I recently got to shoot Jeff & Amy’s modern Chicago wedding, which they hosted at Fig & Olive, one of my favorite restaurants in the city. If you’ve never been there, go this weekend! But back to the newlyweds. These two were so sweet, so fun, and I absolutely love what they did with their day. I think one of the favorite aspects of this job for me is how different each wedding has been. I could see getting a little uninspired if each event was the exact same thing over and over, but somehow I’ve been fortunate enough to attract these awesome, vibrant couples who decided that instead of rules & tradition, they would make their days unique, personal, reflective of what is important to them. I love that! I think that’s exactly how it should be.
We started with documenting the end of each of them getting ready. I love bridal prep time because it’s a moment high in happy, nervous energy, and I can tell they can’t wait to see each other. Family is there, everyone looks beautiful, and this is when everything hits you all at once. For you, it’s realizing that this big step in your life is finally here. You’re gonna marry your best friend. You found him or her, and you are starting your lives together. For parents & siblings, it’s realizing that you’ve grown. It’s thinking back on childhood memories and taking in the fact that they blinked, and next thing they knew you were an adult, starting your life with your partner. It’s bittersweet and high in emotion. So please don’t skip it! You hear me, future brides & grooms? Have your photographer document this part, I promise you won’t regret it.
So there we were, Amy doing her best to not let any tears out and Jeff with a giant smile on his face, eager to see his bride. I made her read his note to her on the ride to the church (sorry Amy, lol.) We drove through beautiful Chicago, looking out the window as light rain drops made their appearance for a dose of good luck. They had a lovely church ceremony, and then my favorite part: we all took a trolley around town! How fun is that?! Off to Fig & Olive we went, where friends & family gathered, delicious food was had (I think they had truffle favored everything, it smelled like heaven) & all enjoyed the sounds of an awesome brass band. So fun! Great musical choice guys, that was fantastic!
They made their day unique, free of all the extras fluff that just wasn’t important to them, and yet it didn’t lack anything. It still had that deep, rich, meaningful essence. It had people who love them. It had kind words and funny childhood anecdotes. It had tears, smiles, and lots of love. Jeff & Amy, I am so incredibly happy for you. I’m happy you found each other, and excited that you are starting this journey together. But more than that, I can’t express how special it is for me that you included me in this beautiful day. Thank you so much for welcoming me to it and trusting me with documenting it.
Check out their day below. To download images, go to their gallery.
Music credit: Embark by Stephen Blake Kanicka, Licensed by Musicbed.
THE WEDDING TEAM
Photography – Laëtitia Donaghy
Ceremony – LaSalle Street Church
Venue – Fig & Olive
Dress – Vwidon Bridal Boutique
Floral – Christine Noelle Design Studio
Catering – Fig & Olive
Cake – Urban Icing
Music – LowDown Brass
Stationery – Minted
Trolley – Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Co.
Want to see more work? Peruse the blog, or check out my portfolio.
Laëtitia Donaghy is a French-born, Chicago-based, international photographer focusing on weddings and elopements. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art with a focus in Photography, and a minor in Political Science from Florida Atlantic University. She brings to her weddings and portraits her Fine Art training in order to bring forth the realness and emotion present, and showcase people’s relationships. Her focus is on preserving as much of the day as possible and keeping it as honest as possible. She travels the world for weddings and other assignments. She has been published on the web and in print.
“As God by creation made two of one, so again by marriage He made one of two.”
– THOMAS ADAMS
Beautiful work!
Thank you!!