Alana & Brett’s Summer Chicago Wedding at Rockwell on the River

This summer went by particularly quickly, and one of our biggest highlights was Alana and Brett’s Rockwell on the River wedding! The anticipation was for this day was all too real… from their plan to arrive at the ceremony on a riverboat to the DIY wine-themed decor, I couldn’t wait to see their vision come to life. These two even split their time between Chicago and Arizona during the planning process, which made it even more exciting when the day finally arrived!

The day began at The Westin in River North, with Alana and Brett getting ready separately with their parties. Like many summer wedding days in this city, rain was in the forecast… but we hadn’t seen a drop so far! We were lucky enough to have time for photos along the Riverwalk before Mother Nature intervened… just enough for a good luck shower! After that, the skies cleared and we were on our way.

Chicago Riverboat Cruise

One of my favorite parts of Alana and Brett’s wedding day was our Riverboat cruise to the venue. If there’s one thing I can say about these two, it’s that they truly do love Chicago! What better way to celebrate your wedding day than cruise along the river with your favorite people?! Chicago Cycleboats was the perfect way to get from downtown to Rockwell on the River, and ended up being such a fun and unique way to spend the afternoon.

Rockwell on the River Wedding

That evening, Alana and Brett were married on the outdoor terrace at Rockwell on the River surrounded by loved ones. Remember how I said these two love Chicago? Their unity ceremony consisted of building a classic Chicago hot dog together (yes, with all the toppings)! Their friend Charlie did a fabulous job officiating, and once the knot was tied, it was time to PARTY. From the flowing food and drinks to the packed dance floor, the celebration didn’t stop all night!

Alana and Brett: Thank you again for having us this summer!! It has been such a pleasure getting to know you two and watching your wedding day dreams come true 🙂 Wishing you the very best in Married Life!

