San Juan, Puerto Rico Wedding | Iglesia de San José | Destination Wedding Photographer
San Juan, Puerto Rico Wedding | Iglesia de San José | Destination Wedding Photographer | Alexa Blanco Weddings
Daniel and Alexandra started their wedding day by getting ready with their loved ones in suites overlooking Isle Verde Beach in the dreamy coastal city of San Juan. After spending a quiet morning with their friends and family, everyone caravanned together over to the historic district of Old San Juan. They were married at the stunning church, Iglesia de San José, which is the oldest church in Puerto Rico. They had a beautiful catholic ceremony with their loved ones surrounding them and passed down traditions. As they walked out of the church as a married couple, the first thing they did was go for a stroll on the cobbled streets of old San Juan for moments of just the two of them (with myself and the the filmmaker, Daniel, not too far away). It was sweet to see everyone congratulating them on the streets as a festival was taking place. We also popped in to get a cocktail for the groom at La Factoría (which is a must if you ever find yourself visiting Old San Juan).
After strolling around the city center we headed back to the church for a few more portraits before heading back to the resort at Isle Verde Beach for their reception. Upon arriving at the reception, we walked to the shoreline to get a few portraits just as the sun was setting. Their bridal party met us on the beach and then everyone was announced into the reception for an evening of dancing with their favorites to local live music. Even the groom’s dad played a bit of his trumpet with the band. The lively tune of the evening was exactly the kind of party you want to have on the night of your wedding. This was truly a beautiful day and a beautiful celebration of love! x
Puerto Rico Wedding Planner - Alexa Blanco Weddings & Events | Wedding Ceremony - Iglesia de San José in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico | Wedding Resort - Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort | Wedding Reception Venue - Isla Verde Weddings | Wedding Florals & Design - Natalia Liriano | Live Wedding Band in Puerto Rico - Wedding Band PR, Sin Prisa Music | Bridal Hair & Makeup - Nicolle Potencial | Wedding Cake - Sabe A Gloria PR | Puerto Rico Wedding Filmmaker - Eternum Films, Danny Gutierrez
City Chambers Edinburgh Elopement | Emily + Laurence | Scotland Wedding Photographer | Harriette Gordon
City Chambers Edinburgh Elopement | Scotland Wedding Photographer | Harriette Gordon Bridal Dress | Snapdragon Edinburgh Florist | The Fall Bride | Edinburgh wedding photographer
Emily and Laurence started their wedding day by meeting two of their best friends, who were their witnesses, on the royal mile in the Edinburgh City Chambers courtyard. I knew Emily and Laurence were having a formal wedding celebration with their friends and family at the weekend, so when she walked up wearing the most chic and fashionable outfit with full hair and makeup and beautiful florals, I was the most pleasantly surprised! I get so excited when couples, even for their intimate Edinburgh City Chambers ceremony, decide to wear something memorable for that day as well as their larger wedding party with their friends and family! Her dress was from purchased from The Fall Bride, which has some of the most unique dress designers around, like Harriette Gordon, which is the designer who made her short, fun bridal gown! And her florals were from an Edinburgh florist, Snapdragon, located in Bruntsfield, where they are also regulars!
After the intimate ceremony at Edinburgh City Chambers, where one of her friends delivered the sweetest poem about their lives, we headed out to take portraits around the old town of Edinburgh. Both Emily and Laurence met in Edinburgh as students putting on a show during the Fringe, so not only is the city a special place for them, but that part of town is as well.
After we strolled around the royal mile for a bit taking their bridal portraits, they mentioned wanting to grab a bite to eat before meeting up with their friends later. I, of course, only try to take on one shoot a day, so was happy to walk over with them afterwards to wherever they were headed to. So we made the journey through The Meadows over to Elliott’s Edinburgh for them to grab food and drinks. Elliott’s is one of their favorite places to eat and the staff knew who they were, which was the best! They ended the day with endless congratulations on their strolls and then I said goodbye so they could enjoy the rest of their intimate ceremony wedding day with just each other. It was a really relaxed and sweet way to have your legal ceremony and I loved how true to themselves they were. These type of days really fuel my creativity and give me so much joy to see couples doing things in their own unique and unconventional ways, and making their wedding day all about each other and what they want, as it should be.
I love living in Edinburgh and being an edinburgh wedding photographer and edinburgh city chambers is one of my favorite wedding venues in edinburgh. x
Wedding Dress - The Fall Bride, Harriette Gordon // Suit - Beggar’s Run // Edinburgh Florist - Snapdragon // Hair & Makeup - Kate Elliot Muir // Edinburgh Restaurant - 27 Elliott’s Edinburgh // Ceremony Venue - Edinburgh City Chambers Weddings // Sunglasses - Ray-Ban
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
New Mexico Elopement | El Monte Sagrado Taos Wedding | New Mexico Wedding Photographer
New Mexico Elopement | El Monte Sagrado Taos Wedding | New Mexico Wedding Photographer
I met Ann in 6th grade. We went to middle school together and naturally got close because of being in band classes together. Throughout the years we became even closer and realized we lived close to each other on neighboring islands in Savannah and would hang out at each others houses watching movies and joining all of the same clubs and sports. I mean, I wasn’t athletic at all, but joined cross country and soccer just because Annie and a few other friends were on the teams. ha. We also were very dedicated marching band, orchestra, chess and art club members. As well as being in advanced classes, we basically were overachievers, had similar personalities and got along well because of it. Over the years we have visited each other wherever we lived, from visiting her at University, to wherever our lives brought us, from GA, to DC, to NYC, to Chicago to Colorado. She’s just a gem of a human…. so why wouldn’t I also come along to document her marry the man of her dreams in New Mexico!
