It was Kristen and Rob’s wedding day, and I was in the bridal suite at the W Lakeshore hotel as Kristen was getting ready to walk down the aisle. Erin Graham had finished her hair style, and Elena Boodris was just wrapping up the make-up. Only one thing left… the dress!
Kristen was surrounded by her bridesmaids, who were more than happy to help her into the gorgeous Augusta Jones dress.
Kristen’s mom was there, too, beaming proudly as Kristen prepared.
It was time to meet up with Rob, but first, Kristen read a card that her groom had given her.
Rob’s mom watched as Kristen read the card, then gave the bride a hug as she set out for her first meeting with Rob.
One quick shot by the W Lakeshore’s sparkly wall and we hit the road.
Rob, meanwhile, was enjoying a beer with his good buddy Tugboat when they got the call that Kristen was on her way.
They headed out to the street, and Tugboat was the first to spot Kristen.
Kristen couldn’t have been happier to meet up with her two favorite guys.
Careful, Tugboat! It’s too early to get paw marks on the dress!
Kristen got a few congratulatory kisses from her pup…
…and we were off to take some pre-ceremony photos.
Rob’s dad gave his son a big hug before we climbed into the car.
Our first stop was the LaSalle Street bridge.
What gentlemen! The groomsmen help Kristen up onto the railing.
With the shoot at the bridge wrapped, we joined the rest of the wedding party on the bus. One of the groomsmen showed Leah a picture he took while I was photographing Kristen and Rob.
Our next stop was the lily pond at Lincoln Park, where this couple gave us some advice on where to take photos.
They didn’t steer us wrong!
What a gorgeous day to be shooting outside. We decided to take further advantage of the day by moving on to another scenic spot nearby…
North Avenue beach.
The pre-ceremony shoot could’t have been more successful. Everyone enjoyed a round of drinks on the party bus as we made our way to the ceremony venue.
Kristen and Rob held their ceremony and reception at the Museum of Contemporary Art, one of my favorite places to photograph.
And how could I pass up this photo op? Our couple’s moms posed in front of the gigantic, rotating “MOTHERS” sign that was in front of the MCA.
The next three photos are a series that my second photographer for the day, Leah Moyers, captured as Kristen and her father prepared to walk down the aisle.
The ceremony was held in the MCA’s sculpture garden. Everything looked fantastic, due in part to the efforts of Melissa from Clementine Custom Events.
Rob couldn’t keep his eyes off his bride.
She looked gorgeous!
And what an incredible view for a wedding, with some of Chicago’s famous skyscrapers towering nearby.
Kristen and Rob gazed at each other as Kristen’s brother, who served as the officiant, began the ceremony.
Kristen’s two sisters were involved as well, standing by their sister’s side as co-Maids of Honor.
Rob’s dad couldn’t have been happier for his son as the vows were exchanged.
Kristen’s grandmother was seated right up front to witness her granddaughter’s promise to Rob.
The rings were exchanged…
…and they began their marriage with a kiss.
Congratulations!!!
Kristen and Rob’s nephews posed for the camera as they made their way out of the sculpture garden.
Kristen and Rob made their way to cocktail hour to greet their guests while I set out to take photos of the details from the day.
I was in love with the floral displays that flanked the altar. PJ from Studio AG did an amazing job with the wedding florals.
After snapping around the ceremony site, I headed inside the MCA.
The tables were all set up and ready for guests to enjoy the dinner that the chefs from Wolfgang Puck were busing prepping.
Everything looked perfect, and the art hanging on the MCA’s walls was the perfect compliment to the creative table settings.
The guests were all outside, under the moon, enjoying each other’s company in the beautiful weather.
After cocktails, the guests moved into the dining hall. They took their seats just as the staff began to serve the meal.
Kristen’s dad led off the speeches with a loving toast in honor of the newlyweds.
Kristen’s sisters and friends sang a song in her honor. They wrote brand new lyrics to the tune of Wilson Phillip’s “Hold On.” One of my favorites!
Rob’s two best men and told a story from their fraternity days, when Rob and his brothers stole the sweeper from Kristen’s sorority at Indiana University.
Good memories!
When the dinner plates were all cleared, Kristen and Rob enjoyed their first dance together as husband and wife.
Next up, Kristen took the stage with her father.
Rob and his mom had their moment in the spotlight.
Then everyone joined them on the dance floor as Erica from Toast & Jam got the party started!
Things were getting wild!
Rob showed everyone on the dance floor how it was done with his impeccable robot moves.
The two dads took a break from the action for a photo together.
The wedding was a complete success. Earlier that day, I took this photo, featuring the first letter of Rob’s (and now Kristen’s!) last name.
Congratulations, Kristen and Rob! I wish you all the best as you being your life together as husband and wife!