Timeless Jewish Wedding at the Gwen Chicago

At the Gwen Chicago, Mitchell and Hannah filled their Jewish wedding with festive traditions. Their beautiful wedding day felt as beautiful and classic as downtown Chicago.

The Gwen Chicago

The Gwen Chicago is a beautiful luxury hotel in the heart of downtown. Named for sculptor Gwen Lux, the hotel provides modern comfort in the historic McGraw-Hill Building. It's celebrated as one of the best examples of Art Deco architecture in Chicago. The Gwen’s interiors nod to its Gilded Age origins.

Located on Rush Street, the Gwen Chicago provides easy access to many of the city’s iconic landmarks. The views from the terrace are also stunning. You could use it for a scenic cocktail hour or a Tisch and Bedeken, like Hannah and Mitchell did. The sunny, spacious terrace is airy, relaxed, and rare in this part of downtown Chicago.

Timeless Chicago Wedding Photos 

Although Mitchell and Hannah got married in Chicago, they met in Orlando at the University of Central Florida. Hannah worked at the university, and Mitchell was attending medical school there. It only took a couple dates for each of them to know they’d found their person. Since then, they moved to Chicago for Mitchell to do his residency at Northwestern.

Hannah and Mitchell’s friends traveled from all over the country to celebrate their wedding. Family, sorority sisters, and school friends came from as far away as Georgia and as near as down the street. It was lovely to witness people from throughout this couple’s lives come together for them. In that sense, this Jewish wedding was exactly what the couple hoped for.

I feel very lucky that Mitchell and Hannah found me through a referral from former clients. When I photograph multiple couples in a group, I call it my “daisy chain”! Hannah and Mitchell originally planned on a Florida wedding but opted for a classic, elegant Jewish wedding in Chicago instead. Everyone was glad they did! It ended up being beautiful. Even the weather was perfect.

Before Mitchell and Hannah’s Jewish wedding ceremony, we took wedding photos at the Wrigley Building, a classic and timeless Chicago favorite. This spot has amazing views of the river. The Gwen was so close that we were able to walk there! I loved the cool tones of their wedding parties’ clothes against the silvery skyline.

Hannah and Mitchell’s Jewish Wedding

Hannah and Mitchell’s day was full of beautiful Jewish wedding traditions. Before the ceremony, they observed a Conservative Jewish ritual called the Tisch and Bedecken. First Hannah and Mitchell had separate receptions with friends and family to enjoy drinks and delicious food. After toasts, Michell headed to the terrace to greet Hannah who was surrounded by friends and family. 

One of my favorite images from this Jewish wedding is of Hannah and her father. When the couple meet, it’s traditional for family members to give blessings. There’s so much love and joy in this image of Hannah and her father sharing a quiet moment even as everyone celebrates around them.

At golden hour, we caught a few more portraits of Hannah and Mitchell. This time, we explored the walkway over the street outside the Gwen. These photos have a quieter feel than the rest of the images from this busy but fun-filled day.

The wedding ceremony itself took place under a floral chuppah. The elegant florals created a lively, festive atmosphere for Hannah and Mitchell to exchange vows. During the ceremony, Hannah also circled Mitchell seven times in accordance with tradition.

Of course, a Jewish wedding reception would hardly be complete without incredible Kosher food and dancing. Hannah and Mitchell’s guests joined in the horah and lifted the couple up with enthusiasm. It was a perfect way to end the romantic, energetic day.

Would you like me to photograph your wedding? I’d love to hear more about your day. Reach out, and let’s get the conversation started!

Thank you to the vendors who made Hannah and Mitchell’s wedding possible:

Florist: Fleur

Hair: The Bridal Beauty Team

Makeup: The Bridal Beauty Team

Cake: Zelda's

Catering: Zelda's

Bands: Live Oak Trio (cocktail hour and ceremony); Bluewater Kings Band (reception)

Officiant: Rabbi David Wolkenfeld

Hannah's outfit: BHLDN

Mitchell's outfit: Black Tux

Wedding Party Outfit Designers: Azazie, Black Tux

Videographer: Wynn Films

Invitations: Maxe Designs