Newlywed sessions are some of my favorite sessions to photograph, especially here in Chicago! There are so many incredible location options, experiences to have, and memories to create together as newlyweds. That’s why today we’re going to go over 5 tips for planning your own one of a kind newlywed session in the Windy City!

What is a Newlywed Session and Why You Should Have One

As the name suggests, a newlywed session is a photography session that takes place after you two have tied the knot. What makes a newlywed session different when comparing it to a couples session then? It’s that this session is specifically celebrating and in ways reminiscing on your wedding day. Your wedding is such an incredible moment in both of your lives, it deserves so much more than just a single day of celebration. 

Why Have a Newlywed Session

A newlywed session gives you a chance to really take advantage of all the wedding day feels and vibes without the pressure that naturally comes from a wedding day. It gives you a chance to show off your wedding gear again and get those photos you wish you had time for on your wedding day. Speaking of which, one of the biggest draws of having a newlywed session is the amount of time you’ll have for portraits. With the craziness that is inherently a part of wedding days it’s pretty common to feel like your time for portraits is over just as you get in a groove.

Newlywed sessions give you ALL the time in the world for your portraits! Not only that but you’ll be more relaxed and laid back for your session without the pressure of the wedding day, and lastly you have so many options for locations. Newlywed sessions give you the chance to travel to multiple locations that wouldn’t be possible on your wedding day, and especially in Chicago there are a LOT of opportunities for backdrops!

5 Tips for a Chicago Newlywed Session

1. Hire a HMU Artist 

My first tip for your newlywed session in Chicago is something that is often overlooked, but can be a total game changer, hiring a hair and makeup artist! While it might not seem necessary on the surface, there are actually a couple great reasons to have a HMU for your newlywed session. First you’ll be able to go into your session feeling confident and beautiful just as you should. It also gives you a chance to try out a completely new look. You only get one wedding day, so having the freedom of a newlywed session to try out a new look or style for yourself in your wedding gear is a HUGE part of what makes these sessions so great!

2. Make it an Experience 

When it comes to newlywed sessions one thing I always recommend for my couples is to make the session an experience. There are SO many opportunities throughout Chicago for unique and incredible experiences for you to incorporate into your newlywed session. Whether you rent a boat and head out onto Lake Michigan, have a picnic in one of the many parks along the lakeshore, or explore a new part of the city you’ve been meaning to visit. Creating an experience around your newlywed session not only gives your photos a truly unique feel, it also makes for a memorable day that you both will LOVE to look back on for years to come!

3. Choosing Locations

There’s so much to see and do in the Windy City. From the distinct and unique neighborhoods to the iconic landmarks scattered throughout, newlywed sessions in Chicago are spoiled with incredible location options! With so many options it can honestly feel a little overwhelming when it comes time to plan your session, and that’s where I come in. Once you book me for your newlywed session I’ll help you scout and plan out different locations throughout Chicago that fit your specific vision. Not only that, but you can also rely on me to research locations to see if any permits are required for photography. Together we’ll come up with an epic list of locations to hit throughout your newlywed session!

4. What to Wear

As you’re thinking about your newlywed session, what to wear might seem like a pretty straightforward decision. I’m here to tell you though that you don’t have to wear your exact wedding attire, and it can make it more fun to add or change bits of it for your newlywed session in Chicago! Maybe you have some killer boots that you adore but they didn’t fit with your wedding theme, why not bring them out for your newlywed session? Or maybe your spouse had to wear a black suit due to traditions and expectations. For your newlywed session, have them bust out the colorful pants and floral tie they wish they could have worn on your wedding day!

5. It Doesn’t Have to be RIGHT After Your Wedding

As you’ve been reading along you’ve likely noticed a theme when it comes to newlywed sessions, and that is how much freedom of choice they offer. There are so many ways to make your newlywed session in Chicago your own. With that in mind there’s no reason for you to have your newlywed session immediately following your wedding day. If you have a winter wedding for instance but want some photos of you and your lover in your wedding gear touring Lincoln Park during full bloom in the spring you can do that! There are no rules which is why I LOVE these sessions so much.

Having a newlywed session in Chicago is something I’d recommend to every married couple. They’re some of the most fun and enjoyable sessions to photograph and are equally fun for the couples that experience them. If you’re ready to book me for your own newlywed session head over to my contact page to send me an inquiry!c