Hannah & Mike

The Story

The story began when Hannah and Mike met at one of Mike's infamous lakeside bonfires in Twin Lakes. Hannah was actually a guest of the neighbors' that weekend and she wandered over to Mike's. After shooting Mike down at least five times Hannah finally agreed to go on a date with Mike and the rest is history; 7 years of pre-wedding history to be exact.

When Hannah and Mike got engaged, it happened during a family trip to the US Virgin Islands. They had vacationed there before a few times and Mike had brought Hannah back to a hike that they had done together a few years prior. The location was on top of the ruins above Leinster Bay, on St. Johns island, Mike popped the question!

The Wedding

Hannah and Mike's wedding venue was very unique. They always knew they wanted to get married at the lake. Mike had insisted on getting married ON the lake, not just at the lake. A few sketches later, Mike and Hannah convinced themselves that they could build their own venue. It was incredible to say the least.

Hannah's dress was from BHLDN. She fell in love with it online, along with five other dresses. She bought them all one day online and then headed for BHLDN's Chicago location to try them on and figure out which one she really loved. She landed on a fit and flare lace adorned gown; the scalloped lace details on the hem and train were really what caught her eye. It had actually just sold out in her size, but thankfully was one of the five she had purchased earlier in the week. 

Instead of doing a first look, Hannah and Mike took a few pictures on the pier just before the wedding but Mike's back was to Hannah. The first time Mike saw Hannah was when her father was walking her down the isle ( or the pier in their case). Mike was thinking thank god there is nothing left to build and Hannah was praying that she wouldn't trip. But actually they were both tearing up and so excited to get the ceremony over with, so they could party the night away with all their family and friends.

The ceremony and reception were both held on Mike and Hannah's property on the North End of Lake Elizabeth. Hannah and Mike tied the knot floating over the lake surrounded by the singing crickets and toads. It was the ultimate outdoor venue. The ceremony was held on a custom-built floating pier that Mike, his neighbors and friends built in the months leading up to the wedding. The newlyweds have spent the months since the wedding designing the house they're now working on building on the same property.

Hannah and Mike's menu was framed around their venue. They were getting married outside in the fall with a lake and barn as their backdrop. There was only one direction they wanted to go and that was barbecue. The couple also has a penchant for cheese, and was so excited that Bubbs put together such a stellar cheese table for their cocktail hour.

The decor for Hannah and Mike's wedding was what they liked to call "country chic".  It was a mix of barn style wedding decorations crossed with formal fun. They wanted people to feel like they were outdoors but with the comforts of a grand ballroom.

Hannah and Mike's favorite part of their big day was when about halfway through their wedding everyone wandered back to the pier. They then launched over 50 wish lanterns with all of their guests. Watching faces light up out the darkness as the lanterns were lit and then seeing them fly across the sky as a group made for a really special, relaxed moment on such an hectic day.

Hannah and Mike are planning a trip to Chile in the fall of 2018!

Congrats Mr. & Mrs. Berry!!

Featured Vendors:

Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas

Ceremony/ Reception: Mike and Hannah's Lake Property

Dessert: Bodi's Bakery

Floral: Marry Me Floral

Music: Personal Touch

Rentals: Blue Peak

Photography: Grey Spoon Photography

Dress: BHLDN- Chicago

Event planning services: All Occasion's Catering- Wendi & Andrea

Hair/ Make-up: Bianca Sansosti Artistry of Chicago

Skin/ Lashes: Luminere Esthetics and Wellness of Chicago