Chelsea and Kevin’s wedding at Civic Opera House wedding was romantic, timeless and felt surprisingly intimate for such a grand space. The Civic Opera Building is quickly becoming one of my favorite Chicago Wedding Venues. I’ve been fortunate to shoot in the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Grand Foyer a few times now for engagement sessions and weddings.
Chelsea got ready at her and Kevin’s beautiful home in Wicker Park with her sisters. The whole morning was super chill. Note to couples: one of the best ways to avoid a stressful or chaotic morning is picking a small wedding party and limiting how many people are in the room while you’re doing hair & makeup. I’m always trying to find new ways to shoot photos that we make week-after-week and I was happy to make in interesting photo of Chelsea laughing while shooting back through the dress.
While I was with the ladies, Lauren was at Hotel Allegro where Kevin was getting ready.
We came together for a first look in the park behind the Chicago History Museum. From there it was an easy walk under Lake Shore Drive to North Ave. Beach for a few portraits. After a couple of other quick portrait stops we met up with the wedding party to pop a bottle of champagne under the veranda outside the Civic Opera Building. Or at least Kevin tried to pop the bottle. It was a screwtop, but made for one of the funniest moments of the day. After a few more Civic Opera House wedding photos outside, we headed into the theatre area and one of the most epic indoor spaces in the city.
The Grand Foyer is a jaw-dropping space and with balconies on three sides and a huge staircase, Lauren and I were busy getting all the angles covered. I think our assistant, Amanda, even made a picture or two during the ceremony!
Following the ceremony, we shot the family photos on the grand staircase while the guests enjoyed cocktail hour upstairs. The reception kicked off with some hilarious toasts by Chelsea’s sisters and Kevin’s best man. After dinner it was time for first dances. Chelsea and Kevin danced with their parents first – which we always recommend as it gives us time to figure out the best angles. I was able to get upstairs during Chelsea and Kevin’s dance to make a really dramatic wide angle photo just as Kevin lifted and spun with Chelsea in his arms! If that wasn’t enough, we even snuck away once more during dancing to make a few more pictures in the theatre.
Thanks again to Chelsea and Kevin for being awesome to work with and totally trusting us to document your Civic Opera House wedding. Lauren, Amanda and I had such a great day with you and your families!
