Real wedding: Kara and Mike’s Fun-Filled Chicago Wedding

Kara and Mike were one of my favourite couples of the year. They are a fun-loving, chic couple from L.A. who were married in Chicago in an event that brought people together from California, Michigan, NYC and other places from across the country. They held their event on Thursday, a growing trend I’ve noticed, shooting several weekday weddings last year. A Thursday wedding is a wonderful way to save a bit of money with many vendors, even in the summer months, and still be able to have a relaxed, fun wedding.

Many couples are nervous about doing photos before the wedding, not wanting to ruin the “surprise” of seeing the bride walking down the aisle. I find that doing a “first look” before the wedding generally offers an even more authentic reaction, as you are able to see each other in an intimate, private setting, so I was so thankfully Mike and Kara agreed!

We spent some time taking some photos in downtown Chicago. They were smiling and laughing the entire time, so it was quite convenient that a Good Humor truck came by!

I always say that Chicago often feels like a small town in a big city, as everyone knows everyone. Even though Mike and Kara live in L.A. now, they still managed to run into an old friend while walking downtown.

Ceremony and reception was, again, at A New Leaf, one of my favourite venues. They do such a great job making every event unique.

Olivia Leigh Photographie is a boutique fine art photography studio based in Chicago, serving clients nationwide. Olivia’s weekly guest column on EAD is published each Tuesday, so check back every week for more gorgeous inspiration!