Unless you’re invited to shoot a destination wedding in the Caribbean or sunny California, its rare to have the opportunity to photograph an outdoor wedding ceremony without the worry of rain. A few days before the wedding, I started keeping an eye on the weather, crossing my fingers for sun. They were set to be married with the iconic Chicago skyline as their backdrop at the Adler Planetarium. I arrived to the hotel where Katie was getting ready, amidst downpours but I had a feeling the sun come through within a few hours. The bride and groom had an emotional first glance in the hotel suite before heading out for bridal party photos around town. The rain stopped just in time, and we made stops to some locations that were significant to them. The rain held out and we all made our way over to the Adler Planetarium for their ceremony. At this point, nobody was 100% sure the ceremony would still happen outdoors, but the weather did cooperate. The overcast skies made for what I call perfect “Nantucket lighting.” Their reception followed at the Adler Planetarium as well. By the time the sun was to set, the skies offered the best sunset of the year. The reception was filled with some great toasts and even a surprise visit by the Triallta Irish dance company to entertain everyone.
The wedding vendors that helped make this wedding so special included:
Ceremony Venue: Adler Planetarium (outdoor ceremony)
Reception Venue: Adler Planetarium
Caterer: Food for Thought
Photographer: Heather Parker Photography
Florist: Gratitude Heart Garden
Lighting Design: Frost
DJ: DJ Chicago
Reception Entertainment: Traillta Irish Dancers
Officiant: Father Wayne
Gown make: Lazaro
Bridesmaid dresses: Priscilla of Boston
Earrings: sapphire earrings were a wedding day gift from the groom
Wedding Coordinator/DOC: You’ll Say I Do
Hairstylist: Anna Berman from Emmett Rode Salon
Makeup Artist: Daniel Merced from Bobbi Brown at Bloomingdales
