Chicago Wedding Photos : Toni and Alex
I loved shooting Toni and Alex’s Chicago wedding photos. But before we get into it, I have to recall the story of how Toni came into my life.
Late one evening, I got a call from a bride asking me about photographing her wedding. It went something like this:
Me: “John Schnack speaking…”
Bride: “Hi, John, my name is Toni and I am interested in having you photograph my wedding.”
Me: “Great! When is your wedding?”
Bride: “September 21 of this year.”
Me: “Great, I have that date open! Tell me a little more about your wedding.”
Bride: “Well it’s… wait, where are you located?”
Me: “I’m located near San Diego, California.”
Bride: “Oh, the wedding’s in Chicago. Is that okay?”
Me: “Of course!”
Needless to say, I was delighted to shoot be Toni and Alex’s Chicago wedding photos!
Chicago Wedding Photos at the Waldorf Astoria
Toni and her bridesmaids got ready at the iconic Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in Chicago. What a place!
Before her wedding, Toni got ready at the lovely Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, the perfect spot for Chicago wedding photos. Her niece, one of the flower girls, played around in Toni’s veil.
The silhouette of Toni’s gown is gorgeous!
As she gets ready, Toni bathes in gorgeous light at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in Chicago. On the right, we stop for a quick portrait in the lobby.
In the limo ride from the Waldorf to the Museum, the light catches Toni’s face just right.
Chicago Wedding Photos : Ceremony at the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture
With its charming architecture and vast grounds, the Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture is a wonderful Chicago wedding venue.
Toni and her bridesmaids anxiously await guests to the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture for her Chicago wedding.
Alex and Toni’s wedding decor features simple yet powerful elements. For example, this collection of suitcases and a dresser makes a unique statement for guests entering the ceremony. In addition, Toni’s simple bouquet lets her beauty come through.
Toni and her father process down the aisle. Their faces say it all the see each other for the first time.
And just like that, Toni and Alex walk off into the sunset after their ceremony. In true Chicago fashion, the wind caught Toni’s veil.
Bride and Groom Photos in Humboldt Park in Chicago
Across the street from the Cultural Center is Humboldt Park. The Park features a ton of great spots to shoot photos. For example, the gorgeous Formal Garden is amazing for Chicago wedding photos. In addition, the bridge over the stream offers a unique view.
When the light is this good and the couple are this gorgeous, my job is just so easy!
The Formal Garden is full of seasonal blooms and amazing light!
The bridge over part of the lake is absolutely amazing! I love the wind catching Toni’s veil just perfectly.
Wedding Reception at National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture
The ceremony altar doubles as the entrance to the reception site. The courtyard at the Arts and Cultural museum is the perfect spot for a Chicago wedding reception.
I love simple details! For example, the flowers in the delicate vase and the straight-forward menu are wonderful, uncomplicated touches.
Capturing the bride’s reaction to speeches is often more important than capturing the actual speaker!
Toni and Alex’s informal first dance is full of love and warmth.
Toni leads the charge as the dance floor starts to pop!
For their grand exit, Toni and Alex make their way through the arch of sparklers!
Day-After Wedding Shoot on Michigan Ave. in Chicago
When I shoot destination weddings, most of the time I I love to mix in a sexy day-after shoot, and I do this for a few reasons. For instance, many times destination weddings are packed with activities, and a day-after shoot is a great way to wind down and make some romantic images. In addition, we have time and space to explore and make photos we can’t make on the wedding day.
The rooftop bar at my hotel, Drumbar, is a great spot for relaxed day-after photos. For example, the bar offers panoramic views of the city and an amazing fire escape!
In addition, the hotel is right next to Hancock Tower, which makes a great backdrop when photographed from the perfect angle. To round out our day-after shoot, we make the historic Chicago Water Tower the spot for this sexy photo on the right.
Check out more of our destination weddings and then hit me up for a consultation!