Just married bride and groom walk down the aisle during their summer outdoor Rockwell on the River wedding ceremony
View from Westin River North Hotel, downtown bridges across the Chicago River with city buildings in background
Detail photo of jewelry, wedding rings and florals and greenery arranged on veil
Detail photo of invitation, Save the Date, jewelry and florals arranged on bride's veil
Detail photo of wedding bands and engagement ring on purple invitation with white florals and greenery
Detail photo of vow books, wedding rings and florals with bride's veil
Bride's custom Chacos sandals featuring wedding date with florals and veil
Detail photo of bride's jewelry on green velvet box with florals
Detail photo of bride's perfume surrounded by florals and jewelry
Photo of Save the Date card with pearl necklace and florals for summer Rockwell on the River wedding
Black and white photo of bride and mother getting ready at Westin River North Hotel
Black and white photo of bride putting on earrings while mother stands nearby at Westin River North Hotel
Bride's mother fastens bracelet on bride's wrist at Westin River North Hotel before summer wedding at Rockwell on the River
Creative silhouette photo of bride and mother by window in front of city view at Westin River North Hotel
Bride puts on custom Chacos shoes while standing near window at Westin River North Hotel
Creative photo of happy bride spraying perfume in bridal suite at Westin River North Hotel
Bridesmaids help bride with veil in bridal suite at Westin River North Hotel
Black and white photo of bridesmaids helping bride with veil at Westin River North Hotel
Black and white photo of father adjusting groom's collar in room overlooking Chicago River at Westin River North Hotel
Groom adjusts suit jacket sleeves while standing near hotel room window with downtown view at Westin River North Hotel
Groom gets ready with father at Westin River North Hotel overlooking Chicago River
Groom and mother get ready together at Westin River North Hotel before summer Chicago wedding
Groom waits while bride walks toward him during first look in downtown Chicago riverside courtyard
Bride and groom share a moment during their first look in downtown Chicago
Candid moment of bride and groom during first look near Riverwalk in downtown Chicago
Portrait of happy bride and groom with ivy wall backdrop outside Westin River North Hotel
Happy bride and groom share a moment in front of ivy wall outside Westin River North Hotel
Portrait of wedding party in gray suits and plum dresses with Chicago River and downtown buildings in background
Candid photo of bride and groom walking with wedding party downtown Chicago before their summer Rockwell on the River wedding
Candid photo of bride and bridesmaids smiling on Chicago Riverwalk
Portrait of bride and bridesmaids in plum dresses outside Westin River North Hotel in downtown Chicago
Portrait of groom and groomsmen in gray suits outside Westin River North Hotel in downtown Chicago
Candid photo of happy bride holding white and purple bouquet near Chicago River downtown
Detail photo of bride's summer bouquet with plum, purple and white florals
Happy bride and groom walk across State Street in front of Chicago Theatre before their summer Chicago wedding
Black and white photo of bride and groom kissing in front of Chicago Theatre before summer downtown wedding
Portrait of wedding party cheering on LaSalle Street Bridge in downtown Chicago before summer wedding ceremony at Rockwell on the River
Candid black and white photo of wedding party eating gelato before boarding Chicago Riverboat
Chicago Riverboat departs dock headed north with wedding party to Rockwell on the River wedding venue
Happy friends with Hawaii-themed sunglasses lift groom on boat traveling to Rockwell on the River wedding ceremony
Photo of bride and bridesmaids wearing tropical-themed sunglasses on boat to Rockwell on the River wedding ceremony
Black and white photo of bride and bridesmaids sharing a drink on boat to Rockwell on the River wedding ceremony
Bride celebrates with friends on Chicago Riverboat headed to Rockwell on the River wedding venue
Happy bride and groom wearing Hawaii-themed sunglasses ride on Chicago Riverboat headed toward their summer Rockwell on the River wedding ceremony
Photo of Chicago Riverboat arriving at Rockwell on the River wedding venue with wedding party
Fun photo of wedding party on dock at Rockwell on the River wedding venue in Chicago
Main entrance to Rockwell on the River wedding venue in Chicago's Avondale neighborhood
Decorative chalkboard sign on cobblestone path outside Rockwell on the River wedding venue
Decorative purple welcome sign for Rockwell on the River wedding ceremony
Table of guest gift bags at Rockwell on the River wedding venue
Detail photo of purple and white guest gift bags at Rockwell on the River wedding venue in Chicago
Decorative sign for wine-themed wedding reception schedule with purple color palette at Rockwell on the River wedding venue
Photo of decorated outdoor ceremony space at Rockwell on the River
Detail photo of florals on ceremony arch at Rockwell on the River
Detail photo of purple florals decorating ceremony space at Rockwell on the River
Officiant speaks to guests while standing beneath ceremony arch at Rockwell on the River wedding ceremony
Happy groom and parents enter summer Rockwell on the River wedding ceremony on outdoor terrace
Bridesmaids in purple gowns holding bouquets stand at the front of Rockwell on the River outdoor wedding ceremony space
Bride and her parents walk toward Rockwell on the River wedding ceremony space with guests in the background
Bride and her parents walk down the aisle at Rockwell on the River wedding ceremonny
Groom waits for bride while standing next to decorative arch at Rockwell on the River wedding ceremony
Bride and groom hug parents during Rockwell on the River summer wedding ceremony
Groom hugs bride's father during Rockwell on the River wedding ceremony
Bride and groom listen to officiant during outdoor Rockwell on the River wedding ceremony
Bride and groom build a ceremonial Chicago hot dog during Rockwell on the River wedding ceremony
