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 |
Morgan's on Fulton Chicago Wedding | A Modern Fulton Market Wedding | Chicago Wedding Photographer | Destination Wedding Photographer
Morgan's on Fulton Chicago Wedding | A Modern Wedding Venue in Fulton Market | Chicago Wedding Photographer | Destination Wedding Photographer
Frankie and Patrick started their wedding day at The Hoxton Hotel. They were both surrounded by family, friends and they even had their sweet pup with them. Frankie had one of my favorite Chicago makeup artists, Joey, doing her makeup alongside Susan Ford and Paide McNalon on hair. Her final custom bridal look was put together by Dominic Lacquaniti. He was there every step of the way, making sure every piece of her gown was fluffed correctly. Dominic Lacquaniti also did Patricks entire groom outfit, so if you are wanting one person to be your sole designer, Dominic Lacquaniti is who you’re looking for. Patrick also had Star Wars cufflinks, which my husband (who second shot this wedding with me) and I completely appreciated.
Patrick was waiting for Frankie outside of the entrance of The Hoxton Hotel for their private first look in the middle of the West Loop. We then strolled around the block for portraits of just the two of them before hopping on a party bus to drive around Fulton Market for wedding party photos with the entire bridal party.
We made sure to capture the Chicago city skyline in the background of their wedding day as this city holds a special place in their heart.
After we roamed around Fulton Market with the bridal party and took photos in the Alleyway across from the Soho House, we strolled over to Morgan’s on Fulton for the wedding ceremony. We took a few photos in the ceremony spaced by the windows while they were able to watch their guests slowly start to arrive outside. At Morgan’s on Fulton, the ceremony space was candlelit with large windows that naturally lit the room as well. It was such a romantic and cozy ceremony with petals that lined the aisle beautifully. After Frankie and Patrick said “I Do”, everyone headed upstairs to enjoy the main selling point of Morgan’s on Fulton, the rooftop event space. It has a clear wall and ceiling that opens up above and on the sides, with a full open balcony wrapped around the reception space, where guests were able to freely roam all night with an outdoor bar on the balcony all evening long. There were also lounge areas with couches that overlooked the Fulton Market area of Chicago, along with the beautiful skyline. At sunrise, everyone headed inside the event space walls for their formal seated dinner table settings for the grand entrance of Frankie and Patrick. They were greeted with a warm welcome from all of their loved ones as they went straight into their cake cutting and first dances.
The way the clear ceiling and walls create a romantic city atmosphere at Morgan’s on Fulton, the guests are able to feel like they were sitting in the middle of the skyscrapers while surrounded by the bustling nightlife below.
There was a lot of dancing, led by the talented Toast and Jam DJ, and Frankie eventually changed into a shorter party dress to easily let loose on the dance floor surrounded by her friends! I love when there is so much joy, smiles and fun on a wedding day! There is something about dancing like no one is watching that really inspires me in people. I love when couples forgot that I’m there and they are just truly enjoying the company of their loved ones and celebrating uninhibited and in their true form. I’m truly grateful to document vibrant wedding days like this one was at Morgan’s on Fulton for this beautiful couple inside and out, Frankie and Pat. x
Wedding Hotel Suites - The Hoxton Hotel Chicago | Wedding Planning - Jessica Levi for Clover Events | Wedding Design - Revel Group | Wedding Florist - Revel Group | Make-up - Joey Claeyssen and Susan Ford Hair | Wedding Hair Stylist - Paige McNal | Custom Wedding Dress - Dominic Lacquaniti | Wedding Shoes - Jimmy Choo | Custom Groom Look - Dominic Lacquaniti | Bride + Groom Rings - Summit Diamonds, Scott Shear | Fulton Market Ceremony + Reception Venue - Morgan's on Fulton | Cocktail Hour + Reception Caterer - Morgan's On Fulton & The Italian Bakery | Wedding Reception DJ - Toast & Jam | Wedding Filmmaker - Kane & Co Wedding Films
Hacienda Siesta Alegre | Puerto Rico Wedding Venue | Destination Wedding Photographer
Hacienda Siesta Alegre | Puerto Rico Wedding Venue | Boho Wedding | Destination Wedding Photographer
Elena and Wesley had the most stunning
tropical destination wedding,
in the heart of Puerto Rico!
