Afton Vangsness

Dec 22, 2021

Jessica + Owen: A Fairytale Chicago Wedding

If 'Happily Ever After' was a couple, it would be Jess + Owen. From frolicking through the city, to dancing all night long, they exuded a storybook kind of love.

All photos courtesy of Cassie Anna Photography

Chicago bride and groom at Milton Lee Olive Park

The day started with the bride and her girls getting hair and makeup done by Pin Me Up Chicago. They had music playing, drinks flowing, and were laughing all morning. Jess' energy is infectious, and you can't help but smile when you're around her.

The bride wore a stunning ballgown by Hayley Paige from BHLDN while the bridesmaids wore pale blue dresses from Azazie.

Views of Chicago were the backdrop of this fairytale, starting with the view from their getting ready location.

Then, it was time for the bride to be whisked away to see her groom (or should I say prince?). They met at Milton Lee Olive Park for their first look.

How perfect is this?!

Jess and Owen also chose to exchange private vows while they had a moment to themselves.

Vow exchange on Lake Michigan in Chicago

It's always such a relief for a couple after their first look, and these two were ready to get the day going after this!

They met up with their wedding party to go to some more locations downtown, like the Riverwalk and Wrigley Building.

The gentlemen wore classic black tuxedos from The Black Tux. You really can't go wrong with this look!

Can we take one more moment for this princess bride?!?

The Kinzie Bridge is also a very popular spot for wedding party photos, and it was their last stop before heading to the West Loop for the ceremony!

The wedding took place at one of our favorite Chicago wedding venues - Loft Lucia in the West Loop.

The ceremony was on the rooftop which was adorned with garden-inspired floral from The Local Petaler and classic white garden chairs.

Chicago wedding ceremony by Afton Events

Jess walked down the aisle with her parents by her side and the ceremony was officiated by their close friend. It was personal, heartfelt, funny, and full of love.

These two had friends and family that traveled to Chicago from around the country and around the world. You could tell how unbelievably excited everyone was to be there to witness this day!

And just like that, they are officially husband and wife!

While guests continued on with cocktail hour on the rooftop, the bride and groom were able to step away to have a moment to themselves.

In the meantime, the reception space was set and ready for dinner from Cocina Fusion!

The sweetheart table was adorned with white floral, greenery, pillar candles, and lanterns. The guest tables were a mix of banquet rounds and wood farm tables featuring white linens, textured napkins, candles, and classic stationery - creating an understated, yet upscale design.

Jess and Owen chose a creme brûlée cake from Molly's Cupcakes covered in berries.

Dinner and toasts continued after that, and then we played the sweetest slideshow made by the bride's brothers for all to watch.

Sweetheart table with candles and floral

After that, we continued with the an amazing first dance to John Mayer from the bride and groom.

Jess and her dad blew it out of the water with an upbeat and fun Father/Daughter Dance to 'Joy to the World' by Three Dog Knight, while Owen and his mom went with a classic - 'Days Like This' by Van Morrison.

I don't typically include photos of our team on wedding days, but you can see by this photo how much fun this day was. You can't help but smile and laugh when with this group!

Dancing ensued for the rest of the night with the help of DJ Lee Michaels. Since so many of the guests traveled from far distances, it was an amazing reunion full of people that were ready to have a good time! Jess and Owen were the best ring leaders of this party, of course!

They even got behind the bar at one point in the night!

Jess and Owen are both just pure joy and spread joy everywhere they go. They absolutely light up a room - and not just on their wedding day. I feel not only lucky to have been part of this special day, but also lucky to have just met them!