A West Loop Wedding at Nobu Hotel and Swift & Sons | Yuliya and Matt | Chicago Wedding Photographer
A West Loop Wedding at Nobu Hotel and Swift & Sons | Yuliya and Matt | Chicago Wedding Photographer | Destination Wedding Photographer
Yuliya and Matt spent the morning of their wedding day getting ready at Nobu Hotel with all of their closest loved ones. They both had matching corner room suites that overlooking the Chicago city skyline. Yuliya wore a dress that was customized by Ellen Veli Atelier and a pair of stunning Manolo Blahnik heels. They both had a cheers with their families separately and then Yuliya had a moment alone with her father for a first look. After the embracing and a sweet quiet moment with her dad, Yuliya waited for Matt to come down to her suite for their first look together. When he came around the corner, his face was in awe of the beauty that is Yuliya in her stunning bridal look. After everyone gathered their things we all headed down to the lobby of the Nobu Hotel where a stretch hummer limo was waiting for all of the family members to ride together to the ceremony.
The ceremony took place in the center of downtown Chicago on the Chicago River. There is a Chicago river walk that runs all along the river and the has so many lovely view points with the skyscrapers, trains and bridges in the backdrop. Yuliya and Matt chose a beautiful location that incorporated all of those things behind them while they said their vows to each other and said “I Do” to spending the rest of their life together as husband and wife. It really was such a picturesque backdrop of the city that they met and fell in love in all around them. Everyone then took family photos on the river and then in front of The Wrigley Building with the river behind them.
After the ceremony and family photos, the limo dropped us off over to Chicago-Kent College of Law, to take photos where Yuliya and Matt met and went to Law School together, while it took the rest of the guests over to Swift and Sons for their intimate dinner wedding reception in Fulton Market. Yuliya and Matt went all over Chicago-Kent College of Law to take couples portraits in all of the areas where they spent time together. They even took photos in the exact elevator where they literally saw each other for the first time, which I thought was the sweetest thing. There is also a library area where they picked up books related to their law studies, and they even switched books based on the topics. Honestly, I couldn’t get enough of these two and their movie romance love story from their time in University. It was so endearing seeing them light up about memories within the campus.
After we finished with couples portraits we headed over to Nobu Hotel, where their family and friends were waiting for them and we all rode over to Swift and Sons in Fulton Market together. They had a private room and bar area rented out in Swift and Sons and their guests were able to enjoy canapés, drinks and a beautiful slideshow of film photos of them growing up as children until now. It was really sweet to watch their parents faces light up with joy at seeing how these two have grown into such the beautiful and loving pair that they are now. It was a truly beautiful and intimate wedding day in downtown Chicago and I’m so honored that they asked me document these sweet memories for them to remember forever. x
Wedding Hotel - Nobu Hotel Chicago | Wedding Reception - Swift and Sons Fulton Market | Wedding Shoes - Manolo Blahnik | Wedding Dress - Ellen Veli Atelier | Groom Tux - Ted Baker | Wedding Ceremony - Chicago River Walk | Chicago Wedding Portraits - Chicago-Kent College of Law | Destination Wedding Photographer - Melody Joy Co.
A Chic Wedding Reception at Chez Wedding Venue | Dominique + Anthony | Chicago Wedding Photographer | Destination Wedding Photographer
A Chic Wedding Reception at chez wedding venue | Dominique + Anthony | Revel Decor | Champagne Tower | OSCAR DE La Renta Dress | Chicago Wedding Photographer | Destination Wedding Photographer
Dominique and Anthony decided to do a pre-wedding day celebration with their friends and family in Chicago by renting out Chez Wedding Venue in the heart of downtown Chicago and created a stunning atmosphere for their wedding cocktail party! They had the amazing team at Revel Decor design the decor and floral installations, which speak for themselves in the images below. Then Limelight Catering created custom cocktails (again, just browse the images below) that were truly unique and matched the decor as well! The candy floss, cloud shaped Cocktails were my favorite aesthetically! Chez Wedding Venue is a blank slate, with a grand staircase and loft looking over a high ceiling room with pillars and tall windows. It is all white, so any color palette you want to create will be able to happen seamlessly in Chez. I particularly loved this monochromatic palette that Revel Decor created in the space, and I honestly assume my clients book me because we’re already on the same page with our palette preferences, thankfully, because each and every wedding day I shoot, they seem to have my same taste, which I am extremely grateful for.
