September wedding 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

Vintage Wedding at Salvage One on Digital and Film – Rosie & Scott

My final post this year goes out to Rosie and Scott! I loved everything about their Salvage One Chicago wedding in September. I’ve said it before, but this is easily one of our favorite wedding venues in City. Besides being a super awesome store full of antiques and unique items, it’s a memorable (and photogenic) place to get married! Scott and Rosie even got a practice round during their Salvage One engagement session last spring. 

Salvage One Chicago Wedding

The day began with these two getting ready separately at the venue. One thing I love about this space is the great natural light – something we always seek for getting ready photos! I was obsessed with the pops of color in their florals and invitation suite… it happened to pair perfectly with the venue’s vintage pink furniture.

After their first look in the courtyard, we had plenty of time for photos with the wedding party around Salvage One. Seriously, I could spend hours taking photos inside this space! It was a lot of fun to shoot a roll of film in this space, too – I think the timeless look and rich tones turned out so great 🙂 

That evening, Rosie and Scott were married surrounded by their favorite people. Rosie’s brother officiated the ceremony, full of laughter and happy tears. The Newlyweds were SO excited to make it official, and I couldn’t be happier for them! Guests celebrated by dancing the night away under the disco ball, another iconic staple of Salvage One. One of my favorite details was their custom chalkboard art made by their friend Anna-Michal of Late Night Chalk Show!

Rosie and Scott: Thanks again for having us this year!! Your wedding day was a joy to capture… all my best to you both! 

Silhouetted bride and groom stand by vintage stained glass windows in Salvage One, with Chicago city buildings as their backdrop

Allison & Matthew’s DIY Garden Wedding at Warehouse 109

Allison and Matthew’s Warehouse 109 garden wedding ceremony last September was an absolute delight to capture! I first heard from these two shortly after their engagement in November 2021, and they were thrilled to be planning a wedding. When their 2023 day finally arrived, they were as excited as ever! I honestly don’t think either of them stopped smiling the entire day.

The day began with Allison and her party in the venue’s lovely bridal suite. This room is one of the venue’s most valuable features – seriously! The light is always soft and gorgeous (perfect for getting ready photos, just saying!) – and it’s a short walk to the actual venue. An ideal place to stay hidden from your guests before the ceremony! When it was time for their first look, we met Matthew in the garden for a heartfelt private vow exchange. Before we knew it, the wedding party joined us for photos in the garden before the ceremony began!

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: a private vow exchange before the ceremony is one of my favorite ways to break tradition. If the thought of pouring your soul out to your partner in front of 100+ guests makes you cringe, definitely consider working this into your wedding day!!

Warehouse 109 Garden Wedding

That afternoon, Allison and Matthew were married in a stunning garden wedding ceremony surrounded by their closest people. The rain in the forecast gave us just a few drops (good luck!), and the newlyweds couldn’t have been happier! The evening continued with yard games, barbeque, flowing drinks, and LOTS of dancing. Oh – did I mention the DIY decor? Allison created the signs, seating chart and floral arrangements herself… including that bouquet! I loved the subtle nods to their cats Heihei and Lila, and will forever be impressed by that dessert table. Of course we had to take a romantic night photo in the courtyard, a perfect end to the Best Day Ever 🙂

Allison and Matt: THANK YOU again for having us last year!! Your wedding day was a dream to capture, I wish you nothing but the best in your future together!

Looking for more Warehouse 109 garden wedding inspo?! Check out the following posts on the Blog!

Caitlyn & Ray | Brittany & Dan

Bride and groom kiss in aisle while guests cheer after their garden wedding ceremony at Warehouse 109 in Plainfield, Illinois

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!

Vendor Team

Venue: Cindy’s Rooftop / Hotel: Chicago Athletic Association Hotel / Planner: Clover Events / Bride’s dress: Rue de Seine / Bride’s shoes: Stuart Weitzman / Groom’s suit: Adrian Park / Florist: Christina Corso / Hair Stylist: Sam Carter / Makeup Artist: Shannon Rodeberg / Stationery: Minted / Engagement ring: No. 3 Fine Jewelry / Wedding bands: Anna Sheffield / DJ: Napalm Groove / Cake: Sweet Mandy B’s / Associate Photographer: Alexis / Second Photographer: Jess

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

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

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

Intimate Chicago Wedding at Cindy’s Rooftop – Terrence & Shawn

Terrence and Shawn’s Cindy’s Rooftop wedding in September was one for the books. When I first heard from these two, they told me of how they met, their dog Clover, and 2019 engagement. Like many other couples, their original wedding plans were affected by the pandemic… which brings us to Cindy’s!

After a little re-planning, these two decided to tie the knot in an intimate ceremony at one of Chicago’s most iconic locations. Shawn and Terrence got ready with their families at the stunning Chicago Athletic Association Hotel overlooking downtown. They read personal letters to each other before meeting on the marble staircase for their happy first look! Before the ceremony, we had a chance to take photos inside the hotel and in the gardens at Art Institute of Chicago (my fave!). This crew was a blast to hang with – I love that they included their siblings as the wedding party!

Finally, it was time to get these two married. Terrence’s father officiated the ceremony on Cindy’s terrace, and I don’t think there was a dry eye among us! As soon as the knot was tied, cheers and applause erupted from their guests… and also patrons at the restaurant!! It was truly an unforgettable moment. Positive energy filled the air for these two the entire evening 🙂

Terrence and Shawn: Thank you again for having me in September!! Your Cindy’s Rooftop wedding was a highlight of my season. I wish you nothing but the best in Married Life!

Want to see more Terrence & Shawn? Check out their Sunrise Engagement Session featuring pup Clover!

Two grooms kiss on marble staircase before their Chicago Athletic Association Hotel wedding at Cindy's Rooftop