In December, I had the pleasure of wrapping our 2023 season with Ellen and Sean’s wedding at City View Loft! These two got engaged last February, and spent most of last year planning the most festive, romantic, and joyful celebration. I absolutely loved that every detail had a unique and personal touch! Their wedding day was truly a representation of their love for each other, as well as the most important people in their lives.

Downtown Chicago Wedding Photos

Ellen and Sean both got ready at the Springhill Suites in River North, and after their first look on Hubbard they were ALL smiles! We soon departed for a city tour with the wedding party to some of my favorite downtown Chicago locations. The holiday lights (and Sean’s custom suit!) made for the most festive December wedding photos! Finally, it was time to head to the venue so these two could make it official 🙂

City View Loft Wedding

Later that evening, Ellen and Sean were wed in the downstairs loft space known as Kitchen Chicago. A dear friend officiated the ceremony, which included the traditional Irish ring warming! Once the knot was tied, guests enjoyed delicious food, cocktails, and the Newlyweds’ favorite board games. One of my favorite details were the custom puzzle pieces on each dinner table, which formed a handwritten love letter to their loved ones. Such a creative and personal touch… these two thought of everything! I’m lucky they agreed to brave the (mild) December weather for a few romantic night photos before we said goodbye!

Ellen and Sean: Thank you again for having us last year! Your wedding day was a dream to be part of, wishing you all the happiness in the world.

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!

February is not the most popular month to get married in Chicago, but for some couples, it makes sense! Emily and Justin are one of those couples, and I’m so glad I got to kick off my 2023 season with their winter wedding at The Arbory 🙂

Wicker Park Wedding Photos

Our day began at one of my favorite Chicago hotels, The Robey in Wicker Park. Emily and Justin got ready with their wedding party before heading to Up Room for their first look! We got so lucky with a sunshine-filled winter day, which made the view from the rooftop extra awesome. After a few photos with the skyline, it was time to hit the town!

We made our way to the venue with a few key photo stops. Ever since their June engagement session, I knew that Emily and Justin were big music fans (their pup is named after Huey Lewis!). Naturally, we decided to stop at the Milwaukee/Honore intersection where the 2000 movie High Fidelity was filmed… and even had time to browse records at Reckless! This was one of the most fun wedding afternoons I’ve had in a while – and these two were ALL smiles!!

The Arbory Chicago

That evening, Emily and Justin were married at The Arbory surrounded by so much love. Their ceremony was officiated by a dear friend, and guests were eager to celebrate once the knot was tied! Some of my favorite details include various nods to Huey, their Parks and Recreation-themed cake, and Nike reception sneakers!! I had such a blast capturing these two and their crew… it was truly an unforgettable day from beginning to end.

Emily and Justin: Thank you again for having us in February!!! Wishing you all the happiness in your marriage and future together!

As this incredible year comes to an end, I’m beginning to feel nostalgic for Liz and Eric’s January wedding at The Drake Oak Brook hotel! Being based in the Midwest, I don’t get to photograph a lot of winter weddings. But when I first heard from these two, they were thrilled to kick off 2022 with their marriage! January has always been special for Liz and Eric – it’s the month they started dating, the month they got engaged, and now it’s the month of their wedding anniversary. Of course, we crossed our fingers for snow… and – spoiler alert – we got our wish!

Eric and Liz had their first look outside the hotel, surrounded by festive lights and the winter landscape. Their stylish wedding party joined us for a few quick photos, and then it was time to head inside and warm up at the bar! The Drake Oak Brook is an ideal location for indoor wedding photos, I’m so happy we got to explore before guests started to arrive.

Intimate Candlelight Ceremony

That evening, Liz and Eric were married in an intimate candlelit ceremony surrounded by loved ones. Liz’s brother officiated the event, with no shortage of laughs or happy tears! Once the knot was tied, the newlyweds were ALL smiles and ready to celebrate. Food and drinks were flowing, and DJ Bash Beats kept the party going! One of my favorite things about The Drake Oak Brook is their iconic light-up dance floor… you better believe it was a night to remember 🙂

Liz and Eric: Thank you again for having me this year!! I absolutely loved starting my 2022 season with you guys, wishing you nothing but happiness in your future together!

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.

Christmas Theme

When I first heard from these two, they described their Chicago loft 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).

Chicago Loft Wedding

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: 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/2nd Photographer: 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 in front of the camera! The best thing about working with 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. Ever since their December engagement session, I had been eagerly anticipating wedding day! The natural light in this venue is killer and it’s filled with vintage artifacts and pieces. Finally, it was time for church… but not before stopping at the local CTA station for a few iconic Chicago photos with the wedding party!

Second Presbyterian Wedding Ceremony

That afternoon, John and Emily were married at Second Presbyterian Church on Chicago’s south side. Their ceremony was filled with unique personal touches, including the same ring bearer pillow from Emily’s grandmother’s wedding. The gothic architecture of this building is a fantastic photo backdrop – not to mention the stunning Tiffany windows! Once the knot was tied, these two were ALL smiles and ready to celebrate 🙂

Salvage One Wedding Reception

After the ceremony, the newlyweds wanted nothing more than for family and friends to gather and celebrate with them at Salvage One. Delicious food and local beer was also a top priority – and I’d say they got their wish! Local brews served at the reception include Off Color, Pollyanna, and Argus Brewing. One of my favorite details is their homemade wedding cake, made specially for them by a dear friend. Guests danced the night away, and we didn’t say goodbye without a night photo in the courtyard, of course!

Emily and John: A million thank yous for trusting 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