Ashlei and Derrick wanted an outdoor ceremony, and while researching venues in Chicago, they came across the Garfield Park Conservatory. They loved that the venue had space for both an outdoor ceremony and an indoor reception; the lush greenery also helped Derrick feel like he was back home in Florida. Mark Federighi Photography captured all the fun moments from this vibrant and light-hearted celebration, and Ashlei and Derrick both agree that the most memorable part of their big day was the ceremony itself — being surrounded by incredible scenery and all the people they care for dearly.
The Couple:
Ashlei and Derrick
The Wedding:
Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago, Illinois

We approached planning our wedding more as a big party than a traditional wedding ceremony and reception. We wanted it to be fun, light-hearted, and full of laughter as that’s how we viewed our relationship not only with each other, but also with our friends and family, and we wanted to capture that in our big day.
The ceremony was definitely the most memorable part of the day. The scenery and being surrounded by all the people who we cared for dearly created this energy that was overflowing with love. It’s hard to fully put into words the magic that was our ceremony but it definitely left a mark.

I knew I wanted an outdoor ceremony and while during some research on venues in Chicago I came across the Garfield Park Conservatory. It was everything I could...