I have been around from the start of Clint and Annie’s relationship, and it’s basically a romance movie. To sum it up in a short and sweet way, they were both flying home for the holidays and had the same layover, they met at the airport and realized they were going to the same city but never met before. When they got there they kept in touch, met up with friends downtown and never stopped talking. The rest was history! There are loads more details of sweetness and the journey in between meeting and marriage, but in the end, their similar respect and love for each other makes these two one of my favorite couples!
Annie and Clint decided to say “I do” with just the two of them in one of their favorite ski resorts they frequent, El Monte Sagrado! El Monte Sagrado resort is located in the heart of Taos, New Mexico. They booked a moroccan themed suite that included a hot tub in the backyard and two rooms for them to get ready separately on the morning of their wedding day to have a first look. Clint waited in the greenhouse on the property of the resort, the very place that he proposed to Ann. When she walked up he was speechless. They said their vows to each other and then Ann surprised Clint by singing and playing a song on her ukulele for him. They then signed their marriage license back at the suite and Ann made an incense alter and had a moment of silence for her late father, who was the sweetest man. She also read letters that all of her loved ones wrote her, that her younger sister had collected from anyone who was close to Annie. They really were surrounded by the love of their community on their wedding day, even from afar.
After their ceremony afternoon at El Monte Sagrado, they both put on their hiking boots and we headed for the Rio Grande Gorge for wedding portraits! The timing worked perfectly in the end, because we were able to shoot in the desert at sunset and into that magical blue hour at dusk. The canyon, the landscape, the light and the mountains in the background all made such a beautiful end to this special day for two very special humans. Truly could not have loved documenting, witnessing and celebrating these two anymore than I did. Cheers to everyone who has found a way to marry the love of their life during this season of so much change. x
Chic Downtown Chicago Micro Wedding | Madelyn + Paul | Elopement Wedding Photographer
Chic Downtown Chicago Micro Wedding | Madelyn + Paul | Elopement Wedding Photographer
Elopements at city hall are some of my favorite! And Madelyn and Paul truly did it right! They started the day getting ready with their favorite people, and then did their first look just outside of the Thompson Hotel in the center of downtown Chicago. They then hopped in a limo with some bubbly and headed off to the Chicago Cook County Marriage Court. After they went in with their marriage certificate in hand and their masks on their faces, they came out with their arms in the air and rejoicing as they just got married during this craziness of a year! They had their parents and siblings waiting just outside the courthouse doors to cheer them on right after they left the courthouse and to give them all of the hugs!
Then the newlyweds went for a limo ride through Chicago and we stopped by a few of their favorite neighborhoods and some beautiful streets downtown. We ended up in the fashion district of downtown and roamed around the streets by shops like Dior and Versace, before heading to Gibson’s Steakhouse, where their immediate families were waiting to celebrate and enjoy a meal with them upstairs in a private dining room. All in all, this was a simple day, filled with beautiful little details that all focused on the bride and groom! In the car ride they opened up a bag of gummy bears their friends gave them, popped champagne and took Fujifilm Instax photos to have little take aways straight away from their special day!
This day was such a memorable one, and not just because of the beautiful bride and groom and their amazingly city chic attire, but because they just did what they wanted! These two, just like many couples had another plan before this one, and when this year became what it became, they just had to figure it out. And in the end, when you want to get married, you just figure out a way to make it happen, even if that means just the two of you in your city at the courthouse, dressed in your best! Madelyn and Paul were so relaxed all day long and were truly just so happy to finally become husband and wife and to start their “forever” together. I loved being able to witness their joy on this day. From start to finish, there was just so much love, joy and laughter, and that, to me, is what makes a wedding day the most beautiful of all! x
Dress - Sarah Seven // Hotel - Thompson Hotel // Wedding Reception - Gibson’s Steakhouse // Wedding Ceremony - Chicago Cook County Marriage Court // Flowers - Bride’s Mother (She did amazing!)
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 //
Edinburgh Wedding | Ruth + Mark | Edinburgh Wedding Photographer
Edinburgh Wedding | Ruth + Mark | Scottish Bride | Edinburgh Wedding Photographer | Scotland Wedding
Edinburgh Weddings are some of my favorite! The architecture in this city is like no other. But truly, my favorite part of this wedding day is that Ruth and Mark are some of our best friends in Scotland and we were honored that they wanted Ross and I to capture their wedding day! Ruth and I actually were introduced by a mutual friend on Instagram telling us to meet at Cairngorm for coffee simply because he “thought we would get along well.” Well, he was completely right, because now she is one of my best friends here in Scotland!
Ruth started her wedding day at The Place Hotel with a morning of drinking mimosas and having a stunning view of the rooftops of Edinburgh. Mark spent his morning with his groomsmen at his home overlooking The Fourth Bridge in South Queensferry. His guys were doing cartwheels in kilts (good thing Ross was there to capture that craziness in person, because of course I couldn’t post all of those) and drinking coffee from The Manna House, their favorite local cafe. Both Ruth and Mark are such laid back individuals and both just wanted relaxing mornings with their best friends. Those are my favorite kind of mornings.
The Place Hotel is right next door to their ceremony location at P’s & G’s Church, so she was able to easily walk down the street and straight down the aisle for her ceremony. Ruth had the entire sanctuary of P’s & G’s transformed into a whimsical space full of nature and the outdoors. I even spent a day walking along the beaches of Scotland collecting sea glass to use as decor with Ruth. If you are looking for endless beautiful sea glass, the shores of the Dalmeny Estate have a lot that get washed up along the shore. In the end, they were able to gather enough blue and green sea glass to hang on all of the branches that they foraged from a local estate. After their ceremony, everyone caravanned down to the cobblestoned waterway of Quay Commons, in Leith, for an afternoon cocktail garden party in the sun! We then strolled through Custom Lane for their bridal portraits. They played a bit a ping pong in front of Williams and Johnson and just relaxed for a while, just the two of them, before greeting a couple hundred of their closest friends and family back at P’s & G’s for a night of Scottish wedding traditions and wedding party!
