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 Jennifer 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