You’re not ready for this epic wedding at Sarabande for Sierra and Thomas!! I’ve been so excited to blog their big day from the moment it started. 

Their day was everything intentional and relaxed.

From the quiet moments on the grand marble staircases to the packed dance floor later that night, every moment of the day magnified what mattered most to them: being together, being present, and celebrating with the people they love.

I call that a win in my book. 

Sierra and Thomas wanted a wedding gallery that felt natural and true to life. They were drawn to documentary style photography, with a film-inspired feel. While still making space for those timeless portraits that would live on their walls for years to come. I knew immediately that our visions were aligned, and I was so grateful/excited/giddy when I saw their official booking in my inbox.

The whole day had this effortlessly cool balance of elegance and ease.

Sierra wore the sleekest satin gown with delicate pearl straps and a long veil. She was every inch the timeless bride. Thomas kept things classic in a black suit and tie, which paired so well with the modern architecture and clean lines throughout the day.

Their floral palette added the prettiest pop of color with peach roses, buttery yellow blooms, soft lavender allium, and textured greenery woven throughout the bouquets and ceremony space.

A few favorite details from the day at Sarabande:

• The emotional first look tucked inside the marble stairwell
• The candid rooftop moments overlooking downtown Chicago
• Their vintage getaway car portraits at golden hour
• A packed dance floor that stayed full all night
• Film-inspired black and white images mixed throughout the gallery

Okay but I’m getting ahead of myself! Their day started with this touching and intimate first look at Chicago Cultural Center and Art Institute of Chicago. If you’re planning a Chicago wedding, take notes because I can’t get these images out of my head!! I love the way they turned out!

One thing Sierra and Thomas prioritized from the beginning was time together.

They didn’t want their wedding to feel rushed or overly structured. Instead, they built a timeline that gave them room to breathe, wander around the city, hang out with family visiting from out of town, and fully settle into the experience.

That slower pace made such a difference. When we finished up our portraits and met at Sarabande for their ceremony, these two were relaxed & ready to say I Do.

Thomas watching her walk down the aisle with the sweetest expression on his face was everything. Their ceremony was so infused with personality and meaning. I’m pretty sure there wasn’t a dry eye in the house when they were finally pronounced husband and wife!

Ending the Night with The BEST Celebration!

By the time these two entered their reception and opened up the dance floor, the energy completely shifted into full celebration mode. The reception space glowed under string lights and disco balls while everyone danced, hugged, toasted, and fully let loose. We love a crew who knows how to party!

It was the perfect ending to a wedding day that truly felt heartfelt from beginning to end.

Sierra and Thomas created a celebration centered around connection, intention, and joy. And as a Chicago wedding photographer, I count myself lucky to have been the one there to capture their love.

Oh! And if you’re dreaming of this kind of elevated, special day… don’t forget to include Sarabande in your plans! This venue was everything and more!!

VENDOR TEAM:

Venue: @sarabandechicago
Catering: @paramountevents
Photographer: @morganmcintire_
Planner: @bluemooneventschicago
DJ: @stylemattersdjs
Officiant: @somethingprofoundweddings
Florist: @twosistersevents
Cake: @bittersweetpastryshop
HAMU: @rarebirdbeauties
Sierra’s Attire: @honey_bridal @ettetailor
Thomas’s Attire: @sydjeromemenswear
Alcohol: @garfieldsbeverage