Celebrating Arash and Taylor’s proposal at London House in Chicago.
There’s something undeniably romantic about a Chicago rooftop proposal—especially when it happens just days before Christmas. With twinkling lights, the festive city skyline, and the Chicago River below, the rooftop at London House Chicago was the perfect setting for this sweet couple’s surprise engagement.
At 3:00 PM on a crisp December afternoon, Arash arrived with Taylor at London House’s iconic rooftop, bundled up against the winter chill. She thought they were just stopping by to take in the view—one of the best in the city. But as the skyline stretched behind them and holiday music played softly in the background, he got down on one knee.
Her reaction was pure joy—laughter, tears, and a glowing “yes” that echoed above the Chicago streets. With the sun low in the sky and the city sparkling in the distance, it was a moment straight out of a holiday romance movie.
But the surprises didn’t stop there.
As she tried to catch her breath and take it all in, the doors to the rooftop opened—and out came their families, who had been secretly watching the proposal unfold from inside. There were cheers, hugs, and happy tears all around. The couple’s surprise proposal with family added a layer of meaning that made the moment even more unforgettable.
Together, they celebrated with champagne, shared stories, and enjoyed the magic of the season against the stunning Chicago skyline.
Fall family photos in Lincoln Park: Fall in Lincoln Park is the perfect combination of vibrant colors, sunshine, and natural beauty, creating a breathtaking backdrop for family photos. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying time together, a sunny fall day in Lincoln Park will provide memories that last a lifetime. So, gather your loved ones, put on your favorite fall outfits, and head to Lincoln Park for a photoshoot that captures the beauty of the season—and your family—at its best.
Timing Is Key: A Sunny Fall Day
The beauty of fall in Chicago is undeniable, but it’s important to consider the timing of your photoshoot. For a sunny day photoshoot, the golden hour – which happens shortly after sunrise and before sunset – is especially enchanting. The soft, diffused light during this time creates a warm, glowing effect, making your family photos look even more intimate and radiant. If you’re shooting midday, the sunshine will add vibrancy to the leaves, creating a stunning contrast against your family’s attire.
Pro Tip: Aim for the early morning or late afternoon for the best light, avoiding the harsh midday sun, which can create unwanted shadows.
What to Wear for Fall Family Photos
Autumn is all about layers, texture, and rich colors, and choosing the right outfits for a fall family photoshoot can make all the difference. For a coordinated but not overly matched look, choose colors that complement the surroundings – earthy tones like mustard yellow, olive green, burnt orange, and deep burgundy work beautifully with the fall backdrop. Textures like chunky sweaters, scarves, and denim add visual interest without distracting from the natural beauty of Lincoln Park.
Making the Most of Your Photoshoot
To truly capture the essence of your family, let the natural beauty of Lincoln Park guide the session. Have fun with candid moments—laughing together, playing in the leaves, or simply walking hand-in-hand down a tree-lined path. These spontaneous moments will often result in the most genuine and heartwarming photos.
HUGS FRIENDS!
Claire and Kenny’s intimate Chicago wedding day: In today’s wedding world, the trend of smaller, more intimate weddings is on the rise. Couples are increasingly opting for ceremonies with fewer guests, focusing on quality over quantity. A small wedding party creates a more relaxed atmosphere, allowing the couple to spend meaningful moments with their closest family and friends without the stress of a large-scale event.
One of the most memorable moments of any wedding day is the first look—the intimate moment when the couple sees each other for the first time before exchanging vows. For this couple, the Riverwalk in downtown Chicago was the perfect backdrop for such a cherished moment.
As Claire stepped toward Kenny, the excitement and emotion were palpable. The Chicago River, winding its way through the heart of the city, provided an idyllic setting. From the stunning bridges to the towering skyscrapers, it felt like the city itself was celebrating with them.
For couples dreaming of a memorable wedding without the overwhelming fuss, an intimate Chicago wedding with a small wedding party and a first look by the Riverwalk could be the perfect option. With stunning views, unforgettable moments, and a focus on what truly matters, it’s a celebration that is as beautiful as it is meaningful.
Leila and Joey’s engagement session in Chicago’s West Loop started with a favorite location and a greeting from the cutest little pup named Olive.
The West Loop is a dynamic neighborhood, blending the past and present seamlessly. From the iconic Fulton Market District to the lively Randolph Street, this area has endless locations to celebrate love, from graffiti-covered walls to the iconic Chicago skyline. The mixture of colorful murals and historic brick buildings provides the perfect balance of urban vibes and natural beauty.
For their session, Leila and Joey wanted a location that was not only in the middle of their favorite city, but also allowed them to share their joy with their adorable dog, Olive. As dog lovers, they knew that their furry friend was an essential part of their story and wanted her to be included in their photos. And with a little bit of planning, the West Loop area on Green Street turned out to be the ideal location.
