A bride and groom stand on a staircase in formal wedding attire, captured perfectly by downtown Chicago wedding photography. The bride wears a long, elegant white gown with a lace train, while the groom is in a blue suit with a red boutonniere. They hold hands, posing for a photo on the stone steps.

Destination Weddings

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February 17, 2023

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Downtown chicago wedding photography – rena & von

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…

In a room with dim lighting, the silhouette of a person skillfully applies makeup to another before a downtown Chicago wedding. A table lamp casts soft illumination in the background, capturing an intimate moment reminiscent of elegant wedding photography.
A woman with long, wavy hair and wearing a dark top holds a small, rectangular mirror. She is looking intently at her reflection, with a neutral expression, in a softly lit room reminiscent of downtown Chicago wedding photography.
A woman in a wedding dress stands as another woman with tattoos helps adjust the dress, capturing a candid moment of downtown Chicago wedding photography. The background features a light, sheer curtain creating a soft ambiance.
In a sunlit room with a view of downtown Chicago's skyline, a young man assists an older gentleman in perfecting his bow tie. Both focused and elegantly suited, they share a moment captured with the essence of wedding photography, as natural light floods through the window.
A bride and groom stand facing each other in a brightly lit room adorned with a Christmas tree, capturing the essence of downtown Chicago wedding photography. The bride wears a white gown and veil, while the groom sports a blue suit and red bow tie. Large windows and modern decor complete the setting.
A bride and groom embrace tenderly in a warmly lit room during their downtown Chicago wedding. The bride wears a lace dress and veil, while the groom sports a boutonniere. A decorated Christmas tree adds festive charm to this intimate moment captured in beautiful photography.
A groom holds the bride's long train as they pose on steps outside a building in downtown Chicago. The bride, in a strapless gown with a fur shawl, adjusts her veil. The groom wears a suit. Festive decorations add charm to this stunning wedding photography scene.
A bride in a wedding dress sits in the back seat of a car, holding a phone to her ear and looking thoughtful. Her veil cascades down her back, captured perfectly by the downtown Chicago wedding photography style. The car interior is detailed with a sunroof and a navigation screen.
A man in a tuxedo with a bow tie and boutonniere stands confidently with hands in pockets against a patterned backdrop. Captured in timeless black and white, this downtown Chicago wedding photography scene exudes elegance and formality.
A couple dances in a grand hall adorned with wreaths and a large, decorated Christmas tree. The scene, reminiscent of downtown Chicago wedding photography, features tall columns, an ornate ceiling, and a shining chandelier, crafting a romantic and festive ambience.
A bride and groom stand together in an elegant, ornate hallway with high ceilings and intricate wall designs, captured by downtown Chicago wedding photography. The bride wears a long white dress and veil, while the groom is in a blue suit. They gaze at each other lovingly.
A bride in a flowing gown and a groom in a suit stand on a dimly lit staircase, holding hands. This downtown Chicago wedding photography captures the moment in black and white, emphasizing the dramatic contrast between light and shadow.
A woman stands elegantly on a staircase in downtown Chicago, her elaborate white lace wedding dress with a long train capturing the eye. The dim lighting highlights the dress's intricate details against the elegant architecture of the stone walls, perfect for wedding photography.
A bride and groom lovingly embrace in a downtown Chicago wedding, their foreheads gently touching. The bride wears a veil, and the groom is in a blue suit. Soft, glowing lights and festive decorations create a magical background captured perfectly in this intimate photography moment.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand in a large hall with a tall, decorated Christmas tree in the background. Captured by a downtown Chicago wedding photographer, the setting is elegant, with high ceilings and wooden benches lining the marble floor.
A bride and groom ascend a grand stairway, backlit by light streaming through large windows. The opulent interior echoes the style of downtown Chicago wedding photography, with a detailed coffered ceiling and ornate chandeliers creating a dramatic and elegant atmosphere.
A couple in wedding attire shares a kiss in front of large stone columns, capturing the essence of downtown Chicago. The woman wears a white gown with a long train and veil, while the man is dressed in a blue suit with a bow tie—a perfect moment of wedding photography magic.
A bride in a strapless wedding dress and veil stands indoors, gazing at her reflection in a large mirror. The black-and-white image, captured by a downtown Chicago wedding photography studio, highlights her serene expression and elegant attire.
