Lauren & Greg at Cafe Brauer | Chicago Film Wedding Photographer

Wedding
Written By Louie Abellera

Lauren and Greg had already said their vows, quietly, with a small circle of people they loved most, during a year when big gatherings weren't possible. But when it came time to finally celebrate without limits, they did it right. Their wedding at Cafe Brauer in Chicago was everything the moment deserved: the city skyline stretching out behind them, golden light over the lagoon, and a room full of everyone who had been waiting to raise a glass. Some weddings are about the day. This one was about the exhale.

Credits:

Venue: Tiger Lily Events
Photography: Louie Abellera Weddings
Planning: BW Studio Events
Floral & Decor: Burst Beverly
Catering: Blue Plate Chicago
Bar / Alcohol: Tiger Lily Events
Cake & Sweets: Bittersweet Pastry Shop
Entertainment / Photo Booth: Toast & Jam DJs
Stationery: Minted
Hair & Makeup: Pin Me Up Chicago
Bridal Gown: Mira Bridal Couture
Suits: The Black Tux
Hotel: REN Chicago Downtown
Transportation: Premier Trolley

Bride and groom in black tie on the Chicago Riverwalk, city skyline including Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower behind them.
Warm globe wall sconce glowing against Cafe Brauer's tawny brick interior with a lush white rose and greenery arrangement.
Close-up of the bride's hand resting on the groom's shoulder at the reception, wedding rings catching warm light.
Dappled afternoon light on Cafe Brauer's Great Hall — original tile mural, signature teal trim, and ornate wall sconces.
Ivory off-the-shoulder wedding gown hanging in a sunlit window with leaded glass panes during bridal getting ready.
Bride and groom sharing a tender kiss on the Chicago Riverwalk, white bouquet between them, city skyline in the distance.
Bride and groom at the altar of Cafe Brauer's Great Hall with their officiant and twin white floral arches.
Cafe Brauer reception room set with round tables in white linens, dark wood cross-back chairs, and warm globe sconces.
Close portrait of the bride and groom smiling together on the Chicago Riverwalk, downtown skyline in soft focus behind.
Close-up of hand-embroidered floral lace on the bride's cathedral veil held aloft during bridal preparations.
Bride standing on a stone balustrade overlooking the Chicago River, cathedral lace veil trailing, city skyline behind her.
Cafe Brauer Great Hall set for the ceremony — rows of cross-back chairs, sunlight streaming through windows and the skylight ceiling.
Bride and groom leading their wedding party in a joyful walk along the Chicago Riverwalk, laughing hand in hand.
Lauren and Greg's first dance on the polished floor of Cafe Brauer's Great Hall in warm evening light, guests watching.
Close, warm portrait of the beaming couple in front of the Cafe Brauer entrance sign in afternoon light.
Cafe Brauer's original Arts and Crafts mosaic tile floor with a shaft of sunlight casting a soft rectangle across its surface.
Wide shot of Cafe Brauer's reception at full swing — guests dining, a server in warm motion blur, brick walls glowing.
Couple walking hand-in-hand along the brick courtyard in front of Cafe Brauer, the green-trimmed entrance above them.
The Cafe Brauer neon sign glowing warm red above the venue's green-trimmed facade in Lincoln Park.
Candid detail of a wedding guest's chic ensemble — cream designer bag and colorful sequined fringe dress at cocktail hour.
Close view of Cafe Brauer's original Arts and Crafts tile mural depicting stylized trees and a landscape in muted tones.
Nine bridesmaids in elegant black gowns flanking the bride on a stone terrace overlooking the Chicago River and skyline.
Bride laughing as she climbs Cafe Brauer's iconic teal staircase, groom close behind gathering the cathedral train.
Guests in colorful floral attire sharing heartfelt embraces in Cafe Brauer's warm interior before the ceremony.
Close detail of the sweetheart table base at Cafe Brauer — pillar candles around a white peonies and eucalyptus arrangement.
One of Cafe Brauer's original antique chandeliers against the Great Hall's soaring green steel trusses and wood ceiling.
Groom making a comically suspicious face as the bride holds up a slice of wedding cake at Cafe Brauer's reception.
Bride bursting into laughter at the sweetheart table during a wedding toast, the groom grinning beside her.
Guests silhouetted on the Cafe Brauer terrace at cocktail hour, the Chicago skyline and Lincoln Park lagoon glowing behind them.
Classic view of downtown Chicago's architectural skyline — Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower framing the river.
Full wedding party on the Chicago Riverwalk terrace — bridesmaids in black, groomsmen in tuxedos, city skyline behind.
Full wedding party crowded together in front of the Cafe Brauer entrance — tuxedos, black gowns, bride in white at center.
Cafe Brauer sweetheart table — white linen with cascading white rose and greenery garland, pillar candles, and floral arches.
Close detail of a reception table at Cafe Brauer — cocktails, pillar candles, and white florals glowing in candlelight.
Overhead view of the couple's first dance at Cafe Brauer, wrapped in each other's arms on the gleaming hardwood floor.
Close bridal portrait on the Chicago Riverwalk — the bride holding her white bouquet, city skyline shimmering behind her.
Sweeping view of the Chicago skyline from Lincoln Park lagoon near Cafe Brauer, John Hancock Center rising above the trees.
Bride and groom laughing in front of the Wrigley Building on Chicago's Magnificent Mile, cathedral veil in the summer breeze.
Cafe Brauer's exterior at night — neon sign casting warm red light over the brick facade, guests near the entrance.
Louie Abellera
Lifestyle and wedding photographer
www.louie-abellera.com
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