Cafe Brauer Chicago Wedding - Emily & Connor

Apr 2

Photographing a Cafe Brauer Wedding

Emily and Connor’s spring wedding at Café Brauer in Chicago was an unforgettable celebration filled with love, laughter, and stunning cityscapes. From an emotional first look to a high-energy reception, their day was the perfect blend of elegance and fun.

Getting Ready at the Ritz-Carlton

Both Emily and Connor prepared for their big day at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, a fitting setting for the occasion. In a private room at the hotel, the couple shared a deeply personal first look. Connor’s reaction was priceless—tears filled his eyes as he saw Emily in her wedding dress for the first time. They then took a moment to privately read their vows to each other, a new tradition that allows couples to share their promises in an intimate setting before the ceremony. I kept a respectful distance, capturing them without disrupting the moment.

Wedding Party Portraits Around Chicago

After the first look, we ventured out into the city for wedding party portraits, and we were so lucky to have a picture-perfect spring day—sunny and not too cold. Our first stop was the iconic Wrigley Building, a Chicago classic. The natural light, the Chicago River, and the historic architecture made for perfect backdrops. The spring light was a ton of fun to work with. From there, we headed to the Lincoln Park Nature Boardwalk, where the skyline views from the bridge and the Honeycomb sculpture provided for some fun photo opportunities. Emily and Connor’s wedding party really brought an infectious energy that made capturing the day effortless.

The Ceremony and Reception

The ceremony took place at Café Brauer, one of Chicago’s most popular and beloved wedding venues. The historic building, with its grand open space and warm, inviting ambiance, set the perfect tone. The decor featured glowing candlelight and elegant white rose centerpieces, adding a timeless and romantic touch. The couple exchanged traditional vows during their Jewish ceremony in front of family and friends, making it official in a place that felt both intimate and grand.

The reception was just as lively as it was beautiful. As Emily and Connor made their grand entrance, their wedding party formed a human arch, and the couple ran through to the sound of the Chicago Bulls theme song—setting the stage for an unforgettable night. Later, during the hora, Connor fully embraced the tradition, swinging his napkin above his head as he was lifted into the air. The energy was electric, with guests dancing the night away beneath the twinkling lights of Café Brauer.

Special Moments & Gratitude

One of the most special aspects of this wedding was seeing multiple former clients in attendance. It’s always an honor to photograph a couple’s big day, but when past couples refer me to their loved ones, it’s the highest compliment I can receive. I also want to give a huge shoutout to Jenny MacBeard of Blue Moon Events for her impeccable planning—everything ran seamlessly, allowing Emily and Connor to enjoy every moment.

Emily and Connor’s wedding was a perfect reminder of why I love being a wedding photographer. Their day was filled with meaningful moments, classic Chicago scenery, and unforgettable celebrations. Wishing them a lifetime of happiness!