A beautiful queer wedding in the western suburbs with the brides’ closest friends and family!

3.23.24

Bridget and Joy are one of those couples that just radiate pure love. When I met them in the fall of 2023 for their engagement session, I was immediately captivated by the energy they radiated, and that energy came through in every photo I captured.

On their wedding day, they radiated that same energy. The couple and their bridal party got ready at a hotel near the venue, and this hotel happened to have the most gorgeous indoor courtyard! I was blown away at the lighting and greenery, and it made for a perfect backdrop for the couple’s wedding party portraits before the ceremony.

The couple’s ceremony at Abbington Banquets brought more than a few of their guests to tears. They exchanged personal vows and declared their love in front of their friends and family. After their ceremony and cocktail hour, several of their guests gave heartfelt (and hilarious!) speeches. The couple shared their first dance in matching Converse tennis shoes and then opened the dance floor up for everyone to join them. I’ve mentioned it before, but one of my favorite moments of the entire day is capturing people losing their minds while dancing. I love hearing what songs the couple chooses, and I love seeing how absolutely bananas the dance floor gets.

Listen, real talk: queer weddings are just the best. They are a well of joy and pride, while still rebelling against what is unfortunately still a heteronormative society. We are getting closer to universal acceptance and love, I truly believe that. But until that day comes, queer weddings are still an act of beautiful rebellion. I will be there for every moment on these days.

Congratulations again, Bridget and Joy!

Engagement session location: Lincoln Park North Pond
Wedding hotel: Doubletree Downer’s Grove
Wedding venue: Abbington Banquets