I always get excited when couples do things their way. Dominique and Anthony decided to get married in a more intimate way with just a few close family members and friends in Italy, so this wedding cocktail party was meant to include everyone they knew and loved in the Chicago area! They even had the talented DJ Matt Roan set the tempo all night and he never misses a beat, both literally and figuratively. The team at Limelight Catering, under the Revel Group, always presents their food so well. There is a full kitchen hidden in Chez, and they had their staff walking around with long clear trays filled with plates with full courses on them, from the apps, to a main meat dish, to the desserts. There were tables on the sides for the more chill guests, but those in the middle at the bar and on the dance floor were able to pick up a plate as they passed by. The whole evening felt like a mix of an epic dance party reception at a club, but also had the chicness of a fancy cocktail party! Everyone was also dressed to the nines, as Dominique was in a stunning Oscar de la Renta Gown and Anthony was in a full on look from Wool & Linen. And of course there was no one better to do her hair, then the lovely Alex Brown Hair. Truly, I’m obsessed with all of the beautiful hair styles she creates for her clients. The bride and groom’s personal style is one of my favorite aesthetic parts of a wedding day, so the fact that this cocktail party checked all of those boxes, really made this a memorable wedding event for me. They also did the Champagne tower justice as well! Such a fun way to start off the evening and the toasts from their loved ones! All in all, Chez Wedding Venue was an incredibly perfect space for Revel Decor, alongside Dominique and Anthony’s vision, to create a chic atmosphere that was perfect for their stylish wedding celebration in Chicago! x
Wedding Planning + Design - Revel Decor | Florist - Revel Decor | Hair Stylist - Alex Brown Hair | Wedding Reception Dress - Oscar de la Renta | Wedding Shoes - Gianvito Rossi | Groom Tailored Suit - Wool & Linen | Bride + Groom Rings - Ancona Jewelers | Chicago Modern Wedding Reception Venue - Chez Wedding Venue | Cocktail Hour + Wedding Reception Caterers - Limelight Catering from Revel Global Events | Reception DJ - DJ Matt Roan | Photobooth - Snapbooth Chicago |
Chicago City Hall Elopement | Samantha + Joe | Chicago Wedding Photographer | Destination Wedding Photographer
Chicago City Hall Elopement | Samantha + Joe | Chicago Wedding Photographer | Vivienne Westwood | Alex Brown Hair | Miranda
Cary MUA | Raulph LAUREN
RL RESTAURANT
Sam (the stylish, hilarious and “worth following along online” bride) and her endearing partner Joe decided to have an intimate wedding ceremony before their larger celebration with friends in Mexico. So they decided to have a Chicago City Hall Elopement with their closest family members. We met at City Hall, where they had gotten their marriage certificate and then we strolled around the historic building to take their bridal portraits. Sam was wearing a chic all white shoulder padded suit with a stunning choker from Vivienne Westwood. Her makeup was done by the talented Miranda Cary and her hair was done by the amazing Alex Brown Hair. Both ladies are some of the best hair and makeup artists in Chicago. We also did a bit of strolling around La Salle, because that street has some of the loveliest building architecture and textures for portrait backdrops.
After the bridal portraits downtown we left the Chicago City Hall area and headed towards the Chicago River. The Chicago River is the perfect backdrop for a wedding ceremony, as it creates an open space amidst the skyscrapers in downtown Chicago. They decided to pick a space that was near somewhere meaningful to them, so we settled in a beautiful inlet of the sidewalk in the center of the city. There family was all waiting for them to arrive as they walked up. They had the lovely Rev Beth of Rev Beth Weddings officiate the wedding ceremony and she is one of my favorite officiants in Chicago. The way she words things so personably, is open to any kind of couple (no matter the background or religion) and is flexible to meet you anywhere to perform your wedding ceremony, she is simply the sweetest. They exchanged wedding rings and said ‘I do’ in front of all of their loved ones in the city center. After the ceremony there were many family hugs, kisses, selfies and heart warming smiles.
