Lush & Glamorous Rooftop Chicago Wedding

Lauren and Mike had the lushest rooftop wedding I've seen. I was floored when I walked outside and saw the stylish table decor with the Chicago skyline in the background— framed by warm market lights and hanging greenery. It was inviting and cozy, but still glamorous and sophisticated. I have no idea how it all came together so well, but it had the feel of a perfect urban vineyard! Lauren said "My bridesmaid dresses and the colors of my wedding were inspired by my new last name, Winegardner. We created a wine garden with Jenny Yoo, BHLDN and Reformation in shades of merlot, rosé, chardonnay and ditsy florals."

This wedding was extra special for me because I've photographed not one, but two of her bridesmaid's weddings. It was so incredible to already know so many folks there! A few of my favorite moments from the day include the high five Lauren and Mike exchanged after their vows, the surprise drag performance at the reception, and when Lauren randomly threw her veil over Mike's head during their first look. I also loved how much their friends contributed to the day! Lauren's bridesman did the calligraphy for the seating chart and table numbers, members of Mike's band provided live music for their first dance, and another one of their friend's bands played at the rehearsal dinner!

Photography: Sarah Katherine Davis Photography // Venue: Morgan's on Fulton // Planning and Floral: Christine Janda // Dress: Lazaro // Veil: Toni Federici // Shoes: Jimmy Choo // Bridesmaid Dresses: Jenny Yoo, BHLDN, Reformation // Suit: Indochino // Music: Lake Soda, V.V. Lightbody and Music by Design // Drag: Michael Boettner // Robes: Flora Nikooz // Duster: Spell and the Gypsy // Slippers: Birdies // Catering: Big Star // Cake: Alliance Bakery // Calligraphy: Travis Jones // MUA: Caps Lock Brows

If you're looking for more garden-vibe goodness, then Felicia & Brennan's Oldham Gardens greenhouse wedding is for you! If you're looking for additional Chicago wedding inspiration, then Lucy & Daniel's modern and industrial wedding is for you (plus you might see some familiar faces!)

Greenhouse Wedding at 3rd Turn Brewery's Oldham Gardens by Louisville, Kentucky Photographer Sarah Katherine Davis Photography

Felicia and Brennan love plants, the outdoors, beer, and family... so the decision to have their wedding at 3rd Turn Oldham Gardens, a local brewery and beer garden, was an easy one! Their ceremony was held in a greenhouse decorated with a lush floral arch and they asked that anyone who could grow a mustache to do so. Some backstory— Brennan has rocked a mustache for a LONG time and it ends up being a topic of discussion often. They leaned into that and supplied mustaches for anyone who couldn't grow their own and had it as a sub-theme of the wedding. It was amazing - although it did make it hard to find Brennan in the sea of white button-ups and mustaches sometimes when I was photographing the dance floor.

My favorite thing about this wedding wasn't the gorgeous greenhouses, the trellises full of greenery, the polaroid guest book, or everyone's amazing dance moves....although I loved all of those things. The thing that stood out to me the most is how much they adore each other. After their ceremony they found a private spot to exchange vows— I was far enough away that I couldn't hear what they said, but just watching and documenting from a distance got me weepy. They clearly have huge depth in their love for one another, but are also able to be completely silly together. I think that is the best balance to have in a relationship.

florals: Mike Ojeda with Mahonia Studio // venue: 3rd Turn Brewing & 3rd Turn Oldham Gardens // coordinator: Susan Mann with Circle and Soul Events // dj: Stephen Crandall with Sound Specialist Entertainment // catering: Katie Calvert with City BBQ // gown: The Bridal Suite of Louisville // gown alterations: Michelle Thomas of Michelle Thomas Alterations

If you're looking for more unique venues that incorporate the outdoors, this intimate treehouse elopement was incredibly sweet and this cozy autumn wedding at Springhouse Gardens will for sure get you feeling the fall spirit. You can also learn more about 3rd Turn Oldham Gardens on my comprehensive list of the best wedding venues in Louisville here.

Modern Chicago Wedding at the Bridgeport Art Center

I always love any excuse to visit Chicago, so when Lucy and Daniel asked me to photograph their wedding I was over the moon! I arrived at the Ambassador downtown and was greeted by their sweet Corgi Winston who helped me assemble all the lovely detail shots. Their rooftop first look was so incredibly sweet…and incredibly windy. We almost lost Lucy’s veil over the side of the building, but managed to snag it before it blew away. The Ambassador’s historic lobby area made for some really fun Vanity Fair style wedding party images - made even better by the mis-matched floral bridesmaid’s dresses. 

The ceremony and reception were held in the Bridgeport Art Center — it was the perfect blend of industrial, modern, and romantic. Before their guests arrived, the three of us snuck off to a quiet little corner for them to exchange their vows privately. I’ve had more and more couples sharing vows during the first look or during another private moment during the day - it’s a really great way to share personalized vows without having to get up in front of everyone if that’s not your thing.

During the processional, their flower girl took her job VERY seriously and made sure to evenly distribute the rose petals down the aisle…so much so that I’m pretty sure the DJ had to improvise and loop the song to add some extra time. It had all their guests and the whole wedding party cry laughing and was just the perfect start to their ceremony. At the reception, there were so many sweet details - like constellation napkins designed by Lucy to go with their paper straws for the cocktails, a swan ice sculpture that anyone who ordered white wine got to watch it pour through, a delicious desert bar, and photo-booth. I could go on and on, but let’s just let the photos speak for themselves.

If you’re looking for another art-filled modern wedding you should check out Jessica & Arno’s 21c wedding.

Florals : Flowers by Stem // Venue: Bridgeport Art Center // Event Design: Art of Imagination // Dress: BHLDN // Catering: D’Absolute // Hair: Danielle Catalano // Makeup: MAKE me UP by KJ // DJ: Toast & Jam