For our couple, the Chicago skyline was all the decor they needed on their summer wedding in Chicago.
Back in August, we were fortunate enough to be invited to Fran and Zach’s summer wedding. An adorable pair who love their city, and felt like its skyline, was the perfect backdrop to their celebrations. We couldn’t have agreed more!
On their wedding day, they were surrounded by a generous, and loving bunch of family and friends. All of whom helped to create a moving, and memorable occasion for these two lovebirds.
Today, we’re delighted to be sharing Fran and Zach’s wedding photography, plus a few words about their summer wedding in Chicago.
Friends First
In fact, first they were colleagues! Fran and Zach met early in their careers. They were working for the same company. They both got an opportunity to work for a year in New York. Which meant weekly travel together, daily meals with one another, and collaborative work with clients. This extended period of time spent working closely together led to a solid friendship, which they kept up after both leaving the company. Away from the office, this friendship blossomed into romance, and soon they were much more than friends.
Engaged
Home is where the heart is for Fran and Zach. It’s their favorite place to be, and so there was no better setting for their engagement. With a lovely, at-home cooked dinner, their favorite bottle of Italian wine, and some soft music in the background, Zach got down on one knee and asked Francisca to spend the rest of their lives together.
First Look
Fran and Zach certainly got a touch of the wedding morning jitters, the two of them concerned about their day in the spotlight, and both hoping everything would go according to plan.
“We both were nervous that morning, so waiting any longer wouldn’t have been the best for us”, said Fran.
The nerves they both felt quickly vanished as soon as they saw each other for their first look. An adorable moment we put together outside, back-dropped by the Trivoli Tavern.
Dress to Impress
Fran found ‘the one’ at Weddings 826 in Lincoln Park, Chicago. Before visiting the boutique, she knew she wanted something fitted, with a plunging neckline. And when she tried on her dress, it was exactly as she had imagined. With the added benefits of beautiful lace detailing, and a flirty slit in the front.
Intimate Wedding Vibes
Their wedding venue, Gibsons Italia, is a wonderfully modern, yet timeless Italian steakhouse, positioned a few floors up on Canal street in downtown Chicago. Their spacious and stunning roof deck gifts panoramic views of the Chicago River, and the city’s iconic skyline. For Fran and Zach, they could think of nowhere better to celebrate their union, and their love for the city, than up on that roof deck. No extra decor necessary for this summer wedding in Chicago.
“Our venue had the most wonderful view of the Chicago river and skyline through huge glass windows all around. Because of this, we wanted to ensure the space felt light, and airy, not burdened with decor. We did however, install a flower wall to cover the back side of the space and that added a great focal point“, shared Fran.
Something Unique
Fran and Zach skipped the tradition of a seated dinner, in favor of heavy hors d’oeuvres, along with a pasta and steak carving section. Gibsons Italia have an outstanding in-house culinary team, and a thrilling menu of Italian classics, with lots of great seafood. The perfect combination for these two! And by not having a seated reception, it was an easy transition to go from eating, to dancing!
“Our first dance was our favorite moment of the day! It was so intimate despite all the people around us.
Our DJ made a mix of Harvest Moon (slow dance) and XO by Beyoncé (with a beat) and we absolutely loved it, so shoutout to DJ Daily!” shared Fran. And DJ Daily didn’t just expertly soundtrack their first dance, he provided the tunes that kept their wedding guests dancing all night long!
We Would Love to be Your Chicago Wedding Photographer
It would be an honor to become a part of your wedding team, and create that timeless keepsake of your big day you’ll love forever. Myself and my team of Chicago wedding photographers at videographers at Lauren Ashley Studios will go above and beyond to capture the atmosphere of your special occasion, and share it with passion and authenticity.
We welcome you to browse our portfolio of wedding photography, videography and if you would like any information about our investments please click here. If you’re looking for a wedding photographer in Chicago, or beyond, and you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
