University Club of Chicago is always such a classic Chicago venue to shoot in. I know vintage, rustic chic is “big” right now, but its refreshing to photograph a classically glamorous wedding reminiscent of yesteryear. The welcoming sight of a fireplace, the warm chime of the dinner bells, and the unsurpassed park views are why so many brides choose this timeless wedding venue to host their wedding reception. When Sara met with me to talk about her wedding photography, I was excited to shoot in the Michigan Room since I had previously shot in Cathedral Hall. You might remember Sarah and her fiance Ryan from their West Loop engagement shoot with their great dane Lucy. When their wedding day arrived, it was one of the most perfect days filled with sunshine. I began shooting in a suite at the hotel within the University Club of Chicago.
After Sarah put on her Vera Wang and Jimmy Choos, we headed downstairs to the grand staircase where Ryan was waiting for a first glance at Sarah.
We journeyed onward via trolley to some preselected locations for photos with the bridal party. While a lot of couples enjoy smiling in front of landmarks, some of the more special moments are the candid ones. I love how Sarah’s attendants are smiling, helping her with her gown, and looking back to see that everything is just right.
The next photo was from an impromptu stop at a location that provided a some urban decay contrast paired with a stunning couple.
If you look closely in the next photo, you can see some of the Occupy protesters in the distance as the bride got her once in a lifetime opportunity to block traffic.
Ryan and Sarah were wed at St. Joseph Church with a packed church full of family who traveled as far from Minnesota, South Dakota, and North Carolina. The bride’s 3rd grade students were also in attendance to see their teacher marry.
Dilly Lily rocked the centerpieces, cake florals, and bouquets with hydrangeas and glass cylinder centerpieces wrapped in leaves. They also added a modern flair to classic glamour providing some tables with the popular floating candles.
Like Cathedral Hall, the Michigan Room has an impressive stone fireplace, rich mahogany walls soaring to a hand-painted ceiling, and signature stained glass windows.
Chicago wedding vendors the bride and groom selected for their wedding:
Ceremony Venue: St. Joseph Church
Reception Venue: University Club of Chicago
Coordinator: Charlotte Dillner-Hasapis
Photographer: Heather Parker Photography
Gown make: Vera Wang
Bridesmaid dresses: Priscilla of Boston
Bridal boutique: Vera Wang Salon Cary, NC
Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Veil: Etsy
Makeup Artist: Linda Giuntini
Hairstylist” Sarah Dowdy
Etsy veil was from Bella Bridal Veils.
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Tuxedos: Formally Modern
Florist: Dilly Lily
Wedding Stationery: William Arthur
What a good looking couple and stunning venue!
Nice work Heather!
Heather, I’ve been patiently for these pictures- the wait was so worth it! Beautiful, uniques pictures of a perfect wedding day. Thank you for taking the time to capture such a stunning couple!
Wow, Heather. Just love these, especially that last shot.
Great! Their exit shot is so classy and classic. Nailed it.
What an exceptionally elegant wedding.
Classic and refined without looking in the least bit stuffy.
Someone even managed to make their bridesmaids look good in purple!
Really beautiful set. I love the directional and targeted light in all of these. They look like they have a spotlight on them!
Wow Heather! These are just stunning and I love that her students were there. How sweet of her to invite them! They’re gonna remember that forever.
Lovely classic wedding – the shot of the bride dancing with her father is very sweet
Their wedding is gorgeous! Great work! Love the shot of him waiting for the first look. Super sweet!
seriously love that first look frame, beautiful!
I love the first look photo, beautiful. The Michigan room looks pretty impressive as well! Great photos.
I love all the pictures so far and can’t wait to see the rest. Sarah and Ryan do make a stunning couple (I’m a bit prejudiced; MOB). Sarah and I came up with the color of the dresses although they were really more of a plum. Heather, your shots are great and I am so glad we chose you to mark one of the most important days in Sarah and Ryan’s life.
I love all the pictures so far and can’t wait to see the rest. I am so glad we chose you to mark a very important day in Sarah and Ryan’s life.
Thank you everyone for such kind words regarding the photos for Sarah and Ryan’s wedding. They were such a great couple to work with and it was perfect weather. The comments really highlight exactly the type of photos I wanted to present to the newlyweds!