With how incredible moments like a first look, the vow reading, or a first dance are on a wedding day, it can be easy to lose track of all the little moments in-between it all. Knowing this, Sophia and Dan went into their wedding day with the intent to not just celebrate the big events, but to take in all the little details as well. This thoughtful, intentional approach was consistent with all of the planning that went into their amazing wedding at City View Loft in Chicago. Before we dive into these moments from Sophia and Dan’s wedding, I want to give these two a quick shoutout for the incredibly sweet review they left!
Their Review
“Emma was by far the most energetic, enthusiastic, and wonderful vendor we worked with! She kept us engaged and excited the whole day allowing for effortless, comfortable, and beautiful photos we will treasure forever. All of our family and friends also gave us so many compliments on how amazing Emma was to work with. The photos are so gorgeous and we are so grateful to have such special images of a day we will never forget! We can’t recommend her enough!!”
Celebrating Their Love in Chicago
My day with Sophia and Dan actually began with their first look, a beautiful and intimate start to the day. They chose to have this private moment together in the comfort of the hotel they got ready in, and even shared private notes with one another after. While they could have gotten ready in the designated spaces at City View Loft, the hotel location made things MUCH simpler when it came to traveling to the different wedding portrait spots throughout Chicago!
First up were portraits at Ping Tom Memorial Park, a lovely outdoor park with some of the best views of the Chicago skyline you can find. The joy I felt not just from Sophia and Dan, but also their friends and family who were there with them was infectious. It was at this point that it was clear to me that not only did Sophia and Dan want to take in both the big and small moments of the day, but so did their loved ones. It’s a testament to the beautiful connection these two make with their people, which you can definitely feel through their photos as well!
Our next stop for portraits was along the Chicago Riverwalk. These stops throughout the Windy City had more meaning behind them than just their beauty, though that was a bonus. One of Sophia and Dan’s favorite things to do in Chicago is explore together, so this tour added a bit of a personal touch to their portraits!
Wedding Ceremony and Portraits at City View Loft Chicago
Following our adventure for portraits throughout Chicago we headed to City View Loft for a bit of downtime before the ceremony. I love how these two planned this time into their day. They had a moment to relax, take in all the excitement that they were feeling, and run through the ceremony itself once more before everyone arrived. It was both practical and SO good for their enjoyment of the day, which I am all about!
While Sophia and Dan took a moment together to look out towards the Chicago skyline, their guests began to arrive. For their sign-in, Sophia and Dan left out a deck of cards with sharpies for their guests to sign and write notes on. I love this idea, and it’s one of the many fun details these two wove into their day.
Soon, their wedding ceremony was underway in the gorgeous indoor space of City View Loft in Chicago. The industrial space has a chic, modern feel to it with some realllllly great natural lighting. It was a wonderful setting for this amazing moment between Sophia and Dan. You could feel the excitement in the air, and that excitement turned to pure joy as Sophia came down the aisle with THE biggest smile on her face. Following an emotional vow reading that left more than a few people teary eyed, Sophia and Dan finally got to share their first kiss as a married couple! All that was left now was for these two to celebrate with their friends and family.
A Candlelit Wedding Reception at City View Loft Chicago
With having taken care of their portraits earlier throughout the day, Sophia and Dan were able to fully enjoy themselves at cocktail hour. Having this extra time to spend with their guests meant the world to these two, and believe me that they made the most of it. While cocktail hour was going on in the ceremony space, the reception space of City View Loft in Chicago was having its final touches done. Sophia, Dan, and I snuck off to see the space early and their jaws were literally on the floor. The candlelit space was legitimately breathtaking and perfect for the night’s events.
Once everyone had made their way to the reception space it was time for the night’s festivities to begin. Complete with delicious food, tear jerking toasts, and some sweet first dances to warm up the dance floor, it was a night these two will always cherish when they look back on it. The night continued with an absolutely packed dance floor, with both Sophia and Dan being sure to enjoy each and every moment from the day all the way through the final song of the night.
I’m so happy that I was able to document Sophia and Dan’s beautifully intentional wedding in Chicago at City View Loft. These two created such a special day that I’m so thankful to have been a part of. I’m sad to say that City View Loft has unfortunately shut down in January of 2025, but LM Catering & Events that owned it still operate some wonderful venues for those interested!
Head over to my blog to see more of my work, and if you’d like to book me as your photographer send an inquiry through my contact page!
Vendors
Photographer: Emma Petersen Photography
Planner: EE Event Co.
Venue: City View Loft
Hair & Makeup: The Bridal Beauty Team
Florist: Flowers for Dreams
Caterer: LM Catering Chicago
Dress: Anthropologie Weddings
Tux: Wool & Linen
Rings: HauteCarat, Mineralogy
Cake/Desserts: Vanille Patisserie
