With An Adventurer’s Spirit

A MIDWEST HEART

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Hi friends! I’m Karen, a wedding and portrait photographer based in Illinois who travels coast to coast for adventure and a good love story. I believe that everyone has a story to be told, a heart to be shared, and a dream worth chasing . . . and that water gives life and tacos equal happiness.

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Downtown Chicago Wedding Photography | Rory & Matt

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Rory & Matt’s Downtown Chicago Wedding

St Juliana Catholic Church & Sheraton Grand Chicago

I first met Rory and Matt, and their sweet pup, at North Avenue Beach on a frigid Chicago winter day. We had so much fun traipsing through the snow on the beach and taking advantage of being the only brave ones out on such a day for their engagement session. Their session took place just before the pandemic hit the states, so their wedding planning got put on hold due to all of the venues in the area being closed down for a period of time. I was thrilled when things started opening back up that they reached out to book their wedding with me.

Rory and Matt’s downtown Chicago wedding was so much fun! It was a HOT day in the city, but they were troopers. I met up with Rory at the Sheraton Grand Chicago in a beautiful suite overlooking the river with a nice view of Navy Pier. This bridal suite was so big that it didn’t even seem crowded with ten bridesmaids, three flower girls, hair and makeup artists and a photographer in the space. Rory wore her mom’s wedding dress that had been reconstructed just for her.

Once everyone was ready, the girls got on the trolley to head to the church. I rode along and got to witness them singing all kinds of fun Disney songs along the way. It was much more relaxing then the ride back on the trolley when we also had the groomsmen on board. Haha, they were a fun bunch for sure. The ceremony was held at St Juliana Catholic Church where Rory’s parents were married and she was confirmed. Immediately following the ceremony, we stopped by the newlyweds’ home for a few pictures with their dog, Bailey.

Following the ceremony, we all headed downtown for some photos near the Board of Trade building. Rory & Matt brought along a bottle of champagne for some cute photos of them popping the cork. This is such a pretty location for wedding party photos, and I’m so glad they chose it.

We headed back to the Sheraton for a cocktail hour along the riverwalk. There was a lot of boat activity on the river that day, all of them congratulations the new Mr and Mrs! During their ceremony in the Chicago room, the couple arranged for some very fun entertainment for the night. The Mullane Godley Irish Dance Academy brought some of their dancers that were so talented and so adorable. Rory used to be a competitive Irish dancer at the World Championship level, so she even got out on the floor a couple of times. Dinner ended with entertainment from the Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band. I have to say the dinner entertainment was a highlight of the day!

Rory and Matt, it was such an honor to capture your beautiful day! It was the perfect day, and I wish you all the best in your marriage!