Kat & Tony’s Chicago wedding at Salvatore’s Restaurant: A black and white and classic Chicago wedding day.
The weather was cold, gloomy, and honestly, quite on point for a late October date in the city. It made for some amazing clouds over the lake for photos later. After a busy morning, everyone made their way to the iconic Holy Name Cathedral for an unforgettably gorgeous ceremony.
The architecture alone of this church brings tourists from all over the world to visit. Being able to photograph a wedding inside is truly a gift. Walking in, you can’t help but look straight up in awe. Then being able to watch your couple walk down to each other for the ceremony is quite an experience.
After their first kiss, Kat and Tony solidified their vows with a double high-five and the biggest smiles.
We made our way to the Lake for a few portraits of the entire wedding party under some iconic stormy clouds and made sure to work quickly with the fast-dropping temperatures. Kat and Tony were amazing. They never once complained about how cold or windy it was. Not unlike their cold afternoon for their engagement session, they simply enjoyed themselves. They were the best to work with!
The reception took place at Salvatore’s Restaurant, an amazing Italian location in Chicago. After a delicious dinner and a few very emotional speeches, Kat and Tony were off to the dance floor showcasing their choreographed dance for all of their guests.
Their wedding was intimate, romantic, and emotional. The best of two beautiful people coming together to celebrate their life. It was perfect.
Rachel and Anthony’s wedding day started with lots of rain and crazy wind. Gotta love IL weather. It was quite the opposite of their sun-filled engagement session on the water up in Wisconsin. Regardless, these two didn’t let any concern or stress show for a second.
I was met with the biggest smiles in both hotel rooms from Rachel and her girls and Anthony and his guys. They were so excited to celebrate come rain or shine. I was also so happy to be greeted by their adorable dog, Ruger again. Hey was the star of the show during their engagement and let me tell you, in that custom dog tux, he did not disappoint for the wedding day either. This day and all of the decor was centered around this beautiful family of 3. From the cake topper to the table centerpieces, Ruger was present throughout.
Rachel and Anthony and their amazing wedding party made do with whatever weather we were given. I found a covered spot for photos, and they nailed every single one. The best part of the day was arriving at CDandME and the storm, out of nowhere, completely stopped in time for family photos. We rushed to get as many photos as possible up to the start of the ceremony. The sun even came out for a few! It was perfect. Shortly after, deciding to move the ceremony indoors became the best decision as round 2 of this crazy rainstorm began minutes before.
After a sweet ceremony with the beautiful backdrop of the grounds at CDandME, Rachel and Anthony kissed and were announced husband and wife. The rest of the night included a bridal dress change, night portraits, lots of fun group portraits, and an epic dance floor.
Max and Trevor’s wedding at Ivy Room Studios in Chicago was a celebration where every detail reflected their love, their story, and the people who mean the most to them.
From the quiet anticipation of the morning preparations to the candlelit warmth of the reception, the entire day carried a sense of intentionality and joy.
Max and Trevor began their wedding day getting ready with their closest friends in the most gorgeous suite at the Intercontinental Hotel in downtown Chicago. Their jackets were subtly embroidered with their initials and wedding date. It was a small but meaningful detail that perfectly captured the personal touches woven throughout the day.
Their styles reflected their personalities beautifully: classic, elegant, and effortlessly cool.
Ivy Room Studios offered the perfect backdrop for their celebration. The building’s iconic ivy-covered exterior created a striking contrast against the city brick, and the balcony overlooking the courtyard gave Max and Trevor a moment to take in the day together.
Standing there side by side, overlooking their guests arriving below, you could see the excitement in their faces. It was one of those simple moments that says everything. It was the calm before the celebration began.
Inside, the ceremony space was transformed into a warm, romantic setting. Wooden cross-back chairs lined the aisle, surrounded by soft greenery and glowing candles. The golden lighting and natural textures created an atmosphere that felt intimate and welcoming.
From the greenery-lined aisle to the candlelit lanterns, every element of the day felt thoughtfully curated. Their reception tables continued the natural, romantic theme with elegant linens, glowing candles, lush greenery, and simple yet beautiful place settings.
The room glowed softly under tall windows and warm lighting, creating the perfect atmosphere for an evening filled with toasts, stories, and celebration.
One of the most memorable moments of the night was Max and Trevor’s first dance. As the opening notes of “Kiss Me” began to play, the room quieted and their guests gathered close.
Their dance felt effortless and joyful, full of laughter, soft smiles, and that unmistakable look people share when they truly adore each other. It was playful, sweet, and completely them.
A huge highlight of this wedding reception in Chicago was the incredible energy that filled the dance floor all night long. With the amazing live music from Gold Coast All Stars, the celebration quickly turned into one of those unforgettable parties where every single guest found their way onto the dance floor.
Max and Trevor, thank you for letting everyone witness such a beautiful chapter of your story. Your wedding was unforgettable, and your love for each other was present in every single moment.
