After 15 years together, Mary and Trina celebrated their love with a civil union ceremony on Ju
ly 23rd. They shared the moment with family and friends at a lovely lake-side party room in Arlington Heights. Except, there wasn't supposed to be a lake there. Just the day before, the room overlooked a pond with a fountain. (Notice the picnic table submerged in water?) The heavy rains from the night before turned the surrounding area into a wet mess.
Luckily, the rain didn't dampen anyone's spirits. Guests trudged through flooded roads and around blocked streets and came out ready to have a great time!

For the ceremony, Mary and Trina chose to participate in a sand ritual. One of my favorite details was that each guest received a little bottle of rainbow-colored sand as a keepsake.
My other favorite detail was that they served tropical drinks - in slushie form! They had two slushie machines, serving Margaritas and Pina Coladas. These two know how to throw a party!
Thank you, Mary and Trina, for letting me be a part of your wonderful day!
And thank you to photographer K.C.Hatfield for graciously allowing me to use these pictures!