Gaby + Chris

06.13.2025 | Saint Mary Catholic Church & Grove Country Club Wedding

There’s something really powerful about a love story that’s been growing quietly for years — shaped by shared spaces, shared faith, and shared history. Gaby and Chris’s story is exactly that. They met when they were just 13 and 14 years old, growing up in the same community, going to the same school, and attending the same church. Their lives have been intertwined for so long that their wedding day felt less like two families coming together and more like one big, beautiful celebration of everything they’ve built over the years.

One of the most meaningful parts of their day was the fact that the pastor who officiated their ceremony had been part of so many milestones in their lives — from Gaby’s quinceañera to their sacraments. Hearing him speak about watching them grow up, their young love, and now standing there marrying them was incredibly special. It felt full-circle in the most heartfelt way.

A Morning Full of Meaning

The day started with the girls getting ready at the hotel, and from the moment we walked in, you could feel how thoughtful Gaby was about every single detail. The room was decorated with big “Bride” balloons, streamers, and sweet touches that made the space feel celebratory and joyful.

Gaby truly thought of everything. Her wedding band featured 13 diamonds, representing the 13 years she and Chris have been together ON THAT DAY— and Chris’s ring included 13 stones as well. Such a subtle but powerful symbol of their journey.

One of the most emotional moments of the morning was when Gaby gifted Chris’s mom something incredibly special — baptism blankets for her future grandchildren, made from her own wedding dress. Watching her present that gift was deeply moving and such a beautiful gesture of love, legacy, and family.

Gaby’s dress itself was absolutely stunning and completely her. It had multiple elements — a corset back, removable sleeves, and thoughtful customizations that made it feel perfectly tailored to her vision.

She also presented her mom with a wrist corsage that included a photo of her grandparents and an embroidered handkerchief. Her mom was definitely a crier, so it was the perfect gift!

Meanwhile, the guys were getting ready at the reception venue, keeping things relaxed and easygoing. Chris gifted his groomsmen sleek watches and custom cufflinks.

A Sacred Ceremony at Saint Mary Catholic Church

We met up at Saint Mary Catholic Church in Buffalo Grove, and the setting was breathtaking. The church steeple, stained glass windows and balcony with a grand pipe organ made the whole space feel so grand and sacred.

Before the ceremony, Gaby shared first looks with her dad and her brother. She had this really cute idea where her sister's held photos of baby Gaby to cover her face and removed them as her dad walked up.

The ceremony itself was filled with intentionality. There was a beautiful procession of family members and friends — people who had played important roles in their lives and their relationship. Gaby wore a stunning veil that draped dramatically down the church steps, and it looked absolutely unreal.

When they shared their vows, there were tears throughout the room. Their families presented them with meaningful gifts and traditions, honoring their faith and their union. They sealed it all with a kiss — and as they exited the church, guests cheered and shot streamers while Leonard captured incredible drone footage overhead.

Party Bus, Portraits & Pure Joy

From there, Leonard joined them on the party bus and headed to a nearby park for portraits. I joined them at the park but I heard the party bus was LIT! The party bus was full of dance-offs, tequila shots, laughter, and nonstop celebration of Gaby and Chris. The bridal party was an absolute blast — hands down one of the most fun groups we’ve ever worked with.

The guys looked incredibly sharp in navy tuxes, while the girls wore different shades of blue that complemented everything so beautifully.

An Unforgettable Reception at Grove Country Club

The celebration continued at Grove Country Club, where the reception space was covered in beautiful blue hydrangeas — elegant, romantic, and perfectly cohesive with the rest of their design.

Cocktail hour was buzzing with energy — fun interviews, drinks flowing, and a telephone booth guestbook where guests left heartfelt messages for Gaby and Chris. They incorporated so many personal touches throughout the space, including framed photos and meaningful decor, along with a lively mariachi band that brought so much culture and celebration into the evening.

Speeches were one of the most memorable parts of the night. Both dads spoke, along with Gaby’s sister and Chris’s brother — the perfect blend of humor, emotion, and storytelling.

Dancing, Traditions & The Perfect Ending

After emotional first dances, the party fully kicked off after the sibling dance lit up the floor. &the dance floor stayed packed! Guests joined in for traditions like the money dance and what we believe was the snake dance — completely chaotic, and so much fun to witness!

To fuel the dance floor, they had a nacho/taco bar that we still talk about to this day. Pregnant Keanna left with a heart full of gratitude and a belly full of tacos.

A Wedding Film Like No Other

Now here is the big catch! One of the things that made Gaby and Chris’s wedding so unique was their vision for their film. They wanted a fun intro inspired by Freaky Friday and an outro styled like the end credits of You Again. They also loved the idea of incorporating The Office-style feel — candid interviews, chaotic zoom-ins, funny slip-ups — the real and imperfect moments.

Editing their film pushed us creatively in the best way. Instead of chasing perfection, we leaned into authenticity — and it ended up being one of the most fun yet trickiest projects we’ve ever created.

Gaby & Chris

Gaby and Chris are truly some of the most genuine, kind-hearted people. Their love is deep, joyful, and rooted in years of shared life, faith, and family. We’re so grateful that our paths crossed and that we were trusted to capture a day this meaningful. They were so kind to be patient with their film.

We wish you both nothing but endless happiness, tons of laughter (the perfect and imperfect moments), and love in this next chapter.

With so much love,

The Whites

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The Pack:

The Pack:

Videography: @whitepackmedia

Photography: @toddjames

DJ: @jesseelgrandote

Florist: Pesche's Flowers

Church: Saint Mary Catholic Church in Buffalo Grove

Reception Venue: The Grove Country Club

About White Pack Media:

White Pack Media is a husband-and-wife wedding videography team based in Indianapolis, capturing cinematic and emotional wedding films throughout the Midwest and Chicagoland area. We believe every couple’s story deserves to be told in a way that feels personal, intentional, and true to them. Whether your vision is timeless and romantic or creative and outside the box, we’re not afraid to lean into what you imagine for your wedding day film — and bring it to life in a way that feels uniquely yours.

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