Hey, I'm Chelsea.

I'm a Chicago wedding photographer and videographer who's on a mission to take the stress out of wedding planning, one anecdote, gif, and movie
quote at a time.

I always do a little happy dance when I get to work at Bridgeport Art Center. It doesn’t matter if you’re getting married in the Sculpture Garden or Skyline Loft. Both spaces are the perfect backdrops for kicking off your marriage. In Emily and Sam’s case, they opted for a Skyline Loft wedding. Then they took it to the next level by cramming it full of personal touches. Don’t believe me? See for yourself:

The Wedding Day

Getting Ready at Home

Emily & Sam’s wedding (affectionately dubbed “Emily’s Party” by friends and family) took a classic Chicago wedding and gave it a meaningful, modern twist.

Instead of a hotel, they kicked the day off in their River North condo.

Upstairs, Emily and the girls sipped on mimosas and had a dance party. Downstairs in the lounge, Sam and the guys played games and attempted to figure out pocket squares.

Once Sully Cat felt like he’d gotten enough love from the girls, Emily’s sister helped her into her wedding dress.

Then, Emily and Sam slipped away to their building’s rooftop for their first look. I’ll let Sam’s reaction above speak for itself.

Wedding Party Photos in Downtown Chicago

In true Chicago fashion, the wedding party trolly-hopped around town for wedding photos. We opted for some Chicago classics:

  • Fullerton Ave Beach
  • Wrigley Building
  • Michigan Ave (for a champagne spray, obviously)

After everyone loaded back on the trolley, we made our way to Bridgeport Art Center.

Bridgeport Art Center Wedding

Part of the experience of a Skyline Loft wedding is grabbing a drink from the freight elevator bar. Well, Emily and Sam wanted to be part of the fun.

After a quick dress change, they surprised friends and family by greeting them at the elevator bar. There they gave everyone a big hug and passed out Moscow Mules + Champagne.

Once everyone took their seats, Emily changed back into her wedding dress—this time with the help of her mom—before walking down the aisle to “Beyond” by Leon Bridges.

Their ceremony was filled with personalized vows, inside jokes, and mini-toasts from close friends. After their first kiss, they danced down the aisle to “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” as husband and wife. It was the perfect end to a one-of-a-kind ceremony.

For the rest of the night, the loft was filled with an overwhelming amount of love—and for good reason, because Emily and Sam are two of the most amazing people I’ve ever met. 

When we met for the first time over drinks, it took all of 2 seconds for me to feel like we were old friends. We cheers’d and immediately started gushing about their wedding plans. Emily and Sam clearly put a lot of thought into every detail of their day, so I made sure to document every little moment for them to relive.

Take It From the Couple

“Omg, CHELSEA! This video is absolutely incredible and I never thought in a million years watching it would actually make me feel like I was right back in the middle of the best day ever. Thank you so much for capturing every little moment that I didn’t even notice in the moment, and for compiling it in such a magical way that feels like us in every way possible. It was so much fun working with you and I can’t wait to follow along as you make other couples as happy as you’ve made us.”

The Wedding Vendors

Venue: Bridgeport Art Center

Photography: Ed and Aileen Photography

Day-of Coordinator: Clementine Custom Events

Decor: Art of Imagination

Florist: Flowers for Dreams

Hair and Makeup: Goldust Woman

Wedding Dress: Limor Rosen from Lovely Bride

Tuxes: Indochino

Band: Soda

Wedding Cake Alternative: Jeni’s Ice Cream Sandwich Bar

Transportation: Way to Go Limousine Trolley and M&M Limo

Still in the Market for a Wedding Videographer?

Whether you’re getting married at Bridgeport Art Center or another loft space in Chicago, I’d love to chat more and see if I’m the perfect addition to your vendor dream team.