Elena was so ready to get the party started and walk the aisle with Zach. I was ready for all the fun, too, as I joined Elena and her bridesmaids at The Robey where they were making their preparations. There were just a few more details to be tended to, then Elena would be set.
Zach was ready to get to the celebration, too, and both he and Elena couldn’t hold in their excitement when they saw each other. The day had finally arrived!
After a few pictures on the hotel roof, with its fantastic view of the city, we rounded up the wedding party and headed out for pre-ceremony portraits.
We headed out to the first few locations on foot, making use of the backdrops offered up by Wicker Park.
This guy made sure to give his whole-hearted congratulations to the couple.
Next up: snacks! Elena and Zach grabbed some fuel for the road…
…plus a few other essentials before heading out for the next round of photos.
This corner is in the neighborhood where Zach and Elena used to hang out together when they first met.
And in the West Loop, not too far away from their old neighborhood, is one of my favorite places to shoot.
We began to make our way to the venue and stopped by some murals that caught our eye.
Guess who was waiting for us at the venue? The wedding party was ready for their turn in front of the camera.
One last picture before heading inside for the ceremony.
Elena and Zach had their ceremony and reception at Ovation. The sun was just beginning to set when the big event began, filling the room with gorgeous light, and the ceremony was full of meaningful, heartfelt moments. I couldn’t have gone any more perfectly!
With vows, rings and a kiss exchanged, Zach and Elena were married. Congratulations!
The newlyweds made their way down the aisle, met with applause from their loved ones.
Two very special guests – Zach and Elena’s pups – had to leave right after the ceremony, so they wanted to be sure to get some family portraits taken before they left.
Look at that snuggly face!
While we were outside taking pictures, guests were inside enjoying cocktail hour. Soon after, everyone filed in to the dining room, found their seats, and dove into a delicious meal.
While guests finished dinner, Elena’s mom took to the microphone with a speech in honor of the couple.
Next up was Elena’s Maid of Honor with her toast…
…and then Zach’s Best Man gave his tribute to his friends.
When speeches were completed, the newlyweds stepped onto the floor and shared their first dance as a married couple.
Zach danced with his mother…
…and then everyone hit the floor to begin the dance party. This crew was ready to party, too, as you’ll see in this collection of images from the celebration:
What a party!! Thank you for including me in on the fun, Elena and Zach… congratulations on your marriage!
