Elizabeth and Leah’s fall Osteria Via Stato wedding was an absolute joy to be part of. These two are so clearly smitten with each other – it’s impossible to catch a moment where they’re not smiling when they’re together. Remember their Chicago Cultural Center engagement session from last year?! After that, I just knew their wedding day was going to be epic (and it was!!).

The Ivy Room Chicago Wedding Photos

Wedding day began with the brides getting ready separately at Embassy Suites hotel in River North. We were lucky enough to capture their first look in the magical, ivy-covered courtyard just across the street! You may recognize this space from The Ivy Room at Tree Studios – another of our favorite Chicago wedding venues. Special thanks to Lisa from Café Crèmerie for helping make this possible!

After an emotional first look, Elizabeth and Leah were joined by their loved ones for more photos, of course! Not only was this crew dressed to impress, but complemented by the most stunning and colorful florals! It also happened to be the most gorgeous October day in Chicago, perfect for an afternoon stroll. The party made their way downtown for some iconic city photos with the Chicago River, before heading back to the restaurant.

Osteria Via Stato Wedding

That evening, Elizabeth and Leah were married at Osteria Via Stato surrounded by candlelight, colorful florals, and their favorite people. Elizabeth’s mother did a beautiful job officiating the ceremony, which featured a handfasting ritual symbolizing the couple’s deep bond and commitment. Once the knot was (literally tied), the newlyweds jumped the broom – and it was officially official!!

Guests enjoyed delicious food, drinks, and LOTS of dancing throughout the evening. One of our favorite details from this day was the custom dessert table, including homemade Greek and Bavarian treats by family and friends. And as you may know, we can’t say goodbye without stepping outside for a night photo! I’m so happy Elizabeth and Leah agreed to let us steal them away for a few street photos with the city lights 🙂

Elizabeth and Leah: Thank you again for having us last fall!! May your love continue to grow, shine, and inspire everyone around you. Cheers to a lifetime of happiness, you two!

Throwing it back to SUMMER today with Sean and Mike’s awesome South Branch Tavern wedding! Not only was this day long-anticipated by their loved ones (they have been together since high school!)… but I was so looking forward to it as well. Fun fact: I first met these two at Alex and Jack’s City Hall Events wedding in 2021! Since then we have been lucky enough to capture some great memories for their families over the years (HI Meg and Pat!)… and I knew their day was going to be just as awesome 🙂

Chicago Union Station Wedding Photos

The day began with Sean and Mike getting ready separately, before their emotional first look on Monroe Street bridge. Amy Lynn captured this beautifully in their Highlight Film – check it out below! Soon after, we headed to nearby Union Station with their crew for some classic Chicago wedding photos. The party looked dapper as ever in tuxes and blue, floral print gowns! If you’re looking for an elegant indoor photo location in the city with great natural light, Union Station is one of my favorites. Pro tip: make sure you secure a photography permit for this location ahead of time! 

South Branch Tavern & Grille Wedding

Before long, it was time to get these two MARRIED. We made our way to South Branch Tavern, and the space was soon filled with their loved ones – including pup Goose! Remember this happy guy from their fall engagement session?! Truly, seeing Goose was one of the things I was most excited for! 

Michael and Sean were married that evening along the Chicago River outside their venue. A dear friend officiated the ceremony, framed by impressive floral trees reminiscent of Italy. – who is this vendor??  Once it was official, the celebration was ON!! The Newlyweds enjoyed the reception mingling with their guests and dancing the night away. As always, these two were a treat in front of the camera and up for all my ideas. They even let me shoot a roll of black and white film! 

Sean and Mike: Thank you again for trusting my team to capture your memories! We couldn’t be happier for you two and wish you nothing but the best.

See more of Michael and Sean’s wedding day in their Highlight Film below!

Another highlight from our summer is Alex and Stacey’s destination Chicago Winery wedding! These two are currently East Coasters, but first met at a Halloween party here in the Midwest while attending Northwestern University! After their spring Jersey City engagement session, I was so excited to see these two again back in Chicago.

The Gwen Chicago Wedding Photos

Alex and Stacey got ready separately that morning, before their private first look and vow exchange at The Gwen Chicago. Shortly after, the wedding party joined us for photos on the hotel terrace overlooking downtown! I loved that the bridesmaids’ dresses just happened to match the walls inside The Gwen – we had to take advantage! If you’re looking for a hotel in the River North area with indoor and outdoor photo locations, I’d highly recommend staying here.

Chicago Winery Wedding

Before long, it was time to head to Chicago Winery and get these two married. But first: tea! Stacey and Alex served hot tea to their loved ones before the ceremony space opened up to all guests. The wedding ceremony was filled with humor and personal anecdotes, and once the knot was tied these two were happy as ever! Seriously, I don’t think they stopped smiling the rest of the evening 🙂

Guests celebrated the newlyweds with delicious food, drinks, and (lots of) wine. We even got to witness Stacey’s famous cake-cutting skills! DJ Kate kept the dance floor was packed from beginning to end, and our photo booth was a hit, as usual (check out our new white rose flower wall backdrop!). I’m lucky the newlyweds agreed to step outside for a few night photos during the party!

Stacey and Alex: Thank you again for having us be part of your wedding day!! We had so much fun in August and wish you both a lifetime of happiness together.

