Alyse & Brandon were married at Gwen Hotel in an intimate rooftop ceremony overlooking Michigan Ave. and the Magnificent Mile.
I spent the morning hanging out with Alyse and her ladies in a gorgeous suite – it was actually the suite attached to the patio where the ceremony was. The morning was a ton of fun with champaign popping and lots of laughs. Mark started the day with the guys at Brandon’s condo.
When everyone was dressed and ready we met just down the street from The Gwen on the backside of the Wrigley Building for a first look. It was a new spot for me that I found during a scouting trip after their venue walkthrough, and it worked perfectly. It was quiet, clean and close to the Riverwalk.
After first look we walked over to the plaza on Michigan Ave. overlooking the Chicago River. We shot some wedding party portraits as well and then moved down the riverwalk. Along the way we found some great pockets of light. I love shooting in the fall downtown because the light reflects off the buildings creating new opportunities all the time.
In Chicago, it’s rare to be able to walk to all our locations and not have to take some kind of transportation – but it was really great. Once we were back in the suite we pulled the family together for the formal group photos then it was time for the ceremony. Rev. Dennis Condon led the ceremony and, as always, did a great job.
Jared with DJ Chicago introduced the wedding party into the reception and after a quick cake cutting we heard some very sweet (and funny) toast. After dinner it was time for dancing, starting with Alyse & Brandon. I loved the candle lights in the space and the purple uplighting! Thanks to Carla of Elena’s Garden Floral Design and Event Planning for all her help during the day and making sure we finished the evening with a night portrait back on the rooftop patio.
Thanks so much to Alyse and Brandon for letting us document your day and all your beautiful moments!
