Gilt Bar and Downtown Chicago Summer Engagement Photos

Engagement

July 9, 2026

couple in booths at gilt bar engagement photos

Alexa and Shane wanted a moody, vibey bar for their Chicago summer engagement session, so naturally, we landed on the idea of going to Gilt Bar.

However, we had 90 minutes together and we weren’t gonna spend a gorgeous, warm early summer Chicago day together inside in the dark! After Gilt Bar, we walked all over the Chicago Riverwalk and hit some of the best photo ops. Since we did this in the middle of a weekday, the riverwalk was pretty empty (pro tip if you’re planning a session there, especially in summer).

couple on stairs of Chicago Riverwalk engagement picture
couple holding hands on Chicago Riverwalk engagement pictures in summer

I used a mix of digital and film photography to get the best of both worlds–lots of movement, natural emotions, and some fun nostalgic vibes which I especially loved at the bar.

Gilt Bar engagement photos on Holga camera, 120 film
film engagement pictures at Gilt Bar
35mm film photo of couple smiling in front of Wrigley Building on Chicago Riverwalk
Downtown Chicago summer engagement pictures on film
gilt bar engagement pictures with white dress and suit
engagement pictures in a dimly lit bar at Gilt Bar Chicago

The contrast between the moody interior of Gilt Bar and the bright blue water and skies in downtown couldn’t have been more perfect! Late May is always great weather in Chicago and I’m so glad we took full advantage of it!

engagement pictures on Wells Street Bridge overlooking the Chicago River and Wolf Point
flash photography in Gilt Bar photostrip hallway
flash photography in Gilt Bar engagement pictures
running through gilt bar engagement pictures
engagement picture under bridge along the Chicago riverwalk in summer
black and white photo of man and woman along Chicago Riverwalk
Couples cheersing champagne in the booths at Gilt Bar
Gilt Bar motion blur engagement pictures
black and white photo of couple running to Wrigley Building in a flowy white dress and suit, while another couple passing by smiles

I was obsesssssed with Alexa’s dress!!! I always love anything that gives us a little bit of extra movement. She looked so gorgeous and elegant but still modern and fun. And shoutout to Jose Deleon Makeup for glamming her up a bit ✨

engagement picture in front of the Chicago Riverwalk on a summer day, with River Roast and LaSalle St. Bridge behind them
couple waving to passerbys on Chicago Architecture Boat

I love when people on the architecture boats hoot and holler for my couples!!!

couple walking along chicago riverwalk on a summer day with tribune tower and wrigley building in the background
engagement picture under bridge along the Chicago riverwalk in summer
couple in a booth at Gilt Bar for engagement photos
couple holding hands walking near Apple Store along Chicago Riverwalk for summer engagement pictures

I can’t wait for their wedding next year!

If you’re looking for your own engagement photographer in Chicago who focuses on natural posing and the in between moments, I’d love to hear from you.

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