Chicago Wedding at Historic Thalia Hall – Mary & William

Mary and William’s Thalia Hall wedding in June was a big, joyous celebration. I met these two during the beginning stages of planning their New York style wedding. If you’re unfamiliar, a “New York style” wedding reception has regular dancing in between courses. For instance, the band or DJ plays a set, then salads are served. Then speeches, then dancing, then entrées. Then dancing, dessert, and… you get the idea. DJ Timmy kept the party roaring into the night!

Mary met William through his younger brother Andrew, who would officiate their wedding ceremony. In their college days, Mary and Andrew were paired as lab partners at Notre Dame University… want to know why?! They have the same last name! After years of friendship, Mary finally crossed paths with William. The relationship that developed is what would lead us to this day 🙂

From their first look on the Chicago Riverwalk, these two couldn’t keep their eyes off each other. Because they’re big fans of Land and Sea Department, it only made sense that they’d tie the knot here (read about all the perks below!). Their romantic candlelit ceremony on stage was one to remember… Mary’s brother even serenaded them with a surprise song!

Perks of a Thalia Hall wedding

What’s not to love? Food, beverage, and ambiance are top notch. You get to marry your person on stage (or off-stage, if you prefer) in one of Chicago’s most unique neighborhoods. There are plenty of places inside Thalia Hall to enjoy a private moment together – I recommend sneaking up to the balcony together and taking it all in! Staff is always a pleasure to work with – plus you have Punch House downstairs for your afterparty.

Mary and William: Thank you again for having me! I’ll never forget this incredible day. Wishing you two lifetimes of happiness together.

Vendor Team

Hotel: Virgin Hotels Chicago/Venue: Thalia Hall/Dress: Willowby by Watters (Reagan gown)/Suit: Bonobos Tuxedo/Florals: Flowers for Dreams/Linens: Tablescapes/Dessert: 16″ on Center/DJ: Tim from Toast & Jam/2nd Shooter: Joe U

