JEFF + DANA

LOEWS CHICAGO WEDDING, ODYSSEY RIVER CRUISE WEDDING: MELISSA MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY: JEFF + DANA

“I knew we'd need a backup plan. The boat was actually Plan C, the church was Plan B, and Plan A was marrying her a long, long time ago. Pretty much the day I met her.” Jim, The Office.

They had to change some plans, but they said: “I do” on a boat sailing down the Chicago River, then had a family cocktail party reception on the rooftop of Loews Chicago hotel. Can’t imagine two spots with bigger, jaw-dropping views of the city. And can’t imagine not seeing (or capturing) my high school best friend’s wedding day.

At the end of the night, many of the groom’s friends lounged, had some drinks, and shared some of their more wild memories. They asked if I had any "dirt" on Dana, the bride, from growing up? And honestly, I don’t. She is the one person in my life growing up that could have taken a left, but she stuck with the much less commonly traveled road with me, on and in the right. So if by "dirt" they mean for me to share something people don’t readily know about her sure... She’s quite possibly the most sarcastic person I know, (and and yet if you’ve had the privilege of having her in your life for the past 25 years, she’s easily one of the most loyal. She does absolutely nothing for show. And my goodness, is that refreshing in today’s world. She could care less what you think, but will do everything for you. She booked her wedding venue site-un-seen because it’d be convenient for her family. Her reception had no toasts where people could brag on them. No first, second, or any dances, the attention is never about her.

These characteristics aren’t unknown to those who know her well. I claim it as "dirt" as the people in her life probably wouldn’t know what all she does to make their life better. Call it easy going. Call it selfless. I call it Dana. Congrats friend.