Fall Firehouse Chicago Wedding

Weddings

January 10, 2022

Want to head to the casino but you’re getting married? Not a problem with Samantha and Rick! These two have cracked the code when it comes to entertainment. Keep scrolling if you want to read all about these two lovebirds and their gorgeous Fall Firehouse Chicago Wedding.

The Love Story

It was back in the summer of 2011 when Samantha and Rick first met and had an instant connection. However, since they were attending different colleges at the time they officially didn’t start dating until 2013 once they both graduated. Since then, the two have been inseparable and their bond has grown to build them up to this very moment.

One Friday, Rick had texted Sam that his bike had broken down on a lake trail and that he needed to be picked up. She was at work at the time and LUCKILY her boss let her go “save the day”… or so she thought! After claiming that he needed help carrying the bike, he lured Sam into Hyde Park where she was met with a picnic basket, flowers and bottle of red wine purchased in Italy. Rick actually had bought this bottle with the anticipation of an engagement to celebrate with. Talk about being prepared! He had even hidden a camera in the bushes to record the entire proposal with the lake in the background. Are we taking notes here people??? Easy to say that this completely caught Sam off guard when he proposed and we can all guess her answer *wink*.

Getting Ready

We started off this gorgeous Fall day with Samantha and her bridesmaids getting ready in the bridal room at their wedding venue. I find this time to be some of the most precious moments on your wedding day. Not only because you are surrounded by an amazing support system, but it is a time of celebration! Samantha and her bridesmaids all had matching PJ’s while enjoying a glass of champagne which are honestly some of my favorite shots. Although if champagne isn’t your style, there are many different alternatives to get those iconic “bridal party” shots. Some examples being: balloons, confetti, flower petals, etc. Use this time as a moment to relax and unwind on a rather jam-packed day! After finishing getting ready, Samantha put on her gorgeous Alice in Ivory dress with the help of her mom. The dress had an ivory lace bodice with small pearl detailing and a halter neckline and looked absolutely STUNNING! Runway status if I do say so myself. Rick got ready in a groomsmen suite surrounded by his close family and friends and sharing some refreshing cold ones before heading for the first look.

First Look Moments

Oh and did I mention, that from the getting ready process all the way down to the reception was held at their wedding venue, Firehouse Chicago! A gorgeous event space that mixes rustic & vintage that brings the two worlds together for the ultimate experience. After Samantha and Rick were done getting ready, their first look awaited. One of the many features that Firehouse Chicago prides itself on is the mix of history with their gorgeous garden. It was at this garden where Samantha and Rick did their first look and man… was it the best. Seeing everyone’s reactions in their wedding attire has to be top 10 best things to witness EVER. It’s such pure and genuine reactions and emotions and it’s just real, which of course I love.

Fall Firehouse Chicago Wedding

Once we did the first look, we moved right into portraits which thanks to Firehouse Chicago made it super easy. Considering the venue is already beautiful, we didn’t really need to do much. We had the space speak for itself throughout all of their photos and I think it was just the perfect wedding venue for Samantha and Rick. Firehouse Chicago even had a traditional fireman’s pole which of course, Rick took the opportunity to use.

Then came ceremony time – the moment we have all been waiting for! As Rick stood the at the alter you could see his face light up as he saw Samantha coming down the spiral staircase. It was at this moment that he knew… he won the jackpot. If I’m being honest though, everyone’s face pretty much lit up and stayed that way for the rest of the day. It was almost as if the anticipation had been building for so long and now the moment finally arrived. The vows, the “I do’s”, everything was just perfect. Samantha and Rick had OFFICIALLY become the newlyweds and the room was filled with so much love & joy. Okay, now enough with the sappy stuff let’s get into where things got REALLY fun… the reception!

Casino Night, Big Star and a Whole Lotta Dancing

When I tell you that these two went above and beyond, well I mean it. Not only was the food catered by Big Star absolutely phenomenal, but combined with the other vendors they had this definitely had to be one of the best receptions I have ever been to! Oh and what is a wedding reception without a photo booth right? Well thanks to XOXO Photobooth, it made for some amazing silly and candid photos which everyone loves. Yes, even us photographers LOL. The main star however would definitely have to be GSH Casino. A casino rental company that brings blackjack, roulette, poker and many more to wherever you are.

The night was filled with dancing, a LOT of good food and stacks of cards and poker chips. I packed my camera up for the night but truly was having a tough time leaving such an amazing group of guests. From the beautiful wedding venue, to the amazing vendors and great food it turned out be the most amazing night.

Thank you so much S+R for giving me the honor to capture such special moments – cheers!!

If you loved this Fall Firehouse Chicago Wedding, then you’re going to love this Fall Chicago Wedding at Fairlie.