Chicago Riverwalk wedding photos Posts

Elizabeth & Leah’s Joyful Fall Wedding at Osteria Via Stato

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!

Brides kiss in the aisle after their wedding ceremony at Osteria Via Stato in downtown Chicago

Kate & Ben’s Fall Wedding at The Dalcy with New Orleans Traditions

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!

Vendor Team

Ceremony Venue: St. Benedict / Reception Venue: The Dalcy / Hotel: The Westin River North / Planner: Rachael Steacy Events / Bride’s dress: Allure Bridals / Reception Dress: Sachin & Babi / Bride’s shoes: Badgley Mischka / Groom’s suit: SuitShop / Florist: Kee Floral Design / Hair Stylist: Loft Twelve Salon / Makeup Artist: Melanie Larson Artistry / Stationery: Minted / Engagement ring: Béjé / Groom’s ring: Dana Rebecca Designs / Brass Band: Four Star Brass Band / Live Band: TVK Orchestra / Cake: Sweet Mandy B’s / Photo Booth: EMP / Second Photographer: Jeremy

Bride and groom kiss while holding umbrellas and guests parade behind them during New Orleans wedding Second Line

Rose & Layne’s Chicago Rooftop wedding at Lacuna Lofts

Rose and Layne’s Chicago rooftop wedding this spring was one of the most joyful and memorable days we’ve ever captured. From the unseasonable Chicago weather to the iconic photo locations and their neverending smiles… every moment was a pleasure to be part of. Remember their South Loop engagement session from last year?! Ever since then, I knew wedding day was going to be a blast!

When I first heard from these two, they described their wedding vision as “a playful spring garden – think wild flowers, fun colored vases that we thrift, cocktails named after our cats, and hopefully some other quirky/eclectic things mixed in along the way. We are so excited to get married, celebrate the wonderful relationship we have built and do it along side our most important friends and family.”

Because most guests traveled into Chicago for the festivities, Rose and Layne were determined to showcase they city they now call home.

Downtown Chicago Wedding Photos

The day began with the brides getting ready separately at Kimpton Gray. After their stunning first look at The Rookery Building, we spent the afternoon soaking up the weather and touring downtown! This day truly felt like summer – it was one of those 80-degree April days that happens once every few years. Layne and Rose had the best time, and I’m pretty sure an entire cruise boat cheered us on!

Chicago Rooftop Wedding Ceremony

That afternoon, guests gathered at Lacuna Lofts in Pilsen to witness these two become married. The emotional rooftop ceremony seemed to perfectly match their vision! Layne and Rose made it official surrounded by loved ones, spring wildflowers, and the best skyline view in the city. Seriously – if you are looking to showcase our city to your guests, definitely schedule a tour at this venue!

Once the knot was tied, the party was ON! DJ Rachel kept the dance floor packed with awesome tunes, and yes, there was a disco ball! I’m thrilled the newlyweds let me steal them away for a few night photos with that view 🙂

Layne and Rose: Thank you again for having us this year! Your wedding day was truly one for the books, I couldn’t be happier for you both!!

Experience an enchanting Lacuna Lofts Chicago wedding with an outdoor ceremony on a rooftop, where guests are seated, the wedding party stands proudly, and a breathtaking city skyline serves as the perfect backdrop.

Romantic Boho Wedding at The Arbory – Shoshanna & Ian

Happy Valentine’s Day, loves! I have been looking forward to sharing Shoshanna and Ian’s spring wedding at The Arbory for a while… and what better day than today?! After spending only moments with these two, their love for one another is not only apparent, but contagious. Their relationship truly embodies the meaning of the word romance – and wedding day was a perfect representation of that.

The day began with Ian and Shoshanna getting ready separately – Ian and his party at their new home, and Shoshanna at their downtown hotel. Their first look took place on the Chicago Riverwalk, in a location meaningful to them and central to the beginnings of their relationship. It just so happened to be an unseasonably warm April day (thanks Chicago!), which allowed us time to stroll along the Riverwalk for more photos, of course! After making time for just the two of them, we made our way to Union Station for some iconic photos with their wedding party. We even got a little rain shower on our way back to the bus!

The Arbory Chicago Wedding

That evening, Shoshanna and Ian tied the knot in an emotional ceremony underneath the venue’s gorgeous skylight. Guests listened as they professed their love for each other, stronger than ever and growing each day. This ceremony was truly something out of a romantic movie… I don’t think there was a dry eye in the place! Ian’s sister did the honors as officiant, and once the knot was tied, celebration was definitely in order!

The newlyweds were all smiles as they mingled and danced with loved ones throughout the evening. Some highlights from their reception include a choreographed first dance, vegan dinner and dessert, and lush, bohemian-style decor. It truly was a night to remember, and a genuine celebration of Shoshanna and Ian’s love.

Shoshanna and Ian: Thank you again for having us last year!! Wishing you both a lifetime of love, joy, and true romance 🙂

Bride and groom kiss under skylight and boho floral arch at their spring Arbory wedding in Chicago

Royal Sonesta River North Wedding – Brittany & Adrian

Brittany and Adrian’s September wedding at Royal Sonesta Chicago River North was much-anticipated, to say the least! Guests traveled to Chicago from near and far to celebrate with these two as they tied the knot in our dear city. You may recall from their fall engagement session that Adrian and Brittany met at a University of Illinois football game! I was not at all surprised at the frequent pops of orange and blue in their wedding details.

We arrived at the downtown hotel to capture Brittany and Adrian getting ready separately. These two were dressed to the nines, of course – and their wedding party was no exception! Their happy first look on the Chicago Riverwalk was one of my favorite moments from the entire day, and we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to stop at some other iconic locations nearby. After an emotional ceremony, these two were ready to PARTY! Our night concluded with popping champagne outside of Rock Bottom Brewery, another place they visited on the day they met 🙂

Highlights

Some highlights from the day include Brittany’s surprise choreographed dance with her dad, and honoring their mothers with a rose during the ceremony. They also had many unique DIY details, such as naming table numbers after places they’ve traveled together! Oh – and I will never forget their epic first dance to Robyn’s Show Me Love!!! This made my night… you’d better believe I was singing along to EVERY word.

Pro tip: Want to know what it felt like to be at this wedding? Play the song while scrolling through the images in this post!

Brittany and Adrian: Thank you again for having us in September! I will never forget your awesome wedding day… wishing you both the very best in Married Life!!!

Romantic wedding photo of bride and groom kissing on LaSalle Bridge before their downtown Royal Sonesta Chicago wedding

Romantic Fall Engagement Session on Chicago Riverwalk – Jenny & Michael

Jenny and Michael’s fall engagement session took place on their five-year anniversary (awww!). Because their fateful first date took place on the Chicago Riverwalk, returning for engagement photos was an absolute must! Though the scenery may have changed a bit since then, our evening was full of giddy, romantic nostalgia. Next year, they’ll be celebrating as newlyweds!

Something I love about these two is that everything else seems to disappear when they’re together. Their session had a super playful and romantic vibe, they were a dream to photograph! We talked about wedding plans, whether or not Nicolas Cage would make the guest list, and their honeymoon road trip destinations next summer.

After a stroll down memory lane, the three of us headed to the Prudential building‘s rooftop terrace for a perfect October sunset. If you’re looking to take fall engagement photos, I highly recommend ending at this time of day! Jenny and Michael kept each other warm while enjoying spectacular views of our city. They even started speaking French to each other (I know!!). I’m gonna have to brush up on my Français before wedding day, bien sûr 🙂

Thanks for having me, Jenny and Michael! I cannot wait for your wedding day next June!!

Romantic fall engagement session on Chicago Riverwalk