Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about how important the actual ceremony is on a wedding day. It’s the heartbeat of everything, the moment where two people stand before their loved ones, honoring not just their relationship but the traditions, values, and community that shaped them.
Alex and Victoria’s wedding in Chicago embodied that so beautifully. Their Ukrainian Catholic ceremony at St. Volodymyr and Olha Ukrainian Catholic Church was filled with rituals that have been passed down for generations, crowns, prayers, and symbolism that carried so much meaning. It wasn’t just about the day itself, but about legacy, faith, and family. And yet, what made it feel uniquely them was the way they paired that reverence with a lighthearted, go-with-the-flow spirit, like sneaking away for hot dogs and Jarritos right after the ceremony.
The church itself is one of the most breathtaking wedding ceremony venues in Chicago, with intricate icons and golden light that made every moment feel timeless. Documenting Alex and Victoria as they moved through these sacred traditions felt like photographing history, intimate, reverent, and deeply personal.
After their ceremony, instead of rushing off to the next timeline item, Alex and Victoria slipped away, just the two of them, and walked across the street to Fatso’s Last Stand, one of their favorite local Chicago spots. Picture this: a bride in her gown, a groom still wearing his boutonnière, sitting side by side and laughing together while eating hot dogs and sipping Jarritos. It felt like a scene from a movie, cinematic, romantic, and carefree, the kind of pause that made their wedding day feel truly theirs.
Later, everyone gathered at Walden Chicago, a modern and light-filled wedding venue in the city, where the celebration unfolded with the same warmth and ease. Because Alex and Victoria weren’t tied down to a rigid schedule, they had the freedom to soak in the laughter, heartfelt toasts, and every spontaneous moment that unfolded.
And when it came time for the party, their personalities shined through in the best way. Alex and Victoria are pop-punk and rock kids at heart, and their live band filled the night with the kind of music that defined them. The energy was electric, friends screaming lyrics, dance floor packed, and the couple right in the middle of it all, celebrating into the night with unfiltered joy. For couples looking for a Chicago wedding reception with unforgettable energy, Walden was the perfect backdrop.
Throughout the day, I documented everything on both digital and film. There’s something about film, its softness and imperfection, that mirrors days like this, where the beauty lies in the realness of the moments. From the reverence of the Ukrainian Catholic wedding ceremony to that carefree Chicago hot dog stop to the wild energy of the Walden reception, film has a way of holding onto the raw, electric vibe of it all.
Alex and Victoria’s wedding was a reminder of how grounding a ceremony can be, and how much freedom comes from letting the rest of the day unfold naturally. With intention, heritage, and a willingness to let go of rigid timelines, a wedding can feel like the truest reflection of who you are.
If you’re dreaming of a wedding day in Chicago, whether at Walden, St. Volodymyr and Olha Ukrainian Catholic Church, or one of the many other incredible Chicago wedding venues, I’d love to help you create space for the kinds of moments you’ll never forget.
Vendors:
Coordination + Venue – Walden Chicago
Rehearsal Dinner – Quartino Chicago
Ceremony – St. Volodymyr and Olha Ukrainian Catholic Church
Photo – Bri Nicole Photo Co.
Band – Pea Munny Music
Hair – Megan Michel
Makeup – Denise Makeup Artistry
Florist – Thistle and Plume
Dress – Grace Loves Lace
Shoes – Loeffler Randall
Rings – Holden & Brilliant Earth
Looking for your perfect match wedding photographer? Reach out here—I’d love to chat.
