A Chic Wedding Reception at Chez Wedding Venue | Dominique + Anthony | Chicago Wedding Photographer | Destination Wedding Photographer
A Chic Wedding Reception at chez wedding venue | Dominique + Anthony | Revel Decor | Champagne Tower | OSCAR DE La Renta Dress | Chicago Wedding Photographer | Destination Wedding Photographer
Dominique and Anthony decided to do a pre-wedding day celebration with their friends and family in Chicago by renting out Chez Wedding Venue in the heart of downtown Chicago and created a stunning atmosphere for their wedding cocktail party! They had the amazing team at Revel Decor design the decor and floral installations, which speak for themselves in the images below. Then Limelight Catering created custom cocktails (again, just browse the images below) that were truly unique and matched the decor as well! The candy floss, cloud shaped Cocktails were my favorite aesthetically! Chez Wedding Venue is a blank slate, with a grand staircase and loft looking over a high ceiling room with pillars and tall windows. It is all white, so any color palette you want to create will be able to happen seamlessly in Chez. I particularly loved this monochromatic palette that Revel Decor created in the space, and I honestly assume my clients book me because we’re already on the same page with our palette preferences, thankfully, because each and every wedding day I shoot, they seem to have my same taste, which I am extremely grateful for.
I always get excited when couples do things their way. Dominique and Anthony decided to get married in a more intimate way with just a few close family members and friends in Italy, so this wedding cocktail party was meant to include everyone they knew and loved in the Chicago area! They even had the talented DJ Matt Roan set the tempo all night and he never misses a beat, both literally and figuratively. The team at Limelight Catering, under the Revel Group, always presents their food so well. There is a full kitchen hidden in Chez, and they had their staff walking around with long clear trays filled with plates with full courses on them, from the apps, to a main meat dish, to the desserts. There were tables on the sides for the more chill guests, but those in the middle at the bar and on the dance floor were able to pick up a plate as they passed by. The whole evening felt like a mix of an epic dance party reception at a club, but also had the chicness of a fancy cocktail party! Everyone was also dressed to the nines, as Dominique was in a stunning Oscar de la Renta Gown and Anthony was in a full on look from Wool & Linen. And of course there was no one better to do her hair, then the lovely Alex Brown Hair. Truly, I’m obsessed with all of the beautiful hair styles she creates for her clients. The bride and groom’s personal style is one of my favorite aesthetic parts of a wedding day, so the fact that this cocktail party checked all of those boxes, really made this a memorable wedding event for me. They also did the Champagne tower justice as well! Such a fun way to start off the evening and the toasts from their loved ones! All in all, Chez Wedding Venue was an incredibly perfect space for Revel Decor, alongside Dominique and Anthony’s vision, to create a chic atmosphere that was perfect for their stylish wedding celebration in Chicago! x
Wedding Planning + Design - Revel Decor | Florist - Revel Decor | Hair Stylist - Alex Brown Hair | Wedding Reception Dress - Oscar de la Renta | Wedding Shoes - Gianvito Rossi | Groom Tailored Suit - Wool & Linen | Bride + Groom Rings - Ancona Jewelers | Chicago Modern Wedding Reception Venue - Chez Wedding Venue | Cocktail Hour + Wedding Reception Caterers - Limelight Catering from Revel Global Events | Reception DJ - DJ Matt Roan | Photobooth - Snapbooth Chicago |
Chicago City Hall Elopement | Samantha + Joe | Chicago Wedding Photographer | Destination Wedding Photographer
Chicago City Hall Elopement | Samantha + Joe | Chicago Wedding Photographer | Vivienne Westwood | Alex Brown Hair | Miranda
Cary MUA | Raulph LAUREN
RL RESTAURANT
Sam (the stylish, hilarious and “worth following along online” bride) and her endearing partner Joe decided to have an intimate wedding ceremony before their larger celebration with friends in Mexico. So they decided to have a Chicago City Hall Elopement with their closest family members. We met at City Hall, where they had gotten their marriage certificate and then we strolled around the historic building to take their bridal portraits. Sam was wearing a chic all white shoulder padded suit with a stunning choker from Vivienne Westwood. Her makeup was done by the talented Miranda Cary and her hair was done by the amazing Alex Brown Hair. Both ladies are some of the best hair and makeup artists in Chicago. We also did a bit of strolling around La Salle, because that street has some of the loveliest building architecture and textures for portrait backdrops.
