Amanda and I worked together at Target back in the day during high school/college. I was able to follow along as Amanda and Tony’s relationship began and I’m so glad they asked me to capture their wedding day!
I love hearing stories of how couples met and Amanda and Tony’s story is one of my favorites for sure! Amanda was working as a Kindergarten teacher and Tony worked at the same school at an after-school program. On Dr. Seuss’ birthday, the school was celebrating and Amanda dressed up as Cat in the Hat. It caught Tony’s eye and he used that as an icebreaker to talk to Amanda and get to know her better.
Fast-forward a couple years later to their engagement – It was right before Thanksgiving and the art teacher at their school told Amanda to come to her room for a presentation. Each of the kids had signs saying why they were thankful. It turns out they were quotes from Tony written by his second-grade students. They flipped the signs over and it read “Will you marry me?” Then Tony came into the room with the ring!
The week leading up to their wedding, the forecast called for rain, but the day of their wedding we lucked out and the temperature was in the mid-seventies with clear skies! Keep scrolling to read more about their day at the Lighthouse Restaurant in Cedar Lake!
Isn’t Amanda and Tony’s dog, Sadie, the cutest?! I love when couples incorporate their furry friends on their wedding day!
I can never find my name on a Coca-cola bottle, but they did!
Amanda’s necklace belonged to her grandmother. Her grandfather bought it for her during WWII and all their grandchildren have worn it on their wedding day.
This handkerchief belonged to Amanda’s great-grandmother. Her mom gave it to her to use on her wedding day. So sweet!
Before Amanda’s first dance with her father, her mom told everyone a story about how Amanda’s name was almost Brandy when she was born. Her dad still calls her that, so for their first dance, they danced to Brandy by Looking Glass!
You may be wondering, “why is that bridesmaid holding a brick?” Well, Krystal, the maid of honor, shared the sweetest story during her speech. Basically, during one of her and Amanda’s adventures, they took a paver brick as a joke and Krystal kept it. Amanda didn’t know, but Krystal wrote the date of their adventure on the brick which was July 15th (her wedding day), but a few years prior. Crazy! There wasn’t a dry eye in the room.
Vendor Shout-out!
Bridal Gown: Eva’s Bridal International
Bridal Jewelry: Rue Gembon
Bridal Shoes: Walkin on Air
Bridesmaid Dresses: Elegance
Hairstylist: Sheri Wandachowicz
Makeup Artist: Samantha Graff
Tuxedos: Dunhill Tuxedos
Florist: Cedar Lake Florist
Bakery: Calumet Bakery
Catering: Lighthouse Restaurant
Deejay: Javi Arceo
