September 25, 2025
A calm and emotional wedding day that screams “garden, timeless, classic and vintage” while also simultaneously partying with 200 of your favorite people all night – seems like a dream, right? That’s exactly how Emily and Andy’s wedding went at the Chevy Chase Country Club in the Chicago suburb of Wheeling. So many layers of emotion, mixed with classic details and a jam packed dance floor, it was absolutely a perfect day! I’m stoked to share all the details of their wedding in the Chicago suburbs below!
Classic and Vintage Garden Wedding in the Chicago Suburbs
All wedding days start with those intimate details that tie the elements of the day together. That was no different for Emily and Andy. Emily’s jewelry box played a KEY role in how this story unfolds. Their wedding colors were all chosen from this jewelry box that Emily had gotten way back in her single days before Andy – creating the base for this breathtaking, classic, vintage inspired wedding day!
Both Emily and Andy got ready and spent time with their closest friends and family where Emily wrote “ANDY” on the bottom of her shoe – the BEST nod to us 90s kids. We then jumped into first looks with bridesmaids, dad, and finally each other. They shared some tears and read their emotional private vows where Emily excitedly announced that she had written “Dear Future Husband Andrew William Gassman” for the very last time.
We worked our way through wedding party and family portraits (always great to knock these out before ceremony – more on this below), and took some absolutely dreamy and moody couples portraits in the ballroom and venue itself. Fun fact: the country club was once a hangout spot for Al Capone and his gang, so this space really did give the BEST timeless vintage vibes for their wedding day in the Chicago suburbs.
Ceremony and Partying at the Chevy Chase Country Club
The ceremony took place outside on the gorgeous patio. Emily and Andy both took communion before walking down the aisle to celebrate and sign their marriage license while friends and family enjoyed cocktail hour.
Before the party OFFICIALLY started for their Chicago suburbs wedding, we wanted to snag some sunset photos for that perfect golden hour glow. Their guests LOVE to dance and couldn’t contain it, so while we snuck out, the dance floor opened up for a bit before falling back into parent dances. Then it was finally time to pack that dance floor, and they went HARD. Literally hours of dancing and it… was…. a…. blast!
Tips for Your Wedding Day Timeline
Emily and Andy were able to enjoy their wedding day in the Chicago suburbs exactly the way they intended: embracing the calm and fun with all their loved ones and each other. The key to having a smooth wedding day is ALWAYS the timeline. Allowing enough time for all parts of the day is the best way to ensure you can go throughout your day with little to no stress. Here are some quick tips for planning your day:
- LOCATIONS: Going from a getting ready location to the ceremony and then to the reception takes time. Make sure you know how long travel to and from locations takes and add a few extra minutes for some flexibility.
- SIZE OF YOUR WEDDING PARTY: Sharing this day with your friends and family is important, but keep in mind how many people need hair and makeup as this takes time. The size of the wedding party also plays into how long wedding party portraits take.
- FIRST LOOK OR NOT: Planning a first look will allow most of your portraits to be taken prior to the ceremony. If you prefer to not do a first look, plan for extra time post ceremony to get these knocked out!
- GETTING READY & DANCE FLOOR: Not every couple cares to have getting ready candids or dance floor coverage. Decide if these are important to you to determine how much coverage you need.
For more in-depth info on how you could structure your day, check out this article about what different coverage and timelines look like.
An Unforgettable Wedding Day in the Chicago Suburbs
Emily and Andy are so loved by their people, it’s so evident in the photos and emotion behind this classic wedding day. Between their wedding party hyping them up, all the laughs during family photos, and the nonstop dancing FOR HOURS, this day was exactly as it was supposed to be. A day filled with love and laughter.
Whether you’re having your wedding in the Chicago suburbs or anywhere in the Midwest, I’d love to help tell you’re story. Make sure to contact me if you’re looking for someone to document your day!
Vendors
Venue: Chevy Chase Country Club
Second photographer: Leave Her Wild Photography
Video: Visil Photography
Gown: Grace and Ivory Official
Tux: Men’s Wearhouse
Shoes: Franco Sarto
Hair & Make Up: Hairs 2 the Bride
Florals: Purple Rose Florist
Officiant: Jason Helveston
Cake: Lovin Oven Cakery
DJ: John Marcopulos
Coordinator: Kylie Coordinates
Transportation: Luxury Ground Transportation
All love is affirmed & celebrated here.
Rachael Marie Photography values inclusivity and will never discriminate against your gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion, body type, or abilities. You are wonderful, beautiful, and loved here.
For the people who would rather be living the moment than posing for it.
I'm Rachael (she/her) by the way.
I'll give you direction when you need it and space when you don't. I believe the best photos aren't always the ones where everyone is looking at the camera.
Sometimes they're the ones where your best friend is crying. Your grandma is laughing.
Your partner is looking at you when you aren't paying attention. And someone is absolutely losing their mind on the dance floor.
Those are the photos I want to make.