Want to see more from Alex & Stacey’s wedding day? Check out their gorgeous Highlight Film by Amy Lynn!

In July, I was lucky enough to be part of Michael and Matt’s summer wedding day at 167 Events! This colorful day was filled with summer cocktails, bold florals, and so much love for these two grooms. They even brought their sweet pup, Nico as the ring bearer!

The day began with Matt and Michael getting ready together at The Emily Hotel. We took a quick tour of the neighborhood for some photos in Fulton Market and Kinzie Bridge (my favorite!). Before long, it was time to head to the venue!

167 Events Wedding Ceremony

This was my first wedding at 167 Events, and it did not disappoint! Michael and Matt had spoken highly of their venue leading up to wedding day, and I was super excited to see it in person. When we arrived at the rooftop, we saw the ceremony space decorated with the most colorful summer florals and a deep pink aisle runner. A select group of VIP guests sat in assigned seats, with the majority of their loved ones surrounding the stage. Oh, and did I mention the view?! This has easily become one of my new favorite wedding venues in the city! 

That evening, guests gathered at 167 Events to witness Michael and Matt join in marriage. Their two dear friends officiated the ceremony, and Nico played his role perfectly. Once the knot was tied, it was time to celebrate! The newlyweds were all smiles greeting guests and taking it all in 🙂 

Oakville Grill and Cellar Reception

As the sun began to set, we made our way next door to Oakville Cellar & Grille for speeches, dinner, and dancing. BeatMix Music provided top-notch entertainment, and the reception truly felt like a gigantic family dinner. We said goodbye by popping a bottle of bubbly outside the restaurant, of course! This day was so full of warmth and joy, and I’m so happy to have been there to capture it!

Michael and Matt: Thank you again for having me this summer!! I couldn’t be happier for you two and wish you nothing but the best!

Today we’re throwing it back to Kate and Ben’s October wedding celebration at The Dalcy! This day was filled with personal details, gorgeous fall weather, and neverending smiles. And after their romantic winter engagement session the year before, I expected nothing else!

Ben and Kate got ready separately at The Westin River North, a prime location for photos overlooking the Chicago River. After a typical downtown photo adventure, it was time to get these two married! We headed up north to St. Ben’s with just enough time to spare before the ceremony began.

St. Benedict Church Ceremony

It’s no accident that Kate and Ben chose to marry at St. Ben’s in North Center. Fun fact: this also happens to be where Kate’s parents first met years ago! From a photographer’s standpoint, it did not disappoint (cathedral ceiling? yes please!). These two were all smiles throughout the ceremony, and once the knot was tied, it was time to party!!

The celebration kicked off with Four Star Brass Band performing for guests outside the church, followed by the happy newlyweds. One of my favorite parts of this day was the Second Line that followed – a nod to Ben’s New Orleans roots! The parade led us around the block, and eventually into busses headed straight to The Dalcy. Fun fact: we made such a commotion that the neighbors posted about it on Reddit!

The Dalcy Wedding Reception

Centrally located in the West Loop neighborhood, The Dalcy has become one of my favorite Chicago wedding venues over the years. With its spacious terrace and city views, multiple indoor and outdoor photo locations, and top notch food and drink from Aba – it’s the perfect place to bring loved ones together. Not to mention the elegance of this space is guaranteed to impress!

The newlyweds danced the night away with their guests, and couldn’t have been happier. And – remember that these two are champagne connoisseurs?! Of course, we had to pop a celebratory bottle on the street! I’m obsessed with how these night photos turned out and so happy they let me steal them away for a few 🙂

Kate and Ben: Thank you again for having us last October!! Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness and all the best in Married Life!

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!

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!

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!

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.

Last fall, I was honored to capture Nick and Michael’s joyful wedding day at The Dalcy! This was my first wedding at the gorgeous West Loop venue, and believe me, it did not disappoint. In fact, Michael is on staff at The Dalcy and Aba – which made this day extra special!! Of course, the ambiance and decor was on point, but the most memorable detail was the abundance of love and support for these two grooms. It was an unforgettable day from beginning to end!

I met Michael and Nick at The Westin where they got ready together in their suite. While rain was in the forecast, we were somehow able to dodge the showers just in time for photos downtown! (Thanks Nature!!) These two and their wedding party were all smiles as we stopped at some of my favorite iconic Chicago locations. Oh – and did I mention it was a Friday? We basically had Olive Park to ourselves… a rare occurrence during wedding season! The skyline view was a perfect last stop on our way to the venue.

Sidenote: I always love when couples choose to get ready together on their wedding day! It’s such a unique way to break tradition while personalizing your day.

The Dalcy Wedding Ceremony

Nick and Michael were married in a romantic candlelit ceremony at The Dalcy surrounded by loved ones. A dear friend officiated their ceremony, which was filled with laughter and happy tears. By the time they were pronounced married, there wasn’t a dry eye in the place! Guests were ready to celebrate with the newlyweds, and The Bluewater Kings kept the party going all night!! I’m lucky I got to pull the grooms away from the dance floor for a night photo on Fulton Street!

Michael and Nick: Thank you again for having us in October!! Your wedding day was an absolute joy to be part of. Wishing you the happiest marriage and future together 🙂