The Crawford || Naperville, Illinois Winter Wedding

Some weddings are absolutely unforgettable! Alessia & Duncan’s winter wedding at The Crawford in Naperville was exactly that – moody, chic, and editorial in every way. From the moment I arrived, I could feel the energy of a day that had been thoughtfully planned down to every little detail. This wedding day was not only stunning but also deeply meaningful.

I first met Alessia when I captured her sister Teresana’s wedding, and it was such an honor to be invited back to document another milestone for the Barabba family. There’s something incredibly special about photographing multiple weddings within the same family – getting to feel like part of the family and play a small part in their love stories.

Alessia spent the morning getting ready at her parents’ home, just as her sister did on her wedding day. It was a sentimental touch that made the day even more meaningful! Continuing another cherished tradition, Alessia rode to the ceremony in a Rolls-Royce with her parents. I am still gushing over this moment from their day and these classic photos!

Stepping into The Crawford on Alessia and Duncan’s wedding day was nothing short of breathtaking. Alessia and Duncan envisioned a moody, editorial vibe for their wedding. Seeing it all come together was even better than I could have imagined. From the custom dance floor to the tall, dramatic centerpieces, every detail was thoughtfully curated.

Despite the weather not being on our side, we made the most of every moment. Thankfully, The Crawford provided the perfect indoor space for portraits. And with Joe capturing video, we had the best setup to create beautiful photos. I always love venues that offer a solid Plan B for unexpected weather. Trust me, it really makes all the difference!

One of my absolute favorite moments of the day happened during Alessia & Duncan’s portraits. While we were setting up, their string quartet began warming up and started playing one of their favorite songs. As the music filled the air, Duncan teared up, and suddenly, the fast-paced nature of a wedding day paused. They held onto each other, soaking in the moment – completely unplanned and incredibly emotional. It was one of those moments that reminded me why I love what I do.

With such an amazing couple, gorgeous venue, and a dream vendor team, this wedding was the perfect way to close out the 2024 wedding season.

While I may be a little sad that there are no more Barabba sisters left to photograph, I’m so grateful that I captured such beautiful milestones for this incredible family. Cheers to a lifetime of love and happiness for Alessia & Duncan!

VENDOR TEAM LOVE || Venue: @thecrawfordvenue | Florist: @shamrockgardenflorist | Photographer: @jillianphotography__ | Videographer: @joemantarian | Makeup: @marissas_makeuplan | Hair: @nichebeauty.bykaedi + @‌costanza_hair | DJ: @foreveryoungdjs | Bride’s Dress: @leahdagloria | Bridesmaids: @alfredsung | Groom’s Attire: @menswearhouse | Paper Goods: @beautifullydifferentdesigns | Catering: @beyondcateringchi | Cake: @‌tonipatisseriecafe | Decor: @‌ldeventsdecor

Jillian Photography is a Chicagoland wedding & senior photographer serving Naperville, St. Charles, and beyond. Get in touch with Jill here & follow along on social for what’s happening behind the scenes!