Winter weddings can be a challenge for not only a photographer, but also for the ladies in a wedding party. Let’s face it, the groom and his groomsmen get to wear pants, long sleeve shirts, and jackets. A bride and her bridesmaids must face the cold like true champions. The bone-chilling temperatures along with strong wind gusts that only January could offer didn’t throw any curve-balls in the way of Jennifer and Kyle’s wedding. After getting ready at the W Hotel, a pre-planned first look was in order. For those not familiar with this trend in weddings, a first look is a designated time that the bride and groom see each other for the first time, except it happens before the ceremony. The reason the couple chose a first look for their winter wedding is because with a late afternoon ceremony, the sky would be dark and they wanted to have a chance to get some fun wedding photography of the bridal party during daylight hours. After seeing each other for the first time, we all headed to some great locations around downtown to take pictures, including some Rookery wedding photos. A gorgeous ceremony at Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church was followed by a cocktail hour and reception at one of Chicago’s best wedding venues, The Rookery Building. This historic landmark is located downtown in the Loop. Redesigned by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1905, it boasts a glass-encased, sky-lit lobby rich with white Italian marble and gold. The famed oriel staircase on the third floor was not to be missed for classic Rookery wedding photos. The lobby was transformed into a ballroom decorated with classical style. Pastis Designs created towering floral centerpieces which were balanced with drapery and lighting design by Art of Imagination. After guests enjoyed dinner catered by Jewell Events, Arlen Music’s Indigo Band had the dance floor packed for the rest of the night. If you regularly follow my blog, you might recognize a Laura and Mike, whose warehouse wedding I photographed at Gallery 1028. Jennifer and Laura were friends in college, and were guests at each other’s weddings. They had realized without planning to do so, that they hired the same photographer (me)! Onward with Jennfier and Kyle’s Rookery wedding photos!
Wedding Reception Venue: The Rookery
Ceremony Venue: Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church
Caterer: Jewell Events Catering
Florist: Pastis Design
Band: Indigo from Arlen Music
Rookery wedding photos: Heather Parker Photography
Lighting Design: Art of Imagination
Gown make: Manuel Mota for Pronovias
Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Bridal accessory belt: Enzoani
Bridesmaid dresses: J. Crew
wow, very gorgeous venue and you definitely did it justice with your photos heather!
Love the shot with the people running in front of the bridal party… fun moment!
What a fun wedding…you captured so many wonderful images here…well done
wow, super awesome set! I love the ring shot
These are beautiful Heather and that ring shot is knockout!
I really love the lighting in your cake shot, supurb!!!
Heather these are beautiful! Love the ring shot!
Love the moments captured – especially the one of the dads (?) adjusting tie.
You knocked it outta the park Heather. Your use of light is killer, you captured beautiful moments, your details are stunning, and that ring shot is like whoa. Great job.
I love this entire post, but that first photo is so full of win! Great job!
Partying out on the dance floor i love it!
I have to totally agree with Nessa, this entire post is gorgeous, but that first shot is just FREAKING AMAZING!
Staircase shot…LOVE! They didn’t look cold at all!
Amazing. Super well done Heather!
This wedding looks like it was so much fun, great work.
Dramatic lighting. The colors are just vibrant in all your pictures.
That first silhouette really blew me away when I saw it. Well done. It’s gorgeous (and so are the rest).
I adore that shot of them kissing from behind toward the stairs. Awesome work!
Beautiful images! I love the shot of the bridal party on the stairs with all of the people walking by.