Fairmont Chicago Wedding - Hannah & Brian

Jul 9

Fairmont Chicago | bride and groom embrace at Lakeshore East Park | Chicago IL

Photographing a Fairmont Chicago wedding

Hannah and Brian’s wedding at the Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park over Labor Day weekend was the perfect celebration of love, tradition, and joyful energy. These two are not only sweet with each other but have a fun-loving spark that you could feel throughout the day. More than anything, they wanted their wedding to be an incredible time for their friends and family — and it absolutely was.

The day began at the Fairmont Chicago, where both the couple got ready. Their first look took place just outside the ballroom, near the hotel’s striking grand staircase. Warm Edison bulbs reflected in the surrounding mirrors, adding an unexpected sparkle to the moment. As a photographer, I loved the mood this created — though it definitely presented a challenge to keep myself and my lights out of the reflections. But the payoff was worth it. The moment Brian turned to see Hannah, it was all smiles, laughter, and a quiet emotional connection that spoke volumes.

After the first look, we stepped out with the couple and their wedding party to one of my favorite hidden gems for portraits — Lakeshore East Park. This peaceful urban oasis gave us beautiful natural backdrops with soft light filtering through the trees. Some of my favorite images are of just the two of them framed by greenery, sunlight glowing behind them.

Their ceremony was a traditional Jewish one, beginning with the ketubah signing and followed by a heartfelt ceremony under the chuppah. From the kiddush cup to the breaking of the glass, every ritual was meaningful and rooted in tradition, while still feeling deeply personal to Hannah and Brian.

The reception was hosted in a separate ballroom at the Fairmont, transformed into an elegant and modern space. The all-white dance floor was a standout feature — it created a clean, high-end look and made every dancing photo pop with energy… and the energy was there in spades! The couple made a grand entrance straight into a full dance floor, greeted by a cheering crowd that encircled them. Brian dipped Hannah, giving their guests a little drama, and setting the tone for an unforgettable night.

Later in the evening, Hannah changed into a chic cocktail dress, ready for the dance party that followed. Their guests were a lively, affectionate crew, and the dance floor was nonstop fun. One of the most memorable details? Folding hand fans with the couple’s faces on them — they made for hilarious props and a ton of laughs during open dancing.

Heartfelt speeches from both sets of parents added emotional depth to the evening, and I was reminded once again of how important it is to photograph not just moments, but feelings.

Special shout out to Tess Davis of Events by Tess for planning such a flawless day. Every detail was perfectly in place, allowing Hannah and Brian to fully enjoy their celebration.

If you're considering a wedding at the Fairmont or looking for a venue that combines luxury with flexibility, it's a fantastic choice. Photographing here always feels like a treat — especially when the couple is as incredible as Hannah and Brian.