara’s brother. But as Clara’s cousin began to play Taylor Swift’s “Lover,” and Clara made her grand entrance, sadness was replaced by awe at the beautiful bride! The couple decided to leave out any religious elements on their big day, so they instead chose readings from Carl Sagan, Bell Hooks, W. B. Yeats, and even an excerpt from The Velveteen Rabbit! Then, just like Clara’s parents did in this very same backyard 37 years before, the couple said “I do” as their guests erupted in cheers.

After the ceremony, everyone moved to the reception space to continue the celebration. Guests took their seats at tables decorated with table numbers Clara hand-embroidered herself. The band, Stu Hirsh Orchestra, began to play, and I’m sure Clara’s parents were thrown back in time since this was the very same band to play at their wedding decades before!

Clara and Clarence took the floor to “Helpless,” a song from the musical Hamilton about Eliza and Alexander falling in love. Because the couple had the Hamilton soundtrack on repeat when they first started dating, they were more than able to sing along!

Then, the reception kicked into full swing. And with more than 250 people on the guest list, I really mean FULL SWING! The dance floor filled, family members performed surprise songs, and a whole lot of Taylor Swift (Clara’s favorite!) played. Guests dug into a delicious cake from Mad Batter and made several trips to the affogato bar. Laughter filled the air, and I constantly clicked my camera, trying to capture it all.

From the bright wildflowers by Danielion Ideals that Bloom that I captured as the morning began to the band putting on a fantastic show and keeping the crowd on their feet until well past the sun had set, the entire day was truly amazing! Every corner of the house and grounds was full of history, and the whole family had endless stories to share. And I’m so thrilled I was invited to document it.

by Chicago Wedding Photographer Jennifer Lourie

Venue : Private Backyard
Coordinator : Tying the Knot
Invite Suite : Knapp Design Co
Floral Design : Danielion
Hair : Tiffany Evans
Makeup : Ali Oakes with Salon Trio
Officiant : Sen. Chris Hansen
Band : Stu Hirsh Orchestra
Rentals : Blue Peak Tents
Rentals : Marquee Event Rentals
Bridal Attire Store : Crystal Bride
Bridal Attire : Paloma Blanca
Bride’s Shoes : Betsey Johnson
Groom’s Attire : Hugo Boss
Catering : Wild Asparagus
Dessert : Mad About Baking
Wedding Party Attire : Black Tux
Wedding Party Attire : Lulu’s

Congratulations, Clara and Clarence! It was such an honor to preserve this chapter in your remarkable family history! I would love to photograph your backyard wedding, so definitely jump in my inbox if you’re interested! Also definitely check out some incredible Illinois weddings below!

xx,

Jennifer Lourie

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