A couple exchanges vows at the altar of a grand, ornately decorated church in downtown Chicago. The spacious interior, captured beautifully in wedding photography, features intricate lighting fixtures, arched windows, and a high ceiling. Guests are seated in wooden pews, witnessing the ceremony.
A bride and groom exchange rings in a church ceremony, beautifully captured by a downtown Chicago wedding photography team. They stand before an altar with a crucifix and candles in the background. The bride wears a veil and wedding gown, while the groom is in a suit, with a priest officiating.
A dimly lit church interior, perfect for downtown Chicago wedding photography, features a high arched ceiling with wooden beams, hanging pendant lights, and stained glass windows. The focal point is an ornate altar, and the polished floor reflects the entire scene, enhancing the ambiance.
A bride and groom stand at the altar of a church, holding hands with their eyes closed and arms extended outward. The groom wears a blue suit with a red rose boutonniere; the bride is in a white lace gown. This downtown Chicago wedding photography captures guests seated in pews behind them.
A bride and groom kneel side by side during a downtown Chicago wedding ceremony. The groom is smiling, and the bride looks serene. Two people are adjusting their attire in the beautifully lit church with arched windows, capturing a perfect moment for the wedding photography album.
A bride in a white gown kneels beside her groom in a blue suit at a dimly lit church altar, capturing the essence of downtown Chicago wedding photography. A painting of Jesus with outstretched arms graces the wall as red candles flicker gently nearby.
A bride and groom share a kiss at the altar inside a grand church in downtown Chicago. The bride wears a long lace veil and gown, while the groom is in a suit. The scene is captured in black and white, highlighting the elegance of Chicago wedding photography.
A bride in a white gown and a groom in a blue suit stroll hand in hand down the aisle of a church. The bride clutches a bouquet of red flowers. Guests stand and smile, capturing the moment, as if part of an exquisite downtown Chicago wedding photography session.
Two women, with long hair and joyful expressions, share a laugh at a table in downtown Chicago. One holds a smartphone beside a wine glass. In this black-and-white candid moment, blurred guests hint at the lively backdrop of wedding photography perfection.
A bride and groom dance gracefully in a warmly lit downtown Chicago reception hall. The groom twirls the bride, who wears a long white gown, as guests seated at tables capture the joyous moments. The tiled floor adds elegance to the festive atmosphere, perfect for wedding photography.
A couple dances closely in a warmly lit venue with stone walls and a cobblestone floor, perfectly capturing the essence of downtown Chicago wedding photography. The bride's lace dress and the groom's suit beautifully complement the intimate ambiance as guests enjoy this unforgettable moment.
A bride and groom dance joyfully at their downtown Chicago wedding reception in a cozy venue with wooden decor. Guests seated at tables watch and celebrate. The room is warmly lit, adding to the festive atmosphere captured beautifully in the photography.
At a downtown Chicago wedding reception, a bride in a veil and elegant dress shares a dance with an older man in a tuxedo. The dimly lit room features wall lights, framed pictures, and a wreath visible in the background, all captured beautifully through expert wedding photography.
A black and white photo captures a lively gathering at a downtown Chicago wedding. A couple dances in the foreground while four people sitting at a table watch and smile. There's a man in traditional Middle Eastern attire standing behind them, all set in a warmly lit room.
In a warmly lit room adorned with a holiday wreath, three men in tuxedos raise glasses in a toast as a seated woman gestures with a thumbs-up. Capturing the essence of downtown Chicago wedding photography, the scene comes alive with elegance, while a piano adds to the ambiance on the left.
A bride in a white wedding dress stands confidently on a downtown Chicago street at night. She has long dark hair and wears a lace veil. The blurred car lights and lit trees create a festive atmosphere, capturing the essence of urban wedding photography.
In a mesmerizing scene of downtown Chicago wedding photography, a bride and groom stand in the middle of a softly lit city street at night. The groom wears a blue suit with a pink bow tie, and the bride is in a white lace gown. They gaze at each other tenderly, surrounded by blurred city lights.
A man in a blue suit with a pink bow tie and a red boutonniere stands smiling on a bustling downtown Chicago street at night. The background is blurred with colorful lights from buildings and traffic, capturing the essence of vibrant city wedding photography.
A bride and groom pose playfully on a city street at night, capturing the essence of downtown Chicago wedding photography. The groom in a blue suit dips the bride, who wears a white dress and veil, amidst lit buildings and cars, with festive lights completing the magical scene.

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