Max & Trevor’s Wedding Team : Hotel Suite: @interconchicago Venue : @ivyroomchicago Band : @goldcoastallstars @goldcoastevents Design/Florals : @kehoedesigns @austinjamescreative Makeup : @toshiszpyra Hair : reneefeldmanweddings @mandy_noella23 Suits : @formallymodern_chicago Planner : Reva Nathan
Some weddings are beautiful. Some weddings are joyful. And then there are weddings like Valentine and Adam’s at Lytle House in Chicago. The kind where every detail is stunning, every moment feels intentional, and the dance floor stays packed until the very last song. I loved this intimate setting that Lytle House provided.
From the start, their day felt effortlessly cool and deeply romantic, with the sweetest first look downtown to the all-night dance party. It was a perfect reflection of the two of them.
Nestled in the heart of the city, Lytle House gave Valentine and Adam the perfect blend of urban edge and intimate charm. The ivy-covered courtyard glowed in the late afternoon sun, creating a warm, golden backdrop as they said their vows. The space felt tucked away and private, yet undeniably Chicago.
Every detail of the reception felt thoughtful and elevated without being overdone. Long banquet tables were layered with soft green linens, delicate bud vases, and a mix of fresh blooms in warm sunset tones, golden yellows, soft blush, and creamy whites. The tables glowed under candlelight, with glassware catching every flicker and adding that dreamy, intimate ambiance.
The design struck the perfect balance: refined but inviting. Organic greenery ran the length of the tables, weaving between place settings and creating a lush, garden-inspired feel indoors. It was one of those receptions where guests walk in and immediately say, “Wow.”
And as the evening settled in, the room transformed. Candles burned lower, the music turned up, and the energy shifted from elegant dinner party to epic celebration. Later in the evening, Valentine disappeared for a moment and came back in a second look that was made for dancing. Lighter, effortless, and full of movement, the perfect party dress for a bride who had no intention of slowing down.
It was full of color, texture, laughter, candlelight, and nonstop movement. It was a celebration centered around connection and joy.
Most of all, it was a reflection of two people who genuinely adore each other and weren’t afraid to soak in every second of their wedding day.
There is something amazing about Chicago in the springtime. The bright blue sky is EVERYTHING!
I met Mary and Steve on the steps of the Field Museum, one of my favorite spots in the downtown area. Everyone is always inside the museums, so taking pictures outside with the iconic architecture is perfect because it feels like we have it all to ourselves. These two were so cute together and willing to go along with all the silly and quirky prompts I threw at them. They laughed at themselves and jumped around and danced and the pictures, if I may be so bold, speak for themselves.
They also brought their adorable dog Basil along which only made the afternoon more enjoyable. I always say YES to my couples when they ask about bringing their dogs along for photos. Not only do you get photos of you with your furry family member, but it always helps to put you more at ease when you are in front of the camera. The smiles and laughs become more genuine, and you honestly just have more fun.
Of course that’s only my opinion, but, scroll through this sweet session and tell me I’m wrong. 🙂
Congratulations Mary & Steve! I cannot WAIT for this wedding and more pictures with sweet Basil!
HUGS!
Kat & Tony’s Chicago riverwalk engagement : When you plan to meet for photos at the end of February in Chicago, you really never know what weather to expect. One thing was for certain, however. We knew there wouldn’t be that many people walking around and we would have the city to ourselves.
WELL, THE SUN WAS OUT!
We completely lucked out with a gorgeous sunny afternoon on the riverwalk. It even kept us warm enough to stay out longer than we originally expected. Add that winter sunshine reflecting off of the city skyline and Chicago river, and we got the most beautiful day for their engagement.
These two were so much fun to photograph. You could tell how easy it was to make each other laugh, and for me, that was all I needed behind the camera. One of my favorite moments was putting them up on the median in the middle of Michigan Ave and a truck honked at them for congratulations. Their faces were priceless!
Congratulations you two! Thank you for enjoying an unexpectedly gorgeous afternoon in Chicago…IN FEBRUARY…with me. 🙂
Samantha and Brian’s wedding rehearsal at the iconic Osteria Via Stato : a night surrounded by friends and family and a venue decked out for the holidays. The evening was intimate yet full wall-to-wall with amazing guests and delicious food.
Rehearsals are always the best way to incorporate more speeches for the couple in a unique way. You can create an evening where several friends and family members share stories that might not get the time on the wedding day. It’s a time to celebrate the festivities to come.
And what better way than in a beautiful Chicago restaurant setting with amazing food?!
Cheers friends!
Rachel & Anthony’s Wisconsin engagement session on the Lake : Boats, cars, dogs, and pumpkin heads. Enough said. This gorgeous Fall afternoon up in Wisconsin was a literal dream. Rachel and Anthony had originally talked about the different locations back near Chicago they thought would work nicely for photos, but when they asked if I’d be willing to travel to a lake house and go out on a boat, I knew no other spot would compare.