After the bridal portraits downtown we left the Chicago City Hall area and headed towards the Chicago River. The Chicago River is the perfect backdrop for a wedding ceremony, as it creates an open space amidst the skyscrapers in downtown Chicago. They decided to pick a space that was near somewhere meaningful to them, so we settled in a beautiful inlet of the sidewalk in the center of the city. There family was all waiting for them to arrive as they walked up. They had the lovely Rev Beth of Rev Beth Weddings officiate the wedding ceremony and she is one of my favorite officiants in Chicago. The way she words things so personably, is open to any kind of couple (no matter the background or religion) and is flexible to meet you anywhere to perform your wedding ceremony, she is simply the sweetest. They exchanged wedding rings and said ‘I do’ in front of all of their loved ones in the city center. After the ceremony there were many family hugs, kisses, selfies and heart warming smiles.
Joe helped Samantha get into a luxury SUV where they had their vintage bottle of Dom Perignon Champagne and cuddles before heading to meet their family members at the Ralph Lauren RL Restaurant. At the RL Restaurant the two of them stopped off for a drink and private cheers in the bar area and then joined the rest of their family at the dinner table. They did things the best way possible, cake first. A delicious cake was brought to them straight after being seated and they didn’t just cut it, but ate it and I love that about Same and Joe! They had a family toast and then enjoyed the rest of their evening together making memories around the dinner table with the ones they love. I really appreciate being able to capture such personal and intimate memories in couples lives. Sam and Joe, the stylish newlyweds that you are, I absolutely adore you both and your sweet and spicy personalities! x
Downtown Chicago Wedding Venue - Chicago City Hall | Wedding Outfit - White Blazer Shoulder Padded Suit | Choker Necklace - Vivienne Westwood Three Row Pearl Bas Relief Choker | Chicago Hair Stylist - Alex Brown Hair | Chicago Wedding Makeup Artist - Miranda Cary MUA | Chicago Wedding Officiant - Rev Beth Weddings | Intimate Wedding Dinner Reception - Ralph Lauren RL Restaurant
Glen Magna Farms Wedding | Historic Mansion Wedding Venue | Carolina + Matthew | Boston Wedding Photographer | Destination Wedding Photographer
Glen Magna Farms Wedding | Historic Mansion Wedding Venue | Kerry Parker Official | Boston Wedding Photographer | Destination Wedding Photographer
What can I say about the beautiful, historic city of Boston? I just love the city so much for it’s history in America (very proud American over here!), so whenever Carolina asked me to capture her and Matthew’s wedding day in a beautiful venue on the outskirt of the city, I couldn’t be more excited! Glen Magna Farms is a historic mansion country estate that is located just outside of Boston near a little town called Salem (yes, where the Housewives of NYC went). I almost stayed in Salem, but Boston was also just an Uber ride away from the venue, so we stayed in downtown Boston and just commuted to Glen Magna Farms from the city on the day of (as I’m such a city girl and needed the architecture, endless craft coffee and quality food options).
So, back to Carolina and Matthew’s lovely wedding day… Carolina started her day at a boutique hotel in Salem. There is where she had her hair and makeup team doll everyone up. Lady Luxe Beauty and That Skin Babe did such a lovely job and were so friendly to work alongisde! Then the bridal party took a party bus over to Glen Magna Farms and did the rest of the getting ready in the stunning Bridal Suite upstairs in the historic, colonial mansion on the property. From outside of her window, she was able to overlook the Glen Magna Farms garden where her ceremony was about to take place. Carolina had a stunning, architectural BHLDN wedding gown, and one of my favorite parts of her wedding outfit were her custom sheer gloves by Kerry Parker Official. Carolina also did an intimate first look with her dad in the bridal suite before he walked her down the aisle. The ceremony was held in the lush outdoor garden of Glen Magna Farms. I honestly love garden ceremonies, and this one was so romantic with string music from live musicians, the beautiful scents of the florals, arrangements from MM Floral Designs to the guests being off to the side vs right in front of them, made for a more intimate experience.
