Wedding portraits are often thought of as posed, unnatural, or overdone. Some couples think they appear staged, always seeing the same poses and setups. But a beautiful wedding portrait, whether it’s composed or candid, can capture the wedding day better than any other sort of record. Wedding portraits are the iconography of family, and done right, they become cherished keepsakes.
To avoid a cliché wedding portrait, I always use distinct locations for the couples I photograph. As a Chicago wedding photographer, I am provided with tons of unique urban locations to shoot couples. The juxtaposition of beautiful and delicate formal wedding wear with industrial Chicago landmarks always make for wedding portraits that don’t fall into the typical category of staged photos. These portraits capture the couple, but also the time and location—the couples I photograph show their personality by allowing me to shoot them in some of their favorite settings.
I shot Katie and Dustin in a variety of industrial, urban settings both before and after their vows. The couple prepared and met with me at the Hotel Blake for their primary portraits, which are the most traditional of the bunch. Close up shots showcase the individuals’ personalities and the gorgeous details of the bride’s gown and jewelry.
Downtown Chicago contributed a lot to the photos of the newlyweds. The Kinzie Street bridge and the Art Institute Gardens are recognizable as local Chicago settings, but they don’t distract from the couple. They form an ideal background and don’t take the eye’s attention from Katie and Dustin; they focus the image right on the happy couple. But regular places throughout the city became the perfect backdrops for unconventional style portraits, too. A walk down a plain alley gave me the great pictures in front of the red brick wall and the garage doors. Urban materials and structures can frame a pretty and polished bride and groom perfectly, and make for unexpected wedding portraits that don’t look like everyone else’s—just yours.
The couple’s service and reception were held at the Prairie Production event space, extending the industrial chic vibe from their portraits into their event. The exposed brick and monochrome white palette made for a modern and stylish party, just like the couple and their wedding portraits!
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