This past Saturday I had the immense privilege of documenting Drew and Margaret’s Chicago wedding. This couple met through work. Margaret noticed a small flaw in some of Drew’s research and reached out to him to work on a correction, and Drew was immediately smitten with this smart, kind, poised woman. Together they form a warm and hospitable couple that shies from the limelight in favor of helping and serving others. They’re such a sweet duo!

 

The couple got married at a Library, so they fittingly had a small book theme in their decor. The couple chose the Newberry because they intentionally wanted to get married at a not-for-profit, but it’s even more fitting for them to marry in a library because Drew has a masters in library science. The library is a beautifully maintained research library built in 1887. The ceremony and reception were held in Ruggles Hall. Even though the building is 129 years old, the hall is very modern with gorgeous chandeliers and sconces.

A December wedding in Chicago is bound to be bitterly cold and windy, but… the weather for Drew and Margaret wasn’t too bad. It was snowy and pretty, and thankfully not too cold to step outside for some photos. Since the library is adjacent to Washington Square Park, I was really excited that we were able to take advantage of such a gorgeous location.

Drew and Margaret dismissed tradition for tradition’s sake and only kept to the wedding traditions that had personal meaning to them. For example, they are a little shy so they skipped traditional reception introductions. They, like many, think that the bouquet and garter toss are a little awkward and sometimes creepy, so they skipped that! I’m always encouraging couples to make their wedding their own and to only do what makes sense for them, and Drew and Margaret commendably did exactly that.  The two things that truly mattered to the couple were their love for each other and that their friends and family had a good time. I love this couple and their priorities!

• Venue: The Newberry Library
• Florist: Flowers for Dreams
• Hair & Makeup: Spa Soak
• Caterer: Jordan’s Food of Distinction
• Bride’s Dress: Margaret’s Mother
• Cake: Urban Icing
• DJ: ThePros

When I arrived at Margaret’s apartment for her prep time, I was shocked by the size of the crowd there. Margaret is obviously deeply loved by her many close friends. That’s why I LOVE the reactions on these faces as Margaret emerged from getting dressed. The reaction wasn’t just visible, but also very audible. It was such an amazing moment!

Margaret’s mom not only made her dress, but warm capes and muffs for Margaret and her bridesmaids to wear for outdoor photos.

I love how perfectly this headpiece fit Margaret’s head and hairstyle. It was a gorgeous subtle touch.

Once we couldn’t feel our fingers and toes anymore, we went inside and shot some photos in the gorgeous marble lined hallways of the library.

The couple’s ceremony began with some beautiful piano music played on the Library’s Steinway and was officiated by a very close friend. Drew isn’t a very expressive guy, but if you know him… you know this side eye glance at Margaret down the aisle means a lot. He adores her!

Drew’s grandmother is a beautiful and sweet woman. I really love this image my 2nd shooter Emily captured of her during cocktail hour. Her pink apple cheeks and kind eyes make for quite a combo! I mean, have you ever seen a warmer smile?

The place cards for the reception were made from library cards and the tables were assigned based on what book was propped in the center of the table. When guests entered the hall they simply looked for their assigned book rather than a table number. What a unique idea!

Margaret’s dad is Russian and it’s a Russian wedding custom to have Toast Masters or Merry Makers that help to keep the reception party going. These two were chosen to wear silver sashes and bore the honor and responsibility of making sure everyone at the reception had a good time.

It’s so fitting that Margaret and Drew would have a wedding with people called “Merry Makers” because that’s exactly what it was, merry! The guests had a fantastic time enthusiastically dancing, laughing, and even kissing.

Congratulations Drew and Margaret! It was an honor to document your day for you. Thanks so much for trusting me with your memories and for inviting me to participate in such an intimate and monumental occasion.
I wish you many happy returns!