Chicago has a plethora of great landmarks to use as backgrounds in wedding photography, but some times simple is more than enough. Step off Michigan Ave to any side street and you will be surprised by some of the places to shoot. As you know, there are no shortage of bus stops in Chicago. I say use them as backgrounds. You never know what you might come up with.

We have been spoiled in Chicago lately with 40 degree weather. I find that my thoughts are already drifting to summer time. Then, like the rest of you my dreams are shattered when I look at the weather for next week and I see snow seven days in a row. So, if we can’t have nice weather why not look at wedding pictures that remind us of how great summer can be in Chicago. Nothing says summer like a linen suit and a golf course wedding.

It’s June, it’s hot, and we’re on a golf course at the Hilton Chicago Indian Lakes Resort.

A lot of my friends ask me how I can keep things interesting week after week when a lot of my clients want the same locations and backgrounds for their wedding photography. When I’m on location the first step is to find a background that creates the mood that fits my clients. I think a lot of people tend to focus on their background strictly because it looks cool. We (photographers) are certainly used to members of the bridal party saying, “Wow, look at that. We should shoot there.” The shots below use the Trump Tower in Chicago in two completely different ways. The bridal party image works really well with the massive tower due to the amount of people. I think just the bride and groom would have seemed tiny in comparison.
The second round of images with the bride and groom were taken up on the 16th floor balcony at the Trump Tower. This view of the building still shows off the city, but seems to be a bit more intimate. On a side note, if you want to shoot on the balcony make sure the door handles are on the door. We went to shoot and were informed that the handles are actually removed to keep people off the balcony. It took a little work, but as you can see we finally got to shoot outside!

I had to share a few more images from Klein Creek Golf Course. Brides always ask where a reception would be held at the course since their is not really any seating inside. The answer, a large tent complete with chandeliers is placed behind the club house.

Amy and Dean’s wedding on July 3rd was my first trip to the Chicago History Museum. There are so many great photography options here you never have to leave. The front entrance has some great vertical lines and the backdoor has massive concrete pillars and steps. If that’s too much concrete you can always turn to the park right out the backdoor. If you are not familiar with it, you can find it at 1601 N Clark.

Rumor has it the Chevy Chase Country Club in Wheeling was a favorite hangout for Al Capone. I’m sure the grounds were as beautiful in the 1920s as they are today. These are just a few images we took before Andrea and Brian’s reception.

So until I move Julie and Pat’s wedding off my server it seems I will be destined to post more. Every time I glance at their folder I pull out a few more favorites. We made a stop at the Morton Arboretum for a few pictures of the Bride and Groom. I shoot so many weddings in the city it’s nice to have some trees to work with from time to time. I think you’ll agree the Arboretum is a pretty killer spot for wedding pictures.

I was just preparing some images for Heather and Hussain’s anniversary and had to share a few. I am always searching for the most window light I can find when shooting in hotels. The Hilton Chicago on Michigan Ave has no shortage when it comes to windows. These are a few shots I took while Heather was getting ready and when she and Hussain saw each other later in the day.

Sheena and Rob were married in September of 2008. I love this shot from Medinah Country Club. As photographers we are lucky to be a part of so many major moments. I can’t really put into words what it is like to be part of a wedding then photographing a couple with their first child. I say it all the time, but this really is a rewarding job!

Some of you may have seen Kate and Ted’s wedding on the blog earlier this year. We visited some favorite Chicago wedding photography spots so I had to submit it to Chicago Style Unveiled. They loved it decided to feature it in their Real Wedding section. Click here to see the entire article. Allori Photography on Chicago Style Unveiled

Chicago Wedding Photographer - Allori Photography - Kate and Ted