So excited for this wedding!
An Elegant Wedding Rehearsal at The Dalcy in Chicago:
There’s something uniquely special about a wedding rehearsal dinner. The anticipation, the intimate toasts, the quiet moments before the celebration begins. At The Dalcy in Chicago, this couple set the tone for their wedding weekend with an evening that was equal parts modern sophistication and warm, romantic charm.
Nestled in the heart of Fulton Market, The Dalcy offers a stunning blend of industrial character and contemporary elegance. The exposed brick walls, rich wood accents, and dramatic black ceiling create a striking architectural canvas. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with soft natural light, while warm uplighting and candle glow transform the room into an inviting, intimate setting as evening approaches.
Round tables dressed in crisp white linens filled the reception space, creating a clean and classic contrast against the venue’s darker tones. The layout felt spacious yet cozy. Perfect for bringing family and close friends together the night before “I do.”
The rehearsal dinner décor embraced a soft, organic aesthetic. Centerpieces featured lush white florals accented with fresh greenery, arranged in a mix of glass vessels for added dimension and texture. Tall glass cylinders housed taper candles, some in soft blue hues, adding height and an understated pop of color to the otherwise neutral palette.
The combination of glowing candlelight and delicate blooms created a romantic ambiance that felt elevated but never overdone. Each place setting was thoughtfully arranged with classic white dinnerware, polished flatware, and crystal-clear glassware, giving the tables a refined, cohesive look.
This rehearsal dinner perfectly captured what makes The Dalcy such a sought-after Chicago venue: a seamless balance of modern design and romantic atmosphere. From the glowing candlelight to the carefully curated floral arrangements, every detail reflected the joy and anticipation of the weekend ahead.
Venue: The Dalcy Event Hall | Florist: Blooms by Brigita
Maternity photos at Montrose Harbor in Chicago: Rachel and Connor first started with a family of 3. One just happened to be a dog.
I first met these two for their engagement photos with their adorable dog Kota. We spent a cold winter afternoon down by the riverwalk and were lucky enough to catch some of the prettiest sunshine sneaking through the buildings.
That following August, we celebrated their wedding at Cafe Brauer with photos all around Lincoln Park. Kota of course joined in on their first look and a few wedding party photos. These three were always so much fun to photograph. So when they told me they wanted to get maternity photos, I was overjoyed.
With a big love for the city of Chicago, they wanted to make sure we showcased it in yet another big-life milestone. So we made our way up North to one of my favorite spots to look over the skyline, Montrose Harbor. Once again, sweet Kota joined us as one of the cutest ‘BIG SISTER’ dogs to be. We truly lucked out with a gorgeous blue sky and a sunset that, well, speaks for itself.
I was overly excited about that unbelievable sky and so thrilled to see these two as parents. I knew they would be the most kind-hearted and loving mom and dad. This maternity session for sure goes down in the history books as one of my favorites.
For even more sweetness, scroll down to see a few of sweet baby Stella’s newborn photos.
Congratulations Rachel and Connor!
S
WELCOME BABY STELLA!
And for a little comparison fun, here is their wedding day on the same stairs compared to their newborn session day. Kota, and now Stella as well, both stealing the show.
CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU ALL!
An Evening of Elegance and Celebration with Rachel and Adam at The Fairlie.
Located in Chicago’s West Loop, The Fairlie provided the perfect space for an elegant and joyful reception. Its contemporary design paired with luxurious finishes created a warm and inviting atmosphere. The couple’s love story continued to unfold through speeches, toasts, and laughter, all while guests enjoyed the exquisite culinary offerings. The reception was filled with music from the amazing band Rod Tuff Curls & The Bench Press, making it clear that this couple’s joy was contagious.
The hora dance, a central Jewish wedding tradition, got everyone on their feet. Friends and family joined in the circle, lifting the bride and groom high in celebration of their union. The sounds of the band Rod Tuff Curls & The Bench Press filled the air, and the room was alive with energy, love, and well-wishes.
The evening continued with heartfelt speeches, a delicious meal, and plenty of dancing. The couple shared their first dance as a married couple, and it was a moment that will be forever etched in their hearts.
When it comes to wedding day memories, there’s one moment that stands out among the rest: the first look. It’s the intimate, private moment where the bride and groom see each other for the first time on their special day, before all the excitement of the ceremony and the whirlwind of guests. For many couples, this moment is something they’ll never forget, and what better place to experience it than Chicago’s stunning Riverwalk?
Every city has its signature landmarks that make for great backdrops in wedding photos. Think about your favorite spots in the city: a colorful mural, a historic building, a famous bridge, or even a local café with funky decor. These landmarks not only make your photos feel more personal but also ground your wedding day in the unique character of the place where you’re celebrating.
