Chicago bridge wedding photos Posts

Caitlin & Daniel’s Joyful May Wedding at The Arbory

This spring, we had the honor of capturing Caitlin and Daniel’s Chicago wedding day at The Arbory over Memorial Day weekend. Not only was this day bursting with alllll the feels, it was the perfect way to kick off Chicago Summer! This was also the first wedding we got to capture in full on film, as well as digital (shout out to our film photographer, Sophie!). And when it came to the weather forecast, we encountered some of the best wedding day luck I have ever experienced.

The Pendry Chicago

When we met Caitlin and Daniel at The Pendry that day, it was pouring rain. As I recall, rain was forecasted for the foreseeable future. No matter: we were all aboard with Plan B for photos (aka Rain Plan!). Caitlin and Daniel got ready separately with their favorite people, and when it was time for their first look, the skies cleared! They were able to share this happy moment right outside, with the iconic Carbide and Carbon building as a backdrop.

We decided to take advantage of the weather, and got to explore downtown Chicago as originally planned! It was truly a Wedding Day Miracle… and these are some of my favorite photos from the entire day. When we arrived at The Arbory, we had full sun – and the happiest bride and groom you ever did see 🙂

The Arbory Wedding

One thing I love about The Arbory wedding venue is the variety of picturesque locations, all in one place. I’m so happy we had a chance to take a few photos around the space before guests arrived! After signing their ketubah in the venue’s bridal suite, it was time for the ceremony. Caitlin and Daniel were wed underneath a gorgeous skylight (with the sun peeking through!), surrounded by loved ones. Once the knot was tied, these two were READY to celebrate! When I first heard from Caitlin, she described their wedding day vision this way:

“We just want our wedding to have a fun, classy, and genuine feel and celebrate with all our favorite people!”

Truly, I couldn’t have described their day any other way. Some favorite details include their wedding cake made by their friends, energetic dance floor, and Caitlin’s party dress!! This day was an absolute pleasure to be part of, I’m so glad we were there to capture it all.

Caitlin and Daniel: Thank you again for having us this year!! We wish you all the best in your new life together.

Newlyweds celebrate at the end of their wedding ceremony at The Arbory Chicago

Elaine & Jeremy’s Chicago Wedding at South Branch Tavern & Grille

September is here, and today I’m throwing it back to one of our favorite September weddings ever. Elaine and Jeremy tied the knot at South Branch Tavern & Grille one year ago this week! We’re thrilled to have been there to capture this happy day… starting with getting ready at the J.W. Marriott and ending with a PARTY on the dance floor 🙂

When I first heard from Elaine, she described their wedding vision this way:

“The ‘theme’ is sort of fall vibes, but no pumpkin spice lattes. Earthy colors, lots of foliage, burnt sienna, deep greens, neutrals and pops of gold (I think). We are definitely not having a traditional wedding. It’s at a bar so I guess you could say we want it to feel sort of like a party.”

Spoiler alert: it felt EXACTLY like a party!! Guests were excited to celebrate these two even before the ceremony started.

South Branch Tavern & Grille Wedding

That evening, Jeremy and Elaine were married outside South Branch Tavern surrounded by their loved ones. It was one of those perfect Chicago-weather days: the kind you can never plan for, but also will never forget. Once they said I Do, the celebration was in full swing! Family and friends enjoyed delicious food, great company, and custom cocktails named after the newlyweds’ cats. But the party didn’t stop there… DJ Alli kept the dance floor alive, and if you ask me, Elaine’s reception dress stole the show. Nohemi and Trevor did an awesome job capturing the joy of this day and night!

Elaine and Jeremy: Thank you again for having us last year!! We couldn’t be happier for you two – wishing you the very best in Married Life!

Romantic photo of bride and groom standing on Monroe Street Bridge in Chicago before their wedding at South Branch Tavern and Grille

Festive Chicago Wedding at City View Loft – Ellen & Sean

In December, I had the pleasure of wrapping our 2023 season with Ellen and Sean’s wedding at City View Loft! These two got engaged last February, and spent most of last year planning the most festive, romantic, and joyful celebration. I absolutely loved that every detail had a unique and personal touch! Their wedding day was truly a representation of their love for each other, as well as the most important people in their lives.

Downtown Chicago Wedding Photos

Ellen and Sean both got ready at the Springhill Suites in River North, and after their first look on Hubbard they were ALL smiles! We soon departed for a city tour with the wedding party to some of my favorite downtown Chicago locations. The holiday lights (and Sean’s custom suit!) made for the most festive December wedding photos! Finally, it was time to head to the venue so these two could make it official 🙂

City View Loft Wedding

Later that evening, Ellen and Sean were wed in the downstairs loft space known as Kitchen Chicago. A dear friend officiated the ceremony, which included the traditional Irish ring warming! Once the knot was tied, guests enjoyed delicious food, cocktails, and the Newlyweds’ favorite board games. One of my favorite details were the custom puzzle pieces on each dinner table, which formed a handwritten love letter to their loved ones. Such a creative and personal touch… these two thought of everything! I’m lucky they agreed to brave the (mild) December weather for a few romantic night photos before we said goodbye!

