Monica & James: Intimate Comida Restaurant Wedding, Evanston, IL
Monica and James were supposed to be my first wedding of 2020, but thanks to the pandemic, we had to wait a whole year to celebrate their union to each other at their intimate Comida Restaurant wedding in Evanston, IL. Monica and James’ day was beautiful in every way, and I’m so excited to share their story as my first wedding of 2021!
Getting Ready
Monica and James started their wedding day with the people closest to them, getting ready in two luxurious suites at Evanston’s Hilton Garden Inn. Monica and her mom took turns helping each other zip up dresses and affix final details, while James and his best man did the same.
The First Look
It was important to Monica and James to have a moment together that was just for the two of them, so we planned their first look at the secluded Shakespeare Garden on Northwestern University’s campus. This beautiful couple saw each other for the first time surrounded by golden sunshine among the budding trees and spring tulip blooms.
Wedding Day Portraits
Before COVID-19 changed everything in 2020, Monica and James had planned to host a large celebration at the Woman’s Club of Evanston; while the pandemic forced them to pivot in terms of venue and the scale of their event, they still wanted to incorporate elements of their original plan on their new date. So, as we made a brief bus tour around Evanston for their wedding day portraits, it seemed only natural to stop at their original venue!
Monica and James shared some more intimate moments together on the front steps of the Woman’s Club of Evanston before popping some bubbly to set the mood for the rest of the day!
We also created some of my favorite images of Monica and James (along with their families and wedding party) underneath the dramatic arches of Northwestern University’s Alice Millar chapel on the way back to their venue for the wedding ceremony!
The Comida Restaurant Wedding
Monica and James tied the knot in an intimate ceremony with their immediate families about about 25 guests for their Comida Restaurant wedding. The pair carefully crafted personalized vows to share, affirming their commitment to each other, acknowledging everything they had been through together, and how their experience planning a wedding through the COVID-19 pandemic had even made them stronger and better as a couple.
The Reception
Monica and James hosted a relaxed and welcoming reception for the Comida Restaurant wedding. We all enjoyed three amazing courses of traditional tapas throughout the evening. The best man and maid of honor shared heartfelt greetings that had us both laughing and crying throughout the night.
The couple expertly repurposed the floral arch from their ceremony as an informal selfie booth for additional fun photos with their guests as well!
James’ dad was so overcome with emotion he had to join in the mother-son dance and share a few heartfelt words with his family.
Monica and James carefully planned their Comida Restaurant wedding celebration with plenty of fun for their guests throughout the night, including personalized wedding cookie favors, and a selfie-style guestbook!
The staff at Comida generously surprised the happy couple and all of their guests with a round of mini margaritas for a special toast at the end of the night!
Monica and James, Stacy and I had so much fun serving and celebrating with you at your Comida Restaurant wedding. It was a privilege to be included in this chapter of your love story! We wish you all the best on your new journey together as husband and wife!
Vendor Team
Photography: Joshua Harrison Photography
Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Evanston
Beauty: Rare Bird Beauties
Jewelry: Brilliant Earth
Stationery: Eight21 Studios
Floral: Bloom Magic Weddings
Venue & Catering: Comida Restaurant Evanston
Cake: Deerfield’s Bakery
Cookies: The Crafty Cookier
Are you engaged and looking for a Chicago Wedding Photographer? Reach out today for my very best availability.