I just searched for “Definition of happy” on Google. I half expected these two and their smiling faces to pop up. “Cheerful, cheery, merry, joyful, jovial, jolly, gleeful, carefree, untroubled, delighted, smiling, beaming, grinning, in good spirits, in a good mood, lighthearted, pleased, contented, content, satisfied, gratified, buoyant, radiant, sunny, blithe, joyous…” I mean….. yep. Look at this photo above of BJ + Colleen on their wedding – they are in fact, the literal definition of H A P P Y. And I got to be there capturing their ridiculously happy love story – could I be luckier?! No. I loved every second, I was thrilled to be there.
It was about the 47th wedding BJ has been in that I have shot – so he was a pro despite never playing the role of groom before. Colleen, well Colleen has this smile that makes you just want to come hang out with her, because clearly fun will be had when you are around her + that smile! So photographing that babe was easy, and them together, they just make each other laugh! This day was packed with, dare I say it, SOMUCHHAPPYLOVE. Now if you’ve been to a Phelan wedding recently, you may have read those very words on here before. That’s not my fault, it isn’t a line! There is something wonderful that comes from that awesome family + those lucky people around them. It was such an honor to be back around this crew again, and getting to hangout and photograph Colleen + BJ was just the best. They make you happy after all! 
Dad, I promised! 
Trying to sneak some peeks of the bride! 
Colleeeeeeeeen. You vision you!
I kept trying to candidly snap a shot of Colleen – without fail she would know it and whip around – even into the sunlight – and flash that smile at me! 
And then it was time for my most favorite part of the day…. first looook! 
Yes!
Yes! Yes!
I love you two. 
Y’all are real sweet together. 
Love, love, love!
I mean, obsessed. 
Pre ceremony prepping : )
BOOOOM – MARRIED!
Like, she knew all my ninja moves… kept catching me! 
Out to the lovely Odyssey Country Club we went to party!
And now, a few words from our newlyweds!
Would you have done anything differently?: We honestly don’t think we would have done a single thing differently! Everything was perfect!
Favorite moment from your day?: Our favorite moment was being announced into the reception as Mr. and Mrs. Phelan and seeing all our friends and family who came to celebrate with us!
Any tips or tricks for future couples planning their weddings?: HIRE LAURIE! She’s amazing. Haha Honestly, probably just to focus on planning only one thing at a time. That’s what we did and wedding planning went smoothly.
…..laurie here, thanks guys, I am blushing.
You guys can hear BJ laughing in this one right?! 
First dance :: Ray Lamontagne “You are the Best Thing”
Grandma admiring this dance was just the best! 
Annnnnnnnnd #nailedit
Colleen + BJ – you two are the best. Thank you for sharing that incredibly contagious happy love of yours with us, and with the world. It definitely makes us all better humans for having known you two 🙂 Getting to capture this day of yours was a true honor and we loved every second of it! Thank you, thank you so very much for inviting us in to your day + trusting us with these important memories of yours. Congrats newlyweds!! xoxo – laurie 
Ummmmmmmmm. This many elle rose brides in one place?!?! What luck – look at these babes I’ve been so lucky to work with over the last 8 years – so very thankful.
Need a little childcare during photos, Nicki’s got you covered. Veils are all me – I’ve put in, removed, saved a record number of veils on wedding days. Trust me. 
Vendor Love to Second Shooter :: Nicki /// Florist :: Fasan Florist /// Bride :: Stella York from Martellen’s Bridal /// Earrings :: BHLDN Chicago /// Shoes :: kate spade new york /// Bridesmaids :: WToo by Watters /// Hair :: Marlo Salon, Inc. /// Makeup :: MaryAnna Makeup /// Menswear :: Formally Modern Tuxedo /// Sweets :: Cozzies Creations /// Band :: The Walk-ins
