Natalie & Bruce

OLD POST OFFICE CHICAGO WEDDING

first look on the rooftop terrace

Natalie and Bruce’s Old Post Office Chicago wedding day began at the Wit Hotel with an overcast Chicago sky and the ever-present threat of rain. But inside the getting-ready room, there was plenty of excitement and just a little bit of wedding-day chaos.

While Natalie sat down to write her vows in her vow book, her bridesmaids were hard at work desperately steaming her dress and trying to convince the wrinkles to cooperate. Because apparently, wedding dresses have a mind of their own.

A little comic relief arrived in the form of Natalie’s sweet dachshund, who made a quick appearance and happily made his way through the getting-ready space before the day really got underway.

Outside, though, the weather was becoming a little more concerning. Rain began pouring down, putting Natalie and Bruce’s plans for their first look on the hotel balcony in jeopardy. While Natalie was getting into her dress, the incredibly kind staff at the Wit Hotel were busy mopping up the rooftop terrace, doing everything they could to make the couple’s plans happen.

happy tears and coffee

With the Chicago skyline behind them, Natalie and Bruce saw each other for the first time. There were big smiles, a few happy tears, and that wonderful feeling that comes when all of the anticipation of the morning finally gives way to this is really happening. Natalie’s parents looked on as they shared their first moments together, making an already emotional moment even more special.

Then came one of my favorite little details of the day – Natalie requested a cup of coffee.

After their first look, we headed over to the Old Post Office for portraits. The staircase of the historic building made the perfect backdrop for the wedding party, and the large group looked incredible in their cheerful spring dresses.

sunset on the Old Post Office rooftop

Natalie was all smiles as she waited with her dad for her walk down the aisle. Soon, she and Bruce were standing together in front of their family and friends, reciting the vows they had spent the morning preparing. The ceremony was beautiful, romantic, and filled with the kind of emotion that makes these moments so meaningful.

And then, almost as if Chicago had decided to give them a wedding-day gift, the weather completely changed.

After pouring rain earlier in the day, the clouds gave way to a gorgeous setting sun. Guests headed outside to sip cocktails, enjoy the rooftop, and take in the incredible city views. Natalie and Bruce wandered through the rooftop garden for sunset portraits, soaking up a few quiet moments together while the city glowed around them.

Back inside, the energy was building. Guests cheered and hollered as Natalie and Bruce made their grand entrance into the reception, and they went straight to one of the day’s most memorable moments: their cake cutting.

The evening continued with sweet and heartfelt toasts, plenty of laughter, and a packed dance floor. And then Bruce decided it was time to dust off his old DJ moves and join the band, completely embracing the party.

From a rainy morning and a dress that refused to cooperate to a sunset that couldn’t have been more beautiful, Natalie and Bruce’s wedding day had a little bit of everything. It was romantic, joyful, a little unpredictable, and filled with the people who love them most, which is really what a wedding day is all about.

And honestly, those are my favorite kinds of wedding days to photograph: the ones that aren’t just beautiful, but genuinely feel like the couple.