Taylor and Dan’s wedding day had finally arrived! They had a full day of fun and festivity planned and I was very excited to be spending it with them. Things got started at Taylor’s AirBnb as she made her preparations. Her mom and sister were there, too, lending their hands as the bride slipped into her dress.
The last thing Taylor did before heading out was open the card and gift Dan had gotten for her…
…she was definitely touched by Dan’s words!
Meanwhile, Dan was at the home he shares with Taylor, hanging out with his groomsmen. After a toast and a quick glass of champagne, the group of guys left for the designated first meeting spot.
Dan and Taylor held their ceremony and reception at Salvage One, and decided to hold their first look in the venue’s courtyard. As Dan stood waiting for Taylor, he got a surprise…
…a bird pooped on his jacket! It’s good luck, though, right!?!?
Undeterred, the couple were all smiles as they shared their first look. Dan couldn’t keep his eyes off of Taylor. They were so happy and very much ready to walk the aisle, but first, we took a few pre-ceremony portraits.
The wedding party joined in for a group shot before we left to take photos around the city.
First stop: Kinzie Street Bridge. This was such a fun group to work with- I had a great time posing them among the rafters. I was especially impressed when one of the groomsmen climbed up the beams to perch above the rest of the group for a few pictures!
Next, we headed back into the west loop, stopping at some of my favorite locations in the area.
And of course I took Taylor and Dan to the empty lots by the railroad tracks. The couple and their wedding party were unafraid to climb up piles of rocks or jump up right next to the tracks…. it made for some fantastic portraits!
We had plenty of time left to take pictures around the venue, and I think we made great use of that time! I could spend an entire day shooting around Salvage One and still have backdrops left unused.
Finally, the time had come for the ceremony to begin. Taylor’s mom helped the bride with her veil, and after a few final touches, the bridal party was ready to go.
Taylor’s nephew, who’s quite the explorer, crawled under the dress…
…while her niece received one of her first lessons about applying lip gloss.
Taylor was escorted down the aisle by her father as Dan watched from the front of the room. Once the two were together and everyone was seated, the ceremony began. It was a beautiful ceremony, too, filled with love and meaning.
With rings, vows and a first kiss exchanged, Taylor and Dan were officially married! After making their exit down the aisle, the two snuck away for a few moments alone together after the ceremony.
While the newlyweds enjoyed their drinks…
…I set out to take pictures of the reception details. There were so many personalized touches Taylor and Dan put in place. Place settings, floral arrangements, table numbers- everything was unique and gorgeous!
After cocktail hour, guests made their way upstairs to be seated for dinner. Soon after that, Taylor and Dan made their big entrance. Once the couple was seated, friends and family took to the microphone to give speeches.
The maid of honor was up first, followed by Dan’s best man.
Then Taylor’s Dad and sister had loving words of advice for the newlyweds.
Finally, Taylor and Dan took the microphone to thank guests for spending the day with them.
The couple warmed up the dance floor with their first dance together.
And then the two danced with their parents; Taylor partnered up with her father and Dan joined his mother for a spin around the floor.
Then everyone hit the dance floor! These guests were ready to celebrate, too, as you’ll see in this collection of images from Taylor and Dan’s dance party!
Taylor works for Fig Catering alongside Molly, pictured here. Fig did all the catering for the wedding!
What a party! Thanks for sharing it with me, Taylor and Dan, and congratulations on your marriage!