Their wedding took place this past December and it was my first time visiting Puerto Rico. I actually flew into Old San Juan on Christmas day. After spending the morning opening gifts and eating a delicious brunch with my family, I set off for a country I’ve been wanting to visit for many years. I took a few days to relax, explore and eat my way through the historic neighborhood of Old San Juan. I really love history, so one of the first places I explored was Castillo San Cristobal — one of the oldest Spanish forts in the New World.
The fact that Puerto Rico’s main airport is so close to Old San Juan makes the country a perfect destination for overseas weddings, offering your guests a chance to take in the city’s many sights, sounds and flavors before celebrating your special day with you.
For destination wedding days, I’m always with you from start to finish to tell your whole story. So, I started the day by capturing Elena getting ready with her girls. There was a gorgeous bridal suite surrounded by greenery at their boho wedding venue, Hacienda Siesta Alegre. The surroundings made you feel like you were on top of the world, with stunning views of the El Yunque rainforest mountain range in the distance. There were so many beautiful corners on the historic hacienda, including arched doorways and French window panes. It made choosing a corner spot for them to read their vows to each other before their ceremony incredibly easy and beautiful.
They had so many unique details, like a cigar bar where handmade cigars were made and given to the guests as favors. Of course, the hacienda had endless places for the bride and groom to take images together with their loved ones. The outdoor reception consisted of beautifully decorated farm tables that surrounded an incredible courtyard with a lovely fountain in the center. The courtyard was lit by string lights that really set the mood for both the reception, and later, an epic dance floor! Their chef, Enrique Piniero, is one of the best chefs in all of Puerto Rico! His food was phenomenal and I highly recommend him if you are going to do a destination wedding in Puerto Rico. I only wish you could taste his food in an image, but you’ll just have to visit and try it for yourself. You won’t be disappointed!
The reception dancing was orchestrated by the top DJ in Puerto Rico, Big J Music, playing the best tunes! He is also another solid wedding vendor choice for your Puerto Rican destination wedding! It’s always great to see a DJ who can read the crowd and keep the guests excited for what song is coming next, and to see everyone’s faces light up and rush to the dance floor!
Elena and Wes also surprised the guests by having Plena music played by an amazing local group, Yuvi Plena! The music was perfect for the setting and every single guest absolutely loved it! They had the crowd doing a dance train around the entire venue and the dancers and instruments were all so entertaining — a perfect complement to the evening, tying in a bit of Puerto Rican tradition for the guests with an exciting twist!
They ended the night surrounded by sparklers and their loved ones! The smiles on their faces said it all. It was truly a beautiful wedding day!
If you’re looking for a venue for your tropical, boho destination wedding, Hacienda Siesta Alegre is one of the best wedding venues in all of Puerto Rico, seriously, just google “wedding venue in puerto rico”, I’m not making that up. Beautifully situated within a national forest, the historic villa and unique architecture of the property make for not only a stunning wedding day, but a truly memorable one.
Ceremony + Reception Venue - Hacienda Siesta Alegre / Wedding Planning - Rosalina Torres / Florist Company - Jat Lozano / Make-up + Hair Artist - Javier Moreno / Brides Dress - Gali Karten / Jewelry - Cassouto Jewels / Shoes - Bella Belle Shoes / Garter - La Gartier Wedding Garters / Bridesmaid Dresses - Show Me Your Mumu / Groom Suit - Suit Supply / Groomsman Suits - The Groomsman Suit / Engagement Ring - Majestic Jewelers / Wedding Band Instagram - Creative Design Jewelers / Caterer - Chef Enrique Piniero / Cake - Gabriel Diaz / DJ - Big J Music / Wedding Filmmaker - The Film Writer / Photo Booth - Flipeate / Pleneros - Yuvi Plena
If you’d like me to capture your wedding day or see if your wedding date is available for 2020 or 2021?
Fill out the form below and I would love to create something beautiful with you!
Here is the amazing film by The Film Writer below!
