Loft Lucia - Chicago Wedding Venues

I had the pleasure of being Cara and Chad’s wedding photographer at the beautiful Loft Lucia in downtown Chicago. From the moment I arrived at the West Loop hotel where the couple was getting ready, I could feel the excitement and joy in the air.

Cara and Chad opted for a classic black and ivory color scheme, with rust accents adding a pop of warmth to their chic, sophisticated decor. The Local Petaler provided stunning florals to compliment their style. As the couple finished getting ready, we headed down to the riverwalk for some portraits with their wedding party. The city skyline provided the perfect backdrop.

After the riverwalk photos, it was time for the intimate ceremony on the rooftop terrace at the Loft Lucia. Surrounded by her closest family, Cara made her way down the aisle, a vision in her ivory lace gown. Chad, dashing in his classic black suit, waited for her at the altar, a smile spreading across his face as she approached.

The ceremony was filled with love and emotion, as the couple exchanged vows and pledged their lives to each other. As they shared their first kiss as husband and wife, the guests erupted into cheers and applause.

After the ceremony, guests made their way to the dinner party reception which was held inside of Loft Lucia. Tables were adorned with votive candles, rust-colored linens, and flower arrangements by The Local Petaler. The room was filled with the warm glow of candlelight and the laughter of close family and friends.

Cara and Chad entered the reception and immediately took to the dance floor for their first dance as a married couple. Afterwards, the closest friends and family shared toasts over dinner.

It was an unforgettable evening, filled with love and joy. Congratulations to Cara and Chad on their beautiful Loft Lucia Chicago wedding! As a wedding photographer, it was an honor to capture the special moments of their day and I am thrilled to share these photos with them as a timeless reminder of their love and commitment to each other.

The Vogts - Destination Wedding in Mexico

Making a Destination Wedding in Mexico Personal

When Meaghan asked me to photograph her destination wedding in Mexico, I didn’t expect it to feel so personal to the couple. It’s difficult to plan a wedding in another state much less in another country. But Meaghan made it happen. From the hand-made bouquets that she brought in her suitcase to the invitations designed by her maid of honor, there were a thousand thoughtful details. Mexico is important to Meaghan and Scott, and they go every year. They saw the wedding as an opportunity to invite their closest friends and family to the place they love.

Sarah Cee Bridal did the ladies hair and makeup, incorporating a feather pin into Meaghan’s bridal style as an ode to Scott’s beloved mother. Meaghan hand-made the guys boutonnières to accent their “beach formal” attire.

Iberostar Paraíso Beach is a 5 star all inclusive resort in the Riviera Maya region of Mexico. I was heavily inspired by the architecture and colors of the property. Yellow, Blue, Green and Vibrant Pink told the color story of the day. Everywhere I looked was a great location for wedding photos. I decided that the color story would be my guiding theme.

The bridesmaid outfits were from Chicwish and Shein, and they were such a fun spin on formal beach wear. Playfulness was a key element of the day. Tequila shots for guests (and the bride and her mom!) before walking down the aisle- a flower man who also passed out beers- and an officiant who donned a pope outfit to officially announce them man and wife.

After some pictures on the beach, I took the couple around the resort for some portraits of just the two of them. We stopped at a Banyan tree, which is a meaningful symbol in my life representing infinity, before heading to the actual wedding chapel on the grounds. While they didn’t have their official ceremony there, it’s such a beautiful gazebo that I didn’t want to skip it.

The wedding day ended with an outdoor reception under market lights and the Mexican sunset. This group knows how to party and can *mostly hold their tequila. Tropical florals, maracas, and lanters served as table decor. There was even a cigar bar and garden games. But mostly, there was dancing.

Congratulations to the Vogts.

You bring love and joy to everyone you meet, and you made me feel like family.

Christmas Wedding at Rivercrest Farm in Dover, Ohio

Christmas Wedding at Rivercrest Farm in Dover, Ohio

Katy and Ryan had to wait a full year after their original wedding date to get married due to the pandemic. But boy oh boy was this golden winter sparkle fest worth the wait. The couple lit up Rivercrest Farm in Dover Ohio like a Christmas tree. And I mean literally. There was a massive story-tall evergreen in the middle of the ceremony space… next to a sleigh… and the groom wore a green suit with a pinecone boutonnière.

When our wedding photography and video team arrived, the weather was cold, windy, and raining. So despite our obsession with the rolling fields and horses roaming the Rivercrest Farm grounds, we made plans to use the cozy barn for the first look and majority of pictures. After a tearful first look (it was me crying) and some portraits, the couple exchanged vows in the sweetest ceremony. Katy described their relationship with the metaphor of a kaleidoscope and the light that makes it shine. I won’t even try to do it justice. Just know that it was poetic and everyone was weeping. Then during Ryan’s vows, he spoke of staying together through life’s storms right before a slightly scary gust of wind that rocked the building. Miraculously, the weather cleared up immediately. Coincidence? I think not.

