I clicked instantly with Mary and Sam. On our first call together they told me about their vision for a vintage inspired wedding day at Salvage One in Chicago, the details of the day that would make it feel like them, and how important it was that they actually got to spend time with their loved ones. Needless to say I was OBSESSED. These two are a couple after my own heart, and documenting their wedding day was a dream come true. I can’t wait to share the highlights of their day here, but first I wanted to give a quick shoutout to these two amazing humans as they left the sweetest review!
Review: “If you want a photographer to simply show up, take good wedding photos, and leave, then Emma is not your wedding photographer. If you want someone who is genuinely interested in what you want to remember from your wedding day, while drawing on her own expertise of a wedding venue to capture the best images possible, then Emma Petersen is the photographer for you. Both Emma and her second shooter made us feel so calm and comfortable. Her excitement is palpable, and fuels your own excitement, in turn producing incredible photos that just radiate joy. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience from planning calls to the day of! We can’t rave enough about how streamlined the experience was from beginning to end. It was everything we could’ve asked for and more. WE ARE TELLING EVERYONE. Stop here, don’t look further, this is the one.”
A Magical Start to Their Wedding Day
One of the things Mary and Sam made clear that they wanted for their wedding day was a good mix of photos. They love the candid moments of them and their loved ones, but also adore the more posed and guided photos with a little direction. Knowing this gave my 2nd shooter and I a crystal clear vision of how to create the wedding album they were dreaming of.
We started working towards this goal from the very start of the day, as Mary and Sam both spent these first moments with their loved ones getting ready. This time was punctuated by good vibes, TONS of laughter, and just an overall sense of happiness from everyone involved, none more so than Mary and Sam. After spending time with their favorite people in the comfort of their Chicago hotel, it was time to head to Salvage One where they’d share their first look!
Mary and Sam’s wedding was in late October, so in addition to its usual beauty Salvage One also had some poppin fall foliage. It was a breathtaking setting for this amazing moment when Mary and Sam saw each other for the first time. Adding to the magic was a literal Snow White moment where a squirrel came to join them for some of their portrait photos. It’s a small and special moment that made their wedding feel truly magical! After enjoying the lovely fall colors outside we headed into Salvage One for some group portraits with their wedding parties before the ceremony’s start.
Portraits and a Wedding Ceremony at Salvage One in Chicago
Salvage One is easily one of Chicago’s most unique and distinct wedding venues. The interior of the space is full of salvaged décor, giving it an eclectic and vintage vibe that is SO much fun to work with. As we took portraits of Mary and Sam with their wedding parties the epic décor of the space realllllly started to shine. It’s one of the many reasons why I always love the opportunity to document a wedding at this one of a kind venue.
As guests began to find their seats for the indoor ceremony, excitement levels were at an all time high for everyone. With salvaged marble pillars, glass chandeliers, and an array of other gorgeous pieces around the space, Mary and Sam’s ceremony was underway. Between the joy on the faces of their family and friends, the palpable love in the air between these two, and the breathtaking setting this all was taking place in, it’s hard to imagine a more perfect moment for Mary and Sam to share their vows and say their I Do’s.
A Night of Blissful Celebration at Salvage One in Chicago
With their ceremony over it was time for Mary and Sam to enjoy themselves and spend some time with their favorite people. Before fully letting loose though, we chose to take care of a few more portraits. Family portraits, wedding party portraits, and even a few newlywed portraits were all knocked out quickly, allowing these two to enjoy a bit of cocktail hour with their guests.
The moody, vintage vibes of Salvage One are consistent throughout the entire space of the Chicago wedding venue, making every nook and cranny a dream for portraits and candid moments alike. This of course continues through their ceremony and reception spaces, which both are stunning. As much as I adore the big moments from Mary and Sam’s day, some of my favorite parts of the day lie within the smaller details. The custom card decks that they gave out as wedding favors, the casual foosball games being played, the late night hotdog cart to keep the party going, it was all so much fun and SO perfect for these two. With a night filled with speeches, dancing, and the best times with the best people, Mary and Sam’s wedding at Salvage One was everything they dreamt it would be!
Check out more of my work here, and if you’re looking to book me as your photographer head over to my contact page!
Vendors
Photography: Emma Petersen Photography
Planner: Shh Events
Wedding Venue: Salvage One
Hair & Makeup: @alexadidmymakeup & @hairstylistdaniellerice
Florist: TraBlume
Caterer: Sweet Baby Ray’s Catering
Dress: Essense of Australia
Tux: The Modern Groom
Brides People Attire: Birdy Grey & The Modern Groom
