Rachel & Connor’s Cafe Brauer Wedding.
So many details! A warm August day, a larger than life wedding party, the sweetest duo, and one adorable dog. Rachel & Connor’s wedding day was unforgettable and one of my favorites of the year.
I first met these two a few months prior on a cold afternoon in the city for their engagement session. It didn’t take long before realizing just how fun these two would be to photograph. They were so engaging, trusting, and honestly so excited for any and all photos. They really did make my job more fun. Add in the most adorable dog, Dakota, and you’d never notice just how cold it was outside.
Flash forward to a few months later…
After a quick trip to say hello to the guys, I continued the afternoon running up and down the stairs with the ladies in Rachel’s mom’s gorgeous Lincoln Park home. I was obsessed with Rachel’s Mira Couture dress and absolutely loved the color! It was so unique and fit her like a glove. Add in that amazingly long veil, and she really was a. picture perfect bride.
We didn’t have to go far for their first look as we used the beautifully landscaped backyard that luckily provided some much needed shade cover. Those first moments when Connor turned and saw Rachel were so cute to watch. They were beyond giddy and just happy to finally see one another. The best part was their sweet gift exchange. Moments later, Dakota came running out and before we knew it we were rushing to get in as many wedding party photos as possible.
I had so much fun with their wedding party. You truly can see why certain people are picked to be a part of a couples special day. Each person in that group was helpful, sweet, never complained about the heat, and happy to smile in as many pictures as I asked. They were all truly a joy to be around.
After a quick 1st dance practice under the honeycomb, we made our way up the stairs of Cafe Brauer into the great hall where Rachel and Connor finally got to see in person what all those months of planning created. They were pleasantly shocked and we all couldn’t get over how amazing the creative team was putting together every last detail. The turnover to the reception was so much fun to watch and photograph!
The best part of the day was the dance floor. EVERYONE was out there and having a blast, lifting the newly Mr. and Mrs. up on the chairs during the Hora. The food, the sweet speeches, and the cutest story behind a family recipe for their cheese cake cutting made this night unforgettable.
Congratulations Rachel & Connor!
Venue : Cafe Brauer
Florist : @hmrdesigns
Dress : @mira_couture
Suit : @formallymodern
Band : @goldcoastallstars @goldcoastevents
Caterer : @entertaining_co
Summer rooftop wedding at Tanta Chicago
I love an intimate wedding day. Add in a Chicago rooftop view at a delicious Peruvian restaurant and you get the perfect reception.
We started the day at a downtown hotel where a quick first look indoors calmed nerves from all the unexpected rain in the morning. The best part was as soon as we finished and headed outside, the rain stopped and the sun came out. Perfect timing! I was so happy they were given a few moments in that unforgettable afternoon golden hour.
Soon after in a short and sweet wedding ceremony overlooking the city in the river-north area, Bari & Kyle said I do under a gorgeous chuppah decorated by Teshuva Fields Flower Farm. When Bari first contacted me, they had originally described a small backyard wedding, but this upstairs upgrade made for one unforgettable evening.
Along with their closest friends and family, they danced the night away with music provided by DJ @thatguyjawon immersed in the decadent smells of the Peruvian food cooking in the kitchen below. The sun slowly went down as they exchanged their vows and all of their friends and family were filled with emotions as they were finally announced husband and wife with the city night lights shining behind.
Unique wedding days like these are always such a joy to be a part of. You get to see a day planned specifically by the couple down to every little detail. One of their most important details was lots of group photos with friends and family that hadn’t seen one another in so long. Being able to provide those memories is what it’s all about.
The Creative Team :
Venue : @tantachicago
Planner : @snpproductions
Florist : @teshuvafields
Hair : @rhonakanehair
Makeup : @toshiszpyra
Dress @glamourclosetbride
Suit : @indochino
DJ : @thatguyjawon
Congratulations Bari & Kyle!
Hugs to you both!
“Just here to have a great time!”
Another wedding postponed during the pandemic, but celebrated like no other! Carly & Joe were officially married in an intimate ceremony at home the Fall before, but THIS July reception at Ravenswood Event Center was the party we were all waiting for.
They started the day getting ready at the gorgeous @hotelzachary in Wrigleyville.
When I walked in, I was both overly excited and honestly, more nervous than I think I’ve ever felt in 12 years. It was my first wedding back after the pandemic and just like every other wedding creative, I was anxious to get back to work! After a year of postponements and cancellations, I wasn’t sure when I would get back to any sort of ‘wedding normal’.
𝐁𝐔𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐏.💙💙💙
I walked into the ladies hotel room and saw Carly with the biggest smile on her face, starting to get emotional. I grabbed my camera, took the first photo of the day, and before I knew it, every single nervous feeling I had immediately disappeared.
All day long, this group and their family & friends were so much fun and beyond kind. Everyone was just happy to be together and it showed. From start (Carly’s sweet welcoming smile) to finish (Joe’s never ending dance moves), this wedding was such a joy and the perfect way to get back into doing what I love.
