I loved getting the chance to photograph a wedding at The Joinery, one of my all-time favorite venues in Chicago. Having the coolest couple in from Seattle was a MASSIVE bonus!

Their Story

“We met when attending graduate school pursuing degrees in Physical Therapy and Physician Assist in 2016,” Kelsey told me. “Our relationship grew between moments of studying and spending our free time enjoying Chicago’s food + bars. We took a 28 day road trip in the summer of 2018, visiting 9 national parks, 13 states, and 2 Canadian provinces, along with picking up a rescue pup named Vanilla on our way home! We moved to Seattle in 2019 and love enjoying the outdoors on the weekends when we are away from caring for patients. In February of 2021, Ryan proposed at one of my favorite resorts in Coeur d’Alene, ID. We could only have our wedding in the city where we fell in love: Chicago.”

Getting Ready + Portraits

Both Kelsey + Ryan got ready at separate Airbnb’s near The Joinery. I headed over to the venue a bit early with the bride, her mom and maid of honor so she could finish getting ready in one of the suites. Both bride and groom separately read notes they had written each other (a wedding tradition I’m all in favor of, I think it’s really sweet). We were constantly checking my doppler radar app– a big storm was coming our way! We made sure everything was timed right for their first look in the courtyard. It couldn’t have been more perfect. After portraits with the wedding party and around the block, we were able to get inside just before it started pouring.

Ceremony and Reception at The Joinery

Kelsey + Ryan chose to have a sweet and simple ceremony. Thunder crashed and rain pounded on the skylights at The Joinery, which was very exciting to be a part of! You can see a photo below of Kelsey’s reaction as one particular thunderclap resonated throughout the space. They said “I do,” kissed, and were married! The couple snuck into one of the suites while guests enjoyed cocktail hour. Once the raincloud passed, folks stepped outside to enjoy the fresh air. Eventually the newlyweds joined their guests and grabbed a drink.

After some super fun entrances from the wedding party (including taking shots of Fireball and the maid of honor doing the worm), Kelsey + Ryan walked into their reception and cut their cake. The two then slowly swayed through their adorable first dance together. After a delicious meal, we heard speeches from the best men and the maid of honor. And then we partied! Let me tell you– these folks knew how to GET DOWN! I had so much fun photographing this eccentric dance floor.

Congrats to Mr. + Mrs. Schickerling! May you have many more amazing adventures to come!

Ceremony + Reception: The Joinery

Florals: Flowers for Dreams

Dress: The Altar

Hair + Makeup: Blush + Braids Beauty Bar

Catering: The Caterist

Cake: Nothing Bundt Cakes

DJ: Toast & Jam DJs