The guests (just a few, 400ish of them) were all greeted with a custom drink and handmade wedding favours, a bar of soap from the Isle of Skye company, Skye Soap. There were dances, speeches, a live band the whole evening and some solid ceilidh dancing! It was just the perfect evening and there is nothing better than walking away from a wedding and not wanting it to end. I’m so happy to have celebrated this wedding day with Ruth and Mark. With every unique wedding I capture, I’m left with memories that I’ll cherish forever and I couldn’t be more grateful for beautiful wedding days like this one.
Just in case you wanted to see Ross and I in action, these above photos show us in our happy place, dancing alongside everyone while capturing the fun happening all the way until the final dance, which is my favorite one! I truly love my job and celebrating the couples I’m documenting!
The images below are from the day-after shoot! We started at Fortitude Coffee and had flat whites before we headed off to roam the streets of the city where these two fell in love.
Edinburgh Wedding Photographer - Melody Joy Co. | Edinburgh Wedding Venues - Ps & Gs Church (ceremony + reception), Cafe Tartine (starter), Papillion (main) + Quay Commons (dessert) | Edinburgh Celebrant - Rev. Michael Mair | Edinburgh Wedding Videographer - Sandy Butler Videography | Edinburgh Wedding Dress - House of Mooshki (bespoke) at Edinburgh Bridal Boutique - Pretty Woman | Jewellery + accessories - Róis Scottish Sea Glass Designs | Bridesmaid outfits - Coast | Scotland Groomswear and kilts - The Kilt Store, Edinburgh | Edinburgh Wedding Florist - Narcissus | Edinburgh Wedding Band Entertainment - Corra | Edinburgh Bridal Make-up - Alicia Avenzzano | Custom Scottish Wedding Favours - Isle of Skye Soap Co. | Edinburgh Set design - Big House Productions
New Orleans Destination Wedding | The Chicory | Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery
New Orleans Destination Wedding | The Chicory | Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery | Destination Wedding Photographer
Stephanie and Jelani are two of the most beautiful souls. I was tearing up during the heartfelt speeches the night before at their rehearsal dinner and am so grateful to their family for opening up their arms to Ross and I to document all of the love and memories that were made during their wedding weekend.
They started their destination wedding day in the historic Old No. 77 Hotel in the heart of New Orleans. Stephanie spent her morning with her best friends getting pampered and listening to music and Jelani spent his morning with his best friends getting pedicures and walking around the street of New Orleans. They had a really sweet private first look in a room just off of the hotel lobby. Then we took all of the family and group portraits before heading over to The Chicory for the ceremony.
Once we arrived at The Chicory, following the sweetest ceremony full of meaningful traditions, we headed to the rooftop to take portraits of Stephanie and Jelani as newlyweds. With the beautiful backdrop of the New Orleans city skyline in the background, they danced, strolled and just enjoyed their time alone before heading back down to greet all of their favorite people at Cocktail Hour! Once back downstairs, Stephanie and Jelani were greeted with warm embraces from their families, an amazing live blues band, a District Donuts donut wall, a sweet lady making pralines live for everyone and tons of great friends and food having the best time! Up next was the cutting of the Donut Cake and speeches that broke out into music! To end the night in the most fun and traditional New Orleans style, they had a Second Line Band lead the whole wedding party and guests down to the streets outside and had one huge party in a local gazebo! The brass band was absolutely phenomenal musically and reminded me of my marching band days in high school!
All in all, I couldn’t have been more honored to have been able to celebrate Stephanie and Jelani’s wedding day with them! I love these two together and am truly so grateful to document a sweet love like theirs!
New Orleans Hotel - Old No. 77 Hotel Chandlery | Ceremony, Reception Venue + Catering - The Chicory New Orleans | Wedding Dress - Kelly’s Closet ATL | Groom Suit Designer - Dixie Toledo | Hair Artist - Strawberri Curls | Make-up Artist - Erica Nicole | Bride’s Ring - Mejuri | Groom’s Ring - Bondwell | Reception Band - The Big Easy Groovers | Wedding Planning, Design + Florist - Rock Paper Details | Wedding Filmmaker - Eskimo Love Stories | Dessert Donut Bar - District Donuts | Live Praline Baker - Divas Sweets & Parties | Reception DJ - DJ Vaughn Dutch |
If you’d like me to capture your wedding day or just want to chat with me to see how I can help you create something beautiful on your wedding day, reach out on my contact page below!
Modern Wedding | Art Institute of Chicago | The Publican | Chicago Wedding Photographer
Modern Wedding | Art Institute of Chicago | The Publican | Chicago Wedding Photographer
Tim and Ivy are two of the loveliest humans I’ve had the pleasure of documenting. Their wedding day had so much personality in it. Ivy’s wedding dress was her mom’s vintage wedding gown, that she slightly customized to make it her own. They had their beautiful dog be a special part of the day by having him be their adorable “Ring Bear.” I love when couples include their animals, who are more like family, into their wedding day. They now live in New York City, but since Ivy grew up in Chicago, it held a special place in her heart. Also, the Art scene in Chicago is amazing. With The Art Institute of Chicago being one of their favorite museums and them both being Whitney museum members in NYC, it was an obvious choice for where they wanted the majority of their wedding portraits taken.
