Photographing a Newberry Library wedding:

Alev & Gil were simply wonderful to work with and photograph. They brought an easy going and overall fun attitude to their wedding day, and from start to finish they were full of smiles, laugher and love. It was truly amazing and an honor to witness their traditions, families and communities come together to celebrate!

From the moment I met with Alev and her family at the Sofitel Hotel, I could tell it would be an awesome day. All generations of women in her family were there, and there were so many great sparks of emotion between them. I have to say I think some couples are so lucky to have their grandparents involved in their wedding. From my experience, the older family members are having the most fun.

After capturing the couple separately, we made our way to the Newberry Library for their first look. This is honestly one of my favorite venues in Chicago. It’s both intimate and grand, and walks the line between historic and modern with the recent renovations they’ve made. For this moment, we used the grand stair case, which is the venue’s main architectural feature. I live for an emotional first look, and this couple did not disappointment.

We took sometime to create a few portraits on the staircase, and then made our way outside. The main entrance to the venue makes for a perfect classic and almost church like backdrop. Directly across the street is Washington Square Park. This wedding took place in the spring, which can be a tough time to shoot in Chicago. The leaves and grass are just starting to grow in, and it can sometimes be quite cold. That said, for Alev & Gil the weather was perfect. I like to involve real moments, even in the portraits I create, which involves the couple opening up and being authentic in front of the camera. Alev & Gil were so much fun to photograph with the way they laughed, played off each other and let their true selves shine through.

The ceremony took place indoors at Ruggles Hall, the Newberry’s main event space. Again the recent renovations are perfect, and even through it has high ceilings, once you fill it with guests it becomes quite intimate. The ceremony itself was a joy to witness with all the funny, heartwarming and emotional moments.

Ruggles easily turns into a great space for both dinner and dancing, and Alev & Gil threw one heck of a party! Everything from the toasts, to the first dances, to the party was a photographers dream. I think it’s great when there’s so much laughter, but with a few tears sprinkled in.

I’m incredibly thankful one of my favorite wedding planners connected me with the couple. Tionna and her team Wedicity Wedding Day Detailing are the best. Congrats again to the Alev & Gil, and I cannot thank them enough for having me!

Thanks to these Chicago Wedding Vendors!