Claudia & Don's Eclectic Medieval Fantasy Wedding at The Homestead 1854 in Plano, Illinois


Claudia and Don were married on October 4, 2025 at The Homestead 1854, a historic two-acre estate in Plano, Illinois — and it's one of the most charming intimate weddings I've photographed in the Chicago area. Their theme was Eclectic Medieval Fantasy: moody jewel tones of gold, red, green, and dark pink, subtle nods to Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones, and nearly every detail handmade by the couple. As a documentary wedding photographer, days like this are the dream... a small guest count, enormous personality, and a venue that packs a ton of vintage magic into a small footprint.

What makes The Homestead 1854 perfect for an intimate wedding?


The Homestead 1854 is a restored 1850s estate on two beautifully landscaped acres in Plano, about an hour west of downtown Chicago, and its purpose-built for smaller, detail-driven weddings. What struck me most was how much the grounds give you to work with in such a compact space. The antique and vintage charm tucked into every corner, gorgeous landscaping, and that "miniature estate" feel that made Claudia and Don's guests feel like the whole world was there for them. For couples who want an intimate wedding without sacrificing character, it's hard to beat.

An early arrival and an emotional first look


The day started with getting ready and a first look that visibly settled the couple's nerves. I arrived around 12:30 in the afternoon, and you could feel a little pre-wedding jitter in the air (totally normal) but the moment Claudia and Don saw each other, that all seemed to melt away into pure comfort. Watching two people relax into their day like that is one of my favorite things to catch.

Right after their first look, Claudia and Don took some time for portraits just the two of them, it was quiet, deeply moving, and a perfect pause before the wedding party portraits and the celebration began.

A handfasting ceremony full of meaning


Their 4:00 pm ceremony centered on a handfasting, the old tradition of binding the couple's hands together with a cord, the literal origin of "tying the knot." It fit their medieval-fantasy vision perfectly and made for such a sentimental, tactile moment. Faith Tsurutani of Weddings by Jennifer Fox officiated, and Chicago Street Strings set the mood with live music through the ceremony and cocktail hour. Sweet, personal, and just the right length, exactly the kind of ceremony that feels like them.

Two of my favorite details: Their flower girls were dubbed the Flower Princesses; and their ring bearers, the Lords of the Rings. On-theme and adorable.

Portraits across a vintage estate


The Homestead's grounds are a documentary photographer's playground, so portraits were a joy. Between the manicured landscaping, the historic architecture, and all that antique detailing, we barely had to move to find the next great backdrop. Claudia and Don's jewel-tone palette, with the bridesmaids in shades of green, groomsmen in dark brown suits with champagne ties, and Claudia's brother Julien, who walked her down the aisle, in deep green, it all popped against the estate's warm, moody textures and stunning gardens.

A whimsical reception (with a Game of Thrones surprise)


The celebration moved right into the reception on the same grounds, and it was equal parts elegant and playful. Fiesta Taco handled dinner, My Chef Catering covered the cocktail hour, and Juan Reyes of Eminent DJ Entertainment kept the energy up all night. My favorite moment? Juan slipped in the "Rains of Castamere" (the Game of Thrones "Red Wedding" theme) purely to see which guests caught the reference. If you know, you know, right?

Claudia and Don are the kind of quirky, genuinely kind people who make a wedding this fun, and I'm so glad I got to be there for it.


Thank you, Claudia and Don, for trusting me with your day. It turned out every bit as magical as your vision. Sending you both so much love!

Vendor Team


Frequently Asked Questions

Where is The Homestead 1854 located?

The Homestead 1854 is a historic wedding venue at 611 E Main Street in Plano, Illinois (Kendall County), roughly an hour west of downtown Chicago. It's a restored 1850s estate set on two landscaped acres, with both indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception spaces.

Is The Homestead 1854 good for a small or intimate wedding?

Yes — it's designed for intimate and micro-weddings, comfortably hosting smaller guest counts on a single property. Couples can hold both their ceremony and reception on-site, which keeps the day relaxed and seamless without moving locations.

What is a handfasting ceremony?

A handfasting is an ancient wedding tradition in which the couple's hands are bound together with a cord or ribbon — the origin of the phrase "tying the knot." It's a beautiful, symbolic option for couples who want a personalized or themed ceremony, like Claudia and Don's medieval-fantasy celebration.

Do you photograph themed or non-traditional weddings around Chicago?

Absolutely. My documentary, artistic approach is built for weddings with real personality — themed, DIY, intimate, or all of the above. Lux Everlasting serves Chicago, the Kankakee region, all of Illinois, and destination weddings worldwide.


Planning your own wedding at The Homestead 1854 — or somewhere just as unique?

If you're looking for a documentary wedding photographer in Chicago who'll capture your day exactly as it unfolds — every handmade detail and inside joke included — I'd love to hear your story. Reach out at hello@luxeverlasting.com and let's create something unforgettable.