Ross and I started the morning documenting Tim and Ivy in their hotel suites overlooking the beautiful Chicago skyscrapers. We then walked down with them individually, to have them meet on a bridge overlooking the Chicago River, which weaves beautifully throughout the city scape. Even though they were in the middle of a bustling city, it still felt like they were the only ones around to each other. We walked down the river for a bit before hopping in a cab and heading to The Art Institute of Chicago. At the Art Institute, we walked by all of their favorite works to take portraits of them while they strolled and viewed the artwork together. From the Thorne Miniature Rooms by Mrs. James Ward Thorne, to the Marc Chagall Windows, to the Claude Monet Water Lilies and Stacks of Wheat, to the entire Modern Wing. It really was so special to wander around the museum with someone who values and appreciates art as much as I do. Side note, I’m a member at the Art Institute of Chicago and I can easily get lost in the works of art weekly. Artists of all methods and time periods inspire me so much.
Once we finished our stroll at the Art Institute of Chicago, we headed to Oak Park for their intimate wedding ceremony. The Ceremony took place in the beautiful cathedral of Grace Lutheran, where Ivy’s family attended growing up. They had their dog be the “ring bear” and he really was such a sweet touch. I love when couples want their animals, who are more like family, to be a special part of their wedding day. The ceremony was incredibly beautiful and serene, which was perfect way to honor the most important moments of the day.
When the ceremony ended we drove back to the West Loop to end the wedding day with a reception at The Publican. Of course, when you have a wedding reception at The Publican, your food is going to be the absolute best.. and theirs most definitely was! They rented out the entire restaurant, which made for an intimate evening of food, speeches, drinks and dancing! They moved the restaurant tables into beautiful long lines that surrounded a dance floor in the center of the room. Ivy had to ring their huge cowbell on the wall to announce to all of the guests that dinner was being served! All of the food was the top level from The Publican and it all came out family style for all of the guests to share. Family style servings really helps your guests to get to know each other and to speak to each other more. Truly a lovely way to make your wedding experience more intimate for your friends and family. They cut their cake, which had an adorable cut out of the two of them and their sweet dog sitting on the top of it! With an open bar, a dessert table and happy hearted guests, The Publican turned dark, and the DJ from Toast and Jam (Who I highly suggest for any wedding party!) led the night into a fun dance party! All in all, this was a truly beautiful day filled with family, friends and delicious food. Tim and Ivy, you both are amazing humans and I hope you’ve had the loveliest time together as Newlyweds!
At the end of this wedding day, I headed home after the last dance and was so filled with joy while looking out of my Uber as the Chicago skyline passed by, and just thought to myself “wow, I have the best job and the best couples.” I’m just truly so grateful for couples, like Tim and Ivy, who allow me the privilege of documenting and celebrating their love. It’s such an honor and always so memorable to me. Melody x
I love that in just a few miles from the heart of downtown Chicago, you can be in the quaint and beautiful neighborhood of Oak Park. Ivy grew up in this Church during her childhood years, so having her ceremony here was really meaningful to her. I love that even though Tim and Ivy’s portraits and and reception are in the urban city area of Chicago, that their ceremony could be in this intimate church setting in a quiet neighborhood. This is honestly what makes Chicago so unique and this couple so incredibly beautiful, to choose a meaningful place to start the rest of their lives together.
Wedding Portraits - Art Institute of Chicago | Wedding Dress - Vintage | Wedding Florist - InFlorEssence | Wedding Reception - The Publican Restaurant | Wedding Planner - Chicago Vintage Weddings | Ceremony - Grace Lutheran | Wedding Filmmaker - DeepEnd imagery | Hair - Paul Rehder Salon | Hotel - Virgin Hotels Chicago | DJ - Toast and Jam
If you’d like me to capture your wedding day or just want to chat with me to see how I can help you create something beautiful on your wedding day, reach out on my contact page below!
Ace Hotel + City View Loft | Chicago Wedding Photographer
Ace Hotel + City View Loft | Chicago Wedding Photographer
This beautiful wedding day started with getting ready in a beautiful suite at the Ace Hotel and ended with a modern, industrial wedding reception and dance party at City View Loft. Nicki and Ryan, along with their amazing bridal party, really made this day an incredibly memorable one! Every friend they had by their side was truly there for them throughout the day, and that was beautiful to see. One bridesmaid would be holding her daughter, the other would be fixing her hair, the other was holding her dress, and of course, someone was always making sure she had food and a drink in her hand! The bridal party had such a beautiful understanding of the blend of having the most fun while understanding the seriousness of how special this day was to Nicki and Ryan!
I always love showing up to get more “getting ready” moments than planned, because there is usually so much going on. The little moments of seeing what everyone is doing to help prep the bride for her special day, most times go unnoticed, but I try to document each person doing something that is helpful and a memory that the bride may have missed because of being in her hair and makeup seat already. It’s just beautiful to catch the details of the lodging alongside the candids of how the morning of a wedding day goes. So showing up at the Ace Hotel an hour early to capture those extra moments were worth it for me, and for the bride’s reaction to her photos as well! Before we headed to the ceremony, we did a walk around the Ace Hotel to take photos of the bridal party and we found the most epic street art under a bridge it was such a fun moment with every person laughing and enjoying themselves. There were even a few candids of people walking by who jumped in to be in the photos with them. The bridal party walk was definitely one of my favorite memories from this wedding day!
Nicki and Ryan had the most beautiful ceremony in a vaulted room inside of a restored factory, called City View Loft. It’s one of Chicago’s most lovely renovated wedding venues. It’s on the outskirts of downtown and have beautiful skyline views of downtown Chicago. City View Loft has one of the best catering teams, LM Catering, so you don’t have to search for caterers who know the space and beautiful food! Nicki and Ryan also had a taco buffet bar in the middle of their dance party, which was one of my personal favorite parts of the day! Everyone loves a bite to eat in the middle of dancing for hours… especially when dancing with a camera in hand! And of course, the DJ’s at Toast and Jam brought amazing tunes all night long! Overall, this day was filled with memorable moments that will last a lifetime and that is what every wedding day special. Those moments happen with your favorite people, and that will always be unique to you both!
