I flew to Chicago for C + S wedding at Cafe Brauer, an absolutely iconic and show stopping venue right in Lincoln Park, surrounded by nature and views of the city. I have shot at least 10 weddings at Cafe Brauer over the last 5 or 6 years and each time I discover something a bit different. For the first time in years I do not have a Cafe Brauer wedding on my books for 2026 or 2027 (moving to California a few years back may be partly why!!). So for now, C + S will be my last couple at this venue. At least for now!! But if you are seeing this, I still fly back to Chicago regularly for weddings so we can make it happen.
Also shout out to my amazing second @samanthaelizabethcreative for her stunning eye. She took a lot of photos in this post and I even ended up buying one of the film cameras she had because I was obsessed with the images. The thing about me is I only hire the best for your wedding day to work along side me.
Photography: @hannawalkowaik
Planner: @simplyelegantxo
Hair: @tamaraholdenhair
Makeup: @makeupbyamericaf
Floral: @valeofenna
Caterer: @jandlcatering
Venue: @tigerlilyevents // Cafe Brauer
Music/DJ: @okynemedialab
Brides Dress Designer + Shop: @martinalianabrida@mira_couture
Grooms Suit Designer + Shop: @suitsupply
Brides People Attire: @birdygrey
Grooms People Attire: @theblacktux
Invitation: @evrpaper
A classic celebration at the University Club of Chicago. Spending a day soaking in the unique history of this venue combined with the joy of Stevie & Max with their friends and families was such a privilege. Historic architecture, candlelit tables, and a room full of people who adore these two! It was truly the perfect setting for a timeless wedding day in Chicago.
It’s always an honor to be trusted with documenting a day like this!
Planning | @clementinechicago@graceannmags
Venue | @universityclubofchicago@uccweddings
Florals & Lighting | @valeofenna
Photographer | @kristencloydphotography
Videographer | @oldnorthfilmco
Hair | @emilyraebridalhair
Makeup | @alyssadianamakeup
Music | @greenlightchicago
Stationer | @lewesletteringco
Dress Designer | @leaannbelterbridal
Chicago wedding photographer University Club of Chicago wedding venue
Spring weddings in Chicago can be a gamble… but Emily & Connor absolutely hit the jackpot.
March gave us one of those rare perfect days — warm light, clear skies, and the kind of easy energy that makes photographing a wedding feel effortless.
We started the day bouncing between the Wrigley Building and the Honeycomb in Lincoln Park, soaking up some incredible light before heading to Café Brauer — one of those classic Chicago venues that never goes out of style.
Emily & Connor (and their whole crew) kept the vibe exactly how I love it: relaxed, joyful, and fully present with their people. The result? A day full of authentic moments, big laughs, and a dance floor that stayed packed all night.
And always a pleasure collaborating with Jenny (@bluemooneventschicago ) again — weddings just run better when great vendors are behind the scenes making the magic happen.
While I’m at it… happy anniversary, Emily & Connor! 🥂
Vendor Team:
Planner: @bluemooneventschicago
Venue: @tigerlilyevents / Cafe Brauer
Florals: @valeofenna
Music: @thedjfirm
Styling: @leesib@ramsaymarstonhair
Dress: @bellableubridal
Video: @idovideobyleo
#chicagoweddingphotographer #weddingphotojournalist #chicagowedding #cafebrauerwedding #lincolnparkwedding #documentaryweddingphotography #realweddingmoments #chicagoweddingvendors #springwedding #candidweddingphotography
When the wedding is so classically timeless, and the photography just as timeless, you’d never know this was photographed 8 years ago 😮♥️ and I’m still just as proud of it. #chicagoweddingphotographer
Still thinking about these beautiful, colorful florals. Stephanie described her wedding aesthetic as “springtime whimsy,” and @vaneofenna brought that vision to life perfectly.
I always encourage my couples to share mood boards with me before their wedding or session. While I have my own shooting style, every couple has their own vision and priorities for how they want their day remembered. Some care most about family moments, some want every detail documented, and some want photos that simply show how in love they are.
I photograph every wedding with the full story in mind, while staying true to what matters most to each couple.
Planning: @veronicaroseplanning
Photography: @melissaferraraphoto
Florals: @valeofenna
Venues: @loftlucia@maxwellstrading
Catering: @cocinafusioncatering
Band: @sorryforpartyingmusic
Bakery: @ecbg_studio
Hair + Makeup: @windycityglam
Officiant: @rev.bradhughes@stephinfection1@joe_chuck_meyer
#chicagoweddingphotographer #chicagowedding #weddinginspo #colorfulwedding #weddingdecor