Mandy & Petar’s Wedding

Mandy & Petar have been together a LOOOONG time.  No, I am not kidding.  They have been together 5 years longer than the national average length of a marriage.  Already.  WHOA!  12 years. (insert tilted head here)  And if you haven't noticed yet, they are young.

They didn't meet in the US.  They met in Canada at a soccer tournament, even though they both lived 10 minutes from each other on the South Side of Chicago. (again, insert tilted head here)

High school sweethearts.  And 12 years later, they got married.  "Why did it take so long?"  I asked.  Hey, I am nosey!  Maybe it's the journalist in my blood leftover from my (awful) newspaper days.  The answer was sad, and natural at the same time.

They were never in a hurry.  I think, for them, time passed too quickly as they both enjoyed year after year of each other's company.  High school, college, finding jobs: basically, starting a life individually, as well as together, was more important to them than a certificate.

They started to talk/plan the wedding a few years ago, but one of their father's passed away, and then the other father passed away shortly thereafter.  So it didn't seem like the right time.  However, on July 26th, 2009, nothing stopped this wedding.  

It was truly interesting to photograph and spend the entire evening with a couple who are SO at ease with each other.  There is definitely a difference in the interaction between a couple who have been together for 3 years versus 12 years.  Their "honeymoon" was obviously over, but in a GOOD way.  They had been together for so long, and during such hard years of growing from a teen to young adults, that there was a comfort level, a true understanding and acceptance of each other that you just do not see every day.  

While some people might think it is sad they did not get to experience dating other people, I don't think these two care.  They are true soul mates in its purist meaning, and still in love after 12 years.  

Thanks for adding to my life.  Keep in touch.

Mandy & Petar's wedding

July 25th, 2009
Bond Chapel; University of Chicago campus
Smart Museum of Art; University of Chicago Campus

Ceremony: Joseph Bond Chapel;University of Chicago campus
Reception: Smart Museum of Art; University of Chicago campus
Wedding Planner: Bride & Groom
Music during the Ceremony: Mario Romanovic
Reception: Mary Nisi from Toast & Jam
Caterer: Food for Thought
Videography: Keith Jorgensen of Poetic Productions
Makeup: Christa Kenny Beauty
Hair: Amanda Devries at Ultimate Design
Officiant: Fr. Jozo Grbes
Deserts: Food for Thought and family members
Invitations: Laurel Cheng
Program and menus: Laurel Cheng
Alcohol: Binny's
Dress & Designer: Monique Lhuillier from Ultimate Bride
Shoes: Nine West, and L.A.M.B
Suit: Versace
Shirt & Tie: Hugo Boss & Calvin Klein