Hey guys, a quick post and run today as I’m heading out to Kansas City for a week-long photography workshop. Fun times ahoy!
As a wedding photographer, I have been blessed to capture some of the most beautiful and intimate moments of my clients’ lives. Rena and Von’s intimate Chicago wedding was one such occasion and was a perfect way to cap off my 2002 season.
Travelling up from Raleigh to Chicago, I knew I had to make the most of my time in this beautiful city. So, the day before the wedding, I scoped out locations and planned the shots I wanted to capture. It was a wise move, as time was going to be tight as ever on the big day.
On the wedding day, I started with the bride at the Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown before heading to Von’s room to document him getting dressed with his parents standing by. The hotel was the perfect backdrop for capturing the bride and groom getting ready. The emotions were high, and I clicked away, capturing the anticipation and excitement that was palpable in both their rooms.
Next, I took them to the hotel lobby for an emotional first look. It was a beautiful moment, and I was happy to have captured it for them. It was pretty busy in there, but we managed to make it look like they were totally alone.
Then, it was off to Chicago Union Station for portraits of the soon to be newlyweds. Time was short, but my scouting out locations paid off and we were able to take a good selection of photos in a very short amount of time, showcasing the Christmas vibe and unique architecture of the station both inside and out.
The wedding ceremony was a small yet heartfelt Catholic affair at the St. Edward Roman Catholic Church. I was so grateful to the priest who was really relaxed with his rules on where I could and couldn’t be. As a Catholic myself, I am always really respectful of the wedding mass, but it was nice to be able to be able to be close to the bride and groom and to be able to photograph their faces versus the backs of their heads as they knelt and prayed.
Following the wedding ceremony, it was over to Osteria Via Stato for dinner which was really fun to photograph. The food was delicious, and the setting was perfect for capturing the first dance and parent dances. The night ended with some fun portraits outside in the street, and it was a perfect way to end a perfect day.
Rena and Von’s wedding was a great way to end 2022 and another beautiful reminder of why I do what I do. Capturing the love and joy of a couple’s special day is always a true honour, and I am grateful to have been there for Rena & Von as well as all my other couples this past year.
Here are just a few of my picks of the pics…
