It’s pretty incredible having the opportunity to witness and document the magic that comes from two families joining together on a wedding day. That magical feeling and excitement was ever present throughout Tiffany and Alex’s wedding in Downtown Chicago and at Bar Sol of Navy Pier. From the inclusion of Igbo wedding traditions tying back to Tiffany’s family and heritage, to experiencing the wonder that Downtown Chicago has to offer, there’s just SO much to love about this wedding day!
Getting Ready and Wedding Portraits in Downtown Chicago
Well before we’d make our way to Navy Pier, and the couples’ chosen wedding venue Bar Sol, I met up with Tiffany and Alex as they got ready for the day in downtown Chicago. As much as I adore big moments like a first look or a first dance, documenting the in-between moments like Tiffany getting ready with her gals has always been a favorite part of my photography. It’s photos like this that reallllly let you go back and relive your wedding day exactly as it happened!
Once Tiffany was ready it was time to meet up with Alex for their first look before we ventured into the streets of Chicago for their portraits. Together we explored the Riverwalk, taking in the sights as Tiffany and Alex enjoyed this time together as just the two of them. The Riverwalk is among my favorite spots for wedding portraits in Chicago, and the moody vibes of this cloudy November day really elevated the experience as a whole. Soon though it was time to make our way to Saint Clement Parish for their ceremony!
Their Church Ceremony and Wedding Portraits at Navy Pier
The Saint Clement Parish is one of the most strikingly beautiful churches in the city. The cinematic vibe of the space felt truly incredible, and the dark emerald tones of the architecture further cemented the moody feel that Tiffany and Alex got to enjoy on their wedding day!
Following their beautiful ceremony it was time for us to be off to Navy Pier, but before making our way to Bar Sol the newlyweds chose to have some wedding portraits taken amidst the pier itself. We did a walk through of the pier, taking in all the sights, sounds, and smells of the different vendors that call it home. One of our stops along the way was at a small hot sauce stand, which was a ton of fun as Tiffany and Alex got to sample an array of different spicy goods!
A Beautiful Blend of Wedding Traditions at Bar Sol of Navy Pier
Tiffany and Alex’s wedding was actually a first for me as it was my first time documenting an Igbo wedding! Watching as these two wove in Nigerian wedding traditions throughout the day, including a 45 minute ceremony to show what courting in Nigeria would have been like, was such an amazing experience. I especially loved when both Tiffany and Alex changed into traditional Nigerian wedding attire. Between this, the refined moody atmosphere of Bar Sol of Navy Pier, and the endless support from their loved ones, it’s safe to say that their wedding day was an all around success!
Check out some of my other work over on the blog, and if you’re looking to book me for your engagement photos send me an inquiry through my contact page today!
Vendors
Photography: Emma Petersen Photo
Reception Venue: Bar Sol of Navy Pier
Church: Saint Clement Parish
Makeup: Kasey Surges Makeup Artist
Caterer: Bar Sol of Navy Pier
Dress: Mandylized Clothing and Solace London
Tux: Men’s Wearhouse
Rings: I.D. Jewelry, Tiffany and Co.
Cake/Desserts: Comforts African Cuisine & Katherine Metz (Mother of the Groom)
