It started with a game of pool and ending in a marriage: Rose and Stu’s Chicago wedding at The James Hotel

I get really excited by beautiful light and graphic elements when shooting.  I love the way light will carve out a detail, reveal it’s shape, and accentuate human emotion.  You can imagine my joy when I stepped into the room Stu and and his groomsmen were “getting ready” in.  Mostly they were playing pool, passing around old high school pics, and orchestrating a round of five-hour energy shots.  Stu’s such a great, laid back guy, and his buddies were just as cool.

When it was time for the first look, Stu and I made our way downstairs to wait in the lobby.  I could sense his excitement.  Every 30 seconds or so he’d cast a glance over my shoulder at the stairway to see if Rose was on her way down yet. When she did tap his shoulder from behind, a grin the size of Texas spread across his face, proving, as his speech would claim later, he was the happiest man alive that day.

Rose and Stu’s wedding was so beautiful.  The Hotel (The James), the church (Holy Name Cathedral), the details!  It was all amazing.  The DJ totally rocked it out.  I couldn’t keep myself from dancing.  She had me at Hot chip. Muchas Gracias Steve Koo!  It was great to shoot with you, as always!

Groomsmen at The James Hotel pool table Groomsmen at The James Hotel pool table Groom looks through old high school photos Groom hangs with buddies before wedding
Detail shot of rings in bookshelf Old high school pictures of the groom and friends Bride walks down stairs of The James Hotel in Chicago Illinios Bride and Grooms first look at The James hotel in Chicago Illinois Bridal Party in downtown chicago Groomsmen adjust cufflinks of the groom Groomsmen relaxes before wedding Bride sits in waiting before the wedding ceremony Bridesmaid sits with daughter sleeping in lap Bride and bridesmaids take elevator to sanctuary Mother of the bride adjust the bride's veil before the ceremony Bride and Family wait before the ceremony Detail of a sanctuary in chicago illinois at the Holy Name Cathedral Bridal party places fabric over bride and groom during ceremony at the Holy Name Cathedral Detail shots during the sanctuary of the Holy Name Cathedral Bride and Groom make offering to Virgin Mary at the Holy Name Cathedral Bride and Groom kiss after their marriage Stained-glass window of Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago, Illinois Guest of wedding blows bubbles after the ceremoy Portrait of flower girl outside of wedding Cartoon name and table assignment Details for Stu and Rose's wedding at the James Hotel Candle and Table setting
Details for the reception at the James hotel tree
Detail of the Cake fiddle heads the james hotel
Dancing at the reception at the James hotel in chicago illinois
mother of the bride and mother of the groom share a moment while dancing Detail of the cityscape wall at the james hotel Flower girl holds up dollar bill to the groom during the dollar dance Groom taking the garter off