Lincoln Park Honeycomb wedding photos Posts

Dana & Matt’s Lincoln Park Wedding at Cafe Brauer and Assumption Catholic Church

Dana and Matt’s Lincoln Park wedding last September was an absolute pleasure to be part of. Not only are these two completely smitten with each other, their family and friends were eager to share in their joy. And even though it was Friday the 13th, Chicago weather was in our favor! Ever since their adorable fall engagement session, I could not wait for these two to finally make it official.

Viceroy Chicago Wedding Photos

The morning began with Matt and Dana getting ready separately at Viceroy Chicago. We always love wedding mornings at the Viceroy! In my opinion, it’s one of the best hotels for window light in the city (and that view… come on!). This particular morning, you could truly feel the love and excitement in the air. Dana and Matt’s chose to exchange private vows after their first look, one of my favorite ways to personalize your wedding day. Before long, it was time to join the wedding party for photos around Chicago!

Downtown Chicago and Lincoln Park Wedding Photos

We made our way to the Lincoln Park Nature Boardwalk for photos with the Honeycomb, a prequel to their Newlywed photos later that day. This crew was a blast to hang with and explore the city! We arrived at the Wrigley Building for some iconic photos with the Chicago River, some of my favorites from the entire day. Matt and Dana couldn’t keep their eyes off each other, and I don’t think their smiles faded for a second.

Assumption Church Wedding Ceremony and Cafe Brauer Reception

That afternoon, Dana and Matt were married in a traditional ceremony at Assumption Catholic Church, surrounded by loved ones. We’ve captured ceremonies in many different churches throughout Chicago, and I must say the balcony view at Assumption is one of my favorites! Once the knot was tied, guests traveled to Lincoln Park for an evening filled with flowing cocktails, a delicious meal, and excellent company. The newlyweds danced the night away in their custom Nikes, and we even popped a bottle of bubbly on the bridge! I absolutely loved everything about this day – Friday the 13th never looked so lucky 🙂

Matt and Dana: Thank you again for having us in September!! We couldn’t be happier for you two and wish you all the best in your future together!

Bride and groom pose holding hands on a bridge in Lincoln Park before their wedding with downtown Chicago in the background

Fall Wedding at Sarabande Chicago – Gretchen & James

James and Gretchen’s November wedding at Sarabande Chicago was one for the books. When I first heard from these two, they told me about they met during the pandemic, their mutual love of reality TV, and James’ bait-and-switch surprise proposal when Gretchen thought she was treating him to a birthday dinner. All of this, along with the warm way the interacted with each other (and entertaining proposal story) had me convinced: their wedding day was going to be AWESOME. And guess what? It was!!

The day began with Gretchen getting ready at Hotel Zachary across from Wrigley Field, and James at their home nearby. I loved photographing all their little details – and little pearls! – before James joined us at the hotel for their sweet first look! Before long, these two were ready to get the party started. We were out the door and headed to Lincoln Park for photos with the wedding party!

Lincoln Park Wedding Photos

As you may know, Lincoln Park is Chicago’s largest and most visited park – and for good reason! The central location, stunning Nature Boardwalk, and skyline view cannot be beat. Because of this, a photography permit is required to take wedding photos in the park. If you’re dreaming of your own Lincoln Park wedding photos, you can find more information on obtaining a permit here!

When we arrived at the park with the wedding party, we headed straight to the Honeycomb. This crew was a blast to hang with – I could have spent the entire afternoon with them! All of a sudden we noticed a few raindrops (it was not in the forecast, I swear!!), but luckily we had brought our collection of umbrellas, just in case! I may be biased, but I always love the way the clear umbrellas look in wedding photos… especially when you have your heart set on outdoor photos. Plus, rain on your wedding day is good luck, of course!

Sarabande Chicago Wedding

That afternoon we arrived at Sarabande with just enough daylight for more photos of the crew. It had stopped raining (yay!), and we got some outdoor playtime before guests began to arrive. Later that evening, James and Gretchen were married by candlelight surrounded by their loved ones. A dear friend officiated the ceremony, and we learned of a bet that James made with his friend Tony that he’d never get married. The wager: 12 cases of beer! Gretchen and James said “I Do” and the celebration continued well into the evening… including Tony’s payment (which resulted in numerous shotgunned beers during dinner, oh my!). 

We couldn’t say goodbye without a night photo, my favorite way to end a wedding day. Our good luck raindrops came back for one last dance… with the happiest Newlyweds you ever did see! I absolutely loved being part of this day, and am excited to be back at Sarabande Chicago later this year!

Gretchen and James: Thank you again for having us last year!! Your wedding day was a joy to capture, I wish you nothing but happiness in your future together!

Fun photo of wedding party cheering while bride and groom kiss outside Sarabande Chicago wedding venue