Bonphotage Chicago Pre-wedding Session - Chicago Art Institute and Chicago Riverwalk - Jialin and Lilyanne

Bonphotage Film Documentary Editorial Chicago Wedding Photography - Adler Planetarium Wedding

It is always a profound honor to capture a couple's love story, and photographing Jialin and Lilyanne’s wedding day at the Adler Planetarium was an absolute dream! While the wedding day itself is a whirlwind of emotion, family, and celebration, sometimes the timeline just doesn't allow for every single photo location you dreamed of.

That is exactly why Jialin and Lily Anne opted for a dedicated, post-wedding portrait session. We spent a glorious, relaxed afternoon capturing their newlywed bliss at two of the city's most iconic locations: the Art Institute of Chicago and the Chicago Riverwalk - complete with a sweet stop for gelato!

When it comes to Chicago wedding photography, few backdrops rival the timeless, architectural grandeur of the Art Institute. Without the pressure of a rushing bridal party or a ticking cocktail hour clock, J & L were able to simply breathe and be present with one another. We wandered through the stunning grounds, utilizing the classic columns, the sweeping staircases, and the lush, manicured greenery of the South Gardens. The architecture provided an elegant, editorial feel to their portraits, perfectly framing their effortless style.

After capturing the classic romance at the museum, we transitioned to the vibrant energy of Michigan Avenue and the Chicago Riverwalk. The beauty of a separate portrait day is the ability to shift the mood entirely. As we strolled along the water, with the city's famous bridges and skyscrapers towering above, the session took on a fun, candid, and deeply authentic vibe.

To cap off an already perfect afternoon, J & L grabbed some gelato. Capturing them laughing, sharing a sweet treat, and simply enjoying togetherness resulted in some of the most genuine, joyful images of the day. It was a beautiful reminder that your wedding photos don't just have to be about the ceremony - they can be about the quiet, fun moments you share as a newly married couple.

If you are currently planning your wedding and struggling to fit all your dream photo locations into a tight itinerary, adding a post-wedding portrait session is a game-changer. Here is why we love this trend at Bonphotage:

Zero Timeline Stress: Wedding days move incredibly fast. A separate session allows you to move at a relaxed pace, entirely free from the anxiety of making it to your reception on time.
Endless Location Options: Want photos at the lakefront, the Art Institute, and a rooftop? A dedicated portrait day makes it possible to hit all the locations you couldn't squeeze into the wedding day.
Chasing the Perfect Light: We can schedule your portrait session precisely during "golden hour" for that dreamy, romantic glow, which isn't always possible on a strict wedding day timeline.
Wardrobe Round Two: You spend so much time and money on your wedding attire - why only wear it once? It is the perfect excuse to put your wedding dress or suit back on and have fun without worrying about keeping it pristine for the ceremony!

xo, Bonphotage