Some weddings feel like a party.
This one felt like a whole mood.
Chrissy and Chris described their day in three words: Overdue. Romantic. Gatsby.
Accurate. No notes.
They chose The Brick because of the vintage charm, and then leaned hard into an Art Deco palette with black, green, gold, and pearl. It was classy without feeling stiff, and romantic without trying too hard. Basically, the sweet spot.
Getting Ready With The Little Details That Matter
Chrissy started the day at Aloft South Bend, surrounded by a room full of teachers, nurses, and retail workers. In other words, the kind of crew that can talk about anything and everything, and somehow keep it entertaining the whole time.
She had a few personal pieces set aside for us to photograph, including her great-grandmother’s pearls, a meaningful photo detail for her bouquet, and her perfume. Those kinds of details might seem small, but they’re the stuff that makes the gallery feel like your actual life, not just a pretty day.
Chris got ready at The Brick, which made things super smooth from a logistics standpoint and also gave us time to capture those calm, laid-back moments with the guys. Chrissy’s only instruction for that room was basically: “They’re chill. Ask how they met Chris.” We can work with that.
No First Look, All The Anticipation
Chrissy and Chris decided to wait until the ceremony to see each other, and it fit the vibe perfectly.
The Brick has this natural intimacy to it, and with an unplugged ceremony (thank you, Chrissy and Chris), everyone was actually present for the real moment, not watching it through a phone screen.
Portraits With Options (Because Midwest Weather Loves Drama)
Their plan for portraits was flexible, which we always love.
If the weather cooperated, we could sneak out for wedding party photos near IU spots like the pedestrian bridge and those tree-lined campus areas with benches and big, leafy backdrops.
And if the weather did what it usually does, The Brick’s interior is more than enough. The walls, the light, the whole modern-vintage thing, it photographs so clean.
Also, Chrissy’s note for direction was: “Help (LOL!!)”
That’s our entire job description, so we were thrilled.
Reception Energy, But Make It Elegant
After cocktail hour, the room flipped from ceremony to reception, and the evening rolled right into the good stuff.
They had a toast from their officiant, then cake cutting, then the dances, including an anniversary dance to pull everyone onto the floor in that sweet, nostalgic way.
Their first dance song was “Home” by Edith Whiskers, which matched the whole romantic vibe perfectly.
And because this wedding wasn’t trying to be extra just for the sake of it, there were no speeches marathon, no bouquet toss chaos, no forced moments. Just a clean timeline with space to breathe and actually enjoy your people.
A Quick Planning Tip
If you’ve got divorced parents who prefer to avoid each other, you can still keep family photos calm and respectful.
Build separate groupings, move fast, and don’t make it a “thing.” A good photo team will direct it confidently so you don’t have to manage emotions in formalwear.
Mini Moon First, Disney Later
Chrissy and Chris planned a mini moon in Chicago right after the wedding, and they’re hoping for Disney World later in the summer.
Honestly, that’s a pretty elite two-step.
Chrissy & Chris’ Wedding Day Vendors:
Photography: Westley Leon Studios // Venue: The Brick // Officiant: Zachary Davis // Bride Attire: Simply Yours Bridal and Formal Wear // Hair: Salon Rouge (Granger) // Florals: Bubbly and Beautiful // Cake: C’est La Vie Cakes // Catering: Navarre Hospitality // DJ: Sound F/X (Jamie Highinson) // Rings: Kay Jewelers // Invitations: Canva // Custom Guest Book: Laseridge (Etsy) // Custom Drink Tickets: Wondertags (Etsy)
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