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Monica and Stephanie’s wedding at The Haight in Elgin was a perfect reflection of their love for each other, their family and friends, and their fur babies, Olive and Kate.

Brides smiling on wedding day at The Haight in Elgin.

Rainbow flags waving as brides walk down wedding aisle at The Haight.

The Proposal

Monica proposed to Stephanie during a friend’s backyard birthday celebration, and made sure to include their dog, Kate.

Monica and Stephanie walk across rooftop at The Haight.

Stephanie twirls in wedding dress on The Haight rooftop.

Stephanie and Monica hug on The Haight rooftop.

Stephanie dips Monica on The Haight rooftop.

When Stephanie’s best friend walked Kate into the backyard with a “Will you marry me?” sign, Monica got down on one knee. Stephanie was surprised and kept asking, “What’s going on?” According to Monica, she eventually figured it out, and said “Yes.” 😉

Monica and Stephanie kiss on The Haight rooftop in Elgin.

Stephanie and Monica take wedding photos at The Haight in Elgin.

Meet Monica & Stephanie

Monica and Stephanie love going to festivals (both food and music), concerts, and traveling. They also enjoy spending time together in their backyard looking up at the stars.

Bride has champagne toast on wedding day.

Bride laughs while holding bridal bouquet.

They started dating in August 2016. Their first date was a Thursday dollar beer night at Doc Ryan’s in Forest Park. Monica and Stephanie both love coffee, and their favorite beer is Dos Equis.

Bride smiles while getting ready at The Haight.

Bride puts on shoes at The Haight in Elgin.

Monica loves how passionate Stephanie is about human rights, and also admires her love and knowledge of animals. She especially loves the different types of laughs Stephanie has, and when she laughs at her own jokes.

Wedding party photo in the bridal suite at The Haight.

Stephanie loves how Monica has always accepted her, and admires how Monica puts her heart into everything she does. According to Stephanie, “She has the most beautiful soul in the world and is the most positive person I have ever met.”

They have two dogs, Olive and Kate, a cat named Tuna, and a bunny named Salem. Stephanie is an animal behaviorist and Monica is an anesthesia tech.

Brides sitting with dogs at their wedding venue The Haight.

Monica and Stephanie see each other as soulmates. They love trying new things, and truly believe in enjoying every moment no matter what is going on.

Brides holding hands outside of their wedding venue, The Haight.

The Haight in Elgin Wedding

Monica and Stephanie’s wedding day at The Haight in Elgin was the perfect day for these two. After a first look and photos, they exchanged vows in front of their family, friends, and dogs, Kate and Olive.

Wedding ceremony at The Haight in Elgin.

Exchanging rings at The Haight wedding ceremony.

Brides taking tequila shot at wedding ceremony at The Haight.

Brides kissing at the end of wedding ceremony at The Haight.

They were all smiles as guests waived rainbow flags 🏳️‍🌈 as they exited their ceremony hand in hand.

Guest wave rainbow flags as brides walk down wedding aisle at The Haight.

Monica and Stephanie shared this about their experience with me as their wedding photographer.

” I cannot believe how organized and relaxed our wedding was. We have heard horror stories and how everyone is glad the stress is over from wedding planning. Safe to say, Chelsey made our lives and wedding day so perfect as she served as a great asset on our special day…Chelsey you are amazing and we are forever grateful for your kindness and beautiful work. Thank you for all that you are. Can’t wait to work with you again.
Monica, Stephanie, & Fur Babies

Wedding reception details at The Haight.

Brides dance into their wedding reception.

Also, thank you to Monica and Stephanie’s wonderful vendors who made their day even more special. Venue: The Haight in Elgin | Florist: Manny’s Flower Design | Caterer: Cuisine America | Hair & Makeup: Hairs 2 the Bride | Desserts: Cinnaholic