St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church

Wedding Day

Wedding

St George Siberian Social Center

Reception

Save the Date

"Our love is like a camera: it clicked and developed into the perfect image"

The Picture of Us

The bride grew up in rural Kendall County, outside of Minooka. She is the youngest child and only daughter of Henry and Sharon. Her older brothers, Mark and Jeff, are both groomsmen in the wedding. Dawn attended Minooka schools from kindergarten through high school. She studied Multimedia at Lewis University and Digital Photography at Joliet Junior College. The bride-to-be loves photography and art. She has been snapping photographs since she was ten-years-old, while she began designing computer art and digitally manipulating photos at age fifteen. She also likes singing, walking in nature, traveling, and trying different activities or visiting new places, such as eating at new restaurants.

Behind the Bride's Lens

The groom's hometown is Palos Hills. He lived in Lemont for the past 12 years before moving to La Grange. The son of Paul and Claire, he has an older sister (Amanda), a younger sister (Ellen), and a younger brother (Matt), who is his best man. Joe attended Stagg High School, enlisting in the United States Navy upon graduation. He became the ship's photographer on his first submarine, the John Marshall. While enlisted, Joseph traveled the world, including Italy, Guam, and Cuba, as well as being stationed in Hawaii. The future groom loves learning new things, especially about technology. He usually has a project going on involving how something works. Joe enjoys reading, cooking, watching YouTube videos, and debating politics.

Behind the Groom's Lens

Joe has worked in the photo industry since the 1990s, starting with Ritz Camera. He became the owner of Photographic Depot in December 2006 (ironically, his first business day was on Dawn's birthday). Working in the field so long, Joe acquired extensive skills in photofinishing and digital imaging. He develops black and white film by hand in the darkroom and operates all aspects of the photo lab by himself. His knowledge about film photography and vintage cameras enables him to identify the rarest of film types and recognize the quarks of individual cameras. Dawn started working with Joe at the Photographic Depot in April 2008 as a Photoshop Artist, restoring old photographs and digital imaging photos and negatives, as well as designing graphics, advertisements, and Web content. She admired Joe's vast knowledge of historical photography and other media right from the start. Eager for him to share his expertise with her, Joe soon taught his future partner about film developing and fully operating the photo lab. Working closely together, Joe and Dawn quickly became good friends, sharing stories of each others' weekends and offering advice. They knew enough about each other's lives to understand and genuinely care, but their paths were distant enough that it was safe to confide in each other. They enjoyed working together and had a lot of fun times. Each appreciated having the other to have in depth conversations with, including technical discussions about photography and computers. As Dawn continued to work more days at the shop over the years, the pair grew even closer.

The Composition

In early 2015, their friendship blossomed into more. Both of them had been feeling the connection, but Dawn and Joe were both afraid to say anything and ruin their existing friendship. After continued comments from family, friends, and customers, the pair finally got nerve to talk about it and realized they felt the same. They both wanted more from their relationship and to be closer.The couple started dating on April 24, 2015, both knowing from the beginning that their relationship would be forever.

The Shot

Joe proposed on Sunday, November 15, 2015. His family had just finished moving the last of his furniture into the couple's new apartment when Joe took out a bottle of champagne and poured everyone a glass. He looked at Dawn and said, "Well, I am officially moved out. I promised to ask you a question as soon as I had my own place." Dawn replied, "Yes, you did, and you always keep your promises." With family by his side, Joe pulled the ring out of his pocket and asked Dawn to marry him. She said yes! "The ring was a gift to us from God."

The Developing

"We have enough in common to be compatible yet enough differences to keep it interesting" When they are not working at the photo shop, the couple love to explore different places and take photographs together. They are a great team. Dawn loves the artistic aspect, and Joe enjoys seeing the world through Dawn's eyes. Joe loves the technical aspect of trying different methods to capture a good image, and Dawn enjoys having someone to shoot with who has technical knowledge to discuss. The future Mr. and Mrs. Cimino enjoy good conversation together about current events, psychology, politics, art, and photography. Joe likes cooking new dishes, and Dawn loves eating them! The bride-to-be has enjoyed decorating their apartment, and the future groom appreciates how Dawn has made their house a home.

