Emilie and Michael’s Hinsdale Golf Club Wedding in Clarendon Hills, Illinois was the perfect blend of timeless elegance, meaningful family traditions, and a joyful celebration with their closest family and friends. From a beautiful Catholic Mass at Notre Dame Parish to an elegant garden reception, every part of their day reflected the classic black-tie wedding they had envisioned.
As a Chicago wedding photographer, weddings like this are always a favorite to photograph. Beautiful June weather, lush gardens, and timeless details created the perfect setting for photographs that never go out of style.
A Notre Dame Love Story
Emilie and Michael’s story began thanks to one of Emilie’s best friends—and bridesmaids—Katie. Emilie and Michael first met during a Notre Dame football weekend. They didn’t truly get to know one another until Emilie accepted a summer internship in Boston.
They spent years dating long distance between Purdue, Notre Dame, Chicago, and Boston. After graduation, they both began their careers in Boston and finally lived in the same city.
When Michael planned his proposal, he chose a place that meant everything to Emilie—the front porch of her childhood home in Clarendon Hills. While hanging the American flag over Memorial Day weekend, Emilie turned around to find Michael on one knee. It marked the perfect beginning to their next chapter. Just minutes away, they would later celebrate their wedding day.
Getting Ready For Their Wedding at Hinsdale Golf Club
Emilie and Michael started their wedding day at Hinsdale Golf Club, surrounded by their closest family and friends. Natural light poured into the bridal suite and highlighted every thoughtful detail they chose for their wedding day.
One of my favorite details was Emilie’s lace overlay, which a talented seamstress created from her mother’s wedding gown. She wore it during their Catholic Mass to honor her family’s history while creating something uniquely her own. Watching her mom help her into her gown made those quiet moments before the ceremony even more meaningful.
Across the clubhouse, Michael and his groomsmen shared plenty of laughs while getting ready before heading to Notre Dame Parish. The entire morning felt relaxed, joyful, and full of anticipation.
A Beautiful Catholic Mass at Notre Dame Parish
Emilie and Michael chose to exchange vows during a beautiful Catholic Mass at Notre Dame Parish. They were surrounded by their closest family and friends.
One of the sweetest moments of the ceremony came just before Emilie walked down the aisle. As the doors opened, Mikey couldn’t hold back his emotions as he saw his bride for the first time. Moments like these are my favorite to capture. They happen naturally and often say more than words ever could.
Their traditional Nuptial Mass reflected the faith that has shaped their relationship from the beginning. It was a beautiful way to start their marriage.
Timeless Portraits at Hinsdale Golf Club
After the ceremony, we returned to Hinsdale Golf Club for portraits, and it couldn’t have been a more beautiful afternoon. The June sunshine, perfectly manicured gardens, and ivy-covered walls, created endless opportunities for timeless wedding portraits.
The classic black tuxedos paired beautifully with the soft blush bridesmaid dresses and lush white florals, creating an elegant color palette that perfectly complemented the venue.
One of the things I love most about photographing a Wedding at Hinsdale Golf Club is the incredible variety of portrait locations. Every corner of the property offers another timeless backdrop, allowing couples to enjoy a wide variety of photographs without ever leaving the venue.
A Garden Cocktail Hour
Guests enjoyed one of the most beautiful cocktail hours I’ve photographed while gathering outdoors in the gardens beneath elegant fringe umbrellas and string lights.
The weather couldn’t have been more perfect, allowing everyone to relax, mingle, and enjoy the beautiful grounds before the reception began. It felt less like a traditional cocktail hour and more like an elegant garden party, setting the tone for the rest of the evening.
Elegant Reception Details
Soft candlelight, romantic florals, and timeless details welcomed guests into the clubhouse for the reception.
The combination of blush roses, white blooms, and glowing candles created an atmosphere that was both elegant and inviting. Every design choice reflected Emilie and Michael’s vision of creating a wedding that felt timeless rather than trendy.
As a Chicago wedding photographer, I get to photograph some of the most charming venues filled with character and history. And Hinsdale Golf Club did not disappoint.
Celebrating the New Mr. & Mrs.
From heartfelt toasts and emotional first dances to a packed dance floor, the reception was filled with so much joy. Family and friends celebrated the newlyweds all evening, creating memories they’ll cherish for years to come.
One of my favorite parts of any wedding day is seeing months of planning finally come together as couples simply get to enjoy being married. Emilie and Michael spent the entire evening smiling, laughing, and soaking in every moment with the people they love most.
Sunset Portraits to End the Night
Before returning to the celebration, we slipped outside for a few quiet sunset portraits around the grounds of Hinsdale Golf Club.
The soft evening light paired perfectly with the lush gardens and timeless architecture, creating some of my favorite portraits of the entire day. Those few peaceful minutes gave Emilie and Michael the chance to pause, take it all in, and enjoy their very first moments together as husband and wife before heading back to celebrate with family and friends. I truly was inspired from start to finish and I am so proud of what we captured for them.
Emilie and Mikey, your Hinsdale Golf Club Wedding was the perfect celebration in your hometown of Clarendon Hills. It was the perfect combination of timeless style, meaningful traditions, and genuine joy. It was such an honor to document every part of their beautiful day, and I know these photographs will be treasured for generations.
If you’re planning a Chicago wedding and are searching for a photographer who values timeless imagery and authentic moments, I’d love to connect with you. Learn more by visiting my website here.
The Incredible Vendor Team
Photographer: Cat Alkire | Ceremony Venue: Notre Dame Parish | Reception Venue & Catering: Hinsdale Golf Club | Florist: Phillip’s Flowers | Stationery: Eventful Designs | Rentals: BBJ La Tavola, Chair Covers by Sylwia, Hinsdale Table | DJ/Backdrops/Lighting: Okyne Media Lab | Videographer: Pictision | Hair & Makeup: Patty McGuire Hair & Makeup | Cake/Bakery: Toni Patisserie & Cafe | Wedding Dress Designer: Amsale | Wedding Dress Purchased At: L’elite Bridal | Tux: Men’s Wearhouse | Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids | Rings: Laura Preshong
