Toasting To Forever: One Year After Their Italian-Inspired Wedding At Armour Estate At Lake Forest Academy

July 5th marks a year since Kamarri and Rafael stepped into forever.

A sun-drenched afternoon, timeless vows, the scent of garden blooms curling into the air, their Italian villa-inspired wedding at Armour Estate at Lake Forest Academy felt like something between a daydream and a film still.

Even now, twelve months later, you can close your eyes and feel it: the emotion, the elegance, the sense that something truly special had taken root.

Their wedding was recently featured in MunaLuchi Bride, a well-deserved spotlight on a day that wasn’t just beautiful, it was meaningful and intentional. It was truly a celebration of culture, family, and enduring romance.

This wasn’t just a wedding in Lake Forest. It was a moment in time that lives on.

A Love Story Rooted In Wicker Park

Before the vows, the villa, the velvet textures, there was a night in Wicker Park. Kamarri and her friend sat down next to Rafael and his friend at the bar at Big Star. A casual conversation turned into a phone number exchanged, and a spark that would quietly change everything.

Their story, like their wedding, felt effortlessly serendipitous. Yet, behind the scenes, every moment was chosen with care.

Italian Villa Meets Chicago Sophistication

When Kamarri began planning, she had one vision in mind: an Italian villa in Illinois. A celebration that would evoke the romance of Rome, the warmth of Tuscany, and the classic style of Italian cinema.

She and Rafael had gotten engaged in Italy, at sunset, on a rooftop in Rome overlooking St. Peter’s Basilica. It was only natural that their wedding would carry that same glow.

Armour Estate at Lake Forest Academy was the perfect canvas: a historic mansion with arched windows, formal gardens, and an architectural soul that lent itself to the feeling of a destination wedding without ever leaving Illinois.

A Ceremony Steeped In Tradition And Emotion

Kamarri wore a look inspired by vintage Dolce & Gabbana, dramatic and soft in equal measure. Rafael stood by her side in a timeless black tuxedo, the definition of modern grace.

Their beloved dog, Teddy, made an appearance because no perfect day is complete without your best friend.

Then came the moment, vows shared, eyes misty, hearts full. It was official.

A Ceremony Steeped In Tradition And Emotion

Kamarri wore a look inspired by vintage Dolce & Gabbana, dramatic and soft in equal measure. Rafael stood by her side in a timeless black tuxedo, the definition of modern grace.

Their beloved dog, Teddy, made an appearance because no perfect day is complete without your best friend.

Then came the moment, vows shared, eyes misty, hearts full. It was official.

Moments Worth Remembering, Details Worth Keeping

This wedding wasn’t about grand gestures. It was about felt presence.

A signature scent chosen by the bride.
Soft jazz and Domenico Modugno’s “Volare” welcoming guests into the reception.

A quiet moment where the couple sat down for dinner, looked out at the faces of those they love most, and simply took it all in.

As Kamarri shared, “That was the best moment, feeling so much love in the room.”

The Spirit Of Armour Estate, One Year Later

Armour Estate in Lake Forest is a place where stories unfold with grace. For couples who want a backdrop that’s both elegant and grounded in history, it offers a setting that feels worlds away from the ordinary.

Yet, it’s not the architecture alone that made Kamarri and Rafael’s wedding so special. It was the layers: heritage, family, scent, and song. It was the way every piece felt personal, and the way our team at SouthWind Events made sure it came together seamlessly.

What They’d Tell Other Couples Wedding Planning Now

In true SouthWind spirit, their advice to engaged couples isn’t about perfection. It’s about intention.

“Don’t overdo it. Try to enjoy the planning process. And ask for help when you need it.”

That’s what our team is here for.

Whether your inspiration comes from Rome or the quiet beauty of the Chicago suburbs, we’ll help you design a day that feels layered, editorial, and deeply yours.

Planning Your Wedding At Armour House At Lake Forest Academy?

If you’ve fallen in love with the timeless charm of Armour House in Lake Forest, IL, we’d be honored to help you create a day as meaningful as Kamarri and Rafael’s.

Let’s craft a celebration that feels like your story with presence, purpose, and beauty that lingers.

Book your consultation with SouthWind Events to start planning your wedding.