JESSICA + PHILLIP

Alton IL & Aeries Winery Grafton IL

3/23/19

It’s truly the setting for a romantic movie. Beautiful girl visits sister in downtown Chicago apartment, steps on an elevator to head home, the handsome neighbor runs out of his apartment and pops onto the same elevator, says hello and there’s an instant connection. That’s the story of how Jessica and Phillip first met.

As fate would have it, she saw the handsome guy she’d met in the elevator a month later at a charity event. She walked right up to him to say hello, and he immediately remembered her. This time though, he made sure he got her number. Soon after, they went on their first date at the SoHo House in Chicago and the two hit it off perfectly.

As with any romantic movie, there’s a big, climatic moment that changes everything. The moment happened on an August day just like any other, but it was a day that would change the rest of Phillip and Jessica’s lives. That morning Jessica had discovered she was pregnant. She needed to share this news with Phillip in person, but didn’t know how she’d make it happen. Jessica was at a rotation for PA school and although sometimes she and Phillip would meet for lunch if they could, this day she was 45 minutes north of the city and didn’t see how there would be time. Ironically, this was the day Phillip decided to surprise her and show up to take her to lunch.
They went to a beach on Lake Michigan, and she gently shared the news that she was pregnant. He immediately picked her up off her feet, and excitedly said “We are so ready for this!”

Not only were they ready to be parents, but they were also ready to commit to spending life together. The two got engaged, but put their focus on the baby that was on the way first. Nora Christine was born on 4/14/18 and became the light of Jessica and Phillip’s world. She gives them a purpose and closeness they never knew possible. Their love for one another and Nora is a deep connection that is visible even to an outsider. It’s a remarkably special love and adoration that finishes off the love story completely perfectly.

BUT WAIT!!! That actually isn’t the end to this beautiful story!! The story comes to a beautiful crescendo on 3/23/19 – when in a church packed with family and friends and with Nora by their side, Jessica and Phillip officially said “I do” to forever. It was a promise that was already made in their hearts, a promise that was already made to their baby girl, but a promise they wanted to make official in front of those that matter.

We were lucky enough to capture this part of their story, and are excited to share a peek into it today!!
Enjoy Jessica and Phillip’s wedding day!! <3

Jessica is a complete knock out, that’s for sure! But her with her sweet baby Nora is when you see her truest beauty.

Love this family so much! We had the joy of capturing Jessica’s sister Meredith as she and AJ said “I do” 8 years ago!! We never forgot this beautiful family and their strong love for one another. Feeling so blessed to be part of that again!

Jessica and Phillip’s first look said everything we needed to know about the couple. The way she looks at him – she so clearly respects and admires him. He is her everything. The way he treasures her. He is captivated by her and adores her completely. He is completely devoted. The two hold one another up so high, and truly have something special.

Did I mention that these two also look like movie stars? Holy moly – gorgeous!

And then there is that beautiful girl who completes them. It really doesn’t get any sweeter!

And yes, the good looking keeps coming…

Jessica and Phillips were hoping that Nora would be at a point she could make it down the aisle for the ceremony. Not quite 1 years old, she wasn’t in 100% walking form yet, but with some assistance she made it all the way down and stole the show!

Grooms take note – this is the most romantic and kind way to greet your bride when she reaches you at the altar. Phillip definitely knows how to show love to Jessica and Nora.

After a quick stop for just the couple, it was time to celebrate!!

It’s no wonder Nora is so beautiful – look at these genes she has to work with!! Such attractive families!

Even this little gal was ready to celebrate!

The most memorable moment of the day – Our first dance with Nora Christine!
Advice for future bride/grooms – Never go to bed angry with one another
Songs – May I have this dance by Francis and the Lights (our first dance)
Have it all by Jason Mraz (first dance with Nora)
Other wedding professionals who made the day perfect –
Millennium productions: DJ
An affair to remember: floral/decor
Sweet Indulgences: cake

Can’t get enough? See more of Jessica and Phillip’s beautiful day below!!