Weddings
When it comes to engagement sessions, the number one question is always “What to wear?” We know it can be difficult enough to find the perfect outfit just for you, so the challenge is doubled for an engagement session. As hard as it might feel, and as much as you may just want to toss on your favorite fitted tee and call it done, I promise it’s worth going the extra step to coordinate and look like you’re having a wonderful, snazzy time!
Some general lessons that we have learned:
- Avoid being too matchy-matchy, but look like you’re in the same catalog
- Prioritize comfort and confidence. Wear something you know makes you feel fabulous!
- Think about the head-to-toe look, from the hair to the shoes
Should we change outfits?
Sure! Bringing options to your session is a great way to get different looks. We can coordinate the changes into our plan for the session, to make sure everything runs smoothly. And keep in mind that minor changes (scarves, layers, accessories) are great, too! Lana & Mike decided on a few different looks that reflected their personality. Do you have a favorite?
Can casual work?
Yes! Your engagement session doesn’t need to be a black-tie affair. You do want to look comfortable, relaxed, and at home in your surroundings. From the pop of pink in her dress to the close-up character in their choice of shoes, Amy & Jon look totally natural at the Chicago Botanical Gardens. For Mike & Phil, a walk around their neighborhood was the ideal session, and their outfits reflected how close they were to home.
Should there be a theme?
Sure! If it suits your personality (or the personality of your wedding), a theme can be a great way to get creative and show friends & family who you are! Erin & Alex are both artists, and their speakeasy-inspired session was an absolute blast! They even brought clown noses, which were the perfect touch to an already laughter-filled session!
Do multiple locations mean multiple outfits?
Not necessarily! One of the great things about Chicago is the endless amount of photo locations. Choosing different backdrops does not mean you have to keep changing outfits. Allison & Benjamin look smart and snazzy, whether they’re in front of architecture or the changing autumn leaves. The rich tones of Allison’s dress and the sleek color of Ben’s shirt and slacks go with everything!
Check out more engagement favorites in the Gold Grid Studios portfolio now!
Weddings
Of all the important moments that create a wedding day, the first look is perhaps the most emotional. All of the planning and decision-making fall away for a bit. You’re able to focus on one thing: the person you’re about to marry. Well, maybe two things: the person, and how unbelievably perfect they look!
The first look is an exciting part of the day for your photographer, too. It gives us an opportunity to help choreograph one of the most beautiful dances of the day. We are able to scout the perfect location for you, and coordinate with the team to find the ideal time. Your venue may be a good option, or we can explore the surrounding area. We can make sure that this first look moment will be just for the two of you. No one else will be around, so you’re able to feel all of the feels!
Whether indoor…
Or outdoors…
Whether he gasps…
Or in case she cries…
You will want to see this moment from both sides…
And from every possible angle…
Because your first look is just for the two of you…and it’s just too good to miss!
Take a look at other parts of the wedding day on the Gold Grid blog now!
Weddings
The team at Chez Event Space knows how to throw a party. Whether it’s a sleek, modern wedding or a snazzy birthday party, they excel at elegance. Knowing all this, we were so excited to be part of the 2nd Annual Chez Wedding Pop Up! An opportunity to mingle with eager brides and rockstar industry professionals is always fun. Add in some champagne a delicious treats, and you have a recipe for wedding success!
The Chez invitation promised “Bubbles, bites, beauty + beats” and did not disappoint. Brides and friends were excited to find “Indulgences + inspiration galore, All carefully curated for you and yours.” It was a wonderful way to spend a Sunday morning, surround by wedding inspiration and lots of laughter. Thank you to Chez for bringing us all together!
Take a look. Feel inspired. And be sure to join us next year!
There was a complimentary braid + lash bar by Kate Johnson Artistry Bridal Team. Our eyes were dazzled by custom wedding decor from Art of Imagination, Kehoe Designs, Revel Decor,Clementine Custom Events, and Storybook Weddings & Events.
If the decor and lash bar were not enough (and they were amazing!), check out this list of wedding professionals. We captured displays from Food For Thought, Jewell Events Catering, Blue Plate Chicago, Limelight Catering, Amy Beck Cake Design, LLC, Bittersweet Pastry Shop, Cage And Aquarium Productions, Fig Media, Inc., Kent Drake Photography, Jenny Yoo Collection, and M&M Rentals. It was wedding heaven!
Take a look at another fabulous Chez celebration!
Weddings
When you start planning your wedding, you’ll find that there are a seemingly endless number of Chicago venues! So how do you find the one that’s right for you? Any painter will tell you that the first step to a great painting is selecting the right canvas. Every detail you add and every choice you make is aided by having the perfect backdrop. If a wedding day is a work of art (and it is), then your wedding venue is your canvas. This is where you start to create the mood and aesthetic of your day. The venue is usually one of the first decisions made in wedding planning. They provide the solid foundations for all other decision making.
These are some of our favorite wedding venues in Chicago! We recommend them, not only because of their beauty, but because of the professionalism of their teams. Communication and organization are so important when it comes to your wedding day. The staff at these venues could not be better. These fabulous venues have the Gold Grid stamp of approval! Enjoy!
For natural light in a natural setting – COLUMBUS PARK REFECTORY
For a little history in the heart of River North – NEWBERRY LIBRARY
For downtown class and artistic excellence – SCHOOL OF THE ART INSTITUTE
For a sleek and modern affair – CHEZ EVENT SPACE
For stained glass enthusiasts – ALICE MILLAR CHAPEL – NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
For bold pops of color and fabulous flair – CARNIVALE
For a classic, timeless ceremony – ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH
For a Rogers Park hidden gem – MAYNE STAGE
For a touch of campus class – LOYOLA UNIVERSITY
For breathtaking Chicago architecture – THE ROOKERY
Need more help with wedding plan decisions? Check out Gold Grid Recommends, our exclusive list of our favorite collaborators!
Weddings
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life…and it starts before the ceremony. There are important hours of emotion and memory that begin long before you walk down the aisle. Whether you’re getting ready at home or in a bridal suite, this getting ready time is an important piece of your story. The start of the day is the perfect time to capture details such as your dress, veil, and jewelry. It is also an opportunity to document some of the most memorable candid moments of your day.
Getting ready for your wedding is a ritual. You are often surrounded by some of the most special people you know. You are preparing for a long day, and emotions can run high. We look forward to seeing the laughter and the happy tears, and to hearing all of the stories and memories shared in the bridal suite.
After the wedding, some of the best surprises come when you two get to see what the other was doing before your first look or ceremony. Those last few moments before becoming newlyweds are some of our favorites. We always recommend making time in your day to capture them. A look at the gorgeous moments below will show you why!
You get to reflect on those helping hands that got you to this day…
Take a look at what your fiancee was up to before the ceremony…
And (maybe) most importantly, you get a few moments all to yourself…
To see more of these beautiful weddings, check out our Featured Couples on the Gold Grid blog!
