A Wedding at the James Hotel

I met Rose and Matt (or Stu, as everyone calls him) for the first time at their Chicago engagement session. This fantastic couple lives in Denver but was having their wedding at the James Hotel in Chicago. This was my second time at the James Hotel, and I was excited to be able to work there again with such a fun couple! I started off my day with Rose as she got ready with her bridesmaids. Everyone was so laid back and relaxed, and there was beautiful light in their suite; I couldn’t have asked for better! Maggie hung out with Stu and the guys as they got ready. After their first look on the staircase, we took advantage of the great weather and walked over to Holy Name Cathedral for the ceremony, which was only a couple of blocks away. After the ceremony, I jumped in a cab with Rose and Stu and we headed towards Montrose Harbor to do a few pictures. Our cab driver was kind enough to wait for us as we jumped out at a couple of locations to for pictures! Afterwards, we headed back to the James Hotel for the reception. Megan Taylor from Fig Media did a fantastic job keeping people on the dance floor all night, and we had so much fun at the reception! Congratulations again, Rose and Stu; thank you for the opportunity to capture your wedding day!

Shout-outs:
Hair: Jennifer Smith from Beauty on Call
Makeup: Lori Thomas from Beauty on Call
Flowers: Stems
Catering: Burke’s Primehouse, James Hotel
DJ: Megan Taylor from Fig Media
Church: Holy Name Cathedral
Venue: James Hotel in Chicago

Maggie’s shots of Stu getting ready below:

Off to the church!

Finally, we arrived at Holy Name for the ceremony.

We jumped in a cab to head back for the reception!

I loved these table number frames!

I like to pretend that everyone in the world reads my blog and that the shot below was inspired by this one.

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  1. Amber

    This is *stunning* work. I love the couples’ portraits and I love how you lit the first dance/reception. The shot on the lake is really, really lovely.

  2. Emily

    Beautiful work, Steve. I love the black and white shot of them on top of the hill.

  3. Shipra

    what an elegant wedding, Steve. Beautifully captured! She’s such a gorgeous bride!

  4. Rachel

    What a beautiful wedding! Love their first dance shots and all of the portraits!

  5. Always a joy to look through your photos Steve. This is no exception. So good.

  6. Ummmm…kind of in love with so many elements from this wedding: bridesmaid dresses, table names, her bouquet, I could go on. Oh yea! Montrose Harbor. That’s all…for now.

  7. Kyle

    That first shot with the negative space in the mirror is the beeeeest. Love it, Steve!

  8. I always try and comment on atleast one of my favourites but there are way too many to choose from here! The one at the top of the hill is superb but I really like the group shot in the alley! The bride and groom must be really pleased.

  9. Wow that first shot is so beautifully composed, and the rest of the post just follows in the same style! Gorgeous.

  10. The shot of The James sign from behind is sweetness. So are the dance floor shots. Heck, they’re all awesome. Well done.

  11. Cindy

    This wedding was gorgeous! Great work, Steve – there’s some breathtaking photos here!

  12. Tom

    Wow Wow Wow – Really compelling images to go with a beautiful wedding, I love all the little details and the effort behind it. Great work!

  13. Jakob

    Awesome. The first picture was enough to make me want to see the rest!

  14. Especially love the back-lit bride and groom! The reception photos are fantastic, you captured some great emotion! :)

  15. Nicole Thomas

    Fantastic photos! I love Rose’s expressions!

  16. Heather

    Haha, that raised eyebrow from the bride just cracks me up XD Well done!

  17. Ellen

    Love these, Steve! Your work is so beautiful!