Ellen and Sean: Thank you again for having us last year! Your wedding day was a dream to be part of, wishing you all the happiness in the world.

Romantic photo of bride and groom in LaSalle street downtown Chicago before their winter City View Loft wedding

Elegant June Wedding at Pazzo’s 311 – Mary & Wyatt

Looking back on this year’s weddings has been nostalgic… but also feels like just yesterday! Mary and Wyatt’s June wedding day is no exception. With the 12+ months of anticipation leading up to this day, I was more than excited for them to finally tie the knot! Remember their October engagement session?! I knew it was going to be a gorgeous day.

These two got ready separately at the J.W. Marriott downtown, blocks from Pazzo’s where they would celebrate their marriage later that evening. But first: it was time to head to church!

Holy Name Cathedral Ceremony

Mary and Wyatt were married at Holy Name Cathedral, one of Chicago’s most iconic Catholic churches. I love its Gothic architecture and dramatic cathedral dome! These two were all smiles during the ceremony, not to mention the bubble exit outside the church doors. Waiting for us in the courtyard was their pup Leo, a welcome addition to family photos!

Pazzo’s Wedding Reception

After the ceremony, we made it to Pazzo’s – stopping for photos and bubbly along the way, of course! The evening was filled with elegance, from the venue to the florals, and stylish newlyweds who only had eyes for each other. Mary and Wyatt had a chance to show off their dance moves… from their choreographed first dance to the PARTY with all of their guests! This wedding had it all – including a shot of Malört during the Best Man’s speech 🙂

Mary and Wyatt: Thank you again for having us capture your memories this year!! Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness together!

Romantic photo of bride and groom with veil flowing during downtown Chicago wedding day at Pazzo's 311

Stephanie & Patrick’s Loyola University Wedding at Madonna della Strada

Last September I had the pleasure of capturing Stephanie and Patrick’s Chicago wedding day, starting at the historic Madonna della Strada Chapel at Loyola University. Both their ceremony and reception locations held much significance to them, having met as students at Loyola years ago!

Stephanie’s words:

“We are so thrilled to be having our wedding ceremony at the campus at Madonna della Strada Chapel. It means a lot to us since we did meet there, and Patrick also popped the question at Loyola as well! There is a lot of sentimental value that Loyola holds for us!”

Stephanie and Patrick arrived at Madonna della Strada just in time for a first look before the ceremony began. This stunning church had no shortage of photogenic angles… and SO much light! I think it’s safe to say it’s a wedding photographer’s dream church. After they said I Do, we got to explore campus with the wedding party and then headed downtown!

Osteria Via Stato Wedding Reception

Celebrating their marriage at Osteria Via Stato was so intentional for Stephanie and Patrick. As avid travelers and self-proclaimed “big foodies,” their mutual favorite place in the world is… you guessed it, Italy! Having their family and friends gather at this Chicago restaurant was the next best thing to traveling overseas together. Of course, the food did not disappoint – if you live in Chicago and have never had a meal here, you are missing out! Guests enjoyed delicious dinner, dancing, and a late-night gelato bar 🙂

Stephanie and Patrick: Thank you again for having us last year!! I absolutely loved seeing your vision come to life and wish you all the happiness in your future together.

Loyola University wedding ceremony at iconic Madonna della Strada Chapel in Chicago

Mindy & Daniel’s Joyful Artifact Events Wedding

Mindy and Daniel’s Artifact Events wedding in May was a pleasure to be part of. These two are so clearly smitten with each other, it made the entire day seem like a breeze! Add in an A-List vendor team, gorgeous Chicago weather, and one of the most unique venues in the city… I knew their wedding was going to be GOOD.

Daniel got ready with his party at home, while Mindy spent the morning at her parents’ place nearby. We conquered holiday weekend traffic and made it to the Art Institute gardens for an emotional first look! This is one of my favorite Chicago portrait locations, and definitely worth a stop for any downtown wedding day. After a few more iconic photo-ops, we headed north. It was time to get these two MARRIED!!

Artifact Events Wedding

Artifact Events is part of the industrial corridor on historic Ravenswood Avenue. The venue itself is massive – offering multiple options for weddings and other events. We were lucky enough to have the opportunity for photos in the North Atrium before their courtyard ceremony!

That evening, Mindy and Daniel made it official in an intimate ceremony officiated by Daniel’s sister. One of my favorite details was Daniel’s father playing the Oud during the processional! Once the knot was tied, I don’t think they stopped smiling for a second. It was an absolute joy to capture the love and support surrounding these two on this day 🙂

CONGRATULATIONS, Mindy and Daniel!!! Thank you again for having us this year! Wishing you the very best in your future together.

Artifact Events wedding ceremony in south courtyard with columns and greenery