After the ceremony Carolina and Matthew headed to the gardens for a few bridal portraits and to spend some time together alone before joining all of their guests back at the main estate where there were yard games and hors d'oeuvres being served. Once everyone was called into the outdoor tent, dinner was served while speeches by their family and friends were made. The dinner was top notch and catered by the lovely individuals from Vinwood Catering. Then the first dances commenced after dinner with an amazing live band in the background, called Soul City Band. The night ended with petal confetti outside of the tent and a beautiful send off by friends and family. Glen Magna Farms really was a beautiful wedding venue to have an intimate outside wedding just on the outskirts of Boston. x
Wedding Venue near Boston - Glen Magna Farms Historic Mansion | Wedding Dress - BHLDN Anthropologie | Custom Wedding Gloves - Kerry Parker Official | Boston Wedding Hair Stylist - Lady Luxe Beauty | Boston Skin Specialist - That Skin Babe | Boston Wedding Florist - MM Floral Designs | Boston Live Wedding Band - Soul City Band | Boston Wedding Caterers - Vinwood Caterers | Boston Tent Company - The Event Co. | Boston Wedding Filmmakers - Shutter and Sound |
Intimate Downtown Wedding | RPM Seafood Wedding Reception | Chicago Wedding Photographer | The Peninsula Hotel | Destination Wedding Photographer
Intimate Downtown Wedding | RPM Seafood Wedding Reception | The Peninsula Hotel | Destination Micro Wedding | Chicago Wedding photographer
Liza and Rick decided to have their wedding day be an intimate and romantic one. They started their day getting ready at The Peninsula Hotel together. I think it’s really sweet when couples do that, especially for those who may have nerves and don’t want that build up tension of a formal first look and it gives you a chance to spend the whole morning with your partner. They had a car service rented for the afternoon, which took us to all of the locations in the city where they wanted photos together. Honestly, if you’re up in the air about hiring a car (limo, party bus, etc), trust me, it’s definitely worth it. This gives you the chance to hop in and out of the car while the driver is waiting at every corner for you, and you don’t have to drive around searching for parking or calling Uber’s, which can take such valuable time away from you both on your wedding day, and gives you more freedom to enjoy drinks or your favorite snacks during your ride around town.
Liza and Rick rented a private room in RPM Seafood that has a balcony overlooking the Chicago River and has some of the best views of downtown. They had a small wedding ceremony there with a few of their closest family members and friends. I love how every couple make their day unique, whether it’s a large party into the night or a sweet, intimate dinner with a view, like this day was, I am always happy to document such a memorable and meaningful day in couples lives. x
A Modern San Francisco Wedding | Pali Society Hotel | The Palace of Fine Arts | Hadassah + Reshawn | Destination Wedding Photographer
A Modern San Francisco Wedding at The Palace of Fine Arts | Hadassah + Reshawn | Pali Society Hotel | Liz Martinez Bridal | The Firehouse at Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture | Destination Wedding Photographer
Reshawn and Hadassah started their wedding day getting ready separately at Hotels with their loved ones, so that the first time he would see Hadassah would be when she was walking down the aisle at The Palace of Fine Arts. Reshawn spent his morning at the Fisher Loft Lounge on the second floor of the Pali Society Hotel in San Francisco. His attire was one of the cleanest I’ve ever seen, from his all white Common Good shoes and a custom designed suit by Waraire Boswell. Hadasshah wore the most elegant long sleeved gown from En Blanc Bridal Boutique in LA, designed by Liz Martinez Bridal. Together they wed under the main archway at The Palace of Fine Arts, one of the most beautiful places to get married in San Francisco. After they said “I do” we all headed to the downtown area of SF fort them to take portraits together while walking along the unique and hilly streets of the city. We ended the portraits by a beautiful scene of them embracing oceanside with the full view of the Golden Gate bridge in the background. They ended the evening at the Firehouse at Fort Mason, with a laid back and beautiful reception space to celebrate with their closest friends and family. Along with a local coffee cart, charcuterie boards and a churro truck, that’s all you really need for a delicious evening! They had a lit dance party and then a line of friends greeted them as they rolled out in their Mercedes into the beautiful San Francisco sunset.
Bride Dress Designer - Liz Martinez Bridal // Bridal Dress Boutique - En Blanc LA // Florist - R&R Apothecary X Bouquet Bar @rrapothecary // Filmmaker - Hunter Floyd Films // Groom Custom Suit Designer - Waraire Boswell // Shoes - Common Projects // Boutique Hotel - Pali Society San Francisco // Lounge - Fisher Loft San Francisco // San Francisco Ceremony Venue - The Palace of Fine Arts // Reception Venue - The Firehouse at Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture
Varca Bridal | Chicago Wedding Dress Designer | Melody Joy Co.
Varca Bridal | Chicago Wedding Dress Designer | Melody Joy Co.
I’m always amazed at the detail that Sarah puts into her gown collections. Varca’s latest bridal collection has so many interesting sleeves, cuts, fabrics and even removable extensions! So anyone from the more minimal to the more extra bride has something they can relate to! Varca names all of her gowns after names of women who has inspired them and her! Go check out Varca’s Instagram to see the names for each individual gown. Below are a few of my favorite images of each wedding dress, taken in her new studio space.
