A winter Chicago City Hall wedding with portraits at the Chicago Cultural Center, Union Station, and the Board of Trade. See how a downtown courthouse wedding can feel timeless, stylish, and unmistakably Chicago.
A Rainy City Hall Elopement in Chicago
A couple flew in from Texas to elope in Chicago — no big production, just a sleek, modern day built around architecture, mood, and a little rain that followed us everywhere.
They got ready at the Chicago Club Association. The space is classic, but the rooms are small, and the photo permit fee is the highest in the city. Beautiful for details, but not something I’d recommend for getting-ready photos unless you’re fully prepared for tight quarters.
We stopped at the Chicago Cultural Center, made our way to the Board of Trade, and ended at City Hall for their ceremony. It rained all day but honestly it added to the story and felt more real than anything, They always say its good luck for rain on your day. it washes away all the sin.
City Hall was busy, you never know what you will get there. Waiting was a little more fun to add to all the stories for everyone in there.
A Chicago elopement doesn’t need perfect weather or an empty street. It just needs two people who are all in ,the rest falls into place.
In the Clouds: Izabel & Tony’s Vow Renewal at Christ the Redeemer
I photographed Izabel and Tony Olson’s vow renewal in Rio de Janeiro, a celebration recently featured in Modern Luxury Weddings. Izabel and Tony first met at Carnivale in Rio 20 years ago. They married in 2008, built remarkable careers here in Chicago, Izabel as the founder of Salt & Light Coalition, a nonprofit for survivors of human trafficking, and Tony as CEO of Webster Capital.
The day started with a sunrise ceremony at the base of Christ the Redeemer, surrounded by clouds and sweeping views. Their children delivered personal speeches before guests joined in a prayer tunnel, a moment that set an emotional tone for the day.
By evening, the celebration moved to Fasano Hotel, where guests dressed in all white while Izabel stood out in a crystal-embellished Dolce & Gabbana mini. Their nine-year-old daughter surprised them with an original song, a highlight that drew both tears and applause.
Photographing events like this, where personal history, style, and meaningful locations come together is exactly why I do what I do. My role is to create images that feel as intentional as the day itself, whether it’s a destination vow renewal in Rio or an intimate wedding close to home.
Read the full feature here: In the Clouds: Izabel & Tony – Modern Luxury Weddings
WEDDING VENDORS
Venue & Catering Fasano Hotel, fasano.com.br/en
Wedding Planner Manu Gonçalez, instagram.com/manugoncalez
Bride’s Dresses Vivienne Westwood, viviennewestwood.com; Dolce & Gabbana, dolcegabbana.com
Groom’s Suit Tom Ford, tomford.com
Rings Ring Concierge, ringconcierge.com
Florals & Decor Patricia Vaks, instagram.com/ patriciavaks
Videographer Gabriel Queiroz Films, gabrielqueirozfilms.com
Photography Victoria Chukarov, victoriacphotos.com
A WINTER WEDDING BY THE LAKE
The Midwest has not gotten a lot of snow this season, but we were graced with two beautiful snow storms right before Christmas and just recently in mid January.
If you have followed my photography journey, you will know just how much I love shooting in fresh falling snow. Imagine my delight as I was heading to shoot a beautiful wedding by the lake in Wisconsin, and the snow started to fall.
I was honored the lovely couple trusted me with my vision of capturing some sacred moments outside in the snow embracing the elements and natural beauty for the sake of the shot. These might just be some of my favorite images caught on film. Developing that relationship with my clients is one of my favorite parts if what I do. Bringing out the essence of the moment and the joy of the newly married couple.
Natasha and Marco
Natasha is an incredibly talented artist and when she asked me to photograph their wedding I was so flattered. Natasha and Marco had a huge map mural that was perfect for the setting of some of the photos, along with the map they had these deep teal chairs. I couldn’t make this up in my dreams if I wanted to. Their big fat Serbian wedding featured all the traditions, parade, pig roast and plenty of rakija to go around.
Ivana and Bati
Serbian weddings are by far my favorite to be a part of. Imagine, multiple days of celebrating and always surrounded by music and dance. The wedding day itself is day two, it starts with a parade and bartering for the bride! The groom comes with all his friends and family, along with a flag bearer. The Bride is hidden in the house with her bridesmaid who are preventing any of the grooms men getting in, and basically STEALING her or getting any of the bridesmaids shoes. Usually the best man is the one to negotiate a price for the bride. All while swapping back a flask ( buklijaš ) filled with rakija - a Serbian home made brandy. Once they’ve reached an agreed price, the bride is then brought out and the party starts. Amazing right?
Ivana and Bati are the two most fun beautiful souls and I couldn’t have wished for this kind of couple to contact me. Not only did I enjoy their day ( probably as much as they did), but I got to capture their love story.
Farris Wedding
I hope you have been keeping up with my Sarah posts in the past, that include her and her pup-Tucker. Sarah is just an all out beautiful person and I feel lucky to know her. I cried during her maid of honors speech, her best friend spoke of all the wonderful things that make her such a great person. Nick and Tucker will be well taken care of. Check out the post on their engagement because its such a wonderful story of how 4 generations of women in her family have touched one dress. Click here for that story.