After a couple hours of driving from Chicago to Elkhorn, and through some of the prettiest and most colorful areas, I made my way to their neighborhood where the gorgeous backyard view gave us the perfect lakeside backdrop for photos.
When I first arrived, my attention went directly to the bright red BMW in the driveway and some pumpkin heads (already carved) at the front step. I knew this photoshoot was going to be fun.
ENTER RUGER. <3
I always tell my couples that if your dog is part of the family, bring them for photos. You will never regret it! And Ruger for sure outshined us all…even on the boat! This session and these two were absolutely adorable and I’ll always remember this day with a big smile.
So excited for their October 2023 Wedding!
HUGS!
Holly & Ewan’s Wedding at Scottsdale Plaza Resort: A full sun day with 100+ temperatures, colorful Arizona plant life, and the most gorgeous bride and groom.
I love that we started in Chicago for their proposal and engagement and ended in Scottsdale for their wedding.
Driving into the resort, you are met with a beautiful palm tree-lined road leading up to the rooms. As a photographer based out of Chicago, this view in itself was amazing enough. Then I met up with the wedding party and I knew that with the colorful background created by the resort’s landscaping, the pictures were going to be so fun to create.
Holly and Ewan planned a first look followed by a private vow exchange, and when the idea was presented to me, I was so excited to witness it. They gave themselves time to be alone, read their vows, cry, and hug with no one else around. It was so unique and special.
Finding whatever shade we could, we explored the grounds with the wedding party, dodging the 100+ degree Arizona heat. With all the excitement, though, none of us seemed to notice just how hot it was. As the guests began to arrive, we noticed storm clouds coming in and gratefully accepted any cloud coverage and breeze provided.
The skyline quickly changed from open blue skies to stormy clouds just in time for the ceremony’s start. After lots of tears and cheers, we welcomed the newlyweds into their outdoor reception space, where a gorgeous post-storm sunset greeted us all. The rest of the night was full of non-stop dancing, lots of family photos, and one very happy bride and groom.
Bari & Colin’s Chicago wedding at Morgan Manufacturing :
SO much color, a giant bull mural for portraits, fitting a 22-person wedding party into the United Center for photos with the Chicago Bulls championship trophies, and non-stop dancing ALL NIGHT! This was the wedding celebration we waited over 2 years for!
Bari and Colin, like so many other couples during COVID had to postpone their wedding. These two, however, only postponed the big reception. Their intimate backyard ceremony still happened and I am still so honored I was there to photograph it.
While their small wedding ceremony was definitely one for the books, this wedding was one I’ll truly never forget, especially with their adorable daughter included this time around.
The stunning details for the ceremony space were vibrant and colorful, but walking into their reception was something out of a dream. Hanging flowers, eclectic table placements, and endless amounts of candlelights. And the food! Well, the pictures below will explain it all. This was one epic wedding day.
They met in October 2012 while working together at the same Engineering Company. At the time, Bari was in charge of the Marketing and HR departments, so it was she that sent Colin his formal offer letter! It wasn’t until 2015 though that they went on their first date!
2. When did you get engaged? Where?
Colin asked Bari’s Dad for permission to marry her in January 2019 on the yearly family trip to Aruba. We then got engaged on May 11, 2019 in the Singer backyard in Long Grove, IL. We had planned to go there that day to celebrate Bari’s dad’s birthday, but little did she know, Colin (and the family) had other plans in mind! After Colin proposed, Colin had a few other surprises in store – Colin, Bari and her family went downtown to Gibson’s Italia for dinner followed by a surprise party at Sunda with all of their friends (because an engagement night without Sushi just doesn’t seem right when it comes to Bari and Colin).
3. How did the proposal happen?
We started our wedding process by hiring a wedding planner that came highly recommended by many friends and family friends (Reva Nathan). After that, we used her referrals and suggestions, as well as some others from our closest friends (hello – Liz!). Pre-covid, the process was fun and easy going! We enjoyed it a lot!
4. What was the most important aspect for you two when planning?
One of the most important aspects was creating/having an event that was fun for and included all of our friends and family. Next up was food! Both of us consider ourselves foodies, so having sushi for Bari and fried chicken sandwiches that resembled Doc B’s for Colin were a must!
5. What is one thing about your spouse that many people might not know? Any funny, sweet, silly stories?
During the beginning of the quarantine not only did we work in the same room, but at the same desk. While that would be a recipe for disaster for some couples, it actually worked in our favor, and when we moved to a bigger space, we still share the same room. Not the same desk though! Bari prides herself on being a foodie, yet is actually very picky. Colin is actually the romantic one in the relationship.
6. Any advice for future couples?
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Be flexible and open minded. At the end of the day, this is supposed to be about love and fun!
THANKS FOR SHARING!
Specializing in couples, wedding, & Family photography
