Abby & Mike's Wedding at Lehman Park and Serve & Swig
I recently had the pleasure of photographing Abby and Mike’s wedding, and it was such a memorable day. We started with bridal portraits at Hastings Lake Forest Preserve in Lake Villa, Illinois. This was my first time meeting Abby, and we connected right away. Her sister, who was also a bridesmaid, had already scouted out all the best spots, so we walked around and captured some great moments.
A personal highlight for me was learning that Abby’s cousin, another bridesmaid, is an active-duty Navy pilot flying the UH-60 helicopter. As a veteran of the 101st Airborne Division, I spent a lot of time as a passenger in that same helicopter. I always enjoy working with fellow veterans, and it was fun to share that connection.
We had to cut the bridal portraits a little short due to some persistent bees, but afterward, we headed over to Lehman Park in Lake Villa to meet Mike and his groomsmen for their portraits. The couple had chosen not to see each other before the ceremony, which added to the excitement of the day.
The ceremony was held at Lehman Park, officiated by Mike’s childhood friend Elliot, an Episcopal priest. After the ceremony, we moved into family formals and bridal party portraits, but one of my favorite moments was a creative shot inspired by a popular TikTok trend. Abby and Mike were seated in the back seat of their car, and I captured them through the rearview mirror while their family and friends took photos from outside. It was a fun way to incorporate everyone into a unique, candid moment!
The reception took place just a few blocks away at Mike’s brother’s bar, Serve & Swig. Abby and Mike’s family made me feel right at home, which helped me get some great candid shots throughout the night.
Overall, it was a fantastic day, and I’m so happy to have been part of it. Congratulations, Abby and Mike!
“Thomas was an absolute pleasure to work with! From the moment we met, he made us feel at ease with his friendly and approachable demeanor. He was easygoing, professional, and handled every detail seamlessly, ensuring that we felt comfortable throughout the entire process. He took the time to understand our vision, and his creative direction truly brought it to life. We never felt rushed or pressured, and he perfectly balanced being involved while also letting moments unfold naturally. His attention to detail and commitment to capturing genuine moments really show in his work. We would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a talented and reliable photographer and will definitely use his services again in the future!”