Chicago Wedding Photography at the Mid-America Club – Lindsay and Stuart

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From the depths of the deep forests in the Pacific Northwest to the top of the Chicago skyline, Lindsay and Stuart’s love has swept the country, taking the couple (and their adorable pooch) for the ride of their lives and giving us the opportunity to photograph their transcontinental love.  Lindsay and Stuart first met in college and discovered that their feelings for each other were more than just friendly.  They began dating, and when things started to get serious, they got an apartment together in Seattle.   After five years spent getting to know everything about her, Stuart realized that Lindsay was the woman with whom he wanted share the rest of his life.

The Pacific Northwest is an absolutely gorgeous part of the country, with mountain ranges and miles of forests flanked by stretches of beach along the Pacific coast, and Stuart and Lindsay frequently go for drives to appreciate the beautiful landscape – the perfect time for Stuart to pop the question.  On a spur of the moment (at least to Lindsay) drive down to Canon Beach on Labor Day weekend, Stuart quickly set up the video camera to capture Lindsay’s response while she was preoccupied trying to photograph Haystack Rock.  She turned around to find Stuart down on one knee, ring box in his hand and a smile on his face.  With tears in her eyes, she responded to his question with a joyful yes while their puppy, Halstead, did his best to destroy the evidence.  Check out the video – complete with slobbery dog kisses – here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vefEGyvDbk

When we met up with Lindsay at the Swissotel Chicago the morning of the wedding, the temperatures were nice and cool compared to some of the scorching days earlier in the week and the sky was perfectly overcast – wedding photographers love cloudy days because the clouds provide natural soft box lighting and nobody squints.  Brittani from Pin Me Up Chicago had just finished taming Lindsay’s long hair into loose, romantic waves and it was time for her to slip on her gorgeous gown and slide on her purple ruffled Ann Marino pumps.  On the other side of the Swissotel, Stuart clasped his cufflinks and knotted his tie while keeping a careful watch on the weather outside.  He gathered the bridal party onto the trolley and departed for Waveland Park.  Moments after the group arrived, Lindsay pulled up in a classic Chicago taxi for their First Look at Belmont Harbor.

After they admired each other’s’ wedding finery, we headed off for some fun bridal party portraits around downtown Chicago.  Our stops included Millenium Park, Chicago’s famous LaSalle Bridge, and the Chicago Cultural Center.  We had so much fun with Lindsay and Stuart and their awesome friends, especially during the playground photos.

Stuart and Lindsay had reserved the Mid-America Club on the 80^th floor of Chicago’s Aon Center for their wedding and reception, treating guests to sweeping panoramic views of downtown Chicago.  The staff from Drish Couture Events were there coordinating the wedding preparations and assisting Derrick Taylor with design and Lindsay’s aunts with the florals.  We returned from our photo session and Lindsay and Stuart went to their holding rooms as guests started to arrive.

On the upswing of the hour, the musicians from Parkwest String began their lovely melodies and Lindsay, joined by her mother, made her way down the aisle her waiting groom.  The couple was married in a touching ceremony under the soft glow of the chuppah.  Halstead – the same pooch who almost sabotaged their engagement video – was their charming ring bearer.

After the ceremony, guests adjourned to the lounge for the cocktail hour, followed by a swanky reception in the Burnham Ballroom.  Stunning crystal chandeliers softly lit the room and the black chivari chairs provided a bold contrast to the gray tablecloths and green orchid centerpieces.  After a few heartwarming and amusing toasts and speeches, Style Matters DJs opened up the dance floor for Lindsay and Stuart’s first dance together, followed by the parent dances and open dancing for all.  Everybody had a fantastic time celebrating into the night as the lights of Chicago came to life below.

Lindsay and Stuart, thank you both so much for giving us the opportunity to photograph your wedding and participate in your special day.  We promise to stop by and visit your family of three next time we visit the Pacific Northwest!

If you are looking for a wedding photographer in Chicago to capture the memorable moments at your wedding, and interested in our availability and pricing, please drop us a line using the online inquiry form here.