The ceremony they waited two years to have!

10.8.22

Here’s the thing about Gianna and James: they’re the most laid-back couple in the world. I met Gianna back in January 2020 at a bridal expo (ah, simpler times), and we hit it off immediately. She wanted me to photograph her wedding to James, but, you all know what happened that year. In the summer of 2020, these two decided to elope and take photos around the city and in Rogers Park. I even registered to be their officiant! It was one of my favorite moments of 2020.

Flash forward to the fall of 2022, and Gianna and James were finally able to celebrate with their family and friends. Loft 606 in Logan Square was the perfect venue for them! This Airbnb has tons of natural light, a rooftop with a spiral staircase, and a full kitchen. Gianna and James invited about 70 of their favorite people to help them celebrate their marriage. While this was technically their wedding reception, the couple wanted it to be more of a nontraditional party! The couple got ready together and took photos with their immediate family before the rest of their guests arrived.

Loft 606 has the coolest spiral staircase and rooftop, where we took some intimate portraits of Gianna and James. Since we had already taken so many photos of the two of them in 2020, they wanted to focus most of their energy on spending time with their loved ones. Their ceremony was totally nontraditional and didn’t involve any vows or ring exchange. Instead, their friend officiated by telling stories of the couple and offering poignant advice. James and Gianna asked their guest to recite “Leaves of Grass:” by Walt Whitman before their closed out their ceremony.

After the ceremony, it was party time! Guests mingled and had appetizers from First Slice Cafe, and the kids explored the rest of Loft 606. Both Gianna and James’ fathers gave toasts that had the couple in tears with heartfelt and hilarious memories. Their guests absolutely loved the speeches, especially since many of them have known the couple since they were kids. Gianna and her dad shared an impromptu first dance, while James and his mom followed suit. The night ended with City BBQ, champagne, and lots of music!

Having worked with Gianna and James during such an uncertain time in 2020, it was delightful to meet their friends and family at Loft 606 over two years later. There’s nothing like having the party you’ve been dreaming of for two years!

Venue: Loft 606 // Coordinator: Wedding Day Chicago // Appetizers/dessert: First Slice // Dinner: CityBBQ // Music: DJ Chicago // Makeup: Elizabeth Artistry