Art Institute of Chicago wedding photos Posts

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

Chicago Restaurant Wedding at Cindy’s Rooftop – Emily & Kyle

Today I’m excited to feature Emily and Kyle’s Cindy’s Rooftop wedding in September. When I first heard from these two, I was intrigued by their “modern, moody and minimal” vision for a wedding in this space. What’s more – it was an absolute treat to see their vision come to life (Emily’s black Rue de Seine gown was one for the books)!

Chicago Athletic Association Hotel

That morning, Kyle and Emily got ready separately at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel. After their first look on the iconic marble staircase, it was time for photos! Chicago weather couldn’t have been more perfect for a stroll to The Art Institute of Chicago, returning just in time to take advantage of the hotel’s unique locations. Their sweet pup Scully even dressed up for the occasion… and smiled for a photo, too!

Cindy’s Rooftop Wedding Ceremony

That evening, Emily and Kyle tied the knot on the terrace of Cindy’s Rooftop, overlooking our great city. Emily’s brother officiated the ceremony, and the musicians and DJ were all friends of the couple. Once they said I Do, they were beaming with joy and ready to celebrate!! Guests enjoyed delicious food and cocktails as the sun set over Lake Michigan, and the celebration continued into the night. Scully even stayed to greet guests and accept hugs on behalf of the happy couple 🙂

Emily and Kyle: Thank you again for having us in September!! We absolutely loved being part of your day, wishing you both all our best!

Bride in black dress kisses groom in black tuxedo outside Art Institute of Chicago before their Cindy's Rooftop wedding

Matt & Sara Beth’s Spring Wedding at Loft Lucia Featuring Photos at Art Institute of Chicago

Sara Beth and Matt’s Loft Lucia wedding this spring was easily one of this year’s highlights so far. These two traveled from San Francisco to get married in our city, and the day was filled with joy from beginning to end! Highlights include a magnificent dessert spread by Viola’s Kitchen, and handwritten notes to each one of their guests. We even lucked out with Chicago weather on our side, and an impromptu trip to the Art Institute of Chicago!

When I first heard from these two, Sara Beth wrote:

“Matt and I had our first date sophomore year of college and our second (unintentional) date almost a decade later in San Francisco. Meeting up for hot chocolate turned into a three day date, three years of long distance, then three years of making a home together in San Francisco… We want [our wedding] to be inclusive, welcoming, and celebratory.”

Loft Lucia Wedding

It was so much fun to see their wedding day vision come to life! After downtown photos at Pendry Chicago and the Art Institute, we headed to Loft Lucia to meet family and friends. Matt and Sara Beth were married in a gorgeous outdoor ceremony surrounded by loved ones – their Rabbi even traveled from St. Louis to officiate! Guests enjoyed delicious food and beverages in style, and the dance floor did NOT disappoint 🙂

Sara Beth and Matt: Thank you again for having us in May! Your wedding day was a joy to capture and I couldn’t be happier for you two. Congratulations to you both!!

Black and white photo of bride and groom walking down iconic spiral staircase at Art Institute of Chicago

September Wedding at City Winery Chicago – Rachel & Joe

I absolutely loved being part of Rachel and Joe’s September wedding at City Winery Chicago. You may recall from their University of Illinois engagement session that they’ve known each other since pre-school… Needless to say, the day had been much anticipated! Originally from Illinois, these two traveled from New Jersey to tie the knot in our awesome city.

The day began with Rachel and Joe getting ready separately at Hyatt House in the West Loop. After their romantic first look on the hotel terrace, we headed out for a downtown adventure! I’m so happy these two wanted photos in some of my favorite Chicago locations – in particular LaSalle Street bridge and the gardens at Art Institute of Chicago.

City Winery Chicago Wedding

That evening, family and friends gathered in the stunning outdoor garden area at City Winery Chicago. Rachel and Joe said I Do in warm, golden light, in a ceremony officiated by a friend. Guests enjoyed cocktails and local wine in the garden followed by dinner and (lots of) dancing in the Barrel Room! One thing I love about City Winery is the variety of swoon-worthy photo locations. We made sure to take advantage of our surroundings for plenty of Newlywed photos, including champagne to end the evening!

Rachel and Joe: Thank you again for having us in September!! It’s been a delight getting to know you two these past years. Wishing you nothing but the best in Married Life 🙂

Just married couple cheers as they exit their summer City Winery Chicago wedding ceremony in outdoor garden

Grant Park Rose Garden Elopement – Jessika & Matthew

What can I say about Jessika and Matthew? I first heard from these two around this time last year, when they were planning a wedding ceremony and celebration in 2022. After a few conversations, and with the state of the world, they decided to completely switch gears and get married last September instead! Of course, I’m SO happy they did 🙂

Jess and Matt tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in Grant Park with their immediate families present. Jessika got ready at their South Loop home, while Matthew was at The Ritz-Carlton. Lucky for me, I got to see my girl Nala again (remember this sweetie from their spring engagement session?!) – then it was time to head out for their first look!

Looking stylish as ever, Matt and Jess met up at the Art Institute of Chicago for their first look and a private vow exchange. This was one of my favorite moments of the entire day! In fact, we basically had the entire gardens to ourselves… which never happens!! After stopping at a few iconic downtown locations, it was finally time to make it official. We arrived at the Rose Garden in Grant Park with perfect timing, and they were married in golden light surrounded by loved ones. The evening concluded with a stroll to Italian Village for a delicious wedding dinner!

Jessika and Matthew: Thank you again for having us in September!! Your intimate wedding day was truly a joy to capture, I wish you all the best in Married Life!

Buckingham Fountain wedding photo of happy bride and groom holding hands