A Classic Formal Wedding at Lake Forest Academy's Armour House in Chicago, Illinois

Elia and Matt met in high school and started dating for a little while before Matt went off to college. The two didn't get back together until a few years later -- long distance, since they were attending different schools. "On our fifth anniversary, I came home to a path of rose petals and candles, and Matt waiting for me down on one knee," Elia says. "It was such a special moment, followed by an evening of anniversary and engagement celebrations. We got married exactly one year later, on our sixth anniversary." The pair decided to stick with two main colors for the wedding: blush and mint mixed with black-and-gold details. The celebration took place at Lake Forest Academy's Armour House in Chicago. "We chose the venue because of its unique qualities. The armour House reminded me of something plucked out of Italy and transplanted into Illinois," Elia says. "The house is complete with his and hers balconies off the second-floor rooms, where we all got ready the morning of the wedding." Thanks to an amazing DJ, Style Matters DJs, the party lasted all through the night. "The DJ fueled the party and motivated both the younger and older crowds to get on the dance floor," Elia says. Photographer Kendra Oxendale captured the entire event below.