Nicki and Ryan gave me this genuinely sweet review on Junebug Weddings, and I couldn’t be
more grateful to have been there to document and celebrate these two on their wedding day!
”I was lucky enough to have a friend refer me to Melody. I looked at her website ONCE, fell in love, and reached out immediately. Having young kids and living quite a way's away from the city, Melody was more accommodating, flexible, and understanding than she ever had to be. On our wedding day, Melody wasn't just a photographer. It honest to God felt like she was part of the wedding and part of the family, the way she helped organize events of the day and helped with the little important things. That alone makes you feel comfortable in front of her camera. I never truly understood how important finding the RIGHT photographer was until I laid eyes on my own wedding photos. I guess there just aren't the right words to describe how much I appreciate how perfect and beautiful they are. Every detail that I hoped to remember was caught. Every amazing move someone busted on the dance floor was captured. From the tiny details in the decor, to the food, flowers, guests, and everything in-between. When I look at my wedding photos from Melody, I relive one of the best and most important days of my life, vividly! I don’t want to sign off without giving mention to the second photographer Melody brought in for the day, Ross, who captured some amazing photos of the guys! Just goes to show she really knows what she's doing!
I wish I had more room! Trust Melody xo”
- Nicki + Ryan
Lodging - The Ace Hotel Chicago | Ceremony + Reception Venue - City View Loft | Wedding Florals - Flowers For Dreams | Wedding Dress - White Satin Bridal | Catering - LM Catering | DJ - Toast + Jam
If you’d like me to capture your wedding day or see if your wedding date is available,
fill out the form at the link below and I would love to
create something beautiful with you!
Ovation Chicago Wedding Venue | Elizabeth + Alex | Chicago Wedding Photographer
Ovation Chicago Wedding Venue | Elizabeth + Alex | Moody Chicago Wedding Photographer
This beautiful wedding day started in one of my favorite cities, Chicago,
and ended at one of my favorite wedding venues, Ovation Chicago.
Elizabeth started her day by getting ready in a beautiful loft downtown with her mother, sister and best friends. After meeting Alex for a private first look on a the quaint street below, we headed to the West Loop to take their bridal portraits before the ceremony. I always love looking for interesting light whenever roaming around Chicago or really any destination that I travel to for weddings. The harsh shadows, the light from around a corner, the crisp of sunlight always get me really excited to capture the couple in a unique way! Light is always changing, so you have to be really flexible and knowledgeable on the times of the year and times of the day that you shooting. That’s why it’s always best to make sure your photographer knows about light, because then they can look for it anywhere.
For Photographers, training your eye takes some time, but is so worth it to be able to work with soft or harsh natural light at any time of the day, so that you can create the best portraits for your couple. And what is great is that you don’t have to wait for a wedding day to to practice shooting in harsh light, any sunny day, just wake up to shoot for sunrise, then shoot for mid day, and then shoot at sunset. Find the light in and around your home and city and you’ll be able to practice your exposure settings anytime! And if you want to chat more about this, feel free to reach out to me about a Mentor Session Here!
Now back to this lovely wedding day! After the portraits we headed straight over to Ovation Chicago. Elizabeth and Alex’s wedding day was filled with so many beautiful Jewish traditions. They signed the Ketubah first amongst the intimacy of just their families, which really solidifies their union as one and husband and wife in the Jewish culture. They also did the candle lighting ceremony during this time as well. The formal wedding ceremony was then held with all of the wedding guests in the grand open floor plan, naturally lit, ceremony space of Ovation Chicago. The florist, EcoWilde Flower Co, did such a beautiful job with the archway for the wedding ceremony, as well as Elizabeth’s wedding bouquet and the gorgeous sprinkling of greenery on the elegant family style tables for the reception. The food was catered by Big Delicious Planet, and wow, was it delicious! Their name choice is definitely an accurate one.
And to end the night, there was endless dancing! What I love most about Ovation, is that they always have the DJ’s from Style Matters, and man, are they GOOD! The guys themselves are just a joy to be around and truly just bring life to the event with their music selection. They really know how to read a room and always bring the whole party to the dance floor. Truly, this was such a great day of celebrating Elizabeth and Alex’s love as everyone welcomed them into the the start of their next season of life together!
Wedding Planning + Design - Naturally Yours Events, Lauren West @nyeventschicago / Florist - EcoWilde Flower Co. Emily Neumann / Make-up + Hair Artist - Lerin Johnson Bridal Beauty / Makeup - Lerin Johnson Artistry / Hair - Lerin Johnson Bridal Beauty / Wedding Dress Designer - Rivini from Bella Bianca / Shoes - Anny 70mm in nude by Stuart Weitzman / Bride + Groom Rings - Ruth Hendleman / Ceremony + Reception Venue - Ovation Chicago / Cocktail Hour, Reception Caterer + Desserts - Big Delicious Planet / Reception DJ - Style Matters / Wedding Filmmaker - Aaron Bean
If you’d like me to capture your wedding day or see if your wedding date is available for 2020 or 2021,
fill out the form at the link below and I would love to create something beautiful with you!
Hacienda Siesta Alegre | Puerto Rico Wedding Venue | Destination Wedding Photographer
Hacienda Siesta Alegre | Puerto Rico Wedding Venue | Boho Wedding | Destination Wedding Photographer
Elena and Wesley had the most stunning
tropical destination wedding,
in the heart of Puerto Rico!
Their wedding took place this past December and it was my first time visiting Puerto Rico. I actually flew into Old San Juan on Christmas day. After spending the morning opening gifts and eating a delicious brunch with my family, I set off for a country I’ve been wanting to visit for many years. I took a few days to relax, explore and eat my way through the historic neighborhood of Old San Juan. I really love history, so one of the first places I explored was Castillo San Cristobal — one of the oldest Spanish forts in the New World.