One of the best surprises of the day, though, was when one of Carly’s bridesmaids was able to get their names and wedding date showcased up on the Cubs marquee while we took pictures. I was so happy she contacted me prior to the wedding to let me know so we could plan out exactly when we needed to be there. It was the coolest added detail of the day!
Also, how cool is their custom neon sign with their last name?!
The Creative Team :
Venue : @ravenswoodeventcenter
Florist : @ashlandaddison
Dress : @vierobridalchicago
Tux : @theblacktux
Congratulations Carly & Joe! I am beyond grateful to you both for letting me be a part of this unforgettable day!
Rainy day wedding portraits in the city :
When Crystal first contacted me for portraits in the city, we originally planned to meet at Buckingham Fountain for those unforgettable skyline views. Unfortunately, as we got closer to the actual day, the weather forecast got worse. And as with any other wedding day, we started to come up with back up plans.
One of my favorite covered spots is under the Civic Opera House pillars. It showcases the amazing architecture that Chicago offers and is the perfect spot to keep dry while being outside. We could have stayed in that one spot for their photos, but as I always say with my couples, if you are willing, so am I.
So, with everything covered, adorable jackets on, and umbrellas in hand, we ventured out for some of my favorite photos in the rain. These two were amazing and smiled through every moment. The best part? No one was around! Rainy days don’t bring a lot of tourists walking around so of course it’s the best time to go out for pictures, right?! HA! We may have gotten a little soaked, but it was all worth it after seeing what we captured.
Congratulations Crystal & Liz!
Bari + Colin : An intimate backyard ceremony at home.
Sometimes, getting married in the backyard surrounded only by immediately family is the perfect wedding day. At least this was the case for Bari & Colin during the pandemic. So many couples experienced their own form of ‘change of plans‘ during this time, but somehow, these two still managed to create the most wonderful celebration with a much smaller guest list and venue. Walking through the front door I met Bari in the dining room finishing up her makeup. On the table in front of me were pictures of family and the married couple to be along with their wedding rings and unique invitations. I made my way upstairs with Bari to take her getting ready photos. I loved her short form-fitting wedding gown. It was perfect for a Summer wedding at home.
Once Bari was dressed, I made my way out front to meet Colin to place him for their first look. I loved the idea of Bari opening the front door and walking down the front pathway to meet him. It was so intimate and beautiful and you could tell how excited they both were to finally see one another. As we made our way out back to make sure everything was set for the ceremony, my jaw dropped as I looked out and the unbelievably gorgeous setting that was the backyard transformed. The petals, the chuppa, the flowers, the everything!
Oh and don’t get me started on Maki in his doggie tux! He stole the show for their engagement session too, but this was by far the cutest! So excited for their BIG wedding finally in 2022!
Everything was perfect.
The Creative Team :
Planner : #RevaNathan
Photography : @elizabethgrevephoto
Florals : @fragrantdesign
Music : @kenarlenevolutionorchestra
Makeup : @kelly_makeupartist
Hair : @sammartiranosalon
Video : @xpressvideoproductions
A little about the lovely couple :
1. When did you meet? Where?
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 was your favorite thing about your wedding day?
Our mini wedding day was intimate. We felt we could really soak up the moments and spend quality time with our immediate families. We are still looking forward to a big party in 2021 though! (now 2022!)
6. 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.
7. 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!
Caitlin and Chris’s Cincinnati wedding at the Bell Event Centre.
PURE JOY!
These two are the embodiment of what joyful couples look like. From their engagement on North Ave Beach in Chicago to their wedding at the iconic Bell Event Centre in Cincinnati, traveling with these two for their big life moments has been a dream.
Getting ready in the beautiful Phelps Hotel downtown with amazing skyline views was such a treat. We started on the rooftop for an unforgettable first look. Immediately after, we met up with their wedding party and had so much fun exploring the streets of Cincinnati for photos. Inside the Event Centre for a candle-lit ceremony, outside for golden hour cocktails, and then we danced the night away with the amazing Reggie Sullivan band.
This wedding was epic!
Wedding Creative Team :
Florals : @piepmeiertheflorist
Venue : @belleventcentre
Video : @petiteproductions
DJ/Band : #cscspecialevents / @thereggiesullivanband
Hair/Makeup : #salonconcepts / @blendartistryohio
Cake : #sweetsinsations
Dress : @blushbridalohio
Shoes : @badgleymischka
Suit : @theblacktux
Get to know the couple :
Q. When did you meet? Where?
A. We met at Matilda’s in April 2016
Q. When did you get engaged? Where?
A. Steak 48 on October 21, 2017
Q. How did the proposal happen?
A. Chris had special menus made at the restaurant with “Ti Amo, Vuoi Sposarmi” written on them, which means “I love you, will you marry me” in Italian. Caitlin had been learning a little bit of Italian given some of Chris’s relatives speak primarily in Italian, and realized immediately that this wasn’t an ordinary date night. Chris had a speech prepared and a bottle of champagne ready to celebrate as Caitlin said yes!
