Shirley + Dana ~ Cafe Robey, Lena Brava & Art Institute of Chicago Wedding Photography

Shirley & Dana originally had a big wedding planned that over time just started to become more and more apparent to the two of them that it was just not their thing. It didn’t feel right and was causing them to feel overwhelmed and not so excited about their big day. They realized they needed to do this their own way and so they changed all the plans and set out to have an intimate and low key day with only their closest crew of people and it was truly so so beautiful!!! The two of them went to the courthouse the day before their wedding celebration to officially get hitched and then on Saturday when we joined them – we did photos around the city with the two of them, then met up with their loved ones at The Robey where they had a ceremony that included Dana’s sister officiating, some lovely readings, their vows and a ring warming ceremony (though they were already officially wed the day before). It was beautiful and perfect. (And I cried through basically the entire thing. haha.) Then everyone hopped on a trolley together to have some drinks, play some games, and snap some photos in our beautiful city before heading to an AMAZING dinner at Lena Brava in the West Loop! I can’t say enough about how wonderful this day was and what an honor it was to be included in it… truly. So instead of trying – I should probably just let you see for yourselves and get to the photos, since I’m better at that. 🙂

Shirley & Dana ~ Thank you a million times over for giving us the honor of documenting your day! You guys are really such an awesome couple and like nobody else we’ve ever met or worked with before. 🙂 You two keep each other (and everyone around you) laughing all the time and that is such a good way to take on life together!! We had simply the best time with you and hope you stay in touch because we need more of that joy in our lives too! 😉 Congratulations again and wishing you guys all the very best!!!! We hope these pictures did your day justice and always bring you to happy tears as you look over them in the years to come! XOXO ~ Christy & James

Art Institute of Chicago Wedding by Christy Tyler Photography_0001