Mae District Chicago Wedding

Sep 4

Mae District | Bride and groom walk along Riverpoint Park | Chicago IL

Kennedy & Matt’s Summer Wedding in Chicago

Kennedy and Matt’s August wedding at Mae District was the perfect blend of modern elegance, heartfelt emotion, and an unforgettable celebration. Their personalities—laid back, fun, and deeply in love—shone through in every detail of the day.

The morning began with Kennedy getting ready in the upstairs wedding suite at Mae District. It’s one of my favorite places in the city to photograph wedding parties preparing for the big day—plenty of space, tasteful decor, and incredible window light. Kennedy’s humor and laughter filled the room as she and her bridesmaids enjoyed the morning together. Meanwhile, Matt got ready at their home in River West, surrounded by close friends and their pup Etta.

A First Look by the River

For their first look, Kennedy and Matt chose Riverpoint Park along the Chicago River, one of my favorite locations for its sweeping views of the river and surrounding architecture. When Matt saw Kennedy, his face lit up—a moment I was honored to capture. From there, we headed down LaSalle Street for views of the Chicago Board of Trade and urban architecture as a backdrop for their wedding party portraits.

A Modern Mae District Ceremony

The ceremony took place at Mae District, where Michelle of Strewn created a breathtaking floral arch of soft blues, greens, and whites. Kennedy’s walk down the aisle was met with smiles and a few tears, and the couple exchanged personal vows in front of family and friends. The groom’s sister officiated, making the ceremony intimate and full of meaning.

Reception: Warmth, Candles, and a Packed Dance Floor

The reception design was simple yet elegant, with soft colors, greenery, and candles filling the space with warmth. Guests dined and mingled before the dance floor came alive—thanks to DJ Firm, who kept the energy high from start to finish. A highlight of the evening was when an uncle surprised the couple by bringing in a bagpiper, a nod to Irish tradition and a warm welcome for Matt into Kennedy’s family.

Despite the summer heat and humidity, the couple and their wedding party brought enthusiasm and fun to every moment. My job was not only to document the day but also to keep things moving so everyone could stay cool and comfortable.

Special shout out to Jena from Big City Bride, who was flawlessly in coordinating a perfect wedding for the couple! One of my favorite planners to work with!

Mae District is a venue with three distinct spaces—ceremony, dinner, and dancing—which keeps the flow of the day engaging but also requires a thoughtful approach to photography and lighting. Kennedy and Matt made my job easy, though—they were authentic, joyful, and a true pleasure to photograph. I wish them the very best!