For example, in a busy city like Chicago, you could capture some amazing moments with the wedding party on the Chicago Riverwalk by the Wrigley Building, with the iconic architecture of the city behind them.
I had the unique opportunity to spend not one but two days with this adorable couple. I photographed their family and friend-filled rehearsal the night before at Quartino Ristorante in Chicago. I knew right away that the number of smiles and friendly greetings I received would be a direct indicator of the fun to come for their wedding day. Rachel and Adam and their wedding party were the best group to work with. They were the sweetest duo, and their smiles never left their faces. They exuded happiness, and it was an honor to be their photographer.
Congratulations friends and thank you for two very unforgettable nights!
A Perfect Setting for Family and Friends: The night before at Quartino Ristorante in Chicago with Rachel and Adam.
The magic began as soon as the guests entered Quartino, a cozy yet elegant space known for its rustic charm and delicious Italian fare. The welcoming atmosphere immediately made everyone feel at home. The restaurant’s inviting ambiance, with its warm lighting, wooden beams, and lively energy, provided the perfect setting for a wedding rehearsal dinner. The restaurant’s signature blend of comfort and sophistication felt just right for this special gathering of family and friends.
The evening was filled with an air of excitement and anticipation. The couple’s closest loved ones gathered together for the first time in celebration, sharing stories, laughter, and moments of joy as they prepared for the big day ahead. Family members who hadn’t seen each other in years reunited, while friends caught up and made memories that would last a lifetime.
Let’s get you two married tomorrow!
Greg & Mark’s intimate wedding ceremony at Adalina Chicago. This sweet duo wanted their day to feel personal with a fun Chicago/Speakeasy vibe. Their choice of venue was perfect with the ceremony taking place in the Rose Lounge and the dinner to follow in the Dahlia Room upstairs.
A gorgeous early December wedding day surrounded by their nearest and dearest. Mark and Greg started their day out at the iconic Waldorf Astoria hotel. They helped each other get ready with every personal detail, including stunning cuff links gifted to them. After a few portraits on the balcony looking over Chicago’s winter views, they were greeted warmly in the lobby by family.
Before making our way around the corner to the restaurant, we snuck out for a few portraits of the grooms alone. The glistening Christmas tree at the hotel entrance and the streets lined with lights were the perfect backdrops for these dapper gentlemen.
Walking out of the elevator hand in hand, Greg and Mark made their way through their seated guests in the Rose Lounge. Greeted by a beautiful flower display by City Scents Chicago donning the chandelier above, the couple stood in front of everyone to say their vows. After a lot of emotions, and even more hugs, Greg, Mark, and all of their guests celebrated with delicious cocktails and food.
We all made our way up through the restaurant to their intimate dinner setting in the Dahlia Room, and one by one, all of their guests stood to share love, toasts, and fun memories of the duo.
Mary & Steve’s November wedding at Bridgeport Art Center: A day full of color and lots of favorite Chicago locations for photos.
Mary & Steve created a perfect fall wedding day in the city.
We started their photo adventures at Museum Campus with their adorable dog, Basil for their engagement session. I knew right away these two would be so fun to photograph. They were so comfortable with one another, and the smiles were so natural. I loved hearing about how they envisioned their upcoming wedding and watching how they interacted with each other. They couldn’t help but get excited about all the details.
From the bride: “I want the vibe to be fun, not super formal/romantic, etc. My ideal wedding will be maximum time dancing, having fun, and talking to people.”
I can truly say their day was 100% full of color. The amazing flowers from Ki House alone stood out as soon as we walked into the room. The details of the day were simply elegant and vibrant. My kind of vibe.
I started the day at their home, being greeted with huge smiles, and everyone was finishing up makeup and hair with Windy City Glam. There was so much excitement in the room. After an adorable first look with her bridesmaids, Mary walked outside to see her dad for a few quiet moments together. First looks with dads are honestly some of my favorite moments.
We then made our way to Lincoln Park for Mary and Steve’s first look at the Lincoln Park Conservatory. The green palms inside are the perfect backdrop for wedding day portraits. After their first look, I immediately saw the sun setting through the windows. It was amazing light and made for some of the most gorgeous portraits.
The wedding party joined in after for a few indoor portraits, and then we made sure to get the classic Chicago skyline photo just outside the Conservatory entrance. We lucked out with gorgeous weather and blue skies.
The amazing team from Stunning and Brilliant Events did a phenomenal job setting up the ceremony and reception space at Bridgeport. It was absolutely gorgeous. Mary and Steve mingled and danced the night away alongside their friends, family, and the very talented Hey Jimmy Band.
