Eliza and her mom were all smiles as they prepared for the brides’s walk down the aisle. With help from her mom and bridesmaids, Eliza was making sure that every detail was perfect before they left the bridal suite. The excitement was palpable as she slipped into her gown, and after more than a few minutes of adoration from her girls, the bride was ready to go meet up with her groom!
Eliza and Mike had their wedding day first look in the same exact spot where they met up for their first date. So romantic!! I’m sure this will be a special spot for them for years to come. They took their time checking each other out in their wedding day glory, then the entire wedding party headed out for pictures around town.
First stop was Adler Planetarium, with its perfect view of the city skyline. There was barely even a cloud in the sky– a perfect day to shoot in this spot!
We moved further in to the heart of downtown, making a stop at the LaSalle St. Bridge. The wedding party was full of fun and laughter as they posed for photos. It always makes my job so much easier when a group is this full of joy!
And how about this one-in-a-million shot!?!? This guy was cruising by at a fast speed, but I was able (by accident) to photograph his congratulations to Mike and Eliza!
The last stop of our outing around town was at one of the city’s most colorful mosaics.
We arrived at Architectural Artifacts, where Eliza and Mike were having their ceremony and reception, with more than enough time to take pictures around the venue. I was glad that we were afforded the time– there are so many awesome corners and backdrops to include in a shoot!
How about that light?? Beautiful!
Eliza and Mike took a few minutes to prepare themselves for the walk down the aisle while I took pictures of the ceremony site. Everything was in place and looking great, thanks in large part to the efforts of Beth from SQN Events, who helped with all the details.
At long last, it was time to get married! Mike kicked everything off as he walked down the stairs and into the courtyard. Eliza and her parents were the last to walk the aisle, and when everyone was in place, the couple joined hands and the ceremony commenced.
With vows, rings and a kiss exchanged, Eliza and Mike were officially official! The newlyweds walked back down the aisle to the sound of cheers and applause from their guests.
Eliza took a few minutes to freshen up right after the ceremony…
…while guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and drinks at cocktail hour.
When dinner service had concluded, Mike and Eliza shared their first dance together as husband and wife.
Then Eliza’s father took the microphone, kicking off speeches by delivering a toast.
Other members of the bridal party took a turn, too, delivering loving tributes in honor of the couple.
Finally, Eliza and Mike took a few moments to thank their guests for their continued love, support and for joining in the celebration.
Eliza was joined by her father for a parent dance…
…then Mike enjoyed a dance with his mother, as well.
The party kicked in to high gear when everyone else joined in on the dance floor! These guests were ready to party, too, as you’ll see in this collection of images from Mike and Eliza’s dance party:
What a day! These two were ready for a good rest after all the activity. It was a ton of fun- thank you for including me, Mike and Eliza! Congratulations on your marriage!
