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Bridgeport Arts Center Sculpture Garden Wedding

Bridgeport Arts Center Sculpture Garden Wedding. I was super excited to shoot with Rachael and Zach for their wedding day. They had picked out the most beautiful locations for their special day in Chicago and I just couldn’t wait!

Getting Ready for Chicago Wedding

Rachael got ready at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Hotel, while Zach was in this amazing Airbnb. Detail shots are also an absolute must have as well. I love starting off with detail shots because you’re really able to showcase small details that hold so much meaning. Some things to include in your detail shots are things such as: your shoes, rings, invitations and jewelry. It’s a great way for us photographers to warm up on your big day, but also have photos of your keepsakes. Next, we popped some champagne and took some more photos with Rachael and her bridesmaids. Whether it be popping champagne, sitting with your people in matching robes or throwing confetti in the air, it always works for a good photo op. It really gives some fun vibes on your wedding day, aside from the typical smile at the camera.

Rachael then got into her dress and took photos in front of these beautiful windows in the hotel. I absolutely loved this hotel room mainly for the incredible Chicago views from the beautiful large windows. I highly recommend this hotel for anybody looking for amazing views. They also have a great lobby for any last minute inclement weather changes. Which actually we used since it did rain the morning of their wedding day!

First Touch

After both Rachael and Zach got ready, we did something a bit different. Opting out of the traditional first look, they went for a first touch. They stood on either side of a wall, holding hands, and exchanged written letters. It was such a beautiful and intimate moment for both of them. A first touch is a great option for any couple wanting to talk before their ceremony, but don’t want to see each other just yet. You’re able to still get the intimacy with a first look but add just a hint of mystery and suspense until they actual ceremony. It can really make for some breathtaking photos and I was so obsessed. While I do love first looks, incorporating a first touch as an alternative is always a good alternative.

Bridgeport Arts Center Sculpture Garden Wedding

After their first touch and bridal party photos, we made our way over to the ceremony location at the Bridgeport Arts Center Sculpture Garden. I absolutely love this location and it’s truly one of a kind. They have a beautiful skyline loft which has beautiful Chicago skyline views. You can use the skyline loft for you ceremony and reception and it’s just breathtakingly beautiful. In the summertime, the sculpture garden is open and it’s covered so you can still go in even if it’s raining. So much natural light comes into the sculpture garden and it’s beautiful. So much so, that even if you’re stuck inside, it still feels like you’re outside. The space truly is a mix between elegance and those industrial Chicago vibes which I absolutely love. A stunning chandelier paired with the accent of the brick and grand curtains makes for an incredibly beautiful ceremony location.

After the ceremony, of course we had to capture their grand exit. We had everybody blowing bubbles as they walked out and it was such a fun and different way to capture a ceremony exit. We then hopped on a party bus where of course I had to get some shots of the bridal party partying and celebrating! All of us headed over to the Wrigley Building where we got some photos of the bridal party and of Rachael and Zach. The Wrigley Building is always one of my favorite places to shoot because it has so many amazing Chicago views.

River Roast Reception

Finally, we arrived at River Roast where Rachael and Zach made their grand entrance. They went straight into their first dance which actually, they did all of their dances outdoors, which I loved. If you’re at the River Roast, take advantage of the beautiful outdoor space that they have because it’s one of the only ones that is like that here in Chicago. Next was speeches and then of course we had to get the incredibly beautiful night portraits. Night shots are my all time favorite, so if I’m your photographer lets PLEASE do some night portraits. You’re able to leave your reception a bit and have some alone time with your partner and it’s a great way to end your wedding day.

Overall, Rachael and Zach had the most epic and beautiful wedding day’s ever. From the incredibly beautiful ceremony at the Bridgeport Arts Center to the incredible portraits at the Wrigley Building to their reception at the River Roast, it was just the most perfect day. Congratulations R+Z!!!

If you loved this Bridgeport Arts Center Sculpture Garden Wedding with Rachael and Zach, then you’re going to LOVE this Greenhouse Loft Wedding!

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