Anne and Jeff married at Metropolitan Club on the 66th floor of Willis Tower, with breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline--perfect for a couple who loves the city as much as they do!! But even more special than the spectacular views was the love and affection that surrounded this fun couple on their BIG day.
Anne and her girls got prepared at The Hotel Chicago Downtown, Autograph Collection in a warm sun-filled room as the city buzzed below.
Meanwhile, across town in their home, Jeff and his groomsmen prepared for the big day.
Anne and Jeff opted to see each other before the ceremony, which created lots of time for wedding portraits. So we set off on an adventure around the city of Chicago!
First stop: the park outside their home.
We then jumped on a trolley and headed to Adler Planetarium for more wedding photos. The view of the Chicago Skyline from the planetarium is simply to die for.
We ended our journey on the River Walk outside of City Winery. The same place where I photographed their engagement session a few months prior.
Don't you just love these two?!
Now off to the altar--the altar with a view for their wedding ceremony at the Metropolitan Club on the 66th floor of Willis Tower.
And yes, they paused for a "newly-wed selfie" before they made their exit. Such a fun pair, those two!
Anne surprised Jeff with a grooms cake that was shaped like a Michigan baseball cap. Needless to say, this Michigan fanatic LOVED it!! Way to go Anne!
There were so many laughs, memories and tears shared throughout the day as Anne and Jeff's friends and family celebrated their new union. They even took time out to commemorate Anne’s late father, Willis. Even though Anne’s father passed in 2014, he was there in spirit. He was there in the special touches, like the locket wrapped around Anne’s bouquet, and the heart patch of his favorite shirt that was stitched to the inside of her dress just over her heart.
His presence was especially felt during the reception when Anne's maid of honor stood to give her speech. She talked about the agreement Willis made with Anne before his passing and how he would let Anne know whenever he is around by leaving change, specifically silver (nickels, dimes and quarters). She then invited all the guest in the room to grab the change that she had placed in the center of their table and shower the couple with it. Before I knew it, coins were being tossed into the air and landing around my feet on the dance floor.
Love, respect, affection and honor was in the air and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. I stood there weeping like a baby behind my camera lens. Even now, as I type this, tears are welling up in my eyes. It was a special moment, very powerful and one that will never be forgotten.
Once the tears were dried, it was time to honor Willis, Anne and Jeff through dance and celebration and so the party continued.
Anne and Jeff ended their night with photos at the Skydeck Chicago on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower. It was the perfect ending to such a spectacular day!
View their wedding slideshow below!
Many thanks to the amazing team who brought this celebration to life...
Venue: Metropolitan Club
Paper goods: Spilled Ink Press
Florals: Davenport Design
Gown Designer: Watters Bridal
Makeup: Christine Zafiropoulos
Hair: Stephanie Minier
Cake: Bittersweet Bakery
Music: Mike Tawney
If you enjoyed reading about this lovely couple, why not tell them so?! Spread the love by leaving well wishes and congratulations in the comments section below. They'll enjoy reading your messages in the years to come! xoxo