Like so many couples around this time, Kira and José went through multiple reschedules before getting to the final wedding date but man once it got there, I swear you could actually feel all of the excitement and love in the room! Sadly pandemic travel restrictions kept José’s family from traveling to attend but they were still incorporated into the wedding day in so many thoughtful ways.
Getting ready is actually one of my favorite parts of the day. Because I specialize in documentary wedding photography, I enjoy it most for being able to capture those little moments betweeen my clients and the people they love before the day gets too busy.
Kira and José decided to have everything all in one spot, ceremony, reception and portraits. If you aren’t the type to pre-plan locations or you don’t want to run around taking photos all day, we can always get some stunning portraits right at your venue. Especially at a spot like The Joinery!
I love getting to photograph wedding days that incorporate a mix of traditions. While they didn’t have a traditional Jewish ceremony, Kira and José did have a ketubah signing before their ceremony. Their friend who would also officiated the ceremony led this ceremony as well and the beautiful ketubah was made by another close friend. I think that this was one of my favorite and most unique ketubah ceremonies that I’ve photographed.
This is also maybe one of my favorite ceremonies of all time. They had a beautiful chuppah decorated with bright flesh flowers. The ceremony seating set up of in the round was so unique and the couple rotated as the ceremony went on so that everyone could see their faces at some point. They had seven different friends/ family members give readings and blessings (a play off Jewish traditions). This included a recording from José’s family, a little talk about magic and a song sang by a friend. There were so many moving and uniquely beautiful moments during this one. Oh and they flipped a coin to see who would read their vows first which was so fun!
After the ceremony guests mingled over empanadas and drinks. I love getting a mix of fun guests candids and sweet photos with and of the fam.
I love, love, loved the table decor at K&J’s wedding. Getting to photograph the bright florals in natural light thanks to the skylight at The Joinery was such a treat for me.
The reception was kicked off with the couples first dance. Guests enjoyed dinner and drinks while family and friends gave speeches and toasts during dinner.
After dinner they kicked off the dance floor with churros and wardrobe changes by the bride and their dad!
Overall Kira and José’s wedding was another perfect representation of, if you do things the way you want you’ll have an absolute blast and a super memorable wedding!
Vendors:
Venue: https://www.thejoinerychicago.com/
Planning: https://www.burstweddings.com/
Florals: https://www.flowersbystem.com/
Catering: https://www.weddingcateringchicago.net/
DJ: https://www.cageandaquarium.com/
Make up: https://www.khakiofcourse.com/
And photography by yours truly!