Historic Thalia Hall wedding ceremony of Chicago couple on stage
Wedding rings photographed with Wall Street Journal and wedding date
Bride's dress hanging at Virgin Hotels bar before Chicago Thalia Hall wedding
Bride getting ready in hotel room before Historic Thalia Hall wedding in Chicago
Makeup artist applies lip color to bride before summer Chicago Thalia Hall wedding
Makeup table in hotel room on wedding day for couple's Chicago Thalia Hall wedding
Close up photo of couple's gold wedding bands and emerald engagement ring with date on newspaper
Green and gold matchbox favor for couple's Chicago Thalia Hall wedding
Bride wears family heirloom bluebird pin as her something blue at historic Thalia Hall wedding in Chicago
Black and gold invitation to Chicago couple's historic Thalia Hall wedding
Groom and family have whiskey toast before summer Thalia Hall wedding in Chicago
Groom getting ready in hotel room before Chicago Thalia Hall wedding
Groom ties shoelaces while getting ready for Thalia Hall wedding in Chicago
Groom's brother helps with cuff links before summer Thalia Hall wedding in Chicago
Groom reads letter from bride on their wedding day at Chicago's historic Thalia Hall
Groom opens gift from bride before their summer Thalia Hall wedding ceremony
Bride and family get ready in hotel room for historic Thalia Hall wedding ceremony
Bride's sister buttons her gown before Chicago Thalia Hall wedding ceremony
Emotional bride getting ready in hotel room before Chicago Thalia Hall wedding
Chicago groom puts on suit jacket while getting ready for Thalia Hall wedding
Happy groom ties bow tie before his Chicago Thalia Hall wedding ceremony
Groom's mother helps pin boutonnière before Thalia Hall wedding in Chicago
Ring bearer and father of bride share a high five while getting ready for Chicago Thalia Hall wedding
Groom leaves Virgin Hotels for first look with bride on Chicago Riverwalk
Bride walks down staircase at Virgin Hotels for first look with groom on Chicago Riverwalk
A man in a suit stands by a river railing, smiling and waving in an urban cityscape, perhaps on his way to a Thalia Hall wedding.
Bride walks down stairs to Chicago Riverwalk for first look with groom
Groom waits for bride at Chicago Riverwalk before their emotional first look
Bride walks toward groom for their first look on Chicago Riverwalk
Bride and groom's joyful first look on Chicago Riverwalk before their Thalia Hall wedding
Happy bride and groom with ivy wall on Chicago Riverwalk before their historic Thalia Hall wedding
Candid photo of bride and groom walking along Chicago Riverwalk before their Thalia Hall wedding
Creative photo of bride and groom in Chicago crosswalk with pedestrians walking by
Chicago bride and groom outside Virgin Hotels before heading to their Thalia Hall wedding
Candid photo of bride kissing groom on cheek outside Virgin Hotels Chicago
Black and white photo of bride and groom outside Virgin Hotels Chicago
Bride and groom with stormy skies outside Chicago's Adler Planetarium
Wedding party photo with Chicago skyline before historic Thalia Hall wedding ceremony
Bride and bridesmaids in blush dresses with Chicago skyline at Adler Planetarium
Casual photo of groom and groomsmen with black bow ties at Chicago skyline
Bride's springtime bouquet with pastels and greenery at Thalia Hall wedding in Chicago
Romantic photo of bride and groom before their Thalia Hall wedding in Chicago
Bride and groom with stormy Chicago skies before heading to their Thalia Hall wedding ceremony
Bride and groom look out toward Chicago skyline before their summer Thalia Hall wedding
Historic Thalia Hall wedding venue in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood
Sign to historic Thalia Hall wedding venue in Chicago
Thalia Hall wedding venue history and information in Chicago
Chalkboard welcome sign to couple's Chicago Thalia Hall wedding
Blue and gold Notre Dame flag as guestbook at couple's historic Thalia Hall wedding
Signature details on couple's Notre Dame guestbook flag at their Thalia Hall wedding
Vintage chandelier at historic Thalia Hall wedding venue
White and gold escort cards with candlelight at couple's Chicago Thalia Hall wedding
Couple's custom chalkboard welcome sign at their Chicago Thalia Hall wedding
Groom and officiant wait for bride on stage at Thalia Hall wedding ceremony
Three men in tuxedos smile at a young boy in a suit on stage at a Thalia Hall wedding; one man holds a small stuffed animal.
View from mezzanine of bride walking down aisle toward stage at historic Thalia Hall wedding in Chicago
Bride and father hug after entering Thalia Hall wedding ceremony before bride steps onto stage to get married
Man in a suit singing into a microphone on stage with dark curtains in the background, setting the perfect mood for a Thalia Hall wedding celebration.
Officiant welcomes guests to Thalia Hall wedding ceremony in Chicago
Guests in audience during Thalia Hall wedding ceremony
Bride and groom exchange vows on stage at Chicago Thalia Hall wedding
Bride and groom exchange rings on stage during historic Thalia Hall wedding ceremony
Bride and groom's first kiss on stage at Chicago Thalia Hall wedding
Just married bride and groom walk through guests as they exit Thalia Hall wedding ceremony
Thalia Hall wedding reception space with family style tables and cafe lights
Thalia Hall wedding table decor with candles and pink floral arrangements
Custom wedding menu for Chicago couple's June Thalia Hall wedding
White and gold place card at Thalia Hall wedding reception
Romantic candlelight ambiance at Chicago Thalia Hall wedding
Pink and blush floral arrangements on Thalia Hall wedding reception table
Pink peony flower in a small gold vase on a white table with a blurred background, perfect for a Thalia Hall wedding.
Thalia Hall wedding reception bar menu with custom cocktails
Custom pink and gold Irish cocktail napkins at Chicago Thalia Hall wedding reception
A tray with several ceramic spoons, each holding a bite-sized appetizer garnished with greens—perfect for an elegant Thalia Hall wedding.
Guests enjoy cocktail hour at Thalia Hall wedding
Candid photo of groom enjoying cocktail hour at Chicago Thalia Hall wedding
Guests have fun during Thalia Hall wedding reception
Guests enjoy cocktail hour at Thalia Hall wedding reception
Bride and groom enter their Chicago Thalia Hall wedding reception
Bride and groom's first dance with candlelight at Thalia Hall wedding reception
Bride and groom's first dance at their summer Thalia Hall wedding
Best Man delivers speech during Thalia Hall wedding reception
Bride and groom laugh during Best Man speech at Thalia Hall wedding
Father of the bride raises his glass during speech at Chicago Thalia Hall wedding
Matron of Honor delivers speech at Thalia Hall wedding reception
Bride and groom laugh during Matron of Honor speech at Thalia Hall wedding reception
Emotional bride and father dance during Thalia Hall wedding reception
Groom dances with his mom in a dimly lit, elegant Thalia Hall wedding venue.
Guests dance during New York Style wedding reception at Thalia Hall
Groom's parents dance during New York Style wedding reception at Thalia Hall
Guests dance to music at New York style Thalia Hall wedding reception
Groom and friends mingle during Thalia Hall wedding reception
Guests dance to DJ music at Thalia Hall wedding reception
Guests celebrate on dance floor at Thalia Hall wedding reception
Fun open dance floor photo at Chicago Thalia Hall wedding
Guests enjoy Thalia Hall wedding reception on dance floor
Bride dances with friends at Thalia Hall wedding reception
Guests enjoy open dance floor at historic Thalia Hall wedding reception
Flower seed guest favor with candlelight at couple's Thalia Hall wedding reception
Strawberry macaroons on dessert table at Thalia Hall wedding reception
Delicious finger food dessert and wedding cake alternative at summer Thalia Hall wedding
Creative photo of cafe lights and stage at Thalia Hall wedding reception

6 Replies to “Chicago Wedding at Historic Thalia Hall – Mary & William”

  1. Chris Ramos says:

    Love your photo-journalistic style. These are all such great moments captured! Beautiful work!

    1. Emma says:

      Thank you so much, Chris! I had a ton of fun with this couple, it really was an incredible wedding 🙂

  2. Katy Weaver says:

    OMG that dress shot is amazing and I love the one with the motion blur! Your work is so good!!!

    1. Emma says:

      Thanks so much, Katy!! Those are some of my favorite images too 🙂

  3. Emma, this is so beautiful. You did wonderful work.

    1. Emma says:

      Thank you, Sally!!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *