Set against the picturesque grounds of Elawa Farm, this real wedding is equal parts heartfelt and breathtaking. Maja and Katie’s summer celebration fused rustic farm charm with garden romance, brought to life with the help of SoiréeSmith, Saville Flowers, and Megan Yanz. From floral appliqué gowns to a famiStep inside Maja & Katie’s dreamy garden wedding at Elawa Farm — a floral-filled celebration with romantic gowns, organic details, and a heartfelt ceremony. From whimsical wildflowers and colorful china to a surprise proposal with a KitchenAid mixer, this LGBTQ wedding is filled with charm and unforgettable moments. See more inspiration from this romantic outdoor summer wedding in Lake Forest, IL.ly-style feast under bistro lights, this wedding proves that love — and great design — is in the details.
Maja and Katie first met on a frigid January night at a bar. Katie was already cozied up at a corner table when Maja walked in, getting her earring helplessly tangled in her mask. It was the perfect COVID-era meet-cute. Maja struggled to free herself while Katie watched, amused. Katie was smitten from the start.
After several years of dating — and one surprise proposal involving Maja’s dream KitchenAid mixer — the couple brought their vision of a “secret garden of love” to life at Elawa Farm in Lake Forest, Illinois. The theme: floral, organic, and joyfully personal.
Maja and Katie chose to keep their dresses a surprise from one another, and their instincts couldn’t have aligned more perfectly. Both gowns featured floral appliqués and romantic silhouettes, a fitting complement to the wildflower-inspired setting. With their pastor leading an inclusive, faith-based ceremony that included an Irish blessing of the rings, the couple embraced tradition in a way that felt deeply meaningful.
Floral arrangements by Saville Flowers dotted the lawn and tables, styled as if they had been gathered from the fields that morning. The design palette featured colorful china, French blues, and floral-printed elements that harmonized with the natural landscape. Stradley Davidson and BBJ La Tavola provided soft linens and napkins, setting the scene for a candlelit dinner under the stars.
Every detail was thoughtful, from the handmade invitations illustrated by Maja’s mom to a dessert spread by Jennivees Bakery that delighted guests with cheesecake, brownies, and fresh fruit tarts. The night ended with music by Toast & Jam and a celebration that reflected the joy of two people deeply in love — and very much at home in their secret garden.
More beautiful same-sex weddings this way!
Vendor Credits:
Planning: SoiréeSmith @soireesmith
Photography: Megan Yanz @meganyanz
Venue & Catering: Elawa Farm @elawafarm
Florist: Saville Flowers @savilleflowers
Invitations: Minted @minted // Mi-Te Printing
Head Table Linens & Napkins: Stradley Davidson Linen Collective @stradleydavidson
Guest Table Linens: BBJ La Tavola @bbjlatavola
Rentals: Halls Rental @hallsrental
DJ: Toast & Jam @toastandjamdjs
Cake: Jennivees Bakery @jenniveesbakery
Hair: Sovran Beauty @sovran_beauty
Makeup: Joanna B Artistry @joannabartistry
Katie’s Dress Designer: Amsale @amsale
Katie’s Dress Boutique: Dimitra’s Bridal Couture @dimitrasbridalcouture
Maja’s Dress Designer: Eisen Stein Bridal
Maja’s Dress Boutique: Mira Couture @mira_couture
Maid of Honor Dress: Reformation @reformation
Flower Girl Dress: J.Crew @jcrew
Transportation: K&G Coach Line
Hotel & Getting Ready Location: The Deerpath Inn @deerpathinn