Joe helped Samantha get into a luxury SUV where they had their vintage bottle of Dom Perignon Champagne and cuddles before heading to meet their family members at the Ralph Lauren RL Restaurant. At the RL Restaurant the two of them stopped off for a drink and private cheers in the bar area and then joined the rest of their family at the dinner table. They did things the best way possible, cake first. A delicious cake was brought to them straight after being seated and they didn’t just cut it, but ate it and I love that about Same and Joe! They had a family toast and then enjoyed the rest of their evening together making memories around the dinner table with the ones they love. I really appreciate being able to capture such personal and intimate memories in couples lives. Sam and Joe, the stylish newlyweds that you are, I absolutely adore you both and your sweet and spicy personalities! x
Downtown Chicago Wedding Venue - Chicago City Hall | Wedding Outfit - White Blazer Shoulder Padded Suit | Choker Necklace - Vivienne Westwood Three Row Pearl Bas Relief Choker | Chicago Hair Stylist - Alex Brown Hair | Chicago Wedding Makeup Artist - Miranda Cary MUA | Chicago Wedding Officiant - Rev Beth Weddings | Intimate Wedding Dinner Reception - Ralph Lauren RL Restaurant
Wildman BT Wedding | Raleigh + Andrew | Chicago Wedding Photographer
Wildman BT Wedding Chicago| Raleigh + Andrew | Chicago Wedding Photographer | BIRCH DESIGN STUDIO | REVEL DECOR | KIM KASSAs COUTure
Truly, Raleigh and Andrew were one of the most energetic couples that I’ve photographed, in the best way possible. From the getting ready to the partying at the end of the night at Wildman BT, these two really had endless joy, incredible personalities and all of the dance moves on top! They both started their mornings at The Hoxton Hotel in the West Loop neighborhood of Chicago. The Hoxton has a perfect apartment suite that include a kitchen, living room and different combined rooms, which are perfect for a morning spread of food and drinks and plenty of space for all of the hair and makeup artist teams. Raleigh had a larger bridal party, and it felt like a proper movie production or runway set up. I love it! Emily Katz, of Goldust Woman was the team lead on the hair and the makeup team was from Dani Garcia. They did such an amazing job on all of the bridal party, as always! When I lived in Chicago full time, I always trusted Emily to do my hair at Goldust Studios. She’s so incredibly talented with all styles of hair. Anyways, back to the wedding. Raleigh gave each of her bridesmaids Air Force Ones, which was what she also changed into later in the day during the late night dancing! Raleigh’s dress was Kim Kassas Couture and her shoes were the Amora Bridal Pump from Sophia Webster! All in all, this bridal prep morning at The Hoxton was a beautiful one!
Raleigh and Andrew had their first look on one of the outdoor balcony’s of The Hoxton Hotel, overlooking the Chicago skyline. We took a few portraits of them and then headed over to Wildman BT, where both their ceremony and reception were going to take place! I love that Raleigh and Andrew wanted to arrive at the venue early, because they were able to have drinks with their bridal party, take family and group photos before the ceremony even started and just hang out together in a lounge area before the guests started arriving. Wildman BT was the perfect blank slate for Birch Design Studio and Revel Decor to create an immaculately designed and custom space for Raleigh and Andrew’s wedding day. The entrance was one of the most unique doorways I’ve ever seen. They had a lovely vibrant blue color as a focus and it mesmerized me. It was such a consistent color in the floral arrangements, the lighting, the entrance and the table setting settings. I loved that they choose this vibrant color, as it stood out so well against the natural toned palette of the stunning renovated warehouse style venue that is Wildman BT.
Since they did all of the portraits before the ceremony, as soon as they said “I Do” they walk off the center stage into the crowd and went straight into their first dance! The party started right away! Everyone did a bit of dancing, hugging and congratulating before sitting down to have a formal dinner, by Limelight Catering, and to listen to their loved ones give the most heartwarming speeches. Swiftly after the dinner everyone was right back to the dance floor to start the epic late night of dancing! They had an incredibly talented full live band, called The Chicago Players, who are a part of Gold Coast Events. They were on point with every song and no one left the dance floor! Also, Frost Chicago did an amazing job with the professional lighting! It genuinely felt like a club! And it was such a joy to work alongside our friends Aaron and Mike who filmed the wedding day as well, Aaron Bean! Raleigh also quickly changed into her Air Force Ones and they continued to dance the night away. In the end, Wildman BT provided the perfect party atmosphere for Raleigh and Andrew to celebrate becoming husband and wife with all of their friends on the dance floor! x
