Wow have I been excited to share this wedding with you!! Katy and Scottie planned the perfect day at The Walden. This venue was a no-brainer, because they wanted a wedding day that felt fun and relaxed. Just a good ol’ time with their besties. No disappearing for hours or overpacked timeline. And being able to house their entire day in one (gorgeousss) place, was a perfect fit. 

A true celebration was officially on the books! 

These two met at a work conference during a happy hour that Katy planned. Scottie tried to ask for her number so he could invite her to a party, and Katy almost accidentally shut it down by saying she’d just get the details from a mutual friend. Whoops! She figured it out in time, and the rest is history! 

Today, their favorite kind of date includes time outside with their dachshund Dori, followed by a meal they’ve been talking about all week.

They both love to cook and try new cocktails. My kind of people!!

Katy and Scottie got ready separately with their people before meeting up to do a quiet first look together.

Katy did a reveal with her bridesmaids, and they were so delighted to see her as a bride! There is something so special about the girlhood in those moments. She looked amazing with her hair and makeup done by Rare Bird Beauties too!

Katy & Scottie met up in the loft space, standing back to back for their first look. When they finally got to see each other it was nothing but joy and excitement. Their big day was finally here!!

They read each other private letters before their party began. And, of course, Dori was included in the first look!! It was the sweetest kick-off to the best day. 

Elevated Ceremony at The Walden

The ceremony took place upstairs in a bright industrial space with exposed brick, wood beams, and huge windows. Two floral installations framed them as they said their vows, filled with peach and blush blooms that tied in perfectly with the rest of the day.

Sweet Pea Design Studio knocked it out of the park with the floral installations! !

Katy wore a sleek white gown with a halter neckline, open back, and a slit that made it easy to move! Scottie kept things classic in a black tux with a bow tie. Katy’s bouquet added the prettiest pop of color with peach, blush, and soft pink flowers.

Portraits by The Water at Milton Lee Olive Park

After the ceremony, we stopped at Milton Lee Olive Park for portraits with the Chicago skyline in the background.

If you’re looking for a gorgeous outdoor space for portraits on your big day, save this spot! It’s so dreamy. 

They were the most fun, laid-back and happy couple, and their wedding party was ready to celebrate them! This day was something they’d been planning for months and they were ready to soak it all in! 

A Night That Felt Like One Big Dinner Party at The Walden

Afterward, everyone headed downstairs for cocktail hour and the reception. The tables were simple and warm with soft linens, tiny floral arrangements, and tall blue taper candles that glowed once the room got dark. It really hit the stride of elegance, but not trying too hard. Truly couldn’t get enough of their details!

About half-way through their reception we snuck upstairs to the rooftop for some newlywed golden hour portraits.

I absolutely love when my couples will follow me out into the golden glow of the last hour of sunshine. It’s always a grounding pause in the celebration, and we get the most gorgeous photos.

These are the portraits that will become iPhone backgrounds and hang up in their hallways for the years to come. I love knowing how special they are in that moment, while you just bask in the newlywed glow! 

By the end of the night, Katy had changed into a sparkly white mini dress and block heels for the dance floor.

Between the packed dance floor, the string lights overhead, and the way these two stayed right in the middle of the party all night long, it was the kind of wedding that felt impossible to leave. The entertainment was spot on by Best Life Entertainment and DJ CJ Buckets!

Honestly, if you want a day that feels like you and lets you soak up every second with your people, The Walden might just be the perfect backdrop for you too!

Katy & Scottie, thank you for choosing me to be your Chicago wedding photographer! It was such an honor to capture your incredible day!