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Welcome to our blog! We are a husband & wife photography team based in Madison, Wisconsin who document weddings & anniversaries for joyful couples who believe in marriage. This blog is a journal about real love stories, marriage & our own adventures along the way. We are so glad you're here — please stay awhile!

MAISON      CALEB

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James & Kasia | A Polish Wedding at St. Ferdinand Catholic Church in Chicago and The Belvedere Chateau in Palos Hills, Illinois.

May 31, 2017

I sure hope you’re ready for an absolutely stunning wedding on the blog today! Kasia is Polish and this was our first Polish wedding — we were so excited to learn some Polish wedding traditions and document all of the special moments that happened on James and Kasia’s day! I think it’s going to be easier for me to explain some of them along with the photos, so I will hold off on that for now!

Kasia and her girls got ready at her childhood home in downtown Chicago, about five minutes from the church she also grew up attending. This was such a special part of the day because the priest of the church new Kasia’s family so well and was able to share many stories about Kasia growing up in the church and just how fond he is of her entire family!

The parish’s home priest did not marry James and Kasia, however, as James’ cousin is also a priest! He is the one who actually married these two and gave the homily over their marriage celebration. As you can imagine, more stories were brought up only this time, from James’ childhood : ) I loved how the words spoken during the mass were so intentional and heartfelt — it really made everything so special! In addition to these two men, there were FIVE other priests in attendance at the wedding ceremony — one all the way from Puerto Rico! The priest made a joke that when couples have more than one priest at their wedding (which is the norm) they either deserve it or they need it ; ) He couldn’t say enough about how these two deserved it!!

We had the most GORGEOUS weather for James and Kasia’s day — truly perfect with partly cloudy skies and mid-70 degree temperatures — and all the details of the day were so beautiful : ) Kasia was BEAMING all day long and I kept telling her she looked like a Barbie!! She was such a stunning bride and while her dress and hair and makeup added to the beauty, it really was her JOY and smile that radiated!

James and Kasia compliment each other so well and I have no doubt they have nothing but a rich and full life ahead of them : ) Lots of children, lots of laughter, and careers that are helping others in an impactful way. It was such an honor to document their day and gosh, I’d say we better get to the photos right?! ENJOY : )!!!

It is Polish custom for the groom to bring the bride a bouquet of flowers when they first see each other on their wedding day!

A special Polish blessing from both parents : )

I always love this moment!!!!

This is a letter from the POPE written to James and Kasia for their wedding day!! Amazing!

Such a beautiful church!! I love a timeless shot like this : )

Such gorgeous flowers by Aga Wedding and Event Decor!!!

LOVE : )

A favorite for sure!!!

Another Polish wedding tradition occurs when the bride and groom arrive to the reception. The parents of the bride are waiting with a special loaf of bread and then two shot glasses — one is filled with water and the other vodka! The bride and groom each take a shot glass (they don’t know which is which) and whoever gets the vodka is said to “wear the pants in the relationship” : ) James got the vodka!!! They then toss the glasses on the ground behind them!

Kasia and her mom then changed into different dresses for the reception! Both are so stunning, don’t you think!? : )

A special thank you to James & Kasia’s wedding day team!

Ceremony Location: St. Ferdinand Catholic Church | Reception Venue: The Belvedere Chateau | Videography: Victor Studio | Florist: Aga Wedding and Event Decor | Cake: Sweet Catering Chicago | Bridesmaid Dresses: Vera Wang | Menswear: GQ Formalwear | Wedding Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas | Party Bus: Emperor Limousine

Weddings

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