There’s something truly enchanting about a wedding at Bok Tower Gardens. The lush greenery, the timeless charm of the historic tower, and the serene surroundings create a magical atmosphere. Recently, I had the pleasure of capturing a wedding here that was full of meaningful details, heartfelt moments, and a touch of whimsy that made it unforgettable.

The bride’s attention to detail was evident right from the start. Her bridal accessories sparkled beautifully in the soft morning light. But what really caught my eye was her custom hanger—a delicate wooden piece with the iconic Bok Tower carved into it, setting the tone for the entire event. The couple took their love for Bok Tower to another level with 3D-printed centerpieces of the tower itself, each hand-painted and equipped with lights that illuminated during the reception, creating a stunning, ambient glow as night fell.

In addition to the breathtaking décor, the reception included a delightful candy bar that was a hit with both kids and adults. The cake toppers—a pair of adorable seals—brought a playful touch that perfectly captured the couple’s personality. To help guests find their seats, the couple opted for a mirrored seating chart, which added an elegant yet modern twist to the décor.

Getting Ready: A Moment of Reflection and Love

The bride prepared for her big day in the intimate bridal suite on-site, surrounded by her closest loved ones. Her mother was by her side, helping with those final touches and creating a sweet moment between mother and daughter. The small but charming space offered the perfect setting for capturing those quiet moments before the day’s festivities began.

The First Look: A Private Moment of Connection

I’m always a fan of first looks, and this couple’s moment was nothing short of magical. They chose the peaceful fountain area, where the groom waited anxiously to see his bride for the first time. As she approached, the overcast sky provided the perfect soft lighting—ideal for capturing their reactions. With no rain in sight, we had the freedom to explore the stunning gardens, taking portraits before the ceremony without the usual time constraints. This is one of the many benefits of a first look: it allows couples to spend more time enjoying their day while giving us extra opportunities for beautiful, relaxed portraits.

Why Choose a First Look?

First looks are becoming increasingly popular, and it’s easy to see why. Not only does it help ease pre-ceremony jitters, but it also allows for a more relaxed timeline, giving you the chance to take most of your portraits before the ceremony. This means you can join your guests sooner after the “I do’s” and fully immerse yourself in the celebration without worrying about squeezing in photos later. Plus, it’s an intimate moment shared between just the two of you—a chance to connect, share your emotions, and take in the gravity of the day ahead.

The Ceremony: Personal and Full of Love

The ceremony took place in the shadow of Bok Tower, surrounded by vibrant gardens. The bride’s maid of honor took on the role of officiant, bringing a deeply personal touch to the proceedings. One of the groomsmen, fully embracing his playful side, acted as the flower boy, much to the delight and laughter of the guests. The couple exchanged heartfelt vows from their personalized vow books before engaging in a hand-fasting ceremony—a beautiful tradition steeped in history.

What is Hand-Fasting?

Hand-fasting is an ancient Celtic tradition that symbolizes the binding of two lives. During the ceremony, the couple’s hands are wrapped together with cords, ribbons, or cloth, each representing different aspects of their relationship. The ritual dates back centuries and is where the phrase "tying the knot" originates. It’s a powerful, visual representation of the commitment the couple is making, and it added a truly meaningful layer to this already emotional ceremony.

There were tears of joy from everyone—from the bridal party to family members—as the couple declared their love and exchanged rings.

Fun and Laughter with the Bridal Party

One of my favorite parts of any wedding is photographing the bridal party, and this group did not disappoint. They were up for anything—silly poses, playful group shots, and some creative ideas that led to some of the most genuine, joy-filled images. I love it when the bridal party is willing to let loose and have fun; it’s often in these moments that some of the best memories are made.

We also took the opportunity to revisit the spot where the groom originally proposed. Recreating that special moment during their portrait session was a beautiful nod to their journey as a couple.

The Reception: A Celebration of Love and Joy

The reception was a lively, love-filled affair with a series of beautiful and memorable formalities:

• Grand Entrance: The couple made a grand entrance to cheers and applause, setting the tone for an evening of celebration.
• First Dance: The bride and groom shared a tender first dance, lost in each other’s eyes as they swayed to a song that held special meaning for them.
• Father-Daughter Dance: The bride’s dance with her father was a touching moment, a reminder of the love and support she’s had throughout her life.
• Mother-Son Dance: The groom and his mother shared a sweet dance, showcasing their close bond and the emotions of the day.
• Anniversary Dance: This fun tradition celebrated the longest-married couple at the wedding, offering a beautiful example of enduring love.
• Speeches: Heartfelt speeches from the maid of honor, best man, and family members brought tears, laughter, and more than a few happy sighs.
• Cake Cutting: The couple’s cake was as delightful as the candy bar, with the seal toppers stealing the show. Their playful cake cutting was full of giggles and frosting smears.
• Unique Bouquet Toss: In a twist on the classic bouquet toss, the bride had all the single ladies gather in a circle and hold onto a string attached to the bouquet. She then removed each string with her eyes closed until one lucky lady was left with the bouquet—a fun and suspenseful take on this wedding tradition.

To ensure every guest felt included, we also did table shots, where each table came up for a group photo with the bride and groom. This allowed the couple to connect with their guests in a more personal way and resulted in some great keepsakes for everyone.

A Day to Remember

This wedding at Bok Tower Gardens was a perfect blend of elegance, fun, and personal touches. From the heartfelt ceremony to the whimsical reception details, every aspect of the day reflected the couple’s love and creativity. It was an honor to capture such a special celebration, and I’m grateful to have been part of this beautiful chapter in their love story.