Waldorf Astoria Chicago Greek Wedding

I had been waiting all year for Jessica and Jason’s wedding as I knew it was going to be incredible. I only wish I had more time to photograph the two around the Waldorf’s Parisian inspired courtyard. Jessica was a stunning bride and Jason oh so dapper! Every last detail was thought of and perfect. This bride had the best style, too! Her blue Manolos were far too much fun to photograph and drool over. Thank you for being such a fun group to capture! It really was a pleasure!!

Q+A with Jessica + Jason

How you chose the venue, decor, date:

Jessica initially had her heart set on the Art Institute of Chicago. Not a bad selection considering it is considered by many to be the world’s best museum. However, when Jessica and her mother Stella set out to view a few candidate locations Stella walked away from the Art Institute “thoroughly unimpressed”. After a quick tour of the Waldorf Astoria, the decision was made.

Jessica was not dead set on a date and was considering a Fall wedding. However, after thinking it over she thought it would be easier to have time off work and for others to commute if we had a late summer wedding that would not be too hot. Jason was on board with whatever she wanted. She picked the flowers, ordered many samples of invitations, gave the bridesmaids full flexibility on their dresses, and gave it her all into creating a unique wedding program.

How the day went overall:

I think the day went extremely well overall. We started with some rain early in the day and the forecast was calling for afternoon showers so we had our concerns. However, the sun persevered and the rain clouds floated away. We lucked out with great weather for outdoor pictures and nobody’s hair or makeup was ruined. Everyone got along and our timeline was executed quite well with no delays.

Taking pictures at the hotel was a bit hectic with many of our guests on site and everyone wanting to get a picture and gaze at Jessica in her beautiful gown. It is also important I don’t forget to mention the blue, Manolo Blank wedding heels (as seen in Sex and the City) the bride was caught sporting. Jason was there too … but we all know the groom does not receive nearly the same love as the bride, and he was fine with that.

The Air and Water show was the same weekend so during the commute to and from the church people were able to watch some of the aerial maneuvers and high speed jets taking to the sky. The view was spectacular from some of the rooms at the Waldorf as well. The air and water show certainly made getting ready at the Waldorf an entertaining experience.

A year prior to the wedding date, Jessica wanted to make sure she selected a weekend free and clear of any potential chaos in Chicago that may be introduced by events such as the Taste of Chicago, Lollapalooza, and the Chicago Air & Water show. Funny thing is in her quick research using her phone she ensured herself she picked a clear weekend for the wedding but was viewing the date for the 2015 Air & Water show. Clearly she overlooked something.

It was great to see all the guests that made it to the church including students that Jessica works with, family, and friends. It was not nearly as one sided as I thought it was going to be as people filled in on both sides of St. Andrews for the ceremony. Father John made it enjoyable and made it clear to Jason if you give a little, you get a lot more in return!

We had a blast taking pictures at the Waldorf Astoria. There was no shortage of unique places to get some great shots. There just wasn’t enough time in the day.

Favorite moment(s):

I really liked the times we shared together. The first look (where Jason cried), our ride from the Church to the Waldorf in the Rolls Royce, having appetizers in our private room with a few friends in an intimate setting, and all the dancing and singing! There was plenty of fun the entire day and evening, including some photo bombing by our photographer. The day is long and overwhelming and I really can’t pinpoint a particular favorite moment.

Jess also loved seeing her kids cheer her on at the wedding. They were extremely excited to see Jess in her dress and to get a special made wedding cupcake from Sprinkles

Favorite detail:

Blue shoes. Some people just don’t get it, but you can’t go wrong with a pair of blue heels + Pictures of our parents and grandparents at their weddings + The programs

Funniest moment(s):

Father John Kalomas telling Jason more than once to kiss the book during the ceremony
Ring Bearer Jackson making it all the way down the aisle with the sign he was carrying facing backwards
When Jess checked into her hotel room and realized she forgot her wedding dress at her condo

First Dance Songs:

Bridal Dance: ’You’ve Got The Love’ by Florence & the Machine
Father/Daughter Dance: ‘Daughter’ by Loudon Wainwright III
Mother/Son Dance: ‘Somewhere Out There’ by Linda Ronstadt & James Ingram

Vendor List:

Ring: Purchased on Jeweler’s Row in Chicago from Cabana’s Manufacturing Jewelers (custom made). We had a custom mold created for the one of a kind gem. The band was purchased in Millburn, New Jersey from Jhanna Fine Jewelery, Dress place purchased: Kleinfeld Bridal where they film “Say Yes to the Dress”, Dress Designer: Danielle Caprese, Florals: Tina and Dollie, Church: St Andrews Greek Orthodox Church, Invitations: Lindsay Brown Designs, Bridesmaid dresses: Bella Bridesmaids, Rental car: Passenger bus and limos were from American Coach Limousine out of Addison. The Cloud is a 1962 “Silver Cloud” Rolls Royce Limousine and was provided by Classic Wedding Car out of Roselle. Aaron was our driver, Hair: Jason did his own and Pamela Moore did Jess’ and her bridal party, Makeup:Kyrsten Bryant, Wedding cake: Made in-house by Waldorf pastry chef, Band: The Chris Sarlas Orchestra, Men’s tuxes: Men’s Wearhouse, Programs: I had to add this to the list because Jessica did a fantastic job not just with the layout and design but the content. They were extremely unique and unlike anything I have ever seen before, Photography: Stacy Able Photography

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Midwest Wedding Photographer based in Indianapolis
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812.552.1007