Wedding Venue - Wildman BT Chicago | Wedding Planning and Design - Birch Design Studio and Revel Decor | Wedding Hotel - The Hoxton Hotel Chicago | Wedding Florist - Revel Decor | Make-up Artist - Dani Garcia MUA | Hair Stylist - Emily Katz of Goldust Studios / Goldust Woman | Wedding Shoes - Sophia Webster Amora Bridal Pump, second pair were Air Force Ones | Wedding Dress - Kim Kassas Couture | Groom Outfit - Custom Suits You | Groom Shoes - Common Projects | Bride & Groom Rings - Alson Jewelers | Live Wedding Band - The Chicago Players from the Gold Coast All Stars (They are so freaking talented and The All Stars are one of the best full live wedding bands in Chicago) | Wedding Filmmaker - Aaron Bean | After-Party DJ - Chapman | Lighting & Production - Frost Chicago | Paper - Erin Quinn & Smitten Boutique Shop | Chicago Wedding Catering - Limelight Catering
The Renaissance Chicago Downtown Wedding | Nika + Vinnie | Assumption Catholic Church | Chicago Wedding Photographer | Destination Wedding Photographer
The Renaissance Chicago Hotel Downtown Wedding | Nika + Vinnie | Assumption Catholic Church | Chicago Wedding Photographer | Destination Wedding Photographer
Nika and Vinnie held their wedding day in the city they grew up in, the lovely city of Chicago. I absolutely love downtown Chicago, so truly loved that their wedding hotel, ceremony and reception were all in the heart of the city, located on the Chicago River. Nika and Vinnie got ready in suites at The Renaissance Hotel and then had their first look in a private courtyard in between two skyscrapers near the hotel. Then they strolled over the bridges and Chicago river walk to spend some time alone and get couple portraits before the rest of their bridal party joined them for bridal party photos. Downtown Chicago has so many lovely textures and backdrops for bridal portraits and the vibe is always a timeless one!
Then we all loaded on the party bus to head over to Assumption Catholic Church for their stunning wedding ceremony. The architecture in this church was so beautiful and has so many historic details. I will never tire of church weddings in historic buildings, specifically catholic churches tend to appreciate the architecture more so. After the ceremony we headed back to The Renaissance Hotel for their cocktail hour and wedding reception. The Cocktail hour was in a room overlooking the Chicago river. The best part about this cocktail hour was that there was a beer pong table set up at the window overlooking the city skyline and everyone was having a ball (pun intended) playing it! Even some of the elder family members gave it a try!
Everyone then went to a larger ballroom upstairs in the hotel for a seated dinner while sweet speeches were being made. There was a DJ, cake cutting and a whole lot of dancing! I love when dance trains break out because it feels like everyone is one big unit and picking up people who are sitting down! It’s a lot of fun to watch! Nika and Vinnie had a buffet of McDonals’s burgers and chicken nuggets for all of their guests and ended their night by feeding each other Mickie Dee’s! What a solid way to end such a beautiful wedding day! x
Bridal Suite Hotel - The Renaissance Chicago Downtown | Wedding Ceremony Venue - Assumption Catholic Church | Downtown Chicago Wedding Reception Venue - The Renaissance Chicago Downtown | Wedding Florist - Belmonte's Florist | Make-up + Hair Artist - Konstantine Mironychev (booked through Bianca Sansosti Artistry) | Wedding Hair Stylist - Rhona Kane Hair | Wedding Dress - Adore by Justin Alexander (purchased on Still White) | Wedding Shoes - Dolce Vita | Groom Tux + Shoes - Gentlemen’s Quarters | Bride + Groom Rings - Arezzo Jewelers | Wedding Cake - Alliance Bakery Wedding Cakes | Chicago Wedding DJ - Chris Nergaard (booked through Style Matters DJ’s) | Wedding Filmmaker - Mike Mendoza | Late night food - McDonald’s
Intimate Downtown Wedding | RPM Seafood Wedding Reception | Chicago Wedding Photographer | The Peninsula Hotel | Destination Wedding Photographer
Intimate Downtown Wedding | RPM Seafood Wedding Reception | The Peninsula Hotel | Destination Micro Wedding | Chicago Wedding photographer
Liza and Rick decided to have their wedding day be an intimate and romantic one. They started their day getting ready at The Peninsula Hotel together. I think it’s really sweet when couples do that, especially for those who may have nerves and don’t want that build up tension of a formal first look and it gives you a chance to spend the whole morning with your partner. They had a car service rented for the afternoon, which took us to all of the locations in the city where they wanted photos together. Honestly, if you’re up in the air about hiring a car (limo, party bus, etc), trust me, it’s definitely worth it. This gives you the chance to hop in and out of the car while the driver is waiting at every corner for you, and you don’t have to drive around searching for parking or calling Uber’s, which can take such valuable time away from you both on your wedding day, and gives you more freedom to enjoy drinks or your favorite snacks during your ride around town.
