Erin & Dan’s summer wedding at The Venue at Goebberts in Pingree Grove, Illinois was a heartfelt blend of elegance, sustainability, and family-centered tradition. The day began with a Catholic ceremony filled with joyful surprises, including a secret men’s choir performance of Amazing Grace organized by their dads, and flowed into a refined tented reception that beautifully balanced romance with eco-friendly details.
Their vision featured a fresh palette of dusty blues and soft pinks accented by delicate bows and vintage touches. Erin’s bouquet carried peonies passed down through four generations, while the reception tables glowed with taper candles, vintage candlesticks, and sustainably sourced florals. From sentimental heirlooms like Dan’s grandfather’s cufflinks to a cake adorned with hand-piped floral details, every moment felt intentional and filled with meaning.
Surrounded by their closest family and friends, Erin & Dan embraced the joy of being fully present together, never leaving each other’s side as they celebrated the beginning of their marriage with gratitude and love.
“The most important part of our wedding was spending time with the people we love most. Dan and I never left each other’s side and experienced every moment of joy together.” – Erin
How did you two meet? What were your first impressions of one another?
Dan and I met at the University of Wisconsin–Madison when we joined the same club during our freshman year! Although we didn’t start dating for a couple of years, we became instant friends. Dan always says that he noticed off the bat that I really value my friendships and care about everyone feeling welcome. The first thing that drew me to Dan was his humor and his kind personality.
Tell us a funny story relating to your wedding day or relationship!
The funniest thing that happened on our wedding day was during the ceremony! Our dads worked with our guy friends and family to coordinate a men’s choir to sing one of our favorite songs, Amazing Grace. Dan and I had no idea and were so shocked when we noticed all of our guy friends and family lining up on the stage to sing. We both smiled and laughed so hard with joy that we cried — the pictures and videos are priceless!
Describe a hurdle you had to overcome in your relationship or during your wedding planning.
One hurdle that Dan and I had to overcome was our childhood hometowns being so far away from each other. Choosing a city to get married in was very difficult for us since Chicago and Minneapolis are both so wonderful. Ultimately, we chose Chicago because it is where we live together and see as home. During wedding planning, we worked hard to ensure that both families felt included, and we are lucky to have families that are so present and willing to show up.
Any special ways you incorporated your family or family history into your wedding day?
My (Erin’s) bouquet had peonies taken from my mom’s garden just before bloom and refrigerated until our wedding day so they would be full and lively in late June. The peony bush was passed down through four generations — from my great-grandma, to my grandma, to my mom, and now to me. I also danced with my dad to Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral (an Irish lullaby), which he used to sing us to sleep as children. Dan wore his grandpa’s cufflinks, a beloved heirloom, and at the reception, we created a seating area displaying memorabilia from our parents’ and grandparents’ weddings — including photos, vow books, jewelry, and veils.
What part of your wedding day was most important to you?
The most important part of our wedding was spending time with the people we love most. Dan and I never left each other’s side and experienced every moment of joy together. We were surrounded by the most incredible family, friends, and wedding vendors, and we felt so loved and supported. We also cared deeply about working with vendors who understood our vision — and we couldn’t imagine our day without each and every one of them.
What is the best thing you’ve learned from one another?
The best thing we’ve learned from one another is how to support each other. We met when we were only 18 and have watched each other grow, mature, and evolve over the last ten years. Dan has taught me to be a more dedicated, kind person to everyone I meet, while he says my thoughtfulness and selflessness have rubbed off on him.
What is your favorite thing about each other?
My favorite thing about Dan is his willingness to help our family and friends — he is always the first to volunteer when anyone needs assistance. Dan says his favorite thing about me is my courage to stand up for what matters, and he appreciates that I’m always adventurous and willing to try new things.
What was your favorite part about planning your wedding?
Our favorite part of wedding planning was all the time we spent together reflecting on our relationship and dreaming about the future. These conversations inspired personalized details throughout the day, like giving each bridesmaid and groomsman a specific flower to carry down the aisle that reflected their unique role in our lives. These meaningful touches came from countless morning walks and dinner dates where we imagined our vision together.
If you had one piece of advice for other couples, what would it be?
Embrace the engagement period and savor it — it goes by faster than you think! Although planning was sometimes challenging, it was also an incredibly rewarding process. Most importantly, choose vendors who make you feel heard and cared for. We felt so lucky to work with such an amazing team of kind, talented people.
What is the most honest thing you can say about love?
Love is unique and special to each couple — it doesn’t need to look the same as anyone else’s.
Planner: Evermore Events Co / @evermore.eventsco
Photographer: Ian Rempel Photography / @ianrempel
Band: True Company Band / @truecompanyband
Linens: BBJ La Tavola / @bbjlatavola
Makeup: Anomalie Beauty Agency / @anomaliebeautyagency
Hair: Bridal Artistry Team / @bridalartistryteam
Transportation: Chicago Cloud 9 Limos / @chicagocloud9limos
Florist: Amanda Kate Designs / @amandakatedesigns
Content Creator: A Forevermore Co / @aforevermore.co
Publisher at The White Wren and Bajan Wed, Award Winning Photography + Videographer at Live View Studios, Dad, 80s music lover, crunchy health advocate
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