The Perfect Image

Our Story

Bridal Shower

Al's Steak House & Banquets

1990 West Jefferson St. • Joliet, IL 60435Sunday, April 23, 2017 • 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.Formal invitations have been mailed out. Lunch will be served, games will be played, and memories with the bride-to-be will be made! <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/1990+W+Jefferson+St,+Joliet,+IL+60435/@41.5547325,-88.1366306,13z/data=%214m5%213m4%211s0x880e619e71888f1b:0x47135865061b1619%218m2%213d41.5218389%214d-88.1306654" target="_blank">Click here for a map.</a> If you take any photos with your phone or camera on the day of the shower, please share them with the bride! Tag her on Facebook or email the images to <a href="mailto:mailto:joeanddawn@comcast.net">joeanddawn@comcast.net</a> Post photos on Instagram with the hashtag #HereComesTheCiminos (Note: Your account needs to be set as public to allow anyone to see the hashtagged images, or the bride needs to be following your account to have access)

Bachelorette Party

Glass Painting, Wine, and Dinner

Saturday, June 3, 2017 • Time TBA Dawn's maid of honor is planning a special day for Dawn to share with all the girls before getting married. The tentative plan is to paint glasses with an instructor while drinking wine (or your choice of beverage) and having light snacks. Afterwards, we will be going out to dinner at a place the bride chooses. Look for a Facebook invitation soon!

Ceremony

2500 Arbeiter Rd. • Joliet, IL 60431 Saturday, July 1, 2017 • 2:00 p.m. <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/2500+Arbeiter+Rd,+Joliet,+IL+60431/@41.6205549,-88.2138618,12z/data=%214m5%213m4%211s0x880e8d19ff162d0f:0x789e84732bbb6673%218m2%213d41.5638054%214d-88.2945426" target="_blank">Click here to view a map of the church's location.</a> Coming from the north suburbs, the best route is I-55 south to exit 257 for Route 30. Turn right onto Route 30 and then make an immediate left turn onto the frontage road. Follow the frontage road until it curves around to the stoplight at Caton Farm Road. Turn right onto Caton Farm Road, and stay on it until you pass all the subdivisions and the countryside starts to open as you drive down a hill. There is a sign for the church alongside Caton Farm just before you will turn right onto Arbeiter Road. Once on Arbeiter, make a quick right turn onto the church driveway (there is nothing else around there, so you can't miss it!).

St. George Social Center

310 Stryker Ave. • Joliet, IL 60436 Saturday, July 1, 2017 • 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Our reception will be in the hall on the upper level. When you enter through the gate, drive around the building to the other side, and park there. The entrance to our reception faces their church. There is a handicap accessible ramp to enter. <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/2500+Arbeiter+Rd,+Joliet,+IL+60431/310+Stryker+Ave,+Joliet,+IL+60436/@41.5315097,-88.1870807,13z/data=!4m24!4m23!1m15!1m1!1s0x880e8d19ff162d0f:0x789e84732bbb6673!2m2!1d-88.2945426!2d41.5638054!3m4!1m2!1d-88.2010474!2d41.5650527!3s0x880e8ae72405c04f:0xdc00192b91d1b628!3m4!1m2!1d-88.198732!2d41.5217315!3s0x880e8a30caf9b113:0x2def7fde57fc4ad3!1m5!1m1!1s0x880e616f9f49d171:0x780dc9ed280e794b!2m2!1d-88.1171963!2d41.5170783!3e0">Click here to view a map of the reception hall, with our recommended directions from the church.</a>

Don't Forget

We will have two photo backdrops set up at the reception in the main room: one a formal muslin through our photographer and the second a fun but meaningful peep through/face-in-the-hole board we will be bringing. ☺ Please remember to have your pictures taken with our photographer! And, send us any pictures you take on your own inside the face-in-the-hole photo board.

Pictures, Please?

We would love to see our wedding from your perspective , so please email any pictures you take with your camera or phone to the bride and groom at <a href="mailto:mailto:joeanddawn@comcast.net">joeanddawn@comcast.net</a> or simply tag the couple on Facebook! If you use Instagram (or other social media), post images with the hashtag #HereComesTheCiminos (Note: Your account needs to be set as public to allow anyone to see the hashtagged images, or the bride needs to be following your account to have access).

Events

Our Wedding

Bridesmaids

Maid of Honor

Karen, Best Friend of the BrideDawn and Karen have been friends since 3rd grade and are truly sisters. They have always been there for each other through life's difficult times, as an ear to listen or voice of support. The BFFs talk about work, family, medical issues, guys, and life in general. Both sharing a passion for music, Dawn and Karen have been karaoke singing together since high school and have also attended many concerts with one another. Trips they've taken together include Florida, Nashville, and Las Vegas. They have had many adventures, and Dawn looks forward to the next adventure of her wedding.

