Samantha and James celebrated their special day just north of Chicago, and The Armour House Wedding was everything they had dreamed of. Set at the historic Armour House in Lake Forest, Illinois, this beautiful mansion feels like a peaceful escape from the city. Surrounded by gardens and tree-lined walkways, it’s the kind of place that instantly feels romantic. For couples, it brings together the best of both worlds: classic architecture and a calm, natural setting.
The Armour House has a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces that make it an incredible spot for weddings. Inside, there are grand staircases, marble floors, and gorgeous ceilings that look amazing in photos. Step outside, and you’ll find fountains, courtyards, and open lawns that glow during sunset. It’s easy to see why couples love this place. The light changes beautifully throughout the day, giving every photo a warm and emotional feel.
Samantha and James’s story started in sunny California. Both had moved there for work, and after a few bar crawls, themed parties, and weekend adventures, they finally connected. When 2020 hit, the world slowed down but their story didn’t. From Lysol to love, they supported each other through everything. In 2023, they took a dream trip across Europe, and later that fall, James proposed to Samantha under the golden trees of Big Bear Lake.
On their wedding day, the Armour House was the perfect setting. The ceremony took place in the garden courtyard, surrounded by greenery and laughter. As the sun set, everyone moved inside for an evening filled with music, dancing, and happy tears. Our photography and videography team caught it all, capturing the fun, the emotions, and every little detail that made the day so special.
Original Weddings is a team of Chicago wedding photographers and videographers. Please click here to learn more about our Chicago photography and videography services. This wedding was edited in our Timeless, Rustic, and Airy editing style. We offer three different photography editing styles: Timeless, Rustic, and Airy. Please click here to learn more about our photography styles. You pick the style you love for your photos!
Below, you can explore Samantha and James’s wedding through each of our three unique editing styles. See how the same day looks and feels in different ways as it moves from the classic and natural Timeless Style to the warm and cinematic Rustic Style, and finally to the light and romantic Airy Style.
The Armour House Wedding Photos in Timeless Style
We love how the Timeless Style brings out the true colors and natural emotion of Samantha and James’s wedding day. The Armour House looked stunning in this edit, with soft light filling every frame and the classic tones of the venue shining through. This style keeps everything real and elegant, just the way it felt in person. From the morning preparations to their garden ceremony and evening reception, every moment is captured in a way that will always feel genuine and never go out of style.
The Armour House Wedding Photos in Rustic Style
Our Rustic Style brings a bold, moody feel to Samantha and James’s wedding day. The warm tones and deep shadows highlight the romance of the Armour House and make every detail feel rich and cinematic. You can see how this edit turns the golden light of the gardens and the glow of the reception into something beautifully dramatic. From emotional portraits to their fun, lively dance floor moments, this style adds depth and atmosphere while keeping the focus on the connection they share.
The Armour House Wedding Photos in Airy Style
Our Airy Style brings a soft, romantic glow to Samantha and James’s Armour House wedding. This edit feels light and vibrant, with natural brightness that makes every detail shine. You can see how the soft morning light, the pastel tones, and the warm sunset colors all blend to create a dreamy, joyful look. The gardens, the laughter, and every little movement feel timeless in this style, bright, fresh, and full of emotion.
Chicago Wedding Photographers
At Original Weddings, our Chicago wedding photographers know The Armour House and the surrounding Lake Forest area better than anyone. We have spent years capturing couples at this stunning estate, using its grand staircases, gardens, and golden-hour light to create natural and emotional images. Whether your wedding takes place in the city, along the North Shore, or anywhere across Illinois, our team helps you find the perfect photo locations that bring your vision to life.
Our photographers do more than show up on your wedding day. We guide you through every step of the process. From helping you choose your dream venue to planning portraits that reflect your personality, we make sure every detail feels effortless. Because we understand Chicago’s light, seasons, and venues so well, you can trust us to capture your story with beauty and care. Our team photographs moments that feel real, emotional, and completely yours, turning every frame into a timeless memory you will treasure for years to come.
Chicago Wedding Videographers
Our Chicago wedding videographers specialize in capturing every sound, smile, and heartfelt moment with precision and artistry. From elegant city venues to romantic estates like The Armour House, our video team knows how to document each story beautifully. We use cinematic filming techniques, clear audio, and professional drone footage to create wedding films that feel emotional and alive. Serving couples across Chicago, Lake Forest, and throughout Illinois, our videographers work closely with our photographers to ensure that no moment is ever missed. You can relive your day exactly as it felt, filled with laughter, light, and love.
