Peninsula Hotel Chicago Notre Dame Basilica Wedding Photography by Elena Bazini.

A lot happens on a wedding day! You get dressed up to the nines, marry the one you love, and party til the wee hours with friends and family. But throw in a multi-day celebration and a drive across state lines like Amanda and Kevin did and we really mean a lot happened. From a beautiful morning ceremony at the breathtaking Notre Dame Basilica in South Bend, to an evening reception in the heart of downtown Chicago, this couple created a wedding day I didn’t know existed. Each location was stunning in it’s own way. We loved strolling the beautiful campus of Notre Dame for photos, where Amanda and Kevin first met. Their romantic candlelight Peninsula Hotel reception designed by Kehoe was one for the books.

Some of my favorite moments included photographing inside what is probably the most beautiful church I’ve ever set foot in (and getting all the goosebumps), a choreographed first dance that was graceful perfection, and a heartfelt song sung by the parents of the groom that made us tear up. Thanks to Amanda and Kevin for taking us on this journey with you. Your energy was contagious, and you made a gorgeous bride and groom! Please enjoy this Peninsula Hotel Chicago Notre Dame Basilica Wedding!

Congratulations again to a lovely couple! Thanks for making me a part of your multi-day, multi-state wedding celebration. Wishing you all the best! xo- Elena

The fabulous team of wedding vendors includes!

Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony at the Park Hyatt Chicago.

If you’ve scrolled this far down, that means you want to see more. And you are in luck! The day before Kevin and Amanda’s epic wedding, they had an intimate and traditional tea ceremony at the Park Hyatt in Chicago. I loved the traditional elements, like serving tea to elders, and red garments for the bride and groom. And it was such fun to see Kevin tackle the tasks put forth by Amanda’s bridesmaids in order to enter the room. From performing a Backstreet Boys song with his groomsmen to eating plates full of his least favorite foods, I’d say he earned his entrance. This was such a fun way to kick off a wedding weekend. I hope you enjoy!

Are you recently engaged and planning a wedding of your own? Reach out and say hello. We would love to tell you story!

2 Comments

Karen on October 2, 2017 at 2:20 pm

Oh Elena, I knew after I saw Steve and Katie Grubb’s engagement and wedding pictures that you took; you were a special person besides being so talented. Everyone of these pictures from Notra Dame which happens to be a short drive from where we live are stunning. But as I strolled down to the end of your blog the Tea ceremony brought a special meaning to this family and to be a part of it had to be a joy to watch through the eyes of a camera. Keep on making lasting memories for many family now and in the future. P.S. Update on the Grubb’s They are now parents to Rose who turned 2 July 4 and Joseph (aka Joey or Big Joe) who was born April 13,2017. Everyone is doing fantastic!
Elena Bazini on October 4, 2017 at 4:03 pm

Thanks so much, Karen! That means a lot to me. So glad to hear everyone is doing well!