Liza and Rick rented a private room in RPM Seafood that has a balcony overlooking the Chicago River and has some of the best views of downtown. They had a small wedding ceremony there with a few of their closest family members and friends. I love how every couple make their day unique, whether it’s a large party into the night or a sweet, intimate dinner with a view, like this day was, I am always happy to document such a memorable and meaningful day in couples lives. x
A Design-Led Museum Wedding | Asrai Garden | Chicago Wedding Photographer | Savannah Miller Bridal | Varca Bridal | Destination Wedding Photographer
A Beautiful Design-Led Museum Wedding | Asrai Garden | Savannah Miller Bridal | Varca Bridal | Destination Wedding Photographer| Chicago Wedding Photographer
This design-led wedding day was full of so much love and endless style! Alex chose to get her outfit from the most unique bridal shop, Belle Atelier Bridal, and have the most unique designers to help her create her custom wedding look. The base of her wedding dress was designed by Savannah Miller Bridal and the custom cape and sheer gloves that flowed down to the floor were designed by the incredibly talented Varca Bridal. Sarah Varca is one of my personal favorites, and not just because she designed my custom wedding dress, but I’ve first hand seen how passionate she is about each bride and client she works and it’s so inspiring.
After Alex finished drinking champagne with her best friends in a suite at the Sofitel Hotel, she headed downstairs to see Alex (the groom) for the first time. They wanted to meet casually in the lobby (although, it was still so sweet to see his face in awe of her!) and we roamed around downtown with their best friends before we all headed over to the International Museum of Surgical Science. Once we arrived at the museum we were greeted by the team of Asrai Garden, who had been working for hours on the floral installations on the stairs and floral arrangements in multiple rooms where the ceremony, dessert bar and dancing would be. They are so skilled with transforming a space and their design-led arrangements are always so thoughtful and unique.
Their sweet ceremony took place in a stunning hall filled with marble statues, candlelit light, flowers and loved ones. They also had a beautiful three tiered wedding cake designed and made by Emily from Bon Vivant Cakes. The setting for this wedding allowed for the guests to roam the halls of the surgical museum, and it felt like we were in a noir film. They ended the evening by dancing the night away to her favorite DJ and her dad’s live band. Truly, it was a unforgettable wedding night in a museum! x
Dress Boutique - Belle Bridal Atelier | Wedding Dress Designer - Savannah Miller Bridal | Wedding Dress Custom Pieces - Varca Bridal | Wedding Coordinator & Vintage Rentals - Chicago Vintage Weddings | Museum Wedding Venue - International Museum of Surgical Science | Caterer & Bar - Hearty Boys | Wedding Cake and Desserts - Bon Vivant Cakes | Modern Wedding Florist - Asrai Garden | Hair - Tiffany Evans | Makeup - Gold Dust Woman | Live Band (Father of the Bride’s Band)- Night Crawlers | DJ - Greg Corner | Hotel Suite - Sofitel Magnificent Mile
Modern Micro Wedding | Destination Wedding Photographer | Celeste Chicago Wedding | Modern Rooftop Restaurant
Modern Rooftop Restaurant Bar Venue | Celeste Chicago Wedding | Destination Wedding Photographer | Best Downtown Chicago Micro Wedding Venue
Alyeesha and Joe started their wedding day getting ready in a beautiful suite overlooking Millennium Park at the Chicago Athletic Hotel on Michigan Avenue. I absolutely love the details and vendors they chose for their wedding day. By starting at a historic hotel in the center of downtown, they were able to do their first look with the backdrop of the bustling city streets behind them. We then strolled around downtown Chicago for bridal portraits all along La Salle to the Board of Trade. After wrapping up the portraits of the two of them we headed in car over to the venue, where they had their intimate ceremony and reception at the enclosed rooftop of Celeste.
The Florist for the wedding day was Asrai Garden. I’ve done quite a few weddings with them now, and their floristry always amazes me. They not only choose unique and beautiful combination of flowers, but are so good at creating a beautiful space for your personal vision. Alyeesha curated all of the pieces for her long bridal dining table and the florals fit into the table scape perfectly. Her candle and vase options she collected were just lovely together. As for the food, the lovely team at Celeste could not have done a better job. I mean, I’m already a huge fan of fried chicken, but especially when you put it in a beautiful plating and stunning setting… bon appétit!
