INDEPENDENCE GROVE LIBERTYVILLE WEDDING: CHICAGO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER: MELISSA MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY: TYLER + TARA

They stood on the hilltop for their first look and to then read their letters to each other. I sure hope reading each other's letters together becomes more of a thing. It was such a personal and intimate way to start their wedding day together.

So much so that the we didn't see that the storm was brewing just over the water. Charcoal skies and gusty winds blew in real quick! They had to make the call as to whether they should move their ceremony that was to be outdoors in the Native Garden ceremony indoors. And quite honestly, I had to decide if being in a remote spot, atop a hill, with weather brewing was safe, or stupid. (: So I pulled out my phone and checked my more detailed weather app. (I personally find the Dark Skies app to be the most consistently accurate). The odds were saying it truly could go either way. But amidst the completely dark sky, we saw a little blip of light. It wasn't even sunshine. But it was just enough to give hope, and they made the decision to stay, and to keep the ceremony as is. You guys... It was a dream! It couldn't have been better. We so easily could have missed it.

There will be storms in life. Literally, and metaphorically. Times where the forecast could go either way. Times where the darkness brings enough risk, you question whether to stay. Find that little light. That hope, however small it may be at the time, when it finally draws near, it's so worth the risk.

Tyler + Tara, you guys.... What a day! Your happiness & laughter out-shadowed even the threat of a dark storm. You took the risk together, and didn't let external circumstances determine what your day would be for you. Such a symbolic way to start your marriage! Absolutely loved capturing your incredible wedding day!