A Summer Wedding along the Chicago River at RPM Events
Wedding Planned By: Laura Kimmel
Photographed By: Ashley Biess, Artistrie Co.
Wedding Venue: RPM Events, Chicago, IL
Floral Designer: Fleur
As their photographer, it was easy to see that vision come to life. RPM Events provided the perfect backdrop, while thoughtful details, an emotional ceremony beneath the chuppah, quiet moments along the Chicago River, and a dance floor that stayed full well into the night gave the day its rhythm.
By the end of the evening, no one seemed ready to leave. Friends were singing along, the dance floor was still packed, and Amy & Ian were exactly where they wanted to be —in the middle of it all with the people they love most.
Photographing Amy & Ian's wedding at RPM Events was such a joy because every part of the day reflected exactly what mattered most to them. When Amy & Ian first reached out, they talked less about how they wanted their wedding to look and more about how they wanted it to feel. They wanted everyone they love together in one room. Incredible food and drinks. Great music. Plenty of time to actually enjoy the day. More than anything, they wanted a celebration that felt true to them.
About the Wedding
Amy & Ian's Wedding Day
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Before all the wedding festivities began, Amy and Ian met privately along the Chicago River and had an hour to themselves to soak it all up. From tears to bursts of laughter, emotions ran high in a beautiful way and it was one of my favorite parts of the day to photograph and witness.
They chose to skip the traditional wedding party, so there wasn't a long list of portraits or places to be. Instead, the hour became exactly what they had hoped for—time to enjoy each other, wander along the river and ease into the day together.
The First Look
Surrounded by their immediate family and closest friends, Amy & Ian began the ceremony by signing the ketubah, a beautiful piece hand painted by the bride's mother, who is an artist.
Moments later, they stood beneath the chuppah to be married. Their pup, Lu, even took part in the celebration, making her way down the aisle in a tiny tuxedo before spending the ceremony curled up in Ian's grandfather's lap. It was one of those little moments that everyone couldn't help but smile at.
The Ceremony
"ASHLEY!!!!!!!!!! Ian and I are bawling our eyes out reliving our wedding night looking at these photos. They are absolutely INCREDIBLE!!!
You captured our personalities and the energy of the night so perfectly. We cannot thank you enough. You are BEYOND talented!!!"
— The Bride, Amy
Amy & Ian wanted the reception to feel like a great party, and they thought through every detail. And boy did RPM deliver for them! The martini theme carried throughout the evening, from the invitations to the olive-filled coupe glasses on each table, while Aperol spritzes, tequila shots, espresso martinis, a multi-course dinner, late-night pizza and fries kept everyone well fed and having a great time. Once the hora began, the dance floor never stopped.
The Reception
Towards the end of the evening, we stepped right outside of RPM Events for a few quiet portraits along the Chicago River. After hours spent dancing the night away with family and friends, it was a welcomed break for Amy & Ian to catch their breath, take in the city lights, and reflect on every little bit of magic that made their day so special.
A few minutes later, they were right back on the dance floor surrounded by the people they love most. And after we packed up our cameras, the celebration continued with a silent disco that kept the party going well into the night.