A Timeless, Formal Wedding at the Cuneo Mansion and Gardens in Vernon Hills, Illinois

Romantic shades of blush, cream, black and gold lent an element of grandeur to Carolyn Dohnalek (25 and a nurse practitioner) and Brett Taylor’s (24 and an investment associate) classic celebration.

“Brett and I fell in love with the splendor and opulence of the mansion,” Carolyn says of their reception venue situated down the street from her community church. “The gardens had this romantic, ethereal quality that we knew our guests would enjoy.” Guests were free to explore the historic mansion during cocktail hour before snacking on chicken sliders and lobster bisque shooters. 

As family and friends looked on, Carolyn and Brett kicked off the reception by dancing to Passenger’s “Hearts on Fire.” “We lived long-distance throughout our engagement, and that song perfectly described the feeling of wanting to be together during that time,” Carolyn says of the sentimental song choice.