{SBB Bride of the Week} Mackenzie

M A C K E N Z I E

+

P E Y T O N

{November 12th, 2022}

Introducing our gorgeous bride, Mackenzie!

For her November wedding, Mackenzie looked so amazing in a fitted Essense of Australia gown.

The details on this dress are so gorgeous, from the sparkles to the train! Paired with a veil from Bel Aire, she looked so beautiful!

As for her bouquet, Mackenzie worked with Shamrock Garden Florist in Lombard to create all of her floral arrangements!

Before heading down the aisle, Mackenzie and her soon-to-be hubby, Peyton, shared a sweet first look together…

{Photos by: Ty Optix Photography}

Mackenzie and Peyton were married in a beautiful ceremony at Abbington Distinctive Banquets in Glen Ellyn, IL!

{Photos by: Ty Optix Photography}

After the newlyweds said “I do”, the room was transformed into a beautiful reception!

{Photos by: Ty Optix Photography}

How did Mackenzie and Peyton meet?

“We first met in 2017 at work (we both work in advertising), where I was an intern and he was a new hire. We stayed friends when I went back to college (go Hoosiers) for my senior year, and I was hired there the next year full time. After a few months of working together, we eventually started hanging out and then started to "secretly" date (which was fun, but turns out it wasn't against any rules lol), but the office found out later in the year and were all for us being together.”

How did Peyton pop the question?

“Peyton proposed in Lincoln Park at the South Pond, one of my favorite spots in Chicago! He originally was going to do it on the Kissing Bridge above the pond, but he knew I'd expect that so he moved it to the path (which I ended up loving more). He also threw me a surprise engagement party with our family and friends- it was October 2020, so it was a bit distanced but still so special.”

Was it a surprise or did she know it was coming?

“100% knew it was coming; it was our anniversary, and he was acting weird for weeks about "going on a walk that day" (as if we would normally plan a walk weeks in advance lol). He was really nervous the week leading up to it as well, but it didn't make it any less special, we found it funny because it was very us.”

After she said “yes!” to Peyton, it was time for Mackenzie to say “yes!” to the dress!

“I bought my dress in March 2021, so with COVID restrictions I only brought 4 people- my mom, 2 younger sisters, and future mother in law. I am SO happy I had the limit because it was so much more enjoyable and special to share that day with 4 important women in my life, and not stress about too many opinions. Colleen was my stylist, and she was amazing. I love that SBB the 5 of us go pin a few dresses that I/they wanted to see me in to start off, and then we learned what I liked and what looked good on me. I went in with an open mind, but I originally did not want anything with lace, nothing sparkly, and wanted it to be simple. Colleen started bringing me different styles she wanted me to just try on, and even though I was hesitant she ended up bringing me THE dress. She made the day as fun as I'd hoped it be, and all in all it's one of my favorite memories from the whole wedding planning process.”

How did she know her dress was "the one"?

“As soon as I put the dress on and looked in the mirror, I knew it was the one. I couldn’t stop staring at it in the mirror- and there was another that had my eye, but something just told me this was it. Then when I showed my family, I started to cry - which I do cry easily but it really is an emotional moment seeing yourself in THE dress. It is the first moment it all feels real.”

What was Mackenzie’s favorite part of the planning her big day?

“We were engaged for 2 years, so we really took our time with planning which is something we are happy we did because it was not very stressful for us. Our favorite part has to be the food tasting; we brought our moms and the food was outstanding! They always say you need good food at a wedding, so we were glad it was actually delicious. Finding our venue was also one of our favorite parts, because its the first step you're taking towards your actual wedding, and is an exciting day.”

What about her least favorite part??

“Putting together your list and figuring out who you're inviting, who you have to cut; then gathering all the addresses, formatting it, etc. We were always triple checking to make sure addresses weren't incorrect, and people move so after you do the save the dates you have to check in with a lot of people.”

What was her favorite moment from the wedding day?

“Our favorite part was after pictures and before the ceremony, Peyton and I had alone time in the bridal suite (we did a first look). We read our vows privately together and it was really the only moment we had to ourselves that day, so it was special for us. It was nice to also just talk and joke around together, to ease the nerves of getting married in front of over 250 people. Second favorite moment was back at the hotel after it was over, eating McDonald's in bed in our pajamas.”

Does Mackenzie have any words of wisdom for brides-to-be who are currently in the wedding planning stages?

“My best piece of advice is to remember it is about the two of you that day and what you both want. You'll get a lot of opinions, so make sure the two of you are on the same page and communicate! It makes it a lot less stressful.”

Congratulations, Mackenzie + Peyton!!

Check out more of their beautiful wedding photos by Ty Optix Photography in the gallery below!