Algonquin, IL Wedding Photographer | Daryn & Lillian

Algonquin, IL Wedding Photographer

Daryn and Lillian’s wedding almost felt like a family reunion for me. In the past year and a half I’ve photographed two of Daryn’s cousin’s weddings (Geoff & Stephanie and Erica & Mike!), and now his and Lillian’s! It’s kind of surreal to show up at a wedding and recognize almost half of the people there without actually being related to them myself. It’s something I could definitely get used to!!

Daryn and Lillian did things a little differently and decided to have their reception in their own backyard, which really added to the intimacy of their day. Obviously weddings are special events no matter what, but the fact that you can walk outside to your backyard and immediately relive your reception every single day is a pretty cool experience to have.

One of my favorite moments was doing their first look right out in their front yard…having Lillian walk out of her own front door to her almost husband. Of course I cried because I almost always cry and you’ll see in a moment how sweet it was, but it just felt a little more personal than normal. I know it ended up being a lot of work for Lillian and Daryn with not only the logistics of having a reception in a place that isn’t set up for one, but with fixing up the outside of their home (which looks AMAZING, btw!!), but I really think the memories made it all worth it.

Click here to see their engagement session

Favorite wedding day memory:

This is very hard, because everything was perfect, but having our friends and family there to help us celebrate made it so very memorable.

What they would have done differently:

I can honestly say that I would not have done anything differently. It was difficult putting it all together, since it was at our home. We had to do a lot of the work ourselves that banquet halls normally take care of, but it was worth it!

Best piece of advice for brides and grooms:

Be patient and take time for yourselves. Planning a wedding is stressful. Do little things to relax (e.g. simple dinners at homes, massages).

Honeymoon:

We will be going to Aruba for an all-inclusive honeymoon where we don't have to worry about anything!

Final Reflections

Our wedding was a day we will never forget.