Surprise Honky Tonk BBQ Wedding : Deidra and Juan

Deidra and Juan were referred to me through a friend and when I heard what they had planned I was so happy they booked me for their Chicago party. They both live in New York and have family there and Chicago. They decided not to have a typical wedding but instead made two great parties of it. They planned two parties and told each side of their families they were having an engagement party, one in New York for Juan's side of the family and Deidra's mother. Then the next day, another engagement party for Deidra's dad and family that lives in Chicago. They secretly got married at a courthouse in New York right before these two parties. At the engagement parties the families were notified that this was not an engagement party but a celebration of their marriage. I had the privilege of capturing their Chicago surprise party. Their Chicago party was held at Honky Tonk BBQ which has a lovely outdoor set up for events. As guests arrived, Juan and Deidra hid from their guests and had a cousin deliver a note to Deidra's father informing him that this engagement party is actually a surprise wedding party!!! They had an intimate ceremony and then had one great casual party, just the way they wanted. Take a look into their day.

Deira's mom and aunt were able to join the ceremony via FaceTime.

A touching/powerful moment in the ceremony as the whole family laid hands on the couple for a prayer.

So much joy and emotion went on after the ceremony and it was palpable. There was no walking down the aisle as Mr. and Mrs., but embraces all around as the family couldn't wait to congratulate the couple. I loved that an emotional mom and aunt were on the phone and dad was in the background of this shot being hugged by a family member with so much love . Mom may of been many miles away but she was surely present in this moment due to modern technology.