I’ll always have a soft spot for clients who feel like old friends from the first time we meet and for weddings that feel like I fit in seamlessly with the guests. Meg and Xander are one of those couples for me and their wedding day was absolutely one of those at home feeling weddings for me! As a queer vendor it was such an honor to be part of a day that really highlighted and celebrated queer love and joy!
The couple got ready with their friends and close family at The Guesthouse Hotel. Guesthouse is a great northside getting ready location. The rooms feel like apartments and there’s a cute rooftop deck.
After wrapping up getting ready and the sweet first look that these two shared, we headed over to Big Delicious Planet. The team at BDP did such a phenomenal job. Truly some of the most vibrant and simply beautiful decor that I’ve had the pleasure of photographing.
M & X’s intimate ceremony was officiated by a close friend and was full of sweet personal touches. It was important for the couple to have a ceremony that reflected who they are as individuals and as a couple. As a trans man and a queer woman, celebrating queer love was a key component of the day.
Cocktail hour featured New Orleans inspired cocktails and delicious bites by BDP.
I love a space that makes for a gorgeous ceremony, a fun reception and has spots for cute photos of my couples. One of the biggest pluses to having an intimate wedding is how much attention to detail can go into everything. I think this is one of my favorite dinner set ups I’ve photographed.
The golden hour light during their dinner portion of the reception is what my dreams are made of. Guests enjoyed food by Big Delicious Planet while friends and family gave heartfelt toasts to the couple.
The candid image on the bottom left of Meg and Xander leaning in for a kiss at the head of their dinner table is one of my favorite photos from their day.
Xander is from New Orleans so the couple sprinkled NOLA touches through out the day. While it may be difficult to find a true second line band in Chicago the couple along with their wedding party and guests put their own spin on the New Orleans wedding tradition. They even had me dancing along as I photographed!
A unique part of their reception featured the couple’s friend Nina Nightengale who cut silhouettes of all the guests for a really unique gift and guest book option! Guests danced the night away in the parking lot of BDP which made for a fun block party feel on a warm September night!
Meg & Xander’s day will go down as one of my forever favorites. To see more and hear from the bride herself check out the feature of M+X’s wedding on ChiTheWed.
Vendors:
Venue: Big Delicious Planet Urban Farm
Planner: Grace Hamilton, Former BDP Director of Weddings + Events
Catering: Big Delicious Planet
DJ: Toast & Jam
Floral: Edwards Florist, Inc.
Decor: Tablescapes
Linen: BBJ La Tavola Fine Linen
Photos by yours truly!
