I can’t believe we are in a new year, and I’m just now writing about Lauren and Matthew’s drop-dead gorgeous wedding in downtown Chicago last July. These two planned the most incredible wedding weekend, and I am so honored to have been a part of it. 

Lauren and I have known each other for about 15 years, so it was extra special that I was able to photograph her wedding. We danced at the same ballet academy in the Chicago area, and while I went a different path, watching her dance all over the world and then chase every dream that came her way was so special. 

Anywho! Their wedding was epic. Let’s get into it. 

An Adventurous and Breathtaking Downtown Chicago Wedding Weekend

Lauren called me a few months before their wedding to tell me that the venue had changed due to the venue closing its doors…but that they had been moved to the Willis Tower for all events on their wedding day. Talk about a dream venue I didn’t know I had. Their rehearsal was the first time we were all together to see the space, and the 360-degree view of Chicago from the tallest building was a view I’ll never forget. It was just breathtaking. 

Our coverage began with getting ready photos at the Canopy Hotel in the Loop, right across the street from Willis Tower. Lauren and her bridesmaids were having the sweetest time getting ready together— I don’t think I’ve had many as sweet as this. It makes a GIGANTIC difference when your bridal party knows that the day is about YOU. And they are there to support, encourage, assist, hydrate, hype up, all of the above. 

Lots of champagne and laughing, which, in my opinion, is all you need at any given moment in life :) 

Let The Downtown Chicago Wedding Photos Begin!

Once Lauren and Matthew were done getting ready, we brought them down separately to a really badass lounge area on the hotel’s first floor. Their first look was what every first look should be, both of them so excited and ready to start the day together. Photos commenced after this, but we didn’t leave the lounge without these bougie old money photos, which may or may not be in my future gallery wall plans in my office :)

Before our travel to Chicago, I’d had many calls and emails with Lauren and Matthew, mapping out the path for portraits downtown. We hit almost all the really important spots to them, and I couldn’t be more obsessed with their portrait gallery. Also, we walked to all of these locations, and it wasn’t too bad! There were also so many opportunities for street shots, cool doors, and just the in-between moments walking about Chicago. Let’s take it step by step.

Location Options for Your Downtown Chicago Wedding Portraits

Chicago Stock Exchange

**Before we get into this, a disclaimer: I will absolutely stand in the middle of the street, anywhere, anytime, to get a photo. 

The Chicago Stock Exchange is one of the coolest shots in my opinion. I know everyone loves to do it, but I have no shame about loving it. If you get it right, with minimal traffic and good light, it’s just so, so cool. 

Chicago Union Station

I’ve been obsessed with this station since I lived in the area. I’m a huge fan of The Untouchables and Chicago in general. The station’s regal nature and ornate design fascinate me. This was a location that almost didn’t happen, but I’m so glad we made room for it in the timeline. 

• **Quick note- you do need to pay a fee to have a photo pass for any type of professional photography. 

Lauren and Matthew 100% understood the assignment while we were at the station. Again, trusting your photographer and, as a photographer, trusting your clients makes all the difference in the world. 

Jackson Street Bridge

This was a spot that was special to Lauren and Matthew. They walk it often during the week, and it’s a gorgeous view of the river flowing in and through the city. Street photography incorporated into portraits is one of my favorite things, so I’m so, so glad we stopped to take some candids here. 

Special Addition: Do Rite Donuts

Lauren and Matthew’s favorite donut in Chicago was really, really delicious. :) The donut shop is inside Willis Tower, so it was perfect. The mural was perfect. Everything was perfect. Also, having donuts any where and everywhere during your wedding is perfectly okay. Don’t think it’s not. It is. It really is. Everyone will be happy with donuts.

The Skydeck at Willis Tower

When I say that these were photos I didn’t know I needed or wanted, I then became obsessed with…I mean it. It was like I added and checked off a bucket list item all in one go. Photos in the Skydeck are absolutely irreplaceable. You can’t fake them, you can’t find them somewhere else, they’re legitimately irreplaceable. If you’re thinking about adding them to your portraits, this is your sign. I cannot adequately express how much I love these photos, how easy of an experience it was, and how much fun we had with Lauren and Matthew. The entire city is below you, and the images are just stunning. 

Lauren and Matthew’s Downtown Chicago Wedding at the Skydeck at Willis Tower

Once we got back to the Willis Tower lobby, we tackled the bridal party photos, then took the group upstairs to get some variety and finish up. Again, the bridal party was so much fun, and I knew who they were there for. 

Lauren and Matthew built in some pre-ceremony hang time for each of their parties. The girls continued with the champagne tradition, adding in some macaroons :) The guys had the golf simulation going, which sounded like a great way to unwind and relax before a wedding ceremony. 

The ceremony had a breathtaking view of the entire city. The space was on the 67th floor, just above the reception space all the way down on 66. :) After a dear friend read a beautiful piece of poetry, Lauren and Matthew exchanged vows and read letters to each other—I think this is one of my favorite things that couples do for each other in their ceremony. 

The venue made the wedding feel more intimate, even with a larger guest count. And again, the view of the city just made us all feel like we were on top of the world. 

Cocktail Hour and Reception

Family photos followed immediately after the ceremony (much easier to do these after your ceremony if you have a larger family :)), and then we all headed downstairs for cocktail hour. I cannot express enough how gorgeous the reception set up was. Hedonia Flowers in Chicago, and the team at The Metropolitan did an outstanding job. 

The speeches were accompanied by lots of tears, love, and laughter. I love it when the speeches show how much a family loves each other. The words spoken about Lauren and Matthew were filled with memories, hardship, and encouragement. The speeches weren’t generic. They came from deep places and genuine love and care for these two. There’s nothing like being loved and supported by the people you love and support, you know?

I’m going to let the photos below speak to the reception. Matthew’s family is Greek, so you know there was a lot of dancing and a lot of joy :) DJ Persist did a fantastic job, and we left the party still going strong!

If you had asked me two years ago if I would have seen myself capturing this wedding and dancing the night away in Willis Tower, on top of the city…I would have said, “There’s no chance.” I still can’t believe this happened. 

I Hope You Enjoyed Taking a Peek Into Lauren and Matthew’s Downtown Chicago Wedding!

Thank you, Lauren and Matthew, for allowing Dylan and I to photography this day for you. It was truly one for the books. 

And if you’re in Chicago and need a photographer who doesn’t follow tradition, encourages you to do whatever the hell you want, and will be your advocate on your wedding day, the search stops here. Let’s do this together :)

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More from Lauren and Matthew’s reception: