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.

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

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.

Front Porch Chicago Elopement

FRONT PORCH CHICAGO ELOPEMENT

This wedding went from a long weekend on Lake Michigan with Dan and Tina’s closest friends and family to a Chicago elopement on their front steps with an audience of their neighbors and a live stream. And you know what? I think the backup plan was just as beautiful and even more personal.

When I arrived at Dan and Tina’s Logan Square two flat, I realized that this would be the most intimate wedding I’ve ever photographed. This is their HOME. A place full of memories and love notes and things that were so clearly hand-picked not just for aesthetic value, but the meaning behind them.

Normally, when I arrive on a wedding day, even if it’s a small elopement, I photograph the day’s details and all of the personal items of significance. This time, everything felt important.

This wedding went from a long weekend on Lake Michigan with Dan and Tina’s closest friends and family to a Chicago elopement on their front steps with an audience of their neighbors and a live stream. And you know what? I think the backup plan was just as beautiful and even more personal.

When I arrived at Dan and Tina’s Logan Square two flat, I realized that this would be the most intimate wedding I’ve ever photographed. This is their HOME. A place full of memories and love notes and things that were so clearly hand-picked not just for aesthetic value, but the meaning behind them.

Normally, when I arrive on a wedding day, even if it’s a small elopement, I photograph the day’s details and all of the personal items of significance. This time, everything felt important.

Dan got ready in their guest room and enjoyed a glass of Scotch in honor of his best man who couldn’t make it while Tina had hair and makeup finished. When it was time for their first look, they decided to see each other for the first time in the backyard.

As guests began to fill the street, I had Dan and Tina snuggle by the window and take a peek outside. They are so loved.

Who would have thought that eloping on a front porch would be so perfect?

When the ceremony was over, they showed me their favorite spots in Logan Square, Chicago and Humboldt Park. It was cold and windy, and there were a ton of people around, but we had a blast.

My favorite part of the day was when Dan and Tina brought me to their neighbor’s urban garden filled with his art installations. Their neighbor assured me that I was welcome back any time and that there are dance parties every Friday.

And that, my friends, was one of the coolest weddings I’ve ever photographed.

Vendor Love:
Florals: Youth and Yarrow
Dress Designer: Lela Rose