When a couple tells you they want their wedding day to feel like a massive, joyful dinner party with their favorite people - and that they want to capture the whole thing in a highly candid, documentary style - you know it's going to be a good day. Marcus and Mary brought exactly that energy to their unforgettable Chicago wedding.
Between the grand, sweeping architecture of Union Station and the tucked-away romance of Salvatore’s in Lincoln Park, their day was the perfect mix of classic Chicago elegance and laid-back, unfiltered fun.
We kicked things off with couple’s portraits at the iconic Chicago Union Station. If you want dramatic, cinematic wedding photos, the towering columns and sweeping staircases of this historic transit hub never disappoint.
But here’s the thing about Marcus and Mary - they aren't the stiff, overly-posed types. Instead of treating the grand architecture like a formal museum, they treated it like their own personal playground. We focused entirely on documentary, candid moments, capturing them cracking jokes between columns, Mary's veil catching the windy city breeze, and Marcus's completely unscripted, ear-to-ear grin every time he looked at her. It was less about striking the perfect pose and more about documenting the genuine, electric anticipation of the day. To really lean into the nostalgic, authentic vibe they wanted, we shot a significant portion of their day on 35mm film.
There is a distinct, undeniable magic to film photography. The subtle grain, the rich, true-to-life tones, and the raw imperfection of film perfectly mirrored Marcus and Mary’s relationship. It forces everyone to be present in the moment rather than checking a screen. The 35mm film scans from their Union Station stroll and the quiet, in-between moments of the day ended up being some of their absolute favorites - timeless, romantic, and effortlessly cool.
For the ceremony and reception, the party moved to Salvatore’s, a quintessential Chicago hidden gem nestled right in the heart of Lincoln Park. Walking into Salvatore’s feels like stepping into a classic Italian estate - warm mahogany, lush greenery, and an incredibly intimate atmosphere that makes you forget you’re in the middle of a bustling city.
Their ceremony was filled with tearful, hilarious vows (the kind that have the entire room laughing and crying simultaneously). Because we were prioritizing a documentary approach, the focus was entirely on the crowd's reactions, the tight squeezes from grandparents, and the stolen glances between the bride and groom.
You can’t have a playful, high-energy wedding without an outfit change that says, “I am ready to tear up this dance floor.”
Right after dinner, Mary slipped into an incredible second dress - a fun, flirty, modern mini that completely changed the vibe for the evening. Paired with some killer statement shoes, the second look was a massive hit. It allowed her to move freely, and it signaled to the guests that the formal portion of the evening was officially over.
The rest of the night was a blur of incredible food, chaotic and amazing dance floor moves, and endless champagne toasts. Capturing those sweaty, joyous, uninhibited reception moments on 35mm film was the perfect way to cap off a flawless day.
Marcus and Mary, thank you for letting us document your love story exactly as it happened - messy, beautiful, hilarious, and entirely yours <3
xo, Bonphotage
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