Chicago City Hall Gilt Bar Wedding Photography by Elena Bazini.
After over ten years in the wedding industry, I just photographed my first city hall wedding last month here in Chicago. There was all of the same excitement as a big wedding, but in a different and beautiful way. I loved waiting in line at City Hall with all of the other couples who were getting married that day. Sure, I usually see other brides and grooms out and about with their wedding parties on ‘typical’ wedding days, but this was a bit of a different feeling. It was cool to see couples waiting with their small groups of close family and friends, knowing that each person in attendance was clearly very special to them. And It was fun seeing couples taking selfies in their wedding attire before being called back for their turn to tie the knot. It was heartwarming to see other couples and their families wishing everyone good luck as they entered, and a heartfelt congratulations as they exited only a few minutes later.
Being a photographer at an intimate event, where you are a significant percentage of the group in attendance, can be tricky. As a photographer, I always aim to blend in, at some point, so that I can capture people more relaxed, more themselves. And there really couldn’t have been a more welcoming group than this one. When the mother of the bride insists on making you a plate of food at lunch and sending you with a takeout bag from dinner, you feel like one of the family pretty quickly.
Congratulations to this lovely couple on saying, “I do,” and thanks for making me a part of it. I’ve always loved seeing different types of weddings, the different traditions that surround making a commitment of love, and, of course, seeing new traditions being born. Thanks for making my first trip to City Hall a memorable one. And thanks for allowing me to be a part of such an intimate celebration. Enjoy!
Congratulations again!
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