Hotel Arista Naperville Wedding – Alina and Mike

Hotel Arista Naperville Wedding

Two years ago, on a hot summer day my friend Paula and I set out for an adventure. Paula is the boss babe of Pink With Diamonds. Her client was about to propose to his girlfriend and we were supposed to be stealthy and sneaky and follow her around capturing the moments leading up to the proposal. Then, one year later, we had the opportunity to photograph Alina and Mike for their official engagement photographs. We feel like we've been so lucky to document this couples love along the way that the wedding day was a really big deal for us! 

Firstly, their Hotel Arista Naperville wedding was a true fairy tale. Everything was so tastefully done creating such beautiful memories. If you've never had the chance to visit Naperville, please do yourself a favor and explore this beautiful town. Secondly, it's one of the best feelings when you arrive in the morning and the bride tells you that they trust you 100% and will follow your lead. We cannot express enough how blessed we are to have a couple like this. We had total artistic freedom to create the vision that we had in mind for Alina and Mike. Thirdly and most importantly, all of their friends and family that surrounded them on their wedding day were incredible. Each individual that we had the opportunity to meet was so kind and gracious. We were almost pinching ourselves because of all of the love and kindness we witnessed throughout this wedding. 

Alina had the most gorgeous and elegant dress from Bella Bianca Bridal. We love that she decided to go a different route and chose a dress in a blush pink color. It fit her perfectly. We were also in love with her tasteful and comfortable Chloe flats. Having comfortable shoes gave us more time and freedom to walk to all of the locations we had in mind for their photographs. 

Mike and his groomsmen were equally fun. We love the idea that Mike gifted all of his groomsmen matching Cole Haan shoes. This is a great gift that will be used often we believe. Also, all the groomsmen looked dapper in the matching shoes. Another piece of detail that stuck out to us was that Mike went a different route with his boutinneer. You can check that out in the photographs below. 

One of our favorite moments during Alina and Mike's wedding was the first look. Oh my goodness, the way Mike looked at Alina when he saw her for the first time gave us butterflies in our stomachs. Actually, the way they both looked into each other's eyes was everything. We are so lucky to witness that and document their true love for one another. 

Their ceremony was at St. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Naperville. This is the Cathedral that Alina was attending before she met Mike and once they met in college they were coming here together. It was their dream to have the ceremony there. The Cathedral is a treasure right next to the heart of downtown Naperville. 

Now, the reception was a true party. The way they decorated the room was a true transformation. It looked incredible and very high end. Everything was tastefully picked and arranged. After cocktail hour, the true party began. Not once was the dance floor empty. It was such an adventure for us sneaking in circles to capture the best moments. 

We hope you enjoy the moments we got to capture for Alina's and Mike's Hotel Arista Naperville wedding. Please leave a comment below to congratulate Alina and Mike!