Chicago Athletic Association Hotel Wedding with English Traditions – Lucinda & Mark

Lucinda and Mark’s Chicago Athletic Association Hotel wedding this year was one for the books! These two have a love story that couldn’t have been written more perfectly. In their words:

“The year Lucinda and Mark met they were miles apart — 5,440 miles apart to be exact. Both were riding out the tail end of a global panini, eager to make a move. Lucinda was in London and Mark was in Los Angeles... By the fall, both found themselves in Chicago.”

That fall, a dating app brought them together and Mark agreed “to play Tour Guide to the new Brit in town.” Shortly after, these two found themselves traveling the world together and falling in love! Lucinda and Mark got engaged at the Art Institute of Chicago on a crisp winter evening, and of course we had to return for their engagement session this spring.

Chicago Athletic Association Hotel

The day began at the hotel with Lucinda and Mark getting ready separately. Mark and his party got to take fun photos throughout the hotel – including my personal fave, the Cherry Circle Room! Lucinda’s party got ready in the bridal suite and then made our way to the White City Ballroom for photos before the first look. We had a chance to tour a few iconic photo locations nearby, and before long it was time for the ceremony to begin! 

Lucinda and Mark exchanged vows that evening surrounded by loved ones in the Madison Ballroom at Chicago Athletic Association Hotel. A family member officiated their ceremony, which also included special musical performances by their friends. After they said I Do, the Newlyweds were ALL smiles and ready to celebrate!

English Wedding Traditions

Many guests traveled from the United Kingdom to celebrate with Lucinda and Mark, and some of my favorite details from this day were the English wedding traditions. Specifically, the Groom’s speech, British telephone and card box, and the table of British baked goods! The sweets were handmade by Lucinda’s friend Colin of Wee Bonnie Bakery, a Scottish bakery which happens to be based here in Chicago. I highly recommend checking out the shop – especially if you’re looking for a unique holiday gift idea!

Lucinda and Mark: Thank you again for having us in July! Your wedding day was a blast to capture, wishing you all the happiness in the world 🙂 