The night ended with a reception rockin' around the Christmas tree with everyone dancing merrily in the new old-fashioned way ;) Oh, and the prettiest winter cake I ever did see.

Congratulations Katy and Ryan. Your friendship is the best gift.

Chicago Rooftop Wedding

I have been looking forward to Jake and Julia’s Chicago rooftop wedding since before they even reached out to me. I had recently photographed this Chicago front porch elopement and the bride told me about her super cute and fun friend who also happened to be getting married. As she described that friend (Julia) I was crossing my fingies so hard that they would want me to be their wedding photographer. That excitement was compounded during their Lincoln Park engagement session when she and Jake told me that they would be incorporating both Julia’s Filipino culture and Jake’s Jewish traditions into the rooftop ceremony at Loft Lucia.

The wedding day began at the Viceroy Hotel, Chicago. As soon as I walked into the stunning suite, I knew that the pictures were going to be amazing. It was a gorgeous naturally lit space and Julia had gathered so many lovely details for me to photograph. Christine Janda Designs and Events also provided extra flower stems for me to incorporate into the flatlays. Truly, a wedding photography dream. But I swear the best part was walking in and seeing sweet Julia. Her joy and emotion are contagious.

While I was photographing Julia, my second shooter (also named Rachel… which wasn’t at all confusing at a half Jewish wedding with 100 other Rachels 😂), was hanging out with Jake and his side of the wedding party. You know I love color, and their boutonnières made me swoon!

The wedding ceremony and reception were at Loft Lucia in the Chicago West Loop. Featuring a chuppah and stunning rooftop views, Jake and Julia melded their cultures with a ceremony officiated by both a rabbi and priest. I loved seeing the Filipino wedding traditions of the veil and cord as well as the Jewish tradition of breaking the glass.

After the ceremony, we had 45 minutes to take ALL of the family pictures and wedding party pictures. It was fast and chaotic, but we made it work, and I’m so proud of us. The rooftop was getting some harsh light, so after the family pictures, we moved to the Chicago street level and took advantage of the shade next to the venue. I’m a big fan of variety and I loved the way the brick provided a unique backdrop.

My absolute favorite part of the wedding day was the reception on the third floor of Loft Lucia. It. Was. Stunning. But more than that, it was so full of joy. From the bright jewel-toned florals, to the brunch menu featuring candied bacon, the personality of the couple shined in every detail. It was also the biggest Horah in the tiniest space 🤣🤣🤣 I may or may not have been crying during the father-daughter dance and then laughing my booty off during the mother-son.

Jake and Julia, you are so well loved. I can see why.

Chicago Rooftop Wedding Vendors:

Designer/Coordinator: Christine Janda Design & Events
Venue: Loft Lucia
Dress: Sarah Seven
Shoes: Manolo Blahnik
Catering: Cocina Fusion
MUA: Angela Rose
Hair Stylist: Tania Gilbert
Cake: ECBG Cake Studio
Stationary: Polina Perri

Magical Wedding in Hocking Hills, OH

MAGICAL WEDDING IN HOCKING HILLS

I don’t normally write blog posts this long, but Natalie and Andy’s story is wild and I firmly believe that each step of the way makes their incredibly epic wedding in Hocking Hills even more meaningful. 

THE JOURNEY TO A WEDDING IN HOCKING HILLS

Choosing a place for Natalie and Andy to exchange their vows began long before they arrived in Hocking Hills. When they originally planned their wedding, they envisioned a celebration with all of their friends and family. Considering their guests lived all over the country, choosing a location was tricky.

At first, they scoured Detroit. But they struggled to find something their family could love as much as they did and moved on to San Diego. Then, the pandemic hit and they decided on a backyard socially-distanced wedding in Ann Arbor, Michigan. As they continued planning, they didn’t feel like they could safely involve their guests at all and approached me about an adventure elopement with just the two of them. 

After brainstorming a million different Michigan locations, Natalie suggested Pictured Rocks. Mission was go until a family member caught COVID19. After so many postponements, Natalie and Andy needed a break. Decision fatigue had totally overwhelmed the both of them and disappointment after disappointment, they stopped. Instead of a wedding, they planned a trip to visit their family.

As soon as they let the pressure release, everything fell into place. Kayla, my micro-wedding planner friend from The Lost Forty posted on instagram that she was legally ordained in Ohio. I commented that I’ve always wanted to photograph a wedding in Hocking Hills. Natalie saw it, and we went from there. 

But there was still one last problem.

LOCATION SCOUTING

The morning of the wedding day, the forecast called for thunderstorms. ALL day. Since all of us vendors (Sarah from Wild Bees Beauty, Kayla from The Lost Forty, and myself) were traveling 5+ hours down from Michigan, we made the decision to postpone one last time. Just until the next morning.

