I’m so lucky that my clients often become my friends. But in the case of Tash + Eric’s Bottom Lounge wedding, we were all friends first! I met Tash when she was my manager at Revolution Brewing a few years ago. Honestly, she’s one of my favorite people and it was an incredible honor to have captured her wedding.

Their Story

“Eric and I met in 2014 when we both were hired to open the new Lagunitas Brewery in Chicago,” Tash told me. “We became fast friends and bonded over a love for music, the outdoors, and of course craft beer. After a couple of years of being friends, I decided to accept a position with Lagunitas in Azusa, California. But late one night before I was set to move to California, Eric decided it was time to profess his interest in having a relationship with me. Luckily for him, I was interested as well!

We dated long distance for the 9 month period that I was in California and we never went more than two months without seeing each other. Thankfully I moved home to Chicago and we spent a couple more years dating. In early 2020, we traveled to Peru to hike in the Andes Mountains. While exploring Machu Picchu and its beauty, Eric got down on a knee asked me to be his wife! The rest is history!”

Getting Ready + Portraits

My day with the couple started at theWit Hotel, where the bride was finishing up with her makeup as I arrived. One of my favorite things about Tash is that she always does things the way she wants, never compromising herself in how she goes about life. For her big day, she only wanted her two best friends Alisa and Katie at her side as she got ready! Tash’s late mother was also there in spirit, represented in the necklace she wore throughout the day.

We met Eric in the lobby so they could see each other for the first time. Just as we predicted, it was an emotional moment! We then took off to hit our planned spots for portrait locations around the Loop. I really have to hand it to these two– being their photographer was truly effortless. I loved snapping every loving look and flirty giggle!

Bottom Lounge Wedding

Once we got to their venue, we made sure to grab some family photos before Tash tucked away. Their ceremony was incredibly touching! Small sniffles were heard throughout the audience as the couple wiped away their happy hears. Tash + Eric ended the ceremony by lighting a unity candle, the very same one that Eric’s parents used at their wedding 30+ years ago (I’m a huge sucker for traditions like this). Of course, they couldn’t walk back up the aisle before sharing a ceremonial smooch! *insert kissing sounds here*

A Bottom Lounge wedding means phenomenal food, and there was no shortage of delicious treats! The fabulous cocktail hour was followed by dinner + speeches. Each speaker pulled at the couple’s heartstrings in a different way, and you could see it on their faces! After Eric and his mom had their dance together, the newlyweds shared one of their own to a FABULOUS horn rendition of “Always Be My Baby” by Basstracks (please look up this song, it’s so good). From there, the dance floor opened up and the rest of the night became a giant party!

I love these two so much. I can’t wait to continue to be a part of your lives. LOVE YOU TASH + ERIC! xx

Getting Ready Location: theWit Hotel Chicago / Venue: Bottom Lounge / Makeup: Shannon O’Brien / Dress: Grace Loves Lace / Florals: Made by Tash! / Suit: Indochino / Cake: West Town Bakery / DJ: John Simmons / Balloon Installation: Balloons by Tommy / Chalk Artist: Jennifer Ferguson