Between their ceremony and reception, they went down to the second story to have canapés and a champagne tower with their loved ones. While they were all catching up with each other and congratulating the bride and groom, the team over at Chicago Vintage Weddings was busy flipping the space upstairs into a stunning room to dine. When everyone came back upstairs the whole space was transformed into a dinner by twilight, candles and string lights above them. The rest of the evening of was full of laughter and joy as speeches were made, desserts were eaten and endless shots taken. All in all, this micro wedding was filled with all of the love that one would wish to be surrounded by on your wedding day. So incredibly grateful to be a part of this memorable day. x
Wedding Venue - Celeste / Wedding Photographer Melody Joy Co. / Hotel Bridal Suite - Chicago Athletic Hotel / Wedding Dress - Galvan London / Bridal Hair Stylist - Hannah Aubrey Hair / Wedding Makeup Artist - Shannon O’brien Weddings / Henna Tattoo Artist - Henna Tattoo Chicago / Wedding Planner - Chicago Vintage Weddings / Custom Wedding Florist - Asrai Garden / Venue Restaurant Group - Bonhomme Group
Morgan's on Fulton Chicago Wedding | A Modern Fulton Market Wedding | Chicago Wedding Photographer | Destination Wedding Photographer
Morgan's on Fulton Chicago Wedding | A Modern Wedding Venue in Fulton Market | Chicago Wedding Photographer | Destination Wedding Photographer
Frankie and Patrick started their wedding day at The Hoxton Hotel. They were both surrounded by family, friends and they even had their sweet pup with them. Frankie had one of my favorite Chicago makeup artists, Joey, doing her makeup alongside Susan Ford and Paide McNalon on hair. Her final custom bridal look was put together by Dominic Lacquaniti. He was there every step of the way, making sure every piece of her gown was fluffed correctly. Dominic Lacquaniti also did Patricks entire groom outfit, so if you are wanting one person to be your sole designer, Dominic Lacquaniti is who you’re looking for. Patrick also had Star Wars cufflinks, which my husband (who second shot this wedding with me) and I completely appreciated.
Patrick was waiting for Frankie outside of the entrance of The Hoxton Hotel for their private first look in the middle of the West Loop. We then strolled around the block for portraits of just the two of them before hopping on a party bus to drive around Fulton Market for wedding party photos with the entire bridal party.
We made sure to capture the Chicago city skyline in the background of their wedding day as this city holds a special place in their heart.
After we roamed around Fulton Market with the bridal party and took photos in the Alleyway across from the Soho House, we strolled over to Morgan’s on Fulton for the wedding ceremony. We took a few photos in the ceremony spaced by the windows while they were able to watch their guests slowly start to arrive outside. At Morgan’s on Fulton, the ceremony space was candlelit with large windows that naturally lit the room as well. It was such a romantic and cozy ceremony with petals that lined the aisle beautifully. After Frankie and Patrick said “I Do”, everyone headed upstairs to enjoy the main selling point of Morgan’s on Fulton, the rooftop event space. It has a clear wall and ceiling that opens up above and on the sides, with a full open balcony wrapped around the reception space, where guests were able to freely roam all night with an outdoor bar on the balcony all evening long. There were also lounge areas with couches that overlooked the Fulton Market area of Chicago, along with the beautiful skyline. At sunrise, everyone headed inside the event space walls for their formal seated dinner table settings for the grand entrance of Frankie and Patrick. They were greeted with a warm welcome from all of their loved ones as they went straight into their cake cutting and first dances.
The way the clear ceiling and walls create a romantic city atmosphere at Morgan’s on Fulton, the guests are able to feel like they were sitting in the middle of the skyscrapers while surrounded by the bustling nightlife below.
