Luxury Chicago Wedding at Garfield Park Conservatory

There are very few things I love more than intimate weddings in Chicago! Monica and Adam had a small, 30-person wedding at Garfield Park Conservatory – one of the most luxurious wedding venues in the city. Their day was just so full of love and intention, I was honored to capture it for the two of them! 

Monica and Adam’s Garfield Park Conservatory Wedding

From their initial inquiry to our first consultation call to the very end of their wedding day, I enjoyed every second spent with Monica and Adam. They were absolutely giddy from the beginning, unapologetically expressing their love for each other and excitement for the planning process. They chatted excitedly about all of their wildest hopes and dreams for their Chicago wedding, and I could not have been more aligned with what they were envisioning. I feel so grateful to have found my people!

I have to share their comments on when they first inquired with me: 

“We’re looking for glowy, candid, and fun wedding photos for our small 30-person wedding! Our ceremony is at Garfield conservatory and our reception will be at Cindy’s rooftop with our favorite people. We’re a low-key couple that’s been together since high school (almost 12 years!) and can’t wait to get hitched!”

An absolute dream couple! I have a soft spot in my heart for intimate weddings in Chicago, and I knew Monica and Adam’s day was going to be perfect. All throughout the planning process, they weren’t afraid to make their wedding about how and what they wanted. They didn’t allow any outside parties to influence their decisions, which can be difficult for some couples! Instead, they had a clear vision on what they wanted their day to look like and had their vendor team execute it to a tee. 

A private first look and intimate reception at Cindy’s Rooftop

As a Chicago wedding photographer, I’m quite the fan of couples doing a first look before their ceremony. Monica and Adam took theirs to a whole new level and made it completely private – no photographer or videographer present! Although I would have loved to capture that moment, I’m even happier that these two intentionally decided to create time for just them. As much as I love taking beautiful photos of your day, I will always advocate for you and your love doing exactly what feels best for you! Because no vendors were present, they could break down all of their barriers when seeing each other for the first time on their wedding day and connect on such a deep level. I’m still mentally swooning over this! 

Even before their first look, there were so many special things that stood out to me. The couple and their wedding party got ready at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, staying in rooms right across from each other! That made it so convenient to capture both of their anticipation-filled “getting ready” moments with their people. Monica had her sister (who was her Maid of Honor) and mom with her, making the process so special and intimate. She brought two “getting ready” outfits with her, allowing us to get the most epic photos of all time, if I do say so myself. One of her outfits she bought in Paris (!!!), along with the champagne they brought back specifically for their wedding day festivities. Of course, we had to pop it open in the hotel! 

After everyone got ready and Monica and Adam shared their private first look, it was time for the ceremony at Garfield Park Conservatory. I loved how they had a unique take on walking down the aisle, with Adam and his mom walking down one side and Monica and her dad walking down the other, both of them meeting in the middle. Their ceremony was so heartfelt, completely showcasing how much love, commitment, and joy they’ve experienced throughout their 12 whole years together. Here’s to many more!

After their portraits, the party continued at Cindy’s Rooftop in Chicago. They decided to seat all of their reception guests separately from their spouses/dates so that everyone could socialize with someone new! It created such a social and inclusive atmosphere that can sometimes be missed at weddings. Because their event was so intimate in size, it still felt like everyone was able to connect with one another with ease. They also used another Champagne bottle from Paris as the guest book for their people to sign, and they’re going to drink it on their 1st wedding anniversary! 

It was such an honor to capture such an emotional, intentional, and intimate wedding for Monica and Adam. My hope is that all of my couples have as much fun on their day as these two did!

Monica and Adam’s Chicago wedding vendor team 

Cake – Whole Foods (PS – Adam’s grandfather owned a bakery and they used one of his cake slicers to cut their wedding cake!) 

Necklace – Tiffany & Co (A gift from Adam to Monica when they were in high school)

Earrings – Amélie George 

For Monica’s Second Look: 

Earrings – Lola Knight 

Bracelet – Etsy 

Feathered PJ Set – Bon Viviann 

Lace PJ Set – Le Rose Stories

Hair: Ashley Bokowy and Aaron Chicoine from Golden Ash Salon 

Dress – Eva’s Bridal International 

Jumpsuit – Maison Rime Arodaky 

Suit – Tom James custom-made

Groom’s Shoes: Taft

Videographer: Paraagon Films 

Florist: Ki House 

Monica’s Ring: custom from Donna Jewelry Co. 

Adam’s Ring: James Allen 

Looking for a luxury Chicago wedding photographer?

I would love for you to inquire about your Chicago wedding so we can chat all about what you envision! To get in touch with me, you can fill out my contact form and I’ll get back to you shortly. Clinking glasses await! In the meantime, check out my blog post that lists some of my absolute favorite luxury Chicago wedding venues.