I had a blast photographing Brigid and Susan’s engagement session earlier this year, and was very excited to see what fun they had planned for their wedding day. I began the day at Brigid and Susan’s home, where Susan was getting ready. This sign let me know I was in the right place.
Vanessa from Nightingale Beauty was almost finished with Susan’s hair and make-up when I arrived. One final touch… the veil.
Susan’s bridesmaids were hanging out to provide moral support, having already finished their hair and make-up.
Beautiful!
Susan had personalized ‘getting ready’ shirts made for her attendants. Here, Hot Dog poses with her namesake.
Susan dabbed at happy tears, careful not to mess up her make-up, as she took a look at herself just before putting on her dress.
Meanwhile, Brigid and her bridesmaids were having some fun in front of the camera as they got ready.
They were done with time to spare- just enough time for a champagne toast.
Check out Brigid’s socks. She’s an avid music fan who loves to photograph concerts.
There were plenty of hugs to go around…
…and friends to chat with while they waited for the festivities to begin.
And that time was getting very close, as Susan’s mom prepped the gown for her daughter.
Slipping into a gown can be a process, and Susan had plenty of support on hand.
Like a glove! Susan busted out some happy dance moves while her wedding party attended to the details of the dress.
The crew was ready to go!
Susan carefully made her way to the party bus…
…where her mom was ready to get the party started!
Cheers to Brigid and Susan!
The couple had their first look at a favorite watering hole, Jake’s Pub. This is the location of their first kiss!
I love that we were able to work their family and friends into the shot. Even their pup Linus was on hand to witness this special moment!
Look at these two proud, happy mamas!
Even Linus couldn’t contain his happiness.
There were plenty of happy tears from both Brigid and Susan. I may have even leaked a tear or two…
Big kisses from Linus, too!
With the first look officially completed, the gang moved inside the pub for a round of drinks before heading out. Susan’s brother, a true gentleman, held the door for everyone.
Everyone grabbed a drink…
…and some even practiced their dance moves. Just getting warmed up for the party!
One last kiss…
…and then we piled on to the trolley to take some pictures around town.
This group definitely brought the party to the party bus!
The energy remained high as we arrived at our first stop, the LaSalle Street bridge. The following are some of my favorite pictures from this scenic Chicago photo stop.
And we were off again! Next stop…
…family pictures at the Art Institute garden.
Gotta keep that veil in check!
Awww… Linus even had a chance to pose with his grandfather.
Susan was one happy bride. She was glowing for the entire day, especially during our garden shoot. Check out how much happiness she and Brigid radiate through this next series of photos:
Whoops! Those dresses can be hard to maneuver!
We were having a blast, but we were getting close to the ceremony start time.
We made our way back to the party bus…
…and then on to the Bridgeport Art Center where Brigid and Susan held their ceremony and reception.
There was just enough time for a few last-minute adjustments…
…and soon enough, the processional began.
Brigid walked the aisle with her parents…
…and took her place at the front of the room. Brigid’s eyes welled up a bit when she saw Susan at the back of the room.
And Susan lit up as she was escorted down the aisle by her father.
The brides exchanged hugs with their parents….
…and the ceremony began.
The wedding ceremony included readings from family and friends, who were honored to be a part of the marriage.
Linus did a beautiful job serving as ring bearer.
Brigid and Susan delivered their vows, exchanged rings and were declared married.
Congratulations!
Whew! Susan had to take a quick breather after the ceremony.
But not for too long… guests were ready to begin the party! The newlyweds took their seats at the head table, and everyone enjoyed the meal, which was catered by Jewell Events.
After dinner were speeches, which began with a toast from Brigid’s dad.
Susan’s father had everyone laughing during his speech.
Brigid’s friend was up next…
…and Susan’s brother couldn’t help but get a little choked up during his toast.
Next up were the bridesmaids, who gave one of the most creative, funny toasts I’ve seen all year. And that’s saying a lot!
They had the whole room rolling with laughter!
This bridesmaid had some great stories to tell during her speech…
…but it was probably for the best that she chose to save some of the stories for a different day.
Finally, the brides took the microphone to thank everyone for their love and support.
Then the dancing began! Brigid and Susan got the floor warmed up for everyone as they shared their first dance together.
And that floor was warmed all the way up when the conga line formed!
It was a party for the ages, as everyone enjoyed drinks, dancing and each other’s company.
I was feeling the love, too!
Emily from Toast & Jam had everyone bumpin’ and grindin’.
The party was a complete success, due in no small part to the efforts of Kelly from Clementine Custom Events, who helped Brigid and Susan plan the day.
Very impressive!
This party was an absolute rager, and these guests were serving up constant, amazing photo ops.
Brigid was all smiles as she posed with a replica of the Stanley Cup.
The guests were still going full steam as I began to pack everything up to leave.
It was an amazing party… I hope everyone’s recovered by now!
Congratulations on your marriage, Brigid and Susan! I had an awesome time- I’m so happy was able to be a part of your day!