Today’s post is dedicated to Maya and James! These two have been an absolute joy to get to know and work with over the past year. Remember their awesome pizza-and-milkshake themed Engagement Session?? After that, I could not wait for their wedding day! But of course, like many couples, the dream wedding they had planned for 2020 would not be possible. Though we’re still waiting for a time to celebrate safely with family and friends, these two didn’t want to wait any longer to be married! Early this year, they told me of their plans to wed privately on the anniversary of their first date. I couldn’t help but get excited again!!

James and Maya committed to having the Best Day Ever no matter what. Even with a few last-minute curveballs from Life, these two rolled with the punches. And – I don’t think they ever stopped smiling!! Sadly, I was in quarantine on Minimony Day… but we were lucky enough to have associate Dana take over. (Thank you, Dana!) After a private Zoom ceremony officiated by James’ brother, Dana joined the Newlyweds for photos and cake cutting. Finally, it was time to brave the weather…

It’s true what they say: when you wish for snow at your winter minimony, you just might get a BLIZZARD!! The weather gods heard Maya’s request – which made for the most unique Chicago wedding photos. Dana was there to capture every moment, from the romantic portraits in Lincoln Park to a traditional wedding day snowball fight 🙂 They even made a snowy friend at the park!

Maya and James: Thank you again for having us in January!! I am so, so happy for you two and can’t wait to finally celebrate together!

Vendor Team

Indoor venue: AirBnb/Bride’s jumpsuit: David’s Bridal/Groom’s suit: Joseph Abboud/Groom’s tie: My Bowtiful Creations/Florals: Mother of the Bride/Hair: Trixie Girl Blow Dry Bar/Makeup: DIY/Jeweler: Rogers & Hollands/Cake: Nothing Bundt Cakes

Having a winter wedding in Chicago takes some courage. Weather is especially unpredictable, daylight is limited, and outdoor ceremony locations are off-limits. But for Elissa and Tommy, the decision was an easy one! Tommy proposed on Christmas morning, and they chose to relive that magic by tying the knot the following holiday season.

When I first heard from these two, they described their Gallery 1028 wedding as “Old English pub during Christmastime.” If that’s not warm and cozy, I don’t know what is! Elissa and Tommy incorporated the holiday theme into various details. For instance, they exchanged Christmas gifts before their first look, and the groomsmen wore theme socks! Not to mention their pinecone cake topper (a gift from Tommy’s sister).

That evening, Tommy and Elissa exchanged vows in an intimate candlelit ceremony on the longest night of the year. Elissa stunned in her Sarah Seven gown, and Tommy’s welcome speech could not have been more perfect. From the inevitable Santa hats to the surprise guest singer (Tommy’s dad), it was a Very Married Christmas indeed 🙂 Shout out to the talented vendor team who helped make this day what it was!

Elissa and Tommy: Thank you again for having me in December!! I absolutely loved being part of your wedding day and wish you all the happiness in the world.

Vendor Team

Venue: Gallery 1028/Hotel: The Viceroy/Wedding Planner: Jenny from JPB Designs/Bride’s dress: Sarah Seven/Bride’s shoes: Badgley Mischka/Bride’s earrings: Melinda Rose/Groom’s suit: Jos. A. Bank/Christmas socks: Amazon.com/Florals: Studio AG Design/Hair: Hair and Lashes by Kaedi/ Makeup: Gilliann Charnstrom/Invitation: Minted/Engagement ring: Mon Ami Jewelry/Wedding Bands: Blue Nile, Zales/Bridesmaids dresses: Dessy Collection/Live Band: Bluewater Kings Band/Caterer: Calihan Catering//Second shooter: Jeremy

Want to see more Tommy & Elissa? Check out their summer Bucktown Engagement Session!

This year’s wedding season officially began with Emily and John’s Salvage One wedding in March. These two have been together for years, and a pleasure to work with! My favorite thing about Emily and John is how obviously in love they are… thanks for making my job easy, guys 🙂

On wedding day, we unanimously decided to have their first look at Salvage One. After their December engagement session here, I had been eagerly anticipating wedding day! The natural light is killer and it’s filled with vintage artifacts and pieces. This has easily become one of my choice locations for wedding photos.

Emily and John’s Salvage One wedding was filled with unique personal touches. For instance, they used the same ring bearer pillow from Emily’s grandmother’s wedding! And their delectable wedding cake? Special-ordered from a friend. How lucky are these two?!

Emily and John wanted nothing more than for family and friends to gather and celebrate with them. Delicious food and local beer was also of importance (can’t argue with that!). I’d say they got their wish! Local brews served at the reception include Off Color, Pollyanna, and Argus Brewing. Shout out to Jeremy for rocking as my 2nd photographer.

Emily and John: A million thank yous for allowing me to capture your wedding day! Wishing you all the best in your future together.

Vendor Team

Hotel: Springhill Suites River North/Church: Second Presbyterian/Dress: Amy Kuschel/Shoes: Nina/Suit: rented from The Black Tux /Rings: Brilliant Earth, Blue Nile/Invitation Design: the groom/Florals: Gratitude Heart Garden/Caterer: Honky Tonk BBQ/Cake: friend of the couple/2nd shooter: Jeremy