There was a lot of dancing, led by the talented Toast and Jam DJ, and Frankie eventually changed into a shorter party dress to easily let loose on the dance floor surrounded by her friends! I love when there is so much joy, smiles and fun on a wedding day! There is something about dancing like no one is watching that really inspires me in people. I love when couples forgot that I’m there and they are just truly enjoying the company of their loved ones and celebrating uninhibited and in their true form. I’m truly grateful to document vibrant wedding days like this one was at Morgan’s on Fulton for this beautiful couple inside and out, Frankie and Pat. x
Wedding Hotel Suites - The Hoxton Hotel Chicago | Wedding Planning - Jessica Levi for Clover Events | Wedding Design - Revel Group | Wedding Florist - Revel Group | Make-up - Joey Claeyssen and Susan Ford Hair | Wedding Hair Stylist - Paige McNal | Custom Wedding Dress - Dominic Lacquaniti | Wedding Shoes - Jimmy Choo | Custom Groom Look - Dominic Lacquaniti | Bride + Groom Rings - Summit Diamonds, Scott Shear | Fulton Market Ceremony + Reception Venue - Morgan's on Fulton | Cocktail Hour + Reception Caterer - Morgan's On Fulton & The Italian Bakery | Wedding Reception DJ - Toast & Jam | Wedding Filmmaker - Kane & Co Wedding Films
Elske Wedding | Chic Indian Ceremony & Rehearsal Dinner | Elske Indian Wedding
Elske Wedding | Chic Indian Ceremony & Rehearsal Dinner | Elske Indian Wedding | Chicago Indian Wedding Photographer | Michelin Star Restaurant Wedding Venue
Alyeesha and Joe decided to have their traditional Indian Ceremony during their rehearsal dinner with their families the night before their wedding day in downtown Chicago the next day. They had their Indian ceremony and dinner at a highly renowned Danish influenced restaurant, named Elske. They not only were James Beard finalists but they have a Michelin Star as well. The private second floor of Elske was the perfect place for them to decorate the space for an intimate Indian ceremony. Alyeesha had a beautiful program made for Joe’s family to share what every tradition meant and it was so sweet to learn along with everyone!
If you’re looking for an intimate space for your rehearsal dinner, wedding or even an intimate Indian ceremony, I could not recommend Elske enough. From the modern architecture and minimal design, to the uniquely Danish inspired food, to the wonderful service, this restaurant is the place to book if they’re available. I hope you enjoy these sweet images as much as I enjoyed capturing them! x
The Peninsula Chicago Hotel Wedding | Downtown Chicago Elopement | Luxury Chicago Elopement Photographer
The Peninsula Chicago Hotel Wedding | Downtown Chicago Elopement | Luxury Chicago Hotel | Chicago Elopement Photographer
Karina and Matt started their elopement in downtown Chicago by doing a champagne toast in their suite at The Peninsula Hotel on Michigan Avenue. After they opened a few gifts, Matt saw Karina in her dress for the first time, they headed down Michigan Avenue for a stroll to meet the officiant and say “I do!”
Karina had a beautiful bouquet of jewel toned flowers that matched her chic and jewel toned green dress. I loved how minimal yet beautiful it was! Once we met up with the officiant at the Fourth Presbyterian Church, she led them in their vows and exchanging of rings. After they committed to spend the rest of their life together in the stunning church courtyard downtown, they signed their papers and were officially newlyweds!
We took a few more portraits in the courtyard and then strolled back down to The Peninsula Hotel, where we parted ways and they continued onto a beautiful and private evening together. I honestly love when couples do what feels right to them on their wedding day.
All of this to say, if you want to wait and spend your day with your loved ones, then do that, because it’s important to you and that definitely matters. And in the same vain, if you want to take your next step into married life with just your fiancé by your side, then do it! either way should be celebrated and I am here for all of it! I personally eloped to St. Lucia this past November with my husband and can really appreciate this kind of wedding day as well as the larger ones, because we also still want to have a larger wedding with all of our family and friends in the years to come!
I truly loved how romantic this day was and am so grateful for every couple who asks me to document their day, no matter how large or intimate! x
Romantic Micro Wedding in Chicago | Amina & Vinnie | Chicago Elopement Photographer | Melody Joy Co.
Romantic Micro Wedding in Chicago | Amina & Vinnie | Chicago Elopement Photographer | Melody Joy Co.
Amina and Vinnie revived my love for intimate micro weddings! This wedding day started with Amina and Vinnie getting ready together in their downtown high rise flat. We then walked around downtown Chicago to take portraits in some of their favorite pieces of architecture. The first stop was The Chicago Theatre, next was The Board of Trade building on La Salle, then there was The Art Institute of Chicago on Michigan Avenue. We must have walked a couple of miles downtown, but we had so much fun together strolling around and Amina was extra impressive with how good she was at walking long lengths in heels! She said her Thunder Heel Pumps from Prada were plenty comfy!
After we took their portraits we walked up Michigan Avenue to the ceremony and reception venue, The Skyline Club. The Skyline Club is the Penthouse of a high rise overlooking the Chicago River. If you are looking for a stunning rooftop view surrounded by skyscrapers as your outdoor rooftop wedding ceremony backdrop, then The Skyline Club would be the perfect fit for you! You can also have indoor or outdoor seating for your cocktail hour or reception!