Bride and groom kiss while guests applaud during their Chicago Athletic Association Hotel wedding ceremony in the Madison Ballroom
Bride's dress hangs on the wall of a room in the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, next to a framed painting, with a bouquet and shoes arranged on a small table
Bride's blush Manolo Blahnik shoes with jeweled buckles on a wooden table, accompanied by a bouquet of white and blush roses, at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Wedding rings rest elegantly on an ornate paper adorned with a decorative
Wedding invitation and save the date card surrounded by roses, rings, and greenery on bride's veil before wedding at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Wedding invitation with gold rings, elegantly captured through film photography, surrounded by white and peach roses on a sheer fabric.
Detail photo of three gold rings, one with diamond and emerald settings, placed on a white surface with florals for wedding at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Black and white photo of groom smiling as he adjusts his jacket at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Black and white photo of groom sitting at a booth in the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Groom and groomsmen in tuxedos laughing and chatting at the Cherry Circle Room in the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Bride and five bridesmaids in light green dresses pose in the White City Ballroom at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, holding bouquets against a carved wooden wall
The bride in a lace wedding dress holds a bouquet of white and pale pink roses at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Groom and groomsmen in tuxedos are seated around a wooden table in the Cherry Circle Room at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Bride and bridesmaids in matching dresses pose with bouquets in the White City Ballroom at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Bride and groom smile at each other in the White City ballroom at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Bride and groom pose in front of a carved wooden wall in the White City Ballroom at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, with the bride holding a bouquet
Exterior of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel features arched windows, a black metal awning, and trees in the foreground
Candid photo of bride and groom framed by bride's veil in the Art Institute of Chicago South Garden
Portrait of wedding party posing in the Art Institute of Chicago South Garden
Black and white photo of bride and groom kissing as the wedding party smiles and claps in the South Garden of the Art Institute of Chicago
Creative photo of bride and groom walking by a fountain in the South Garden of the Art Institute of Chicago
A bride and groom smile at each other, standing by a fountain, with the elegant backdrop of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel and green trees in the background.
Bride and bridesmaids in light green dresses pose in the South Garden of the Art Institute of Chicago
Portrait of bride and bridesmaids in pastel green dresses on a bench in the Art Institute of Chicago South Garden
Portrait of groom and groomsmen in front of a fountain and vibrant greenery in the South Garden of the Art Institute of Chicago
The wedding party strolls outdoors with the bride and groom at the center, surrounded by bridesmaids and groomsmen, all radiating joy after a beautiful ceremony at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel.
Candid photo of smiling bride and groom walking through the South Garden at the Art Institute of Chicago with their wedding party
Exterior of the Art Institute of Chicago
Black and white photo of wedding party poses in the street in front of the Chicago Board of Trade building
Bride and groom stand smiling in front of an ornate gold door before their Chicago Athletic Association Hotel wedding
Wedding party strikes a pose in formal attire at a city street crosswalk with the bride and groom at the center, right outside the Chicago Board of Trade
Romantic photo of bride with flowing veil and groom framed by marble pillars in front of a golden door in downtown Chicago near the Board of Trade Building
Madison Ballroom ceremony space at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Floral arrangement with candles for wedding ceremony in the Madison Ballroom at Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
A person in a suit holds wedding programs for ceremony at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Two flower girls in white dresses walk down the aisle during wedding ceremony in the Madison Ballroom at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, with guests seated on either side
A woman in a black dress plays the violin during Chicago Athletic Association Hotel wedding ceremony
An elderly couple smiles under a chandelier at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel; the woman holds a young child.
Black and white photo of groom smiling, standing with hands clasped watching bride walk down the aisle during their Chicago Athletic Association Hotel wedding ceremony
Black and white photo of bride in a lace gown walking down the aisle arm-in-arm with her father under a chandelier during her wedding ceremony at the Madison Ballroom in the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Bride walks down the aisle with her father during her wedding ceremony in the Madison Ballroom at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Bride and groom stand at an altar with an officiant under a large chandelier in the Madison Ballroom of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
A bride and groom stand in the Madison Ballroom at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel for their indoor wedding ceremony, with bridesmaids holding bouquets in the background
Bride and groom listen to officiant during their wedding ceremony in the Madison Ballroom at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Black and white photo of happy bride and her bridesmaids holding vibrant bouquets during Chicago Athletic Association Hotel wedding ceremony
Bride's parents and other guests seated during wedding ceremony at Chicago Athletic Association Hotel in the Madison Ballroom
Bride and groom laugh while holding hands during their wedding ceremony at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, with the officiant smiling in the background
The bride and groom, holding hands and smiling beside a floral arrangement during their wedding ceremony in the Madison Ballroom at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
A man in formal wear strums a striped acoustic guitar during wedding ceremony at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Black and white photo of bride and groom holding hands during their wedding ceremony in the Madison Ballroom at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, with the officiant in the background
Bride and groom kiss during their wedding ceremony in the Madison Ballrooom at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Black and white photo of bride and groom walking down the aisle while guests applaud in the Madison Ballroom of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
A collection of various alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and spirits, is displayed on the counter for cocktail hour at the historic Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
A plate of gourmet appetizers presented on a rectangular dish for wedding reception at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Bride and a guest laugh and embrace at their wedding reception in the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Guests in formal attire mingle during cocktail hour at Chicago Athletic Association Hotel wedding reception
Seating chart on an easel with a decorative border for Chicago Athletic Association Hotel wedding reception
Detail photo of custom seating chart for wedding reception at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Guest table place settings with white tablecloths and floral centerpieces for wedding reception at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Guest table for wedding reception at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, featuring a floral centerpiece and a
A three-tier white wedding cake adorned with a dancing couple topper and
Guest table for wedding reception at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, featuring round tables, ornate wooden walls, and a decorative fireplace
Guest table setting with candles, greenery, and a sign labeled
Guest table setup with a floral centerpiece and a custom table sign reading
Elegant table setting at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel features a menu card, place card, and small decorative box on a crisp white tablecloth.
The city view showcases a tall skyscraper, the reflective bean sculpture, and lush trees, all beautifully framed by the window edges of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel.
Card and gift table for wedding reception at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel with themed decorations: red post box, rotary phone, Ferris wheel stand
Red postbox replica decor on card and gift table for wedding reception at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
A decorative Ferris wheel stands behind a framed vintage poster for the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, on card and gift table for wedding reception at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Black and white photo of newlyweds beside their wedding cake at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Guest gives speech during wedding reception at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Groom's father in a white tuxedo speaks into a microphone during wedding reception at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Black and white photo of groom dancing with his mother during wedding reception at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Groom dances with his mother in the Madison ballroom during wedding reception at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Groom and his mother after their dance together in the Madison Ballroom of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Guests seated during wedding reception in the Madison Ballroom at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Bride's father gives a speech during a wedding reception in the Madison Ballroom of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Bride raises a glass from the head table as groom gives speech during their wedding reception in the Madison Ballroom at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Black and white photo of bride listening to speech while seated at the head table during Chicago Athletic Association Hotel wedding reception
Black and white photo of groom in a tuxedo giving a speech during wedding reception at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Bride and groom kiss behind the head table adorned with floral decorations during their wedding reception at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Maid of Honor gives speech during wedding reception in the Madison Ballroom at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Best Man gives speech during wedding reception in the Madison Ballroom at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Black and white photo of happy newlyweds listening to speech during their wedding reception at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Newlyweds listen to Best Man's speech during their wedding reception at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Bride and groom share their first dance in the Madison Ballroom of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Black and white photo of newlyweds sharing their first dance during their wedding reception in the Madison Ballroom at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Dessert table for wedding reception at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel features an array of cookies, cupcakes, and cakes
Cookies stacked on a plate provided by Wee Bonnie Bakery for wedding reception at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Tea set with tartan-themed bakery display by Wee Bonnie Bakery for wedding reception at Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Tray of chocolate-topped orange jello cakes on dessert table for wedding reception at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
A three-tiered stand of white frosting cupcakes, topped with red berries on dessert table for wedding reception at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Live band performs on stage, featuring guitars, microphones, and saxophone players, for wedding reception at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Black and white photo of bride, groom and guests dancing and laughing during wedding reception at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Guests on the dance floor during wedding reception in the Madison Ballroom at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Creative photo of bride and groom on the dance floor during their wedding reception in the Madison Ballroom at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Creative black and white photo of newlyweds and their guests on the dance floor during their Chicago Athletic Association Hotel wedding reception
Creative black and white photo of guests dancing during wedding reception in the Madison Ballroom of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Happy guests on the dance floor during wedding reception in the Madison Ballroom of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Guests looking out the windows in the Madison Ballroom wedding reception space at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Newlyweds embrace on Michigan Avenue at night outside their Chicago Athletic Association Hotel wedding reception
Happy bride and groom pose on Michigan Avenue at night outside the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Black and white photo of newlyweds' hands and wedding rings as they stand on Michigan Avenue outside their Chicago Athletic Association Hotel reception
Amidst the glow of illuminated buildings, a couple shares a tender kiss in the heart of the city at night, with the iconic Chicago Athletic Association Hotel standing gracefully in the backdrop.
Bride and groom celebrating on a city street at night, arms raised and smiling, as the grandeur of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel forms a stunning backdrop.

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