Intimate Chicago Winter Wedding at Osteria Via Stato – Ywonne & Morgan

Ywonne and Morgan’s Chicago winter wedding day was such a dream to be part of. Not many couples choose to get married in February in the city, and when I first heard from Ywonne, she said “pictures are super important to me, but not sure what options will be for taking pictures around the city if it’s cold or weather isn’t cooperative.” I was confident we would capture gorgeous imagery no matter what – and after their fall engagement session I was even more excited for wedding day.

That morning, Ywonne and Morgan got ready separately at Embassy Suites in River North. After their sweet first look inside the hotel, it was time to gather family and head to Union Station! 

Union Station Wedding Photos

We arrived at Union Station with plenty of time for portraits in all my favorite places. Ywonne and Morgan were absolutely smitten with each other, making my job super easy! If you are planning a winter wedding in Chicago, or need a backup location in case of weather, Union Station is a great option for classic, elegant wedding photos. Some of my favorite film photos from this day were taken here, too!

Osteria Via Stato Wedding

That afternoon, we made our way back to Osteria Via Stato to get ready for the ceremony. Just before guests started to arrive, a miracle happened: the skies opened up and gave us big, fluffy, white snow! Ywonne and Morgan were totally up for stepping outside for a few more portraits, making my photographer dreams come true 🙂 It was the perfect, most romantic way to celebrate their last moments of engagement. 

Morgan and Ywonne tied the knot that day inside Osteria Via Stato, a charming Italian restaurant in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. A close friend officiated the intimate ceremony, complete with personal vows. Surrounded by their closest family and friends, they made it official by candlelight and celebrated all night! Guests enjoyed a delicious meal and good company well into the evening. 

Ywonne and Morgan: Your Chicago winter wedding was the perfect way to kick off my 2025 season! Thank you again for choosing us to capture your day! All my best to you both!!

Bride and groom look into each others' eyes under the gently falling snow outside Osteria Via Stato before their Chicago winter wedding celebration

Sean & Mike’s Joyful Summer Wedding at South Branch Tavern & Grille 

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!

Romantic photo of bride and groom showing off wedding rings with veil in foreground on Monroe Street Bridge

Romantic Boho-Chic 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

Fairlie Chicago Winter Wedding – Andrew & Claire

Claire and Andrew’s winter wedding at Fairlie Chicago was one for the books! Besides being my first wedding at this gorgeous venue, I was so excited for these two to tie the knot. From our very first meeting, I knew their wedding day was going to be awesome! In Claire’s words:

We both wanted a winter wedding, and I love the colors. I would say as far as a theme goes it will be pretty simple and modern with a lot of greenery!! Our main priorities are good music, good drinks, and a great photographer to help us capture it all!!! We just want our guests to have a lot of fun.”

I think it’s safe to say their wedding day vision was executed perfectly! After their first look at Fairlie, we traveled to Union Station for some iconic photos with the wedding party. Andrew and Claire could not keep their eyes off each other… thanks for making my job easy, guys!

Fairlie Chicago Wedding

As the afternoon turned into evening, guests began to gather at Fairlie for a candlelit ceremony underneath the skylight. Claire and Andrew were married surrounded by loved ones, and once the knot was tied it was time to PARTY!! Some of my favorite details from their reception include the craft bourbon bar and nighttime sparkler exit 🙂

Andrew and Claire: Thank you again for having us in February!! You two have been a joy to work with, I wish you nothing but happiness in your future together.

Want to see more Claire & Andrew? Check out their rainy day engagement session with beers at Dovetail Brewery!

Bride and groom kiss in front of Fairlie Chicago with wedding party holding sparklers and cheering