The fact that Puerto Rico’s main airport is so close to Old San Juan makes the country a perfect destination for overseas weddings, offering your guests a chance to take in the city’s many sights, sounds and flavors before celebrating your special day with you.
For destination wedding days, I’m always with you from start to finish to tell your whole story. So, I started the day by capturing Elena getting ready with her girls. There was a gorgeous bridal suite surrounded by greenery at their boho wedding venue, Hacienda Siesta Alegre. The surroundings made you feel like you were on top of the world, with stunning views of the El Yunque rainforest mountain range in the distance. There were so many beautiful corners on the historic hacienda, including arched doorways and French window panes. It made choosing a corner spot for them to read their vows to each other before their ceremony incredibly easy and beautiful.
They had so many unique details, like a cigar bar where handmade cigars were made and given to the guests as favors. Of course, the hacienda had endless places for the bride and groom to take images together with their loved ones. The outdoor reception consisted of beautifully decorated farm tables that surrounded an incredible courtyard with a lovely fountain in the center. The courtyard was lit by string lights that really set the mood for both the reception, and later, an epic dance floor! Their chef, Enrique Piniero, is one of the best chefs in all of Puerto Rico! His food was phenomenal and I highly recommend him if you are going to do a destination wedding in Puerto Rico. I only wish you could taste his food in an image, but you’ll just have to visit and try it for yourself. You won’t be disappointed!
The reception dancing was orchestrated by the top DJ in Puerto Rico, Big J Music, playing the best tunes! He is also another solid wedding vendor choice for your Puerto Rican destination wedding! It’s always great to see a DJ who can read the crowd and keep the guests excited for what song is coming next, and to see everyone’s faces light up and rush to the dance floor!
Elena and Wes also surprised the guests by having Plena music played by an amazing local group, Yuvi Plena! The music was perfect for the setting and every single guest absolutely loved it! They had the crowd doing a dance train around the entire venue and the dancers and instruments were all so entertaining — a perfect complement to the evening, tying in a bit of Puerto Rican tradition for the guests with an exciting twist!
They ended the night surrounded by sparklers and their loved ones! The smiles on their faces said it all. It was truly a beautiful wedding day!
If you’re looking for a venue for your tropical, boho destination wedding, Hacienda Siesta Alegre is one of the best wedding venues in all of Puerto Rico, seriously, just google “wedding venue in puerto rico”, I’m not making that up. Beautifully situated within a national forest, the historic villa and unique architecture of the property make for not only a stunning wedding day, but a truly memorable one.
Ceremony + Reception Venue - Hacienda Siesta Alegre / Wedding Planning - Rosalina Torres / Florist Company - Jat Lozano / Make-up + Hair Artist - Javier Moreno / Brides Dress - Gali Karten / Jewelry - Cassouto Jewels / Shoes - Bella Belle Shoes / Garter - La Gartier Wedding Garters / Bridesmaid Dresses - Show Me Your Mumu / Groom Suit - Suit Supply / Groomsman Suits - The Groomsman Suit / Engagement Ring - Majestic Jewelers / Wedding Band Instagram - Creative Design Jewelers / Caterer - Chef Enrique Piniero / Cake - Gabriel Diaz / DJ - Big J Music / Wedding Filmmaker - The Film Writer / Photo Booth - Flipeate / Pleneros - Yuvi Plena
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Here is the amazing film by The Film Writer below!
Aikwood Tower | Scottish Borders Wedding | Scotland Wedding Photographer
Aikwood Tower Wedding | Scotland Wedding Photographer
Bexx + Ben, I just love these two together. I’m so glad they asked me to shoot their wedding in the Scottish Borders! We first met when they came to Edinburgh for me to capture their engagement session. We spent most our time together after that session at a local pub drinking milkshakes and just truly having the best time chatting! I was already looking forward to their wedding day just because of how fun their personalities were, but I had no idea that all of their friends and family were going to be so lovely as well. And I was not expecting, from what I had seen online, to see the beauty that was Aikwood Tower. Their venue was located in the remote countryside of the Scottish Borders and is a newly restored 16th century tower house. The day was just so full of so many Scottish traditions, her ‘mum’ was the officiant, there were loads of family styled food dishes (all Christmas Dinner themed) catered by The Pantry, and nonstop dancing into the night with a full-on group karaoke of Disco music. I couldn’t have thought of pairing all of these favorite things of mine in one wedding if I tried. The fact that Bexx and I are just so similar just made me adore this day that much more! In the end, this wedding, full of the beauty of Scotland as well as their unique and quirky taste, made this a gem of a wedding, and I’m just so glad I was able to celebrate with these two into the ‘wee’ small hours of the morning!
