Chicago Renaissance Hotel Wedding | Chicago photographer

Mel and Mikey’s wedding day was the perfect blend of Chicago sophistication and pure, high-energy fun. Although the couple lives in Florida, they brought their loved ones to Mikey’s hometown of Chicago to celebrate in true Windy City fashion. They envisioned a wedding with stunning views, iconic backdrops, and a glamorous, sexy, “old school Chicago” vibe that felt both timeless and fun for their loved ones. Their glamorous Chicago Renaissance Hotel wedding was a dream, and flawlessly accomplished their wedding vision.

Everything took place at the Chicago Renaissance Hotel, except their wedding portraits at the Wrigley Building, which is one of my favorite downtown Chicago locations for portraits. It provides a classic, timeless backdrop with the architecture, gold building details, and gorgeous city views.

wedding party portraits at Wrigley Building in Chicago

bride holding red rose wedding bouquet as she walks with groom outside of Wrigley Building in Chicago

Mel and Mikey’s main goal for their wedding day, aside from saying “I do”, was to throw an unforgettable celebration that fully immersed their guests in the experience. Every detail was intentionally chosen to elevate the day and entertain. Mel also included a pop of red for her and Mikey to coordinate with her favorite nail color. With Mikey in a black tux and her in a gorgeous white dress, her classic red rose bouquet and his red boutonniere popped beautifully, along with the red bottom of their shoes.

glamorous Chicago Renaissance Hotel wedding ceremony

classic wedding ceremony flowers featuring white roses and greenery

During cocktail hour, guests were greeted by Champagne Couture Girls, entertainers who elegantly passed out glasses of bubbly as live music filled the air. A live illustrator, Kristine Steiner, was on site creating custom guest portraits, which were some of the most impressive I’ve ever seen in person. These custom paintings added a personal and artistic touch to the evening that also left a lasting impression.

Glamorous Chicago Renaissance Hotel Wedding

The reception design was a perfect reflection of their wedding style and vision. It was classic, romantic, and glamorous with a dash of bold personality. Guests were asked to wear black for a black-tie optional look, creating a striking and cohesive aesthetic. The room came to life with white rose centerpieces, lush greenery draping the ceiling and stage, and a warm, romantic glow from the candlelight. Each place setting featured custom menus personalized with guest names, and playful bat napkins printed with “So we met at a bar,” which was a nod to how Mel and Mikey’s love story began. The signature cocktail, an espresso martini, also had a custom edible monogram on top!

greenery draped from ceiling over black and white checkered dance floor

The couple didn’t miss a beat when it came to incorporating meaningful touches. They even designed custom hats embroidered with their wedding date, 83124, as a fun keepsake for guests. As the night continued, the dance floor filled with laughter, music, and the unmistakable joy of a couple who wanted nothing more than for everyone to have the time of their lives. Mel and Mikey’s Chicago Renaissance Hotel wedding was more than just elegant and beautiful-it was full of personality and love.

Mel and Mikey, congratulations! Capturing your glamorous Chicago wedding day was a dream! It brought me so much joy to watch you two together throughout the day. Cheers to a lifetime of love and happiness!