Elegant Langham Chicago Wedding | Katie & Paul
Katie and Paul’s Langham Chicago wedding was full of joy from the very first moment. Everywhere you looked, friends and family were laughing, hugging, and soaking in the day. Their love and the way they are cherished by their people was impossible to miss.
As a Chicago wedding photographer, I loved capturing the moments that showed who Katie and Paul are. From their private vows by the Chicago River to their guests’ energy celebrating alongside them, the day reflected their connection in a way that was effortless and heartfelt.
Their March wedding included a first look along the river, skyline portraits with their wedding party, and a beautiful celebration inside The Langham that carried well into the night.
Katie & Paul’s Story
Katie and Paul’s story has Chicago woven all throughout it. Paul proposed along the Riverwalk and secretly flew in Katie’s closest friends to surprise her for the moment. The celebrating continued the next day when they all went dress shopping together.
Katie and Paul were so present throughout their wedding day. Grounded in every moment, they fully engaged with each other and the people surrounding them. It was especially meaningful knowing that some of their loved ones had traveled all the way from Korea to celebrate with them.
The morning began with both of them getting ready inside The Langham with their wedding parties. Katie wore a timeless strapless gown with a long train and delicate buttons running down the back. Her hair was styled in a perfect half up and half down style. She carried a white bouquet that complemented the elegant feel of the day. Her bridesmaids wore black floor-length dresses in varying styles, which looked beautiful together as a group. Paul and his groomsmen were in classic black tuxedos.
Their First Look Along the Chicago River
Katie and Paul shared their first look overlooking the Chicago River with the city skyline behind them. The moment felt calm and private despite being in the heart of downtown Chicago.
They used this time to read personal vows to each other before the ceremony. It was one of the most emotional parts of the day. You could see how much respect and admiration they have for each other. Plus, it set the tone for everything that followed.
Wedding Party Portraits with the Chicago Skyline
After their first look and private vows, the couple and their wedding party hopped on a trolley. Then, we headed to Milton Lee Olive Park for portraits.
This spot offers one of the best skyline views in Chicago. With Lake Michigan behind them and the city stretching across the horizon, it makes for one of my favorite photo backdrops in the city.
Their friends brought so much energy to this part of the day. The classic black dresses and tuxedos looked striking against the skyline, and the group made the entire experience feel fun and relaxed.
Why I Love The Langham Chicago for Weddings
The Langham makes for a wedding venue that feels polished and luxurious while still feeling modern and comfortable for guests.
There is gorgeous natural light throughout the hotel. The large windows in the lobby and event spaces allow the city and river views to become part of the celebration. It also creates a beautiful setting for portraits and candid moments. Couples can step just outside the hotel to capture classic Chicago portraits with the skyline and river as a backdrop.
The layout of the venue makes the day flow smoothly as well. Getting ready, the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception can all happen within the same space. This allows couples to stay present with their guests rather than worrying about logistics.
Wedding Spaces at The Langham Chicago
The Langham offers several beautiful spaces that couples can use throughout the wedding day.
Many ceremonies take place indoors, where draping, florals, and lighting can completely transform the rooms. There are three ballrooms to choose from, depending on the size and style of your celebration. Plus, there’s also an outdoor space that can be used for ceremonies if you prefer.
The Devonshire Ballroom is the largest and most often used for receptions. Large windows bring in natural light during cocktail hour and dinner, and the room transitions effortlessly into a lively dance floor as the evening continues.
The hotel’s lobby is also a favorite spot for portraits. Floor-to-ceiling windows fill the space with soft light all day long, which is perfect for couple portraits or wedding party photos.
Their Wedding Ceremony
Katie and Paul’s ceremony took place indoors beneath a textured white floral arch that immediately drew everyone’s attention entering the room. I especially loved the soft white draping that framed the space and created a romantic atmosphere.
In one of the most moving moments of the ceremony, the wedding party and all the guests joined together to sing a hymn. Hearing an entire room filled with voices was incredibly moving. Everyone in perfect sync in hearts and voices, lifting up Katie and Paul.
When the ceremony ended and they walked back down the aisle as husband and wife, the joy on their faces says it all.
The Langham Chicago Wedding Reception
After the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktail hour before entering the ballroom for the reception.
The design carried the same clean, white florals from the ceremony, which gave the space a cohesive feel. The natural light from the windows added a soft glow, now with the added twinkle of city lights. It was the perfect setting for guests to find their tables and settle in for dinner.
As a sweet personalized detail, each table featured photos of Katie and Paul at the corresponding age. Guests loved seeing the photos of Katie and Paul at all the different ages while finding their seats.
When Katie and Paul made their grand entrance, the entire room erupted in cheers. Heartfelt speeches followed, along with cake cutting and their first dance as husband and wife.
Later in the evening, Katie changed into a chic white satin dress so she could be comfortable on the dance floor with their friends and family.
Client Testimonial
Here’s what Katie and Paul had to say about working with me as their Chicago wedding photographer!
“We loved working with Zachera because she shared her amazing gift with us as we shared our special day with her!
We first met Zachera for our engagement shoot on Lake Michigan- it felt like the windiest day of the year. Though, we were committed to seeing through our hour-long session that day, and not only was she down to make our vision come to life, she made it fun, memorable, and beautiful!! Even as we were shouting over the wind, she was totally relaxed, which meant we were relaxed. Now, we have precious photos of that day forever! If you want someone who is down to take on the elements and have fun while doing it, Zachera is there by your side and making you feel fabulous!
In addition to being the cheerleader in your corner, she’s a reliable professional who knew how to plan and prepare us for a flawless day! In the weeks leading up to our wedding, Zachera was responsive to our questions. She never made us feel like a burden for reaching out with a question or request. She invested thoughtful time into getting to know us and our vision in advance of our wedding. That investment paid off! Looking back, the trust we built allowed us to be completely present in the moment. Zachera knew what was important to us on the day of our wedding, and used her talent to shine a light and keep the focus on love, family, and the start of our new journey.
On the day of our wedding, Zachera jumped into action. For us, it was important that our photographer was not only talented and professional, but also someone we wanted alongside us for an entire day. From private intimate moments, to grand entrances and big group photos, we felt at ease inviting Zachera to capture the full range of emotion of our wedding day. She kept everything so fun and dynamic. We didn’t feel like we were posing for a picture- we just got to be ourselves. She seamlessly captured so many jubilant laughs and happy tears that we can’t wait to show our grandkids!
She is everything you would want in a wedding photographer- genuine, responsive, strategic, generous, happy to answer questions, and we can’t imagine the tireless effort she put into getting us our previews and full album to us when she did! When you book Zachera, you bring joy and peace of mind into your wedding day.”
Planning a Langham Chicago Wedding?
Katie and Paul’s wedding at The Langham Chicago was unforgettable. Their presence with each other and their loved ones made every moment feel so full of life and celebration.
The Langham continues to be one of my favorite Chicago venues with its timeless elegance, bright natural light and signature Chicago luxury.
If you’re planning your own Langham Chicago wedding, I would love to document it. Reach out to learn more about my approach to wedding photography, services and availability!
Their Langham Chicago Wedding Vendors
Photographer: Zachera Photo
Planner: Melissa at Clementine Custom Events
Florist: Life in Bloom
Makeup: Sandy Gomez
Hair: Tamara Holden
Cake Designer: Sweet Mandy B’s
DJ: Toast and Jam
Videography: Anchored Films
Transportation: Waytogo Trolley
