It was Katie and Steve’s wedding day, and everyone was on their best behavior… including their pup, who was hanging out with the girls while they got ready.
The stylists from Sonia Roselli had finished with everyone’s hair and makeup, and there was plenty of time left for mimosas. Bride Katie, seen here, was the first to take a sip.
Slow down, girls! There’s still a lot of party left to go!
Katie’s girls gathered around as the dress was prepared.
And the bride’s mom was on hand to help Katie slip into her gorgeous dress.
There were just a few final details to attend to, like the bracelet…
…and earrings before the bride was ready to walk the aisle.
Look at that face! Katie and Steve’s bulldog paid close attention as her owner packed up things to leave.
Perfection! Katie was absolutely glowing as we left the Palmer House and headed out for the church.
On the trolley, the bridesmaids gathered in for a group picture.
Steve’s mom was smiling from ear to ear- she couldn’t have been happier that day.
Whew! Katie took a deep breath before going in to the church.
A few minutes later, Steve was approaching the altar, escorting his mother and father.
He took his place in front and watched as Katie made her entrance.
Katie was escorted down the aisle by her parents.
After the two joined at the altar, the priest began the ceremony.
The vows and rings were exchanged…
…and then the priest declared them to be husband and wife.
Congratulations, Steve and Katie!
They bounded out the front doors of the church…
…and were greeted by their favorite four-legged friend.
Lots of kisses all around!
We didn’t waste any time jumping onto the trolley to take some pictures around town before heading to the reception.
First stop was the LaSalle Street Bridge, one of my favorite spots.
After a portrait of the entire wedding party we climbed back on the trolley…
…and headed over to the west loop neighborhood.
The whole gang ventured out into the empty lot by the Metra tracks for a round of pictures.
They even braved the (somewhat) treacherous climb onto the ledge next to the tracks.
One more group shot…
…and then it was time to head to Salvage One for the reception. This group was ready to party!
Katie and Steve asked to take a few pictures around the venue before joining their guests for cocktails, and I was happy to oblige.
We even had time for a round of skee-ball!
Meanwhile, the guests were mingling and enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, courtesy of Food for Thought.
I headed upstairs to take pictures of the details before dinner was served…
…and found a few of the bridesmaids taking a break. Can’t blame ’em! It had been a busy day!
The tables were set and the dining room looked amazing. Every table featuring a picture of their beautiful pup. Lori from LOLA Event Productions helped Katie and Steve organize all these wonderful details!
I loved the unique floral design, too. The arrangements at each table- along with the florals for the rest of the day- were done by Rachel of HMR Designs
Their signature cocktails looked amazing… too bad I was on the clock!
The guests filed in and took their seats for dinner, but were quick to rise to their feet when the newlyweds made their big entrance.
Katie’s dad was the first to take the microphone and begin the toasts.
Katie’s maid of honor was up next with her speech in honor of the couple.
The best man’s speech had everyone in stitches…
…and the happy couple wrapped things up by thanking everyone for sharing the day with them.
The two joined each other on the dance floor shortly after to share their first dance.
Katie’s father had his turn, too, as they shared a father/daughter dance.
Steve and his mother shared a dance as well.
And then everyone hit the dance floor!
Dustin from Toast & Jam had everyone excited and ready to dance! The following is a collection of some of my favorite dance pictures from the night.
Congratulations on your marriage, Katie and Steve! Thank-you for sharing your big day with me!
