A few weeks ago I had the honor of photographing this gorgeous wedding day for Susan and Chris at the Millennium Knickerbocker hotel. You may recognize them back from their engagement session with me at The Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool last fall! Their gold and black wedding details and decor fit perfectly with the Knickerbocker’s ornate ballroom where their ceremony and reception were both held. I am obsessed with their stunning invitation suite that was designed by Penn & Paperie, the custom purse Susan had made with her new last name (DiFranco), her gold Christian Louboutin heels, Mr and Mrs Vow books, and the black Mrs box that had their last initial engraved on the top. I was in detail heaven! Susan’s makeup and updo were so beautiful (well done, Tamara) and I loved the floral decor that was all done by Juliet Tan Floral Design. The men wore dapper black suits from The Black Tux while the bridesmaids wore black dresses (found at Bella Bridesmaids) and held classic pink and white peony filled bouquets. Susan had not just one but TWO wedding gowns and each were absolutely stunning on her.
After Susan and Chris’s first look, we went to the Adler Planetarium for their couple and wedding party photos. It has one of the best Chicago skyline views, in my opinion, and even on a stormy day it was absolutely beautiful. Once we arrived back to the Millennium Knickerbocker hotel, I stepped into the ornate ballroom already decorated and ready for the ceremony. It was filled with gold chandeliers, a custom white runner with a gold monogrammed D at the front, candles and floral lining the aisle, and tons of chairs for their guests who would soon be arriving. The string musicians began to tune their instruments (one of my favorite sounds!) and my heart started to beat a little bit harder as we got ready for the main event! The musicians played many beautiful songs but I especially loved the Game of Thrones theme song that they planed to signify that the wedding party would soon be walking down the aisle. As Susan walked down the aisle to meet her groom, Chris began to cry and it was so sweet to witness. The officiant was the bride’s uncle (so cool!) and they performed a sand ceremony showing their two lives joining as one.
Susan and Chris had one of the most fun receptions I’ve ever been to. Yazz Jazz absolutely rocked the house (do the kids still say that kinda thing these days?? lol) with their stunning vocals, amazing musicians, and dancing. They really engaged the crowd and played music of all kinds so everyone would have tons of fun. The groom and his father surprised their guests by getting up on stage with the band and singing a few songs! Spoiler alert: They were amazing! Susan and Chris ended their big night with late night snacks, large glow sticks and flip flops for their guests, and garrets popcorn favors.
I had so much fun photographing this wedding and getting to know Chris and Susan over the past year! Below are my favorites from their amazing day. Congratulations Mr and Mrs DiFranco! I hope you had a blast on your honeymoon to Paris!
Vendor spotlight
Ceremony + Reception: Millennium Knickerbocker Chicago
Wedding Planner: Olive Fine Weddings & Events
Cake: Alliance Bakery
Videography: Mirar Productions
Photobooth: OMGif Booth
Band: Yazz Jazz
Floral: Juliet Tan Floral Design
Hair & Makeup: Tamara Hair & Makeup
Stationery: Penn & Paperie
Transportation: Pontarelli
Mens Suits: The Black Tux
Wedding Gown #1: Bella Bianca
Bridesmaid dresses: Bella Bridesmaids
Agate slices for seating: The Blonde Scribe
Welcome Sign: Mulberry Market Designs
Shoes: Christian Louboutin and Kate Spade
Ring Box: Mrs Box
Second Photographer: Maria