Sarah & Soren

What do you get when you combine core childhood memories, a pickle obsession, and a couple who knows how to have a good time? An epic wedding. When we spoke with Sarah for her consultation and learned about her wishes to honor her late mother and create a from-scratch wedding at her childhood home, we knew we had to make it happen for her. We set to work designing a classically styled tented landscape in the backyard, preparing for a personalized ceremony at Sarah’s church, and supporting our bride as she traveled between Chicago and the East Coast with her fur baby sidekick, Trixie.

So if you know us, you know that we’re both sentimental, but you’ll definitely catch me crying happy tears before Natalie does. There is always something at each wedding that pulls at my heartstrings, but Sarah and Soren’s wedding was one that called for some tissues. Their first look took place in the memorial garden at the Norfield Congregational Church with a tree honoring Sarah’s mom in the background. Multiple family members shared that they could feel her mom’s presence surrounding them at the church. Watching Sarah process in with her dad, wearing a custom Anne Barge ballgown with a lace topper and veil, and taking Soren’s hands to begin the ceremony was so moving. Following a biodegradable confetti toss and exit to a vintage Rolls Royce, Sarah and Soren celebrated with their guests under a sailcloth tent in her backyard. Guests ordered signature cocktails at the bar, aptly named Trixie’s Tavern, learned fun facts about the couple on personalized napkins, and enjoyed options from the pickle bar which featured some of Sarah’s favorite varieties. Enter another tear jerker moment- Sarah and Soren met on their first day at Northwestern and Soren randomly met Sarah’s mom during dorm move in, not knowing that down the road they would become friends and eventually fall in love.

As guests entered the reception space they were greeted by dark wood farm tables, fragrant green garlands with lush white blooms, and the warm glow of candlelight and string lights strung across the tent. Small touches to honor Sarah’s mom were present throughout the space. The energy of the reception was running high with a multi-course dinner, rocking dance party, photo booth, and audio guest book all before an ice cream cake and gourmet donuts were served. The party continued with a dress change, McDonald’s delivery, and a fun group making memories until the early morning hour. From a serendipitous meeting in college, to hosting the wedding at home Sarah renovated with her dad, to a bridal party of friends and family who always knew this couple was meant to be, this couple’s love story is one for the books and we were honored to be a small part of it as they begin this next chapter of their lives together. Congratulations to Sarah and Soren!