First dance song: “Crazy Love” by Van Morrison
I’ve been excited about this wedding since I got a call from Betty last summer. I photographed her sister Karen’s marriage to Tom at City Winery Chicago two years ago and I was honored to be a part of her and Patrick’s incredible Chicago wedding day. I got to spend more time with them during their graffiti filled Pilsen engagement session and knew it was going to be a seriously special celebration.
We started at the W City Center in Chicago where they were getting ready. I loved the pop art in the getting ready suite and was about to pass out over Betty’s red dress by Vera Wang. The Chinese inspired red bridal collection was appropriately titled “Mei Meng” which means, “Dream.” After a very romantic first look, second shooter Rob Karlic (who has some great photos included in this post) and I accompanied them around town to shoot at some favorite Chicago locations. They had a heartfelt ceremony in one of the prettiest indoor ceremony spaces I’ve seen officiated by brother-in-law Tom with live music by Jaclyn Dustin, cocktails in the the very cool W lounges and a reception in the ballroom with all the finishing touches. There was a traditional double happiness design that lit up the dance floor symbolizing love, happiness, luck and marriage. The escort cards were attached to champagne flutes (brilliant and beautiful), the unbelievable band Chicago Catz killed it all night and played everything imaginable including Betty’s jam “Super Duper Love”. The guests were ready to dance all night and Betty & Patrick treated them to miniature ice cream cones, parmesan truffle fries and famous Lou Malnati’s pizza at the end of the night. They honeymooned on the Italian coast and came back to some pretty incredible memories. Thanks for having me Betty & Patrick!
