It took us quite a bit of time to decide where to go and how to get there. Since we didn’t want to exhaust ourselves or our bridal party, we choose three stops that were reasonably close by: the Chicago Theatre, the Bean, and the Chicago Board of Trade. We also planned to have people leave after each stop: the Ushers and Greeters would leave after the Chicago Theatre, the Bridal Party would leave after the Bean, and it would be just us for the Board of Trade photos.
I didn’t like most of my transpotation options: I am not a fan of trolleys, we are not hummer limo types, and I didn’t need a huge limo bus. We decided for the ultimate city experience– taxi cabs!
Then, I started to have bridal nightmares that I would get in a dirty cab and my dress would be ruined. So, I called LaSalle Limo for a town car. I have been using La Salle for all of my business trips for years. They upgraded me to a limo. While I was pleased, I really didn’t plan on taking one. It worked out in the end to be a bit more convenient.
The photos started right at the Allegro, right near the sign. We did this with our entire bridal party as well as the Ushers and Greeters, for a total of 12 people.
Next, we rode a short 5 minute drive to the Chicago Theatre for some iconic photos near the sign and some city shots.
It’s ironic but for the number of posed photos we took, my favorites tend to be the photojournalistic shots that Sally caught in mid-moment. While we were waiting for the guys to arrive, I held up my hand to show off my ring and said to my two nieces, “Come look!” At that point, no one had seen the ring but us. Sally really caught the emotions.
While we were waiting for the limo, my Maid of Honor, Nichole, picked something out of my eye. It doesn’t seem like much, but it is so Nichole to point out that I have a piece of dirt.
I also love the in-the-moment shot of my oldest niece carrying my train across State St. with the rest of the bridal party following.
At that point, we were going to have the Ushers and Greeters head back but the photographer asked for them to stay for one more unplanned location. She said that we should go somewhere really beautiful, like the Gardens at the Art Institute.
While the girls were taking photos, we started laughing at the guys. Sally was super quick and caught them in the moment with our parasols!
This is one of the funnier shots. I just love that Sally would be in the middle of taking some portraits and then turn around and take some candids.
As I mentioned earlier, it was the first time for anyone to see my ring. My best friend, who often has different taste than me, agreed- the ring is gorgeous!
The limo did work out in the end. I will warn you: if you are wearing a ballgown, you need two seats. One for you, one for the dress.
Waiting by the Art Institute of Chicago for the groomsmen.
The Greeters and Ushers took a cab back to the hotel leaving just us with the Bridesmaids and Groomsmen. I decided that we should walk to the next stop… much to the chagrin of my bridesmaids in their four inch heels.
Our fabulous shoes are in plain view. I love the red peaking out.
Next stop, the Bean! Since it is always full of people, we took photos from the side on the grass.
Once we finished, the bridal party minus my Maid of Honor headed back to the hotel. My dedicated Maid of Honor went with us to the Board of Trade so that she could help with my enourmous dress.
After 2 hours of taking photos, we were ready to head back to the hotel to relax and get ready before our ceremony.
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