Chicago Illuminating Company Wedding | Maddy & AJ

This day felt like quite a fairytale. Maddy and I were sorority sisters at Indiana University so it felt like such a full circle moment to be capturing her wedding day.

Maddy and AJ got ready in separate rooms at the Marriott Marquis in downtown Chicago before heading to the Women’s Park and Gardens for their first look. It was a wonderfully sunny, humid day in the city. Nerves and excitement were in the air as I followed behind Maddy on her way to see her husband-to-be, AJ. Their first look was soft and sincere with a touch of goofiness that felt like them. After their first look and wedding party photos at The Art Institute of Chicago, it was time for them to say “I do”.

The outdoor space at the Chicago Illuminating Company feels like a tucked away Tuscan garden. Maddy and AJ had plans to travel Italy for their honeymoon so I can see where the inspiration for their wedding venue came from.

Several of Maddy and AJ’s loved ones spoke during the ceremony, one being Maddy’s now late Grandma Oma. Oma was a Holocaust survivor and extremely cherished individual of Maddy’s family. From what I know, her and Maddy were extremely close so it meant the world that she was able to be part of Maddy’s wedding day. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

Guests gathered for cocktail hour directly after the ceremony. Maddy and AJ got to socialize and enjoy this time since we knocked out wedding party photos earlier in the day (a perk to doing a first look!). They entered their reception as “Mr. and Mrs. DelPrince” and smoothly began their choreographed first dance to Taylor Swift’s “Lover”. Both Maddy and AJ’s parents gave speeches which was something that isn’t super common but I absolutely love to see. The best man and maid of honor followed and soon enough it was time to get on the dance floor.

To this day, I have not seen a more fun dance floor all thanks to DJ Byrne Hall. The music was amazing and the dance floor was absolutely packed. Maddy and AJ did the hora, guests were dancing on tables, and Kilroy’s breadsticks were being passed out like candy. It could not have been a better ending to a more perfect day.

Mazel tov, Maddy and AJ!

Planning: Amelia Cole Events

Venue: Chicago Illuminating Company

Caterer: Boka Catering

Officiant: Kerry McDonald

Videographer: Munaco Pictures Videography

Bridesmaid Hair + Makeup: The Bridal Beauty Team

Bride Hair + Makeup: Elle Artistry

Transportation: Echo Limo

DJ: Byren Hall

Florist: The Flower Firm

Cake/Sweets :Bittersweet