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D & D Forever

9.24.22

Where to start with this perfect couple? Daniel and Diane had a personal, nontraditional vision for their wedding at Bottom Lounge. They wanted their closest friends and family to be there, of course, but they also wanted everything to feel like it came from the heart. They also wanted to incorporate the West Loop into their wedding portraits before the ceremony. The couple wore nontraditional wedding colors, with Diane donning a beautiful sky blue dress and Daniel wearing a rust colored three-piece suit. The colors of their wedding party were straight out of the 70s, and I was ALL about it. Their adorable dog, Pippin, accompanied them throughout their wedding party portraits and during the ceremony. (Couples, take note: PLEASE bring your dogs to your wedding. Heck, bring your cats and lizards too.)

The décor at Bottom Lounge matched Diane and Daniel’s personalities perfectly. Diane worked so hard to create her flowers and the centerpieces-the result? A whimsical, colorful take on the paper bouquet that truly made Diane and her wedding party look like they stepped out of a fairy tale. Additionally, the couple had custom coasters with their initials engraved in them (D&D), which was also a not-so-subtle nod to their love of board games and game night with friends.

The couple chose to have their ceremony outside on the Bottom Lounge rooftop, which is one of my favorite outdoor spaces in the city! The weather was perfect for September, and neither Diane nor Daniel could hide their laughter throughout the ceremony. With their dog/son/bff Pippin by their side, they exchanged personal vows as their guests and wedding party teared up nearby. As a wedding photographer, it’s so easy to see when a couple is truly enjoying their ceremony and just taking in the moment. Daniel and Diane were definitely living in that moment. They topped off their nontraditional ceremony with bubbles and a walk back down the aisle with Pippin!

The couple’s reception was adorable! Daniel taught everyone how to play one of the couple’s favorite card games, Love Letter, while the maid of honor and best man delivered emotional (yet hilarious) toasts. The Bottom Lounge dance floor lit up that night as Daniel and Diane had their first dance alongside other couples and friends.
Pro tip: You don’t have to have your first dance in the spotlight! If you’re not comfortable being the center of attention, or if you just want to include others in the moment, that dance will be just as memorable and beautiful for you both.

By the end of the night, all of the guests joined in for the Hora! The couple danced alongside their friends and family in the circles instead of being hoisted up on chairs. The Hora is one of my favorite dances to capture-everyone is full of life and love as they circle the dance floor to celebrate the couple. What a perfect way to end the night at Bottom Lounge. Congratulations to Daniel & Diane (and Pippin)!

Venue: Bottom Lounge