Annie and Chaz’s wedding at Walden Chicago is one that I was looking forward to for a LONG time! Ever since I had the opportunity to get to know these two during their engagement session in August of 2023, I’d been counting down the days to their wedding. I immediately knew from my first interactions with Annie and Chaz just how special, incredible, and joyous their wedding celebration would be, and let me tell you they exceeded those expectations by miles! I can’t wait for you all to see the highlights from one of my FAV wedding days ever!
The wedding day began with Annie getting ready on location at Walden Chicago in the company of her bridesmaids. The stunning setting of Walden not only acts as the ideal space for a wedding ceremony and reception, but also as a lovely getting ready space for the day. I love when my couples are able to prep for their day on location as it eliminates a ton of potential stress from the day! Once Annie was ready and in her dress (also shoutout to her stylish summer scarf!), it was time for a couple first looks. First with her father and brother, and then of course with Chaz who was absolutely beaming with joy even before he saw Annie!
From there we took a quick bus ride over to Milton Lee Olive Park with their wedding parties for some quick portrait photos. Having these out of the way meant that the remainder of the wedding day could be spent entirely at Walden which made things SO simple for Annie and Chaz!
The simple and elegant style of Walden Chicago is part of what makes this one of the premiere wedding venues in all of Chicago. Annie and Chaz chose to have minimal décor for their day and let Walden’s effortless and sophisticated style act as the primary backdrop of the wedding. It was the perfect setting for Annie and Chaz as everyone’s focus was on their ceremony and the fantastic love story these two have written!
One of my favorite highlights of the day was how everyone got to hear how luck brought Annie and Chaz together. To briefly summarize it here, back in 2020 both Annie and Chaz just so happened to move to Chicago where fate would bring the two together, and from that point forward the two were practically inseparable. Seeing their love for one another during their ceremony, and hearing the origin of what brought everyone together that day made the moment SO special.
As their ceremony came to a close it was time for the celebration to begin. Annie, Chaz, and I took some time for a few family portraits before heading to Walden Chicago’s reception space to get the rest of their wedding festivities underway! The night was PACKED with unforgettable moments like Annie and Chaz’s epic entrance, the champagne tower, emotional first dances, and of course some flamingo shots! Eventually Annie, Chaz and I snuck off to the roof of Walden Chicago for some blue hour portraits which were stunning! You could feel the joy radiating from these two throughout the night, but this moment where they had some time to really enjoy one another’s company was EXTRA special.
Eventually we made our way back into Walden Chicago’s reception space to dance the night away with the rest of the wedding guests. The last highlight of the night was Annie and Chaz’s epic wardrobe change which was SO fun and really the moment where they truly let loose and celebrated with their loved ones!
Annie and Chaz’s wedding at Walden Chicago is a favorite of mine for a number of reasons. From the incredible bond these two share, to the love and support of their friends and family, and of course the fantastic setting that is Walden Chicago, their day was a dream come true and I’m SO happy to have been a part of it! If you’re looking to have me document your wedding in Chicago be sure to send me an inquiry so we can start planning your day today!
2nd Photographer: Greg Hess Photography
Wedding Venue: Walden Chicago
Planning and Coordination Team: Ally, Krystle, and Alyssa
HMUA: Rare Bird Beauties
Videographer: Kurt at The Keylight Media
Florals: Primrose Chicago
Photo Booth: ShutterBooth Chicago
Lighting and Draping: MDM Entertainment Chicago