Shannon + Michael ~ Salvatore’s Restaurant Wedding ~ Chicago Wedding Photography

I would never wish rain upon anyone on their wedding day… but I must say, if it were to rain during anyone’s wedding day – Shannon and Michael were definitely two of the most relaxed people I’ve ever seen about it! In fact, they didn’t even bat an eye! We managed to get through their First Look and a handful of portraits when Michael noticed the radar on his phone was showing a BIG impending storm. It looked like the rain was moments away and so we high-tailed it back to the hotel, just reaching the front doors when the sprinkles began. After that initial sprinkle came a serious downpour that made it look dark as night at 3pm! Thankfully we were already planning to be indoors for the rest of the day for the ceremony and reception – so no plans really had to get moved around too much because of the storm. In fact, if you ask me – it made the warm reception at Salvatore’s all the more cozy! It was the perfect place to be on a stormy night in the city… celebrating the love between these two truly amazing people.

I love Shannon and Michael’s love story – and that it happened so quickly (much like James and myself). I love that they just “knew” early on, and I love even more that you would never know that about them because it seems like they’ve been together for years and years and years! And I love that they are animal lovers and donated money to the Anti-Cruelty Society in memory of their dog, Izzy, in lieu of favors. (Can you tell I like these two?! haha)

Shannon & Michael ~ Thank you so much for having us be a part of your day! You guys treated us like old friends hanging out with you all day and were so amazingly low-key and wonderful throughout this entire process – I cannot thank you enough! I hope these photos do your day justice, because it was truly beautiful from the inside out. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness and dog cuddles! xoxo ~ Christy & James 🙂

Side note: These were two of the best maid of honor & best man speeches we’ve ever heard! They made you laugh & cry… just the perfect mix of oh-so-funny & touching. (And we’ve heard a lot of speeches!)