Cheerful Old Post Office Wedding | Cara & Chris
Some wedding days just feel like a party from the moment they begin! Cara and Chris’s Old Post Office wedding was one of those days. They had an absolutely massive wedding party, but what stood out even more was how excited everyone was to celebrate with them. There was so much energy throughout the day, from getting ready with family and friends to their packed dance floor at the end of the night.
As a Chicago wedding photographer, I loved being there to document it all. We had a bluebird summer sky, an incredible team of vendors, and a group of people who were clearly ready to celebrate made this such a memorable day.
Getting Ready With Family and Friends
Cara spent the morning getting ready with the help of her mom and sisters. One of my favorite moments was her bridesmaid reveal. Her bridesmaids wore pastel gowns that were all different but worked so well together, and seeing everyone’s reaction to Cara was so sweet. With such a large wedding party, there was no shortage of excitement once everyone was together. The energy was already building before Cara and Chris had even seen each other.
Their first look took place outdoors on the patio at the Old Post Office. It was a quiet moment in the middle of what would become a very full day. It gave them a chance to see each other and spend a little time together before everything got underway. From there, we moved throughout the Old Post Office for portraits before heading out into the city with the full wedding party.
Chris & Cara’s Wedding Portraits
One of the fun parts of having a large wedding party is figuring out how to make room for everyone while still giving the couple plenty of time for portraits. After photographing in and around the Old Post Office, we all hopped on the trolley and headed toward Milton Lee Olive Park for wedding party portraits with the Chicago skyline behind us.
With a group this large, there was plenty of laughter and energy. It felt less like we were checking portraits off a list and more like everyone was having a great time together. The skyline gave us that classic Chicago backdrop, and the trolley ride made the whole experience feel like part of the celebration.
A Beautiful Old Post Office Wedding Ceremony
The Old Post Office is such a unique Chicago wedding venue, and one of my favorite features is the lobby. The enormous windows allow so much natural light to move through the space, which makes the ceremony feel bright and open while still highlighting the scale of the historic building.
The venue itself is housed in the former Chicago Post Office building. It’s a massive Art Deco-era landmark that stretches along Van Buren Street. The building was originally completed in 1921 and later underwent a major restoration before reopening as an event and office space. Today, its historic architecture provides a really distinctive setting for weddings in the city.
Cara and Chris exchanged vows in the lobby surrounded by their family and friends. Then, it was time to celebrate!
Their Old Post Office Wedding Reception
After the cocktail hour outdoors, Cara and Chris made their grand entrance into the reception space, and everyone could feel their energy. The speeches were some of the most touching moments of the evening. Their friends and family had so much to say about them, and it was clear just how loved Cara and Chris are. They also took the time to give a speech of their own, thanking everyone who had come to celebrate with them.
Then came their first dance. It was one of those moments where the entire room seemed to slow down for a minute before the party started again. And once the dance floor opened, it really took off!
Honestly, I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a wedding party quite this ready to dance. The dance floor was packed, the energy never let up, and everyone seemed determined to make the most of the night. After such a full day, it was the perfect way to end the celebration.
Planning an Old Post Office Wedding in Chicago?
The Old Post Office is a great option for couples who want a wedding that feels distinctly Chicago while still giving them plenty of flexibility for the day. The building’s historic architecture, enormous windows, and open spaces create a beautiful backdrop for portraits and ceremonies, while the reception space can be transformed to fit a couple’s style.
Its downtown location also makes it easy to visit other Chicago locations for more photos. Cara and Chris took advantage of that by heading to Milton Lee Olive Park for skyline photos with their wedding party, but there are plenty of other nearby options depending on the feel you want.
I also love that the Old Post Office gives you a mix of indoor and outdoor possibilities. That can be especially helpful when planning a Chicago wedding, where the weather can have a mind of its own. You can take advantage of the natural light inside the building while still having the option to head outside for portraits or cocktail hour when the weather cooperates.
For Cara and Chris, though, the venue was just one piece of what made the day so special. The people were the heart of it. Their wedding party, their families, and every guest who filled the dance floor made the day extra special.
Your Chicago Wedding Photographer
Chris and Cara’s wedding was a reminder of why I love photographing celebrations like this. The beautiful spaces matter, but it’s the people filling them that make the photographs meaningful. I want to document the big moments while also paying attention to the energy, laughter, and little interactions that make your wedding feel like yours.
As a Chicago wedding photographer, I would love to hear what you’re planning for your day. Whether you’re getting married at the Old Post Office or somewhere else in the city, get in touch and tell me all about it.
The Old Post Office Wedding Vendor Team
Photographer: Zachera Photo
Planner: Clementine Custom Events
Hair & Makeup: Rare Bird Beauties
Florist: Avant Gardenia
Bridal Valet: The Wedding Dresser
Catering: Paramount Events
Lighting: Elegant Event Lighting
Entertainment: Funktastic Productions