I drove down that day anyway, and instead of photographing their elopement, we went location scouting. I’m so so glad we did! We were able to make a concrete plan for the next day and I could read the light for the best place for their ceremony. Hocking Hills is stunning… but down in the gorges there isn’t a lot of sun. In fact, surrounded on all sides by rock and thick forest, it’s downright dark. So by taking the time to explore in advance, we didn’t waste any time the next day.

FINALLY

I arrived at Glenlaurel the morning of the wedding for getting ready pictures, the first look, and the 20-minute hike to the ceremony. Their room was a bit tight, and every time Andy needed to come in or out, Natalie hid behind the armoir door. Sarah did a stunning wedding updo for Natalie and makeup that was glam without trying hard. Kayla arrived with the bouquet and boutonnière and I got to work photographing all the personal details. The couple got dressed and it was time for the first look!

THE CEREMONY

We hiked the 20 minutes to the end of Glenlaurel’s gorge where the natural rock formations and tiny stream met at a shallow cave. Natalie and Andy exchanged their vows to a soundtrack of birds and water over stone. Their original officiant Brittany prepared readings for Kayla to recite. To the couple’s surprise, she also gathered blessings from their parents. As the wind blew through the trees, leaves fell around us like confetti.

Also, here’s the moment Natalie officially decided to add Andy’s last name to hers. SO EXCITED!

ADVENTURES AS HUSBAND AND WIFE

No visit to Hocking Hills is complete without a visit to Old Man’s Cave. So I took Natalie and Andy on a wedding day adventure. We found a dry spot in the middle of the gorge for them to have their first dance as husband and wife. 

My favorite part of the day happened right after their ceremony. I spotted a break in the shadows, and asked Natalie to run for it. In her dress, holding the train to take the rocky hill with Andy following, we caught this holy moment. It was a ray of sun- like a peace offering from the universe. 

Confirmation that love transcends chaos.

Also, I’m obviously not happy about COVID, but I’m really grateful for the resurgence of adventurous elopements.

Lincoln Park Engagement Photos

LINCOLN PARK ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS

After talking to Julia and Jake about their Chicago wedding, I just knew that we had to do Lincoln Park engagement photos. I live for variety, and there is a ton of variety in photography locations within walking distance. I’ll break down exactly where we headed below.

ALFRED CALDWELL LILLY POOL

One of the most under-appreciated photography locations in all of Chicago. If you’re looking for green space that feels removed from the towering buildings of downtown without having to drive out of the city, this secluded ode to Prairie School Architecture in the middle of Lincoln Park is a must. When you enter the Lincoln Park Zoo parking lot, it is just to your right. Don’t drive far or you’ll miss it!

BRIDGE OVER SOUTH POND

Lincoln Park has multiple ponds, and the bridge over the South Pond offers a clear view of the Chicago skyline. While often crowded, it is not usually difficult to find a place for photos considering how long it is. I’ve never been to this part of the park in the fall, and the color of the trees took my breath away.

NATURE BOARDWALK

Stopping on our way to the Nature Boardwalk to take pictures in front of the ivy climbing some of the Lincoln Park Zoo storage buildings (no shame in my engagement photo game), we made our way to The Honeycomb- an iconic sculpture that is always crawling with tourists and photographers. Everyone was incredibly kind and willing to take turns on this day, and I was ecstatic to snag some pictures of Julia and Jake under the wild arch.

GRANT MEMORIAL

Our last stop before leaving the park was the Grant Memorial. By this point, we were VERY cold. Fall was giving way to winter and the wind was relentless. I tucked the couple into the tunnel out of the wind for a couple more dramatic images and then used the steps to shield them afterwards.

PHOTOGRAPHY POINT

Last but not least, it wouldn’t be an epic Chicago engagement session without some photos from the lake overlooking the skyline. Crossing the footbridge over North Lakeshore Drive we ended the engagement session at the North Beach Photography Point.

It may have been a LOT of walking, but I’d say 10/10 for Lincoln Park Engagement Photos.

Palm Springs Engagement Photos

After catching C0VID while photographing a wedding this winter, I decided that since my family survived our worst nightmare, we would take advantage of our fleeting immunity and travel (safely) while we could. I’m not happy that we had to experience the virus, but taking Angela and Nathan’s palm springs engagement photos was a beaming silver lining.

We started the session at the Andreas Trail in Indian Canyon. The couple left their home before dawn and drove 2 hours to meet me. Angela hiked most of the trail in heels, and neither of them batted an eye when I asked them to climb boulders. The desert oasis is stunning, and the trail leads to an overlook with views of the mountains surrounding Palm Springs.

After freshening up at my Mid-Century Airbnb and taking a few pictures around the yard, we headed to the Palm Springs Visitors Center for some more architectural images. Angela and Nathan are architectural engineers and I wanted to incorporate their passion into some creative photos.

We ended the engagement session in downtown Palm Springs and found some street art to add variety to the photo gallery.

It’s been a while since I’ve been so inspired by a location. But even the magical colors and light couldn’t compare to the magic between Nathan and Angela.