
Todd James Photography
Every now and again you meet a person for the first time and you immediately wish you were friends with them. Let me tell you — after coordinating Libby and Kelly’s big day, we are all wishing we could be a part of their family!
All week leading up to this Memorial Day weekend wedding, we watched as the weather forecast switched back and forth from rain to sunshine. The day finally arrived and the sunny, 85-degree weather certainly set an exciting mood for the wedding party. We arrived at Renaissance Chicago Downtown as the ladies finished up their wedding day looks. With Blohaute stying hair and Shannon O’Brien MUA doing make-up they each looked absolutely stunning.

Todd James Photography

Todd James Photography

Todd James Photography

Todd James Photography

Todd James Photography
A few floors up, Kelly and his groomsmen were slowly starting to pull themselves together as they relaxed and enjoyed brunch items from Corner Bakery. Their photographer from Todd James Photography and the videographer from Cling and Peck soon arrived. They were just in time to capture the sweet story behind the brides ‘something blue’ given to her by her, soon-to-be, mother-in-law!

Todd James Photography

Todd James Photography

Todd James Photography

Todd James Photography

Todd James Photography

Todd James Photography
Libby and her wedding party were then picked up by a trolley from Empire Limousine, and taken to Lincoln Park for a quick photo shoot. Meanwhile, the gentlemen stayed back for some photos in the lobby of Renaissance Chicago Downtown. Before long it was time to hide the bride and groom away on separate sides of St. Alphonsus Church while their guests arrived on charter buses provided by M&M Limousine.

Todd James Photography

Todd James Photography

Todd James Photography
St. Alphonsus played host to a beautiful and heartfelt ceremony in its breathtaking cathedral. After the two committed their love to one another, family photos were captured outside of the church.

Todd James Photography

Todd James Photography

Todd James Photography

Todd James Photography

Todd James Photography
While the guests were shuttled back to the hotel to freshen up before cocktail hour, the wedding party headed off to get a few photos around the city. Meanwhile, the Five Grain team arrived at Chicago Cultural Center for set-up. This already perfect reception venue was somehow becoming even more stunning! Tables and chairs by Hall’s Rentals were combined with floral and decor by Flowers For Dreams. Together they gave each table elegant and simple final touches!

Todd James Photography

Todd James Photography

Todd James Photography

Todd James Photography

Todd James Photography

Todd James Photography
As guests arrived for cocktail hour in GAR Hall we knew we were in for an epic night. Libby and Kelly’s loved ones gathered to celebrate were just as amazing as the couple! Drinks were served as guests began to chat and laugh. Immediately following cocktail hour, it was time for the guests to make their way into Preston Bradley Hall to get the celebration started!
As soon as everyone was seated, Bluewater Kings Band began to rock the house! The wedding party and parents of the bride and groom were then announced into the room and the bride and groom followed behind — immediately jumping into their first dance as a married couple!

Todd James Photography

Todd James Photography

Todd James Photography

Todd James Photography
Not long after that it was time to start dinner. Limelight Catering served the most delicious meal, as always. Throughout dining service we listened in on the heartfelt toasts and blessings given to the bride and groom. The best man even managed to bring his audience straight from laughter to tears in one short speech! After the bride and groom thanked all of their guest, it was time for open dancing.

Todd James Photography

Todd James Photography

Todd James Photography
It’s not often that you see an entire room of guests on the dance floor, but Bluewater Kings Band‘s music choices brought guests of all ages out on the floor! In the middle of all the celebrating, Libby and her college dance team were announce onto the floor where they preformed an adorable routine. Just as we thought things couldn’t get any better the guests all continued to dance the night away.

Todd James Photography

Todd James Photography

Todd James Photography

Todd James Photography
We loved seeing this video short that Cling & Peck put together:
Libby and Kelly, thank you so much for letting us be a part of your big day. You two were an absolute pleasure to work with. Cheers to a lifetime of fabulous memories just like your wedding!

Todd James Photography