Laura + Nathan’s Chicago Athletic Association Wedding was one of the BEST winter weddings I’ve ever been a part of! A rogue 40 degree day in February was definitely the cherry on top of a fabulous day.

Their Story

“In 2010, Nathan was visiting Georgetown as an admitted student,” Laura told me. “By luck and chance, he happened to be staying on the same floor of the freshman dorm where I was living. When I bumped into him in the common room on my way to a capella rehearsal, he asked if he could tag along. After all, how often do you stumble upon a Jewish a capella group at a Catholic university? When I recounted the chance meeting to a friend that evening, she said ‘If he goes to Georgetown next year, you have to date him.’

While Nathan did come to Georgetown, it took a few extra years for us to start dating. But we made up for lost time by kicking off our ‘official’ relationship on a trip to Greece. I knew Nathan was special when he patiently stood for five hours in the National Archaeological Museum listening to me explain the differences between seemingly-identical statues and shards of pottery. Together we traveled from Athens, Greece to Queens, New York— with an unplanned residency in Park City, Utah in 2020— and are now back in Washington, DC where we first met!”

Getting Ready, First Look + Portraits

Laura + Nathan got ready in separate rooms at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel. They had their first look on the rooftop deck of Cindy’s, a popular bar known for its incredible downtown views. The moment was so emotional that Nathan started tearing up before he even turned around! After they had a minute to themselves once they saw each other, we took more portraits on the rooftop balcony. We then grabbed some wedding party photos on the gorgeous white staircase by the pickleball court (it is an athletic association, after all!) followed by more portraits of the couple around Millennium Park. It had rained + snowed just days before, so we definitely were grateful for the nice weather!

Chicago Athletic Association Wedding

After family photos and their ketubah signing, Laura + Nathan walked down the aisle. Through their emotional vows and the Rabbi’s amazing story-telling abilities, we learned the full story about how the couple met and beat the odds to be together. You could hear the sniffles all the way from the back of the room! Once the glass was smashed, Laura + Nathan had their big kiss as their friends + family roared with applause.

After cocktail hour, the newlyweds made their reception entrance. They said the Kiddush and the Hamotzi (the Jewish prayers for the wine and bread), cut their cake, and sat at their sweetheart table as we heard parents, siblings and friends make speeches. Fun fact: Laura and I have known each other since we were four years old! She was kind enough to invite me to be in photo with all of our high school girlfriends. The couple then had their first dance (Nathan’s face is hysterical) before guests joined in for the hora. Nathan gripped the chair so tightly that he apparently broke it! The dance floor opened up and the couple boogied the night away with loved ones.

Their Chicago Athletic Association wedding was absolutely stunning. Knowing Laura for as long as I have, it was such an honor to be their wedding photographer. Love you guys! xx

Venue: Chicago Athletic Association / Planning: Plum & Ivy Events / Hair + Makeup: Rare Bird Beauties / Florals: Kloeckner Preferred Flowers / Dress: Jenny Yoo / Suit: Hugo Boss / DJ: Toast & Jam / Cake: Cake Chicago