I’m so excited to share Matt & Nancy’s incredible Kimpton Gray Chicago wedding on the blog today! I’ve been dying to share this wedding for weeks & it’s full of so many incredible moments! The day started at the Gray where Nancy & her girls got ready in their incredible suite! Once hair & make-up were finished, Nancy’s mom and her Maid of Honor zipped her up into her stunning Rita Vinieris dress (I was also geeking out a bit because you all know I love the Bachelor & Ashley I just wore a Rita dress at her Newport, Rhode Island wedding!!). After a fun reveal with her bridesmaids, Nancy shared an emotional first look with her dad.
One of my favorite moments of the day was at the church. Nancy’s dad escorted her up the church steps and then the church doors opened and she was standing there with her dad to walk down the aisle! It’s such a powerful moment when the doors open to reveal the bride & this one was no different! After a gorgeous ceremony filled with more tears, we did a quick tour of Chicago for portraits stopping at some incredible spots Nancy & Matt picked out! I love photographing in the city & on city streets because there’s just so much energy in the air! The city buzzing around a couple in love who are wrapped up in their own little love bubble is just the best!! Plus strangers yelling out congrats & well wishes as they pass by just makes the day that much more festive & fun!
After portraits, guests gathered back at the Kimpton Gray for the second part of the wedding, the traditional Thai water ceremony. As guests sipped on cocktails, they all took turns pouring water into Nancy & Matt’s hands for good luck!! It was such a cool tradition to witness and you could tell how much fun their guests had getting to participate in that Thai wedding tradition!
Before dinner, the couple was toasted by Nancy’s dad & their Best Man & Maid of Honor!! The speeches had everyone laughing & it was a great way to kick off the party!!! Amelia Cole Events did an amazing job on the reception decor & I was obsessed with all of the paper goods that Nancy herself designed!! She owns Intap calligraphy and is a super talented calligrapher & stationer, so brides, if you are looking for luxe paper goods with an incredible attention to detail, Nancy is your gal! I seriously had so much fun styling her amazing paper the morning of the wedding!!
One of my favorite parts of the night was sneaking out with Nancy & Matt to take some night portraits outside the hotel!! The lights of the city were just magical and it gave them a moment to step away from the reception for a few minutes and reflect on how amazing the day had been!!
Nancy & Matt, thank you for trusting your wedding day with me and I hope you love & cherish these photos in the decades to come! I have had so much fun getting to know you both from the first time we chatted to your Chicago History Museum engagement photos to now your wedding day! Wishing you both lots of love & happiness! Much love, Jen!! xx
