Brenna & Reuban’s winter wedding at InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile was elegant, sophisticated and beautiful. The InterContinental Hotel has been one of my favorite places to recommend for couple’s wedding day preparations, so I was excited to shoot my first ceremony and reception in the space.
Brenna and her bridesmaids got ready in the Presidential Suite and wow, what a space! With two stories and 1700 sq. feet we had plenty of room for all the morning’s activities. I especially loved having the upstairs bedroom when it came time to put the dress on. The window light in there was amazing! And Brenna walking down the stairs to her bridesmaids reaction was perfect.
Meanwhile, Justin was with Reuben and the guys getting ready a few floors away. We met them just outside the hotel for a quiet first look before heading down Michigan Ave. toward the riverwalk. We had just enough snow on the trees and bushes to remind us it was winter, and luckily, the temps were warm enough to be outside long enough to make some portraits in different locations.
After the outdoor portraits, we headed back inside to shoot the formal family groups and get ready for the Ketubah signing. Then it was time for the ceremony in the Grand Ballroom – and grand might be an understatement. With the largest chandelier I’ve ever seen and incredible balcony circling the space, it was a perfect ceremony location. We had just enough time before the reception to sneak outside for an iconic portrait down Michigan Ave. with the winter twinkle lights and even a little snow coming down.
The reception kicked off with Brenna and Reuben’s first dance and went straight into the Horah. The photo above of Brenna and Reuben above might just be my best Hora wedding photo. We paused the dancing for a Challah blessing from all four parents and a joint toast by Brenna’s sister Sarah and the best man. The dance floor opened back up with the parent dances and rocked the night away. I loved the impromptu limbo line with somebody’s belt. I can’t wait to shoot another Wedding at Intercontinental Chicago Magnificent Mile!
Thanks again to Brenna and Reuben for an amazing day and letting us document your day. It was a blast working with you and your family. We love when a couple trusts our vision and we couldn’t have picked a better couple to cap off our 2018 wedding season!