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Venue - Aikwood Tower | Planner + Florist - Get Knotted | Dress - Rory Andrew | Hair + Makeup - City Brides Edinburgh | Jewelry - Katie Lee’s Fine Jewelry | Cocktail Hour, Reception, Late Night Snacks, Desserts, Tuk Tuk Truck - The Pantry Edinburgh | Cake - Big Bear Bakery | Humanist Celebrant - Sandra Mclaren | DJ - Oliver Melling | Wedding Filmmaker - Shoot It Yourself |
Aikwood Tower is such a beautiful wedding venue in Scotland. Aikwood Tower is a scottish owned and operated historical wedding venue tucked away in the Scottish Borders. The great thing about a Scottish borders wedding venue, is that they will be close enough for your guests to stay the night in larger cities, such as Edinburgh or Glasgow. There are also so many beautiful, quaint little towns nearby Aikwood Tower, such as Selkirk, Melrose and St. Boswells. Aikwood Tower has a rich history as well. With this wedding venue starting out as part of the Scott family clan dating back to 1517. On their website they have a more detailed history, but one of my favorite stories was one that is a tale that Aikwood Tower was used during the Jacobite rebellion as an escape from the government after the Battle of Culloden. And the main reason I’m intrigued by this, is because I just recently started watching Outlander, and the Jacobite Rebellion and the Battle of Culloden are both very essential players in the storyline of this intriguing historical drama series. Either way, this venue has since been restored and has won many architecture awards for how lovely they have restored this historical farm and tower. When you rent this Scottish wedding venue, you are not only renting Aikwood tower for the day, but you will have the entire weekend for lodging of five bedrooms to spend time with your family visiting from out of town. Aikwood Tower is perfect for intimate weddings in Scotland. Not only is Aikwood tower a beautiful wedding venue, but it’s also very historic. A historical wedding venue is one that most couples traveling to Scotland to elope will be looking for. You have lodging on site, you have scottish history all around you, and you have the lovely team at Aikwood Tower to assist you with anything you may possibly need. I absolutely loved working with the Aikwood Tower wedding team. Aikwood tower has not only the beautiful garden surround the wedding venue, but also the scottish charm that you want in a wedding venue when you’re in Scotland. There is something to be said about new and modern wedding venues, but when you are searching for a historic Scotland wedding venue, Aikwood Tower is one of the best wedding venues in Scotland. I already can’t wait to capture another Aikwood Tower wedding! If you are still searching for a romantic and intimate wedding venue in Scoltland, Aikwood Tower is your place. I can’t say enough nice things about Aikwood Tower and the magic of Scotland that you feel when you’re on the grounds.
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.
Brake & Clutch Warehouse | An Urban Dallas Wedding Venue | Dallas Wedding Photographer
Brake & Clutch Warehouse Wedding Venue | Dallas Wedding Photographer
Courtney and Brandon, the epitome of sweetness. Together with their daughter and sweet family, they just touched my heart. The words their favorite humans spoke over them during their speeches really touched me. I love a good speech that makes me tear up, and their friends and families just embraced me which always makes for the best images. Photography is never a one way street. As a bride and groom, you will always get more emotive and beautiful images when you give your photographer the freedom to be creative and use their eye to capture all of the moments of your wedding day.
This day was just so beautiful, relaxed, heartfelt and touching. I love when I leave a wedding day and not only have great images but the best of memories from dancing and laughing with the bridal party all day long! So thank you, Courtney and Brandon, for being such lovely humans and giving me the honor of being welcomed in your lives during this beautiful season of life for you both! Melody x
I always love to show appreciation to the many behind the scenes bosses that make wedding days happen. Above is Adante Mayo, he works with LeForce DJ’s in Dallas, and was honestly just the happiest camper all day, always smiling and as you’ll see later, he brings everyone on the dance floor to party nonstop late into the night! And below is the lovely Betsy Baldwin, of Events and Experiences. Not only have I worked with her on all of my Dallas weddings thus far for the last few years, but she is also a florist as well as a planner! Her team are so professional, sweet and very detailed orientated. Her wittiness is also fun to be around on a wedding day! Overall, she has been one of the best planners I’ve worked with and I would highly recommend her to any bride in the Dallas area!
Wedding Venue - Brake and Clutch Warehouse | Wedding Planner + Floral Design - Betsy Baldwin | Hair and Makeup Artist - Kayla Rae from The Makeup Story | Wedding Dress - Vagabond Bridal | Catering - CN Catering | DJ - LeForce Entertainment | Wedding Filmmaker - The Neskes
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Are you still looking for the best wedding venue? Looking for a blank space that you can create your perfect wedding style? Do you love the Dallas area of Deep Ellum? If you are in Dallas, Texas, or love the quirky neighborhood of Deep Ellum, Brake and Clutch Warehouse is by far one of my favorite Dallas Wedding Venues. Brake and Clutch is an urban Warehouse located in the heart of Deep Ellum in Dallas, Texas. Brake and Clutch has an open floor plan that gives you the freedom to create a rustic wedding dream! I hear the bridal trends for 2020 include MOHO, Brake and Clutch is the perfect venue to create a MOHO wedding. If you don’t know what MOHO is, it means Modern BOHO. It may sound a bit silly, but if you google it, or just look above, this was the epitome of modern boho, aka MOHO, and fits perfectly in the setting of Deep Ellum. Brake and Clutch offers a beautiful space for ceremonies and a separate space for a cocktail hour and reception. Brake and Clutch even has the perfect bridal suite for the bride and a mens parlor for the groom and his groomsmen. Brake and Clutch is perfect for when you have guests that want to stay in or around Dallas. Also, with Brake and Clutch being in the center of Deep Ellum in Dallas, Texas, your guests can venture out to more places in Deep Ellum very easily by walking or via uber or lyft to an after party to a hotel. It was a dream to shoot at Brake and Clutch, and in the coolest neighborhood of Deep Ellum and I can’t wait for my next Dallas wedding! After three years of shooting weddings in Dallas, the couples only make me fall in love with the city more and more. I’m really grateful to have been able to work with such lovely couples and at such wonderful Dallas wedding venues, like Brake and Clutch in Deep Ellum. Reach out to me if you want anymore information on Brake and Clutch or any food recs in Deep Ellum! And happy wedding venue hunting! :)
Room 1520 | West Loop Wedding Venue | Chicago Wedding Photographer
Room 1520 Wedding Venue | Chicago Wedding Photographer
Keep your eyes open.
Keep your heart open too.
You never who you’re going to
meet and what they will mean to you.
- mhn
Clair and Michael. These two adventurous souls met in the most exciting meet-cute ever, standing in line at a club in Italy. They are both such beautiful humans, inside and out, with the style and sass to match! More than any couple I have ever met, they dance like no one else is watching. I absolutely loved this day and all of the uniquely modern details that made their wedding truly one to remember.