Q. What’s one thing about your spouse that made you realize you wanted to marry them?
A. Caitlin: Chris has a million things that make him stand out as amazing: he is hilariously quick-witted, incredibly kind, the most loyal friend, and one of the most thoughtful people I have ever met. I could go on, but I really knew we would be great teammates for life when I realized our priorities were the same – our faith, family, and friends.
Chris: Caitlin has the most positive and kind spirit of anyone I have ever met. She is generous, loving, and kind to anyone she meets. She is also fiercely loyal to her friends and family. This made her infectious to be around and was unlike anyone I have ever met. This made me realize pretty early on I wanted to marry her because being around her made me a better person.
Q. What was the most important aspect for you two when planning your wedding?
A. Keeping logistics simple and staying flexible / laid-back. We wanted to enjoy the wonderful experience and maximize the time we had with our friends and family.
Q. How did you choose your wedding venue(s)? (Price/location/availability/etc.?)
A. The Bell Event Centre is a beautiful venue that offers wonderful inside and outside locations for guests and is right in the heart of downtown Cincinnati, so we knew it would be gorgeous and the logistics would be easy. What we didn’t count on was how incredible all of the staff would be – they made everything so simple and stress-free, and the night couldn’t have been easier or more perfect!
Q. What was your favorite thing about your wedding day?
A. Caitlin: it’s hard to pick one favorite thing! Our first look was very special, as was saying the vows in our ceremony. The last hour of the reception will always be memorialized in my mind as one of my happiest moments as well – surrounded by family and friends with a great band!
Chris: The first look was definitely a favorite of the day. It was special to turn around and see Caitlin in her wedding dress. It was also great to have a few minutes together privately before the craziness of the day began. I also loved the toasts as well as when The Reggie Sullivan Band started playing after dinner.
Q. What were the first dance songs? (Newlyweds & Parents)
A. Newlyweds: When I Get my Hands on You by The New Bassment Tapes
Mother & Son: What a Wonderful World by Louie Armstrong
Father & Daughter: The Girl You Think I Am by Carrie Underwood
Q. Where did you (or plan to) go for your honeymoon?
A. Italy! We visited Lake Como, Cinque Terre, Florence, Tuscany, and Positano
Q. Can you give any advice for future couples planning a wedding?
A. You’ve got this! Good luck!
THANK YOU FOR SHARING!
Summer wedding at Newberry Library :
It’s rare that I get to spend more than 1 day photographing a couple if they choose not to take engagement photos, but Melissa & Joe switched it up. Instead of engagement photos, they had me take photos of their rehearsal day. This was so fun to be a part of because I got to watch the wedding party practice what they would do the next day and see exactly where everyone would be standing. Of course all of this information can be discussed with planners and/or the church the day of as well. However, covering these moments the day before the wedding made me feel even more included and helped prepare me even more so for the wedding day.
I really do think it helped to alleviate some last minute nerves for the these two as well. Getting used to the camera watching your every move can be unsettling, but with practice and the right direction (from yours truly), you soon learn to relax, let go, and really enjoy your day to the fullest.
I started with Melissa & Joe both getting ready on different levels of the coolest boutique hotel in Lincoln Park, the Villa D’ Citta. Located in the heart of the neighborhood, we were able to not only do their first look right on location, but we didn’t have to travel far for photos in the park.
From here we hopped on a Chicago Trolley and made our way to the gorgeous Newberry Library to celebrate the night away. I love the architecture in this building and the vaulted ceilings make the reception room stand out so perfectly.
But to start, check out the gorgeous St. Alphonsus Church in Lakeview.
Beautiful speeches, first dances, and an amazing dance floor. Melissa and Joe created such an unforgettable Chicago wedding day.
A little about the lovely couple :
1. When did you meet? Where? January 10th, 2009 at McFaddens Bar. Yes, seriously!
2. When did you get engaged? Where? June 24th, 2012, at our condo
3. How did the proposal happen? After a long, stressful day (for many reasons) Joe made a nice romantic dinner and proposed shortly after. It was very sweet.
4. Wedding Ceremony & Venue location – St Alphonsas Church in Lakeview and the Newberry Library in downtown Chicago
5. Honeymoon? Where to? We left shortly after our wedding for a honeymoon along the coast of Croatia and capped off the trip with a few days in Italy.
6. What was your favorite thing about your wedding day? Seeing each other for the first time- Joe seeing Melissa surrounded by sunlight as the church doors opened and Melissa finally getting to see Joe and hold his had at the alter after the long walk down the aisle.
7. If you could do it all over again, what would you change, if anything? Eat more hors d’oeuvres during the cocktail hour. They were amazing!
8. What was your first dance song? Crazy Love – cover by Audra Mae
9. Any advice for future couples? Enjoy the wedding process even when it seems stressful because it really is a special time that will come and go much more quickly than you think.
10. 3 words to describe your husband/wife Melissa – beautiful, loving, intelligent; Joe – generous, loving, chivalrous.
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