Bridesmaid

Laura, Friend of the BrideLaura and Dawn went to school together in Minooka from Kindergarten through Senior year, becoming really good friends in junior high. They vented to each other about life, school, and guys. With interests in similar TV shows, the pair had many movie nights together over the years. Dawn was a bridesmaid in Laura's wedding and designed the favors, place cards, video, and more. Having worked for Laura's parents' business, Dawn has been close to the entire family. She photographed Laura's mother's second wedding last May, and Laura's sister Amy is making the couple's wedding cake.

Laura, Friend of the Bride Laura and Dawn have had many crazy adventures since they met sophomore year of high school. Since both love trying something new, the pair have shared many experiences including golf lessons, salsa dancing, kayaking, canoeing, and sailing. Laura and Dawn have also gone on many trips together, the most notable being Las Vegas and Montego Bay, Jamaica, but also several weekend trips from hiking at Turkey Run in Indiana to Dawn visiting Laura in Carbondale. Dawn was a bridesmaid in Laura's wedding last year and produced the photo montage for her.

Kara, Friend of the BrideFriends since high school, Kara and Dawn have grown closer in their adult years. They enjoy scrapbooking, shopping, concerts, and eating at restaurants together. They have had many good times at karaoke and dance parties. Kara has often volunteered to be Dawn's model for photo shoots. She shares Dawn's passion of taking pictures when the friend's are together. Dawn designed Kara's photo montage for her wedding and announced the introductions at the reception.

Flower Girl

Emily, Niece and Goddaughter of the GroomJoe's youngest niece, Emily is the daughter of his Best Man. Joe loves being the fun uncle and making her laugh.

Groomsmen

Best Man

Matt, Brother of the GroomJoe's younger brother, Matt is an inspiration as a husband and father to the groom. He was actually the person who taught Joe dark room developing when Joe was the ship's photographer for the Navy.

Groomsman

Mark, Brother of the BrideDawn's oldest brother, Mark is very protective of his little sister. He has always watched out for her.

Jeff, Brother of the Bride Dawn was close to her older brother Jeff while growing up. They played a lot of games together on summer vacations and continued to value the other's opinion as they became adults.

Jeff, Cousin of the GroomAlthough cousins, Jeff and Joe grew up together like brothers, and thus, have many memories together. Jeff is a great example of family life to Joe.

Parents

Parents of the Bride

Parents of the Groom

Other Roles

Church Readings

Hannah and Elizabeth, Nieces of the GroomThe sisters will each be reciting one of the readings during mass.

Crew

Registry

Photo Albums

Matt

Best Friend of the BrideDawn and Karen have been best friends since 3rd grade. They have always been there for each other through life's difficult times, even just as an ear to listen. They have had many adventures.

Karen

Laura

Mark

Wedding Party

Save the Date1

April 5, 2016: We have officially set a date! Dawn has maintained since high school that she wanted to get married on the Fourth of July. Plus, she really wanted a summer wedding. It worked out to have our wedding by Independence Day with a special date containing one's and seven's. Seven is Dawn's favorite number, and our relationship is number one! ;-)

Wedding Updates

The Journey of Planning Our Wedding

Planning a wedding is a journey; Travel the road to the altar with us as we share wedding related tasks as they unfold.

We Officially Set the Date!

April 5, 2016: Dawn and her mom booked the hall today. Dawn has maintained since high school that she wanted to get married on the Fourth of July. Plus, she really wanted a summer wedding. It worked out to have our wedding by Independence Day with a special date containing one's and seven's. Seven is Dawn's favorite number, and our relationship is number one! ;-)

Have Your Cake and Design It, Too

April 4, 2016: A few hours after booking the hall, Dawn hired Amy of Baby Pop's Bakery to make our wedding cake. We are excited to see the camera-themed design this creative culinary artist comes up with!

Meet the Deacon

April 17, 2016: We met with the deacon at St. Francis Xavier today after mass. We filled out some paperwork and were later emailed a link for the Focus inventory. We took the quiz seperately and are paired with a couple based on our answers to talk about the sacrament of marrige with.

Photographers Photographer

April 18, 2015: Dawn and Joe booked Timothy Whaley Photography tonight.

Focus on Marriage

Monday, June 20, 2016: We talked to our assigned Foccus couple tonight and set up our first meeting.

FOCCUS Now

Friday, July 8, 2016: We met with our FOCCUS couple tonight. Most of the inventory questions we have already discussed in conversation.

Changing Floors!

Monday, June 20, 2017: Our reception will now be in the upper level of the hall. Check out the Events page for information.

Dawn & Joe

Dawn & Joe

Wedding Party