The night resumed with endless family time, a thank you speech, their cake cutting, a delicious meal and a table of homemade desserts! All in all, I would say having a micro wedding with just twenty of your closest family and friends is the way to go to be able to enjoy these season, specifically with the laws in different countries, or if you simply want to provide a higher quality of celebration for your loved ones. The less people you have attend your micro wedding as well, the more time you have to have full conversations with all of them too! Overall, it’s a sweet way to have a celebration while still making it feel intimate and just about you both. If you ever need any advice on elopements or a micro wedding, I would be happy to share my thoughts on venues, styles, details and timelines that will work well for a beautiful micro wedding day! x
Wedding Dress - Emilia Wickstead Bridal // Wedding Shoes - Prada // Wedding Head Piece - Jennifer Behr // Wedding Portraits - Board of Trade Building and Art Institute of Chicago // Wedding Florals - Design de Flores // Chicago Wedding Venue for outdoor Ceremony and indoor Reception - The Skyline Club //
Downtown Chicago Wedding | The Herbarium at Bad Hunter | Chicago Wedding Photographer
The Herbarium at Bad Hunter | Downtown Chicago Wedding Photographer
Whatever our souls
are made of,
His and mine
are the same.
-Emily Brontë
Ceremony Holy Name Cathedral // Reception The Herbarium at Bad Hunter // Florist Revel Decor // MUA Ryan Ternes // Hair Artist Claire Danstrom //
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I absolutely love downtown Chicago wedding venues. This particular Chicago wedding venue, The Herbarium, is located in a Chicago neighborhood called The West Loop, one of the most popular spots for some of the trendiest and edgist food scene in all of Chicago. The Herbarium wedding venue is located on the entire floor directly upstairs above the restaurant Bad Hunter, another wonderful spot to check out if you are visiting Chicago. The Herbarium has wooden floors, tall ceilings and is filled with Herbs and plants all over the walls weaving in and out through the bottles on the shelves behind it’s elegant bar. This wedding venue is not far from downtown at all, as their ceremony was actually based less than a mile away in downtown Chicago. After their downtown Chicago wedding ceremony we took wedding portraits on Michigan Avenue and we then headed to take wedding portraits in the West Loop. Since the West Loop is so close to downtown Chicago, it’s the perfect spot for visitors flying in to explore the beautiful downtown areas and also be very near your wedding venue within a mild walk or short taxi ride. All in all, I would highly recommend The Herbarium, not just for its close proximity to downtown Chicago, but the staff and food courses were top notch! Seriously, try the dumplings if you ever eat a dinner there! And If anyone is searching for any wedding venue ideas for the West Loop or downtown Chicago, I could not rave enough about The Herbarium! It has really stood out to me amongst all of the other wedding venues for intimate Chicago weddings. Truly a beautiful downtown Chicago wedding venue. On a side note, thank you for taking the time to read my ramblings about this lovely Chicago wedding venue, The Herbarium.
Beautiful Barn Wedding Venue | The Farm at Dover
Their love is a thing of beauty, storybooks + lots of laughter.
Gabe + Karla. Two of the most beautiful individuals I know, inside and out (and who I also get to call my family). When Gabe introduced her to the family I instantly knew I loved her. She plays and teaches music to little kiddos for a living (at Little Parade in Chicago), so I guess that bubbliness is needed! But even for adults, her smile is vibrant enough to make the whole room happy!
They were both born + raised Chicago and are the epitome of city people. But for their wedding, they wanted to get away from it all, as we all do sometimes. They ventured north just over the Wisconsin border and found the most lovely little barn wedding venue called The Farm at Dover. Karla got ready in the pink house on the property, their ceremony was in the woods and their coffee hour and stunning reception was in the two-story renovated barn. The day was just perfect. The weather was overcast and the colors were perfectly romantic. Darker tones always tend to make me feel something from each image, more than vibrant colors. The tone of the day was somber and sweet and I'm so grateful I was able to capture the moments from the start of their new season together as Mr. + Mrs Lopez.
Cheers to new beginnings!
HIS / HERS DETAILS
Shoes: bryr clogs / aldo
dress/suit: BHLDN weddings / zara
watch: komono
handkerchief: Una Mae's
caterer: Chef David's
car: vintage VW
donuts: krispy kreme
flower crown: pistil + vine
table decorator: Sasha Kisiel, Mylene Raspado, Yolypix
coordinator planner: Divine delgado
coffee roasters: Ipsento
barista: Jeremy Mercado
If you’re looking for a beautiful barn wedding venue and live in the midwest, the Farm at Dover is such a lovely choice! And if you’d like me to capture your wedding day, whether in a barn or farm or elsewhere, I would absolutely love to create something beautiful with you! Reach out below!