Groom presents Chicago hot dog to guests during Rockwell on the River wedding ceremony
Groom adds toppings to the hot dog while bride looks on at Rockwell on the River outdoor wedding ceremony
Bride and groom share bites of their ceremonial hotdog at Rockwell on the River
Photo of outdoor space at Rockwell on the River during wedding ceremony
Bride listens as groom recites vows during Rockwell on the River wedding ceremony
Groom speaks his vows during Rockwell on the River outdoor wedding ceremony
Groom places ring on bride's finger during Rockwell on the River wedding ceremony
Bride smiles as she places ring on groom's finger during outdoor wedding ceremony at Rockwell on the River
Wedding party applauds as bride and groom kiss during summer Rockwell on the River wedding ceremony
Black and white photo of happy newlyweds walking down the aisle after Rockwell on the River wedding ceremony
Photo of photo and gift table at Rockwell on the River wedding reception
Photo of unique champagne-themed guestbook at Rockwell on the River wedding reception
Detail photo of guest book sign at Rockwell on the River wedding reception
Photo of decorative sign for bride and groom's signature cocktail and custom drink-saving coasters
Detail photo of table decoration containing florals, bottle and candles with purple color palette at Rockwell on the River wedding reception
Photo of DIY escort cards in corks at wine-themed Rockwell on the River wedding reception
Creative photo of wedding cake with custom cake topper and purple color theme with string lights in background at Rockwell on the River wedding reception
Room shot at Rockwell on the River wedding reception venue featuring bow truss ceiling and skylight
Photo of place setting with salad and purple decor at Rockwell on the River wedding reception
Detail photo of table number marker with photo of newlyweds at Rockwell on the River wedding reception
Centerpiece, table marker and wine bottle on guest table in Rockwell on the River wedding reception venue
Photo of table decoration with custom menu on wine bottles with purple lights at Rockwell on the River
Newlywed table decorated with white and purple florals at Rockwell on the River wedding reception
Creative photo of champagne in custom glasses for bride and groom with purple florals and romantic lighting
Fun photo of bride and groom with all their guests at outdoor terrace for Rockwell on the River wedding reception
Bride and groom kiss next to cake table while wedding party watches during Rockwell on the River wedding reception
Happy bride and groom listen to speeches during Rockwell on the River wedding reception
Bride and groom's fathers toast the newlywed couple at Rockwell on the River wedding reception
Happy bride and groom listen to Maid of Honor's speech from head table at Rockwell on the River wedding reception
Best Man gives speech standing next to bride and groom seated at newlywed table at Rockwell on the River wedding reception
Bride and groom share a moment seated at newlywed table during Rockwell on the River wedding reception
Candid photo of Maid of Honor giving speech at head table during Rockwell on the River wedding reception
Maid of Honor leads toast while standing next to bride and groom wearing ceremonial crowns during Rockwell on the River wedding reception
Coffee service table at Rockwell on the River wedding reception
Trays of mini cupcakes on dessert table at Rockwell on the River wedding reception
Detail photo of mini cupcake dessert trays served at Rockwell on the River wedding reception
Plate of mini cupcake desserts served at Rockwell on the River wedding reception
Churro cart with churros, ice cream, and sauces at Rockwell on the River wedding reception
Churro cart at Rockwell on the River wedding reception
Detail photo of churro dessert sauces at Rockwell on the River wedding reception
Detail of photo of churros and ice cream from churro dessert cart at Rockwell on the River wedding reception
Groom and his mother dance at Rockwell on the River wedding reception
Bride and her father dance at Rockwell on the River wedding reception
Candid photo of bride and father dancing during Rockwell on the River wedding reception
Groom and mother dance during summer Rockwell on the River wedding reception
Romantic photo of bride and groom dancing during Rockwell on the River wedding reception
Romantic photo of bride and groom during their first dance at Rockwell on the River wedding reception
Creative black and white photo of newlyweds dancing at Rockwell on the River wedding reception
Groom dips bride during their first dance at Rockwell on the River wedding reception
Guests watch bride and groom during their first dance at Rockwell on the River wedding venue
Photo of dancing bride and guests at Rockwell on the River wedding reception
Bride and bridesmaid dance during Rockwell on the River wedding reception
Black and white photo of newlyweds kissing on the dance floor at Rockwell on the River wedding reception
Happy guests dancing during Rockwell on the River wedding reception
Guitarist and vocalist from live band Constantine Alexander performing at Rockwell on the River wedding reception
Bridesmaids cheering on the dance floor during Rockwell on the River wedding reception
Photo of full band Constantine Alexander performing at Rockwell on the River wedding reception
Black and white photo of bride's parents dancing during Rockwell on the River wedding reception
Photo of happy groom on the dance floor at Rockwell on the River
Bride and groom dancing surrounded by a ring of guests at Rockwell on the River wedding reception
Creative night photo of happy bride and groom popping a bottle of champagne in Rockwell on the River courtyard
Romantic photo of newlyweds kissing in Rockwell on the River courtyard
Romantic photo of bride and groom dancing at night in Rockwell on the River courtyard
Portrait of bride and groom at night in Rockwell on the River courtyard
Romantic black and white photo of bride and groom kissing at night at Rockwell on the River wedding venue in Chicago

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