Venue - Room 1520 | Dress - Alyssa Kristin Dress | Tux - The Black Tux | Hair + MUA - Nika Vaughan Bridal Artists | Event Planner - Urban Allure Events | Florist - Bouk Bridal | Caterer - Zullo’s Catering | DJ - Toast & Jam |
For anyone reading this that is in your engaged season of life, Room 1520 is one of the loveliest wedding venues in Chicago that I have ever captured a wedding in. As anyone can see from my photographs I share on my website and social media, I tend to be drawn to the more neutral or black and white palette. Room 1520 is one of my favorite venues in Chicago because it is a blank space. It is completely painted in white. The floors are white and the old tile windows give it a modern and clean edge. If you are looking for an industrial venue in the heart of the West Loop, just a mile from downtown, you will love Room 1520. The location, the staff, the elegant transitions from foyer, to bar area, to the wide open ceremony and reception space, It’s definitely a space for anyone looking for a blank slate to visit to see if this the wedding venue for you. I just love raving about wedding venues in Chicago that I love and Room 1520 has definitely become a favorite of mine. I have shot multiple weddings in the West Loop, and as lovely as they all are, Room 1520 has the upper hand when it comes to space, since it’s on the outskirts of the West Loop and has a slightly larger square footage then most of the West Loop wedding venues. So you can invite more of your friends and family to celebrate with you! So all in all, Room 1520 is in my opinion one of the best wedding venues in Chicago. So cheers to hopefully helping your Chicago wedding venue search just a little bit and I truly hope you can enjoy your season of planning, and most importantly, enjoy this time with the love of your life!
Revel Fulton Market Wedding | Urban Chic Downtown Wedding | Modern Chicago Wedding Photographer
Revel Fulton Market Wedding | Urban Chic Downtown Wedding | Revel Space Luxury Venue | Modern Chicago Wedding Photographer
If you’re interested in an urban-chic and modern wedding day, this is the wedding day to be inspired by. Jeannie and Tom chose to get ready in the center of the Chicago skyscrapers and had their wedding day end with a late night reception at Revel Fulton Market in the West Loop. They had their first look on a rooftop balcony of a skyscraper with the whole city skyline in the background. Then we strolled around the streets in the west loop for portraits with their bridal party and just the two of them before heading to their church for a romantic and heartfelt ceremony. Everything from Jeannie’s minimal Sarah Seven wedding dress to her Christian Louboutin Heels, to the simple and modern details of her wedding reception at Revel Fulton Market, it all blended perfectly to create the idyllic urban-chic wedding day.
If you are looking for a wedding space to transform with minimal details and has upscale, modern amenities, Revel Fulton Market is your venue! I have shot at so many industrial warehouse wedding venues in Chicago, but Revel Fulton Market, of the Revel Space group, really blew me away. I love how the exposed brick was painted white and the floors were cemented. The lighting was minimal and created a beautiful and romantic ambiance for the evening. I really love when couples find a space that fits with the city and their attire. And this wedding venue really shows off how the industrial era of Chicago really was the foundation of the city. I just love seeing old warehouses in Chicago becoming wedding venues after being restored and architects and designers coming in to create amazing spaces for events. Truly, visit Revel Fulton Market if you’re still searching for an urban, minimal wedding venue in Chicago.
Chicago Wedding Venue - Revel Fulton Market - Revel Space | Wedding Dress - Sarah Seven | Bride Wedding Shoes - Christian Louboutin Heels | Bridal Hair and Makeup, Luxury Beauty Boutique- Arch Chicago | Wedding Ceremony - Holy Family Catholic Church | Wedding Reception DJ - Ten Twelve Entertainment | Wedding Filmmaker - Shutter and Sound | Second Shooter - Alisha Tova | Wedding Photo Booth - Photique Booth | Chicago Wedding Florist - Revel Decor
If you’d like me to capture your wedding day or just want to chat with me to see how I can help you create something beautiful on your wedding day, reach out on my contact page below!
Scotland Elopement | The Path Less Traveled | Scarlett & Bell Wedding Planner
Scotland Wedding Photographer | Scotland Elopement Inspiration | Scarlett & Bell Wedding Planner
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
- Robert Frost
This Scotland elopement shoot was inspired by the chilling richness of Scottish spring in the setting of an ancient ruin. We focused on the harmonious coupling of the ancient and modern, combining textures and materials found from the natural setting. The flower pieces incorporated foraged lichen branches, dried bracken and budding witch-hazel, and rich tones from skimmia berries and antique roses. The historic setting and the rich floral pieces were held in juxtaposition with the modern fabrics in the eclectic clothing and jewellery, sourced internationally from independent designers. The tablescape was also inspired by this juxtaposition between the old and new, with the raw wood and moss, and the tangled gold netting and gilded branch candelabras.
If you are searching for a wedding planner based in Scotland but who loves to travel, Mercedes of Scarlett & Bell is a gem of a human! Between her and the lovely Adelaide of Adelaide’s Flowers, who I’ve had the pleasure of capturing her stunning florals for an intimate scottish wedding of mine last summer, are a dream team and provided the setting and vision for this gorgeous shoot and I’m honestly just the blessed lady who was asked to document their romantical vision into memorable stills. I’m so incredibly grateful for the ladies in my life who continue to inspire me, encourage me and collaborate creatively with me. I hope you enjoy this wedding inspiration taken place somewhere deep in the heart of Scotland. And scroll below to see all of the lovely ladies (and my pals, the guys over at Cinemate) who made this session come to life so beautifully!
Photographer @melodyjoyco // Videographer @cinematefilms // Florist @adelaidesflowers // Stylist @scarlettandbell // Hair @pamperpolishbeautybridal // MUA @heathersnowiemua // Stationary @edinburghletters // Nicola's nails @sarahmurrayskinclinic // Jewellery @patiencejewellery // Models Nicola & Anna // Location is a private home in Scotland
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