Vibrant Winery Wedding in Old Town, Chicago

couple with their dog in front of south pond lincoln park on wedding day

Catherine and Russell’s colorful winery wedding took us all throughout the city on the most gorgeous Saturday in August. The morning began with just their families standing as their wedding party at two iconic Chicago hotels before heading up north to Lincoln Park South Pond for couples photos where Delilah (their dog) met us! South pond has slowly but surely become one of my favorite places for wedding portraits. It combines the lush greenery that we have in the Midwest summers without giving up the classic Chicago skyline views. What could be better?! It was also a cute wink at North Pond, where these two got engaged the summer before.

There was SO much fun color and texture in Catherine and Russell’s florals, perfect for summer! The pink and oranges complemented Catherine’s “something blue” bow on her dress perfectly.

Next we headed to their ceremony at Madonna Della Strada on Loyola’s campus. This church is such a beautiful location that allows lots of natural light in, even on a gloomy day. When I first chatted with Russell and Catherine about their wedding day (after the proposal I also shot!), she mentioned how much living by the lake and getting their “fresh start” there as a newly married couple means to her.

Another defining trait of their relationship is the fact that they are both big foodies. This is a huge reason that they selected Chicago Winery as their wedding venue! Cocktail hour was complete with live music, an Aperol Spritz station, and a wine bottle “guestbook.” Personally I’m a huge fan of anything interactive, so a guestbook that has a dual purpose for the couple is definitely going in my favorites list.

After that, everyone moved into the dinner space that was decorated with colorful, textural florals and a striking multicolor baby’s breath chandelier that truly made people speechless. These two took everything you think you know about winery weddings and threw it out the window–no more white roses and tea lights.

Keep scrolling to see all this striking, vibrant and colorful winery wedding that Catherine + Russell put together along with a killer vendor team (credits at the end).