We are truly grateful to
Stacy Saltzman for introducing us to this beautiful family. I mean, who doesn't love when you get to leave a meeting with a handful of delicious bakery goods?
Sammi's dad, Marc, is a fifth generation bakery owner. His grandparents started
Leonard's Bakery in 1908 on the south side of Chicago. Marc opened the current Leonard's in Northbrook in 1987 and wow, it's incredible! You must go there and try his Kiddish Cake. It's so delicious!
We felt an instant connection with Sammi and Lee... and Marc. They were all so inviting and it was wonderful getting to know their story. Sammi and Lee met in high school and had dated for 10 years before he proposed at Walt Disney Exhibit at the Museum of Science & Industry. The perfect spot close to home because Sammi was a huge Disney fan!
I lost it a little bit when Sammi shared the loss of her mom. Sammi is an only child and she was best friends with her mom, Judy. They talked about wedding plans together ever since she got engaged. Judy didn't make it to Sammi's wedding but there is no doubt in my mind that her mom was there every step of the way as she planned the most magical wedding ever. Sammi and Lee celebrated her mom throughout their entire wedding with a beautiful poem, and a beautiful letter which they wrote to her. Judy became an artist in her later part of life and painted the most beautiful painting for Sammi and Lee when they moved into their apartment. They hung this painting in the room where cocktail hour was and all the guests were taking photos with it.
I could go on and on about how incredible this family is, in fact, I sit here with tear filled eyes writing this post. Bob and I are so thankful to know them and to have photographed this important day in their lives. Sammi and Lee... and Marc... thank you, thank you, thank you for trusting us with your wedding day!
Thank you to
Rich Chapman for 2nd shooting this wedding with Bob! We couldn't have done this without you!
xoxo!
~ Dawn and Bob
