Daydreaming in The Walled Garden – Alishe & Cassaundra

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A note from the photographer:

I had a dream a few months back to throw a huge party that celebrates love in its various forms. I thought it was essential to create imagery that showcased love as love, and in a really unique way, the idea of a mass wedding celebration for my friends and family in the LGBTQ community came up.

This party needed to be hosted in a place that also honors diversity and would be supported by a crew that sees the importance of joining together to really walk the talk.

Without sliding down the slippery political slope, I just wanted to do something that would unite instead of divide. So with a good deal of inspiration and enough post-election nausea, I picked up my head and made a few calls. The Chicago Athletic Association gladly obliged and offered their incredible venue for the celebration. This was a perfect fit as the CAA continues to break down the boundaries their storied walls once held and welcomed my idea with open arms.

I curated a team of my favorite Chicago wedding vendors: Artistic Blooms on floral, Marquette Avenue Events on wedding planning, Leap Weddings on video, and Windy City Dinner Fairy on sweet treats. Together we put this vision to work.

The project became known as A Love Supreme, and we invited couples to participate in this unique wedding event this spring. We were excited to receive a tremendous response upon going public with the invite. But ultimately, as we neared closer to our April 9th wedding day, the group decided that sharing one couple’s unique and personal journey to marriage equality would best serve the initial vision; breaking down barriers and celebrating love as love true.

So with that, I was so thrilled to meet our most beautiful couple, Alishe and Cassaundra, and we began to tell their love story. With our excellent floral designer’s vision, the organizational strengths of an A+ planner, and the backdrop of this gorgeous wedding venue. The photo and video team went to work with our stunning subjects.

Alishe and Cassaundra, your love is an inspiration. Your strength, beauty, and dedication to being real are what my dreams are made of! Having the opportunity to work with you both, to invite your friends and family to celebrate your love and curate a collection of imagery to highlight love in all its forms has inspired not only my team but the entire crew of collaborators that helped make the vision real.