Sarah, of Varca Bridal, designed and is making me a custom wedding dress! I could not be more excited about having one of her custom pieces. Ever since she reached out to me about a shoot a few years ago, I instantly fell in love with her style and her as a person! If you’re looking for someone to make you a custom gown that will feel 100 percent like you mixed with Sarah’s creative energy, then definitely reach out to be one of her few custom brides that she takes on each year. I feel so honored to be one of them for this year!
Let me know if you all have any favorites, my favorite from her collection is definitely the VERONICA, and not just because I grew up collecting and ready Archie Comics endlessly. The sleeves are just amazing and totally give the dress that 19th century glam. The earrings that Sarah paired with each dress for this shoot were handmade by Ashley Jordan, of the Fashion Collective. Her earring line is called Akin Studio. Ashley’s statement earrings are all made of polymer clay and compliment Varca’s wedding gowns beautifully.
The hair for this shoot was done by Juan José of Hair by Juan José. His personality is exactly what you want on your wedding day, smiley, fun, just a joy to be around! And of course he created the perfect relaxed updo’s to compliment these beautifully detailed and structured gowns. All of the makeup for this collection shoot was done by the lovely Alyssa of Makeup by Alyssa Cruz. Her soft smokey eyes and natural tones are exactly what a bride should want on their wedding day so they feel a bit done up, but also feel like themselves. These soft hair and makeup I believe are the perfect way to feature your Varca dress or any wedding dress on a wedding day. I’m just all about the natural hair and makeup look for any occasion, personally.
Well enough of my words and badly written sentences, enjoy scrolling through all of the beauty that Varca has created for her brides this year. Truly honored to capture such beautiful works of art, as that is exactly what they are. x
Wedding Dress Collection - Varca Bridal / Makeup - Alyssa Cruz / Hair - Juan José / Photography - Melody Joy Co. / Wedding Jewelry - Ashley Jordan of Akin Studio, Fashion Collective / Models - Vinithra + Leilani
Revel Fulton Market Wedding | Urban Chic Downtown Wedding | Modern Chicago Wedding Photographer
Revel Fulton Market Wedding | Urban Chic Downtown Wedding | Revel Space Luxury Venue | Modern Chicago Wedding Photographer
If you’re interested in an urban-chic and modern wedding day, this is the wedding day to be inspired by. Jeannie and Tom chose to get ready in the center of the Chicago skyscrapers and had their wedding day end with a late night reception at Revel Fulton Market in the West Loop. They had their first look on a rooftop balcony of a skyscraper with the whole city skyline in the background. Then we strolled around the streets in the west loop for portraits with their bridal party and just the two of them before heading to their church for a romantic and heartfelt ceremony. Everything from Jeannie’s minimal Sarah Seven wedding dress to her Christian Louboutin Heels, to the simple and modern details of her wedding reception at Revel Fulton Market, it all blended perfectly to create the idyllic urban-chic wedding day.
If you are looking for a wedding space to transform with minimal details and has upscale, modern amenities, Revel Fulton Market is your venue! I have shot at so many industrial warehouse wedding venues in Chicago, but Revel Fulton Market, of the Revel Space group, really blew me away. I love how the exposed brick was painted white and the floors were cemented. The lighting was minimal and created a beautiful and romantic ambiance for the evening. I really love when couples find a space that fits with the city and their attire. And this wedding venue really shows off how the industrial era of Chicago really was the foundation of the city. I just love seeing old warehouses in Chicago becoming wedding venues after being restored and architects and designers coming in to create amazing spaces for events. Truly, visit Revel Fulton Market if you’re still searching for an urban, minimal wedding venue in Chicago.
Chicago Wedding Venue - Revel Fulton Market - Revel Space | Wedding Dress - Sarah Seven | Bride Wedding Shoes - Christian Louboutin Heels | Bridal Hair and Makeup, Luxury Beauty Boutique- Arch Chicago | Wedding Ceremony - Holy Family Catholic Church | Wedding Reception DJ - Ten Twelve Entertainment | Wedding Filmmaker - Shutter and Sound | Second Shooter - Alisha Tova | Wedding Photo Booth - Photique Booth | Chicago Wedding Florist - Revel Decor
If you’d like me to capture your wedding day or just want to chat with me to see how I can help you create something beautiful on your wedding day, reach out on my contact page below!