Spring really put on a show for this happy couple! Sarah and Rishu’s intimate wedding at The Morton Arboretum felt like walking into a watercolor painting, full of life and color. Just 25 miles west of Chicago, the arboretum covers 1,700 acres of woodlands, gardens, and natural areas. With nine miles of paved roads and sixteen miles of hiking trails, there’s plenty to explore.

Tucked into the heart of Lisle, Illinois, the arboretum offered the perfect backdrop for a celebration that overflowed with whimsy, color, and deep-rooted connection. Beneath spring’s fullest blooms—roses unfurling in soft spirals, hydrangeas in cloudlike clusters, and cheerful perennials dancing in the breeze—they promised each other forever surrounded by their closest family and friends.

The day began at the historic Thornhill Education Center, where Sarah and Rishu got ready in separate rooms. Built in 1940 on the site of Joy Morton’s former estate, the center is full of history. The Founder’s Room, where their evening celebration took place, was once the Mortons’ private library and the Arboretum’s first office. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, it’s the only part of the original mansion that remains, a legacy meant to be shared.

Beginning a wedding day in a place with so much history feels grounding. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows as Sarah put on her lace gown with removable sleeves. She looked every bit the garden princess as she walked the garden paths with Rishu. Her arms were decorated with intricate henna, a beautiful tribute to Rishu’s Indian heritage and a reminder that their marriage honors both tradition and individuality.

Their ceremony was held under a shaded arbor in The Fragrance Garden, one of the arboretum’s most romantic spots. In late spring, this garden is full of roses, fragrant flowers, and colorful layers that create a beautiful, natural setting.

As Sarah walked toward Rishu, her colorful wildflower bouquet matched the garden around them. It was a playful and fitting choice for their garden vows, reflecting the multicultural beauty of their day. The flower girls wore matching head wreaths, and you can tell by the excitement on their faces that they felt like little fairies.

Meanwhile, their sweet son looked on adoringly and did a wonderful job speaking during the ceremony. His little voice carried through the garden, which, of course, had most of us reaching for tissues. Sarah and Rishu’s story is just as much about the family they have created together.

With spring blossoms towering around them and sunlight dappling through the leaves, they exchanged excited“I do’s,” fully embracing the laughter of children, the coos of babies, and the beautiful chaos that comes with gathering generations together. These two shine brightest among their family. They welcomed every giggle and interruption as part of the celebration, and it was absolutely perfect.

After the ceremony, guests made their way back to the Thornhill Education Center for dinner and cake in the Founder’s Room. Once the Mortons’ personal library, the space still carries a warm, intimate character. It feels both refined and inviting, a room where stories have long been told, and new chapters now begin. It felt especially fitting for this couple and their families.

Outside, a terrace and lawn offer views of the original plants that once surrounded the mansion. Guests can explore nearby paths and gardens before returning indoors. Since the Thornhill Education Center is open only to registered guests and for special events, weddings here feel private and exclusive.

Inside, candlelight flickered across tables as loved ones gathered for dinner. But perhaps the most charming detail of the evening was the cake. Their son had drawn sweet depictions of his parents on paper with a marker, and they used those drawings as their cake toppers! It was whimsical, heartfelt, and perfectly “them.” A reminder that the most meaningful wedding details often come from the smallest hands. It was so precious!

For couples who want a wedding surrounded by nature and elegance, The Morton Arboretum has a wide range of indoor and outdoor spaces for ceremonies and receptions.

The Fragrance Garden is perfect for small gatherings, especially in late spring and summer when the flowers are at their best. Other gardens offer large lawns, tree-lined spaces, and changing colors throughout the year, from cheerful spring tulips to fiery fall foliage.

The Thornhill Education Center offers heritage and privacy, making it great for smaller weddings. The Founder’s Room is ideal for intimate dinners, rehearsal celebrations, or small receptions with a warm atmosphere.

Meanwhile, the arboretum’s spacious indoor venues can accommodate larger guest lists while still offering great views of the landscape. Features like big windows, terraces, and nearby paths let couples enjoy the outdoors while staying comfortable inside.

As a wedding photographer, I can say there are endless portrait spots here. From open meadows and unique trees to formal gardens and wooded paths, the arboretum looks different every season. You can exchange vows among spring flowers, celebrate in summer greenery, enjoy fall colors, or have a winter wedding with snowy scenery.

Sarah and Rishu’s garden celebration showed how they honored their heritage, included little ones, and focused on being present rather than perfect. The bride’s henna, wildflowers, their son’s drawings, and the laughter of children all reflected a marriage built on authenticity. In a place focused on growth, preservation, and natural beauty, Sarah and Rishu started a new chapter together, surrounded by color, culture, and connection.

If you’re thinking about a small garden wedding in Illinois, The Morton Arboretum is a beautiful place to make your story come to life. Like Sarah and Rishu’s day, it offers something timeless: love in full bloom.