Sunrise Wedding Portraits in Downtown Chicago
The morning after their Chicago Botanic Garden wedding, Ron & Yuying weren’t ready for the celebration to end. Instead, they chose to slow down, savor the moment, and create even more memories together.
We met just after sunrise at the iconic Wrigley Building, one of downtown Chicago’s most timeless landmarks. The city was still quiet, with the soft golden light of morning reflecting off the buildings. Yuying was wearing her chic reception dress—a short white gown that was both elegant and playful—and carried her bouquet from the day before. Ron looked effortlessly sharp by her side, the perfect complement to the city backdrop.
Coffee & Strolls Through the City
Before we began shooting, we grabbed coffee together— With coffee cups in hand, they laughed, talked abou the night before, and eased into this more intimate pace of the day.
From there, we wandered through the streets of downtown Chicago, letting the morning unfold naturally. We started at the Wrigley Building, its white stone architecture glowing in the early light, before meandering toward hidden corners and unique city views. Every turn offered something new—reflections in the glass windows, light spilling between skyscrapers, and the city slowly waking up around us.
Effortless & Editorial
What I love most about day-after sessions is the freedom they allow. There’s no rush, no schedule—just time to explore and capture portraits that feel relaxed, romantic, and full of soul. For Ron & Yuying, it was the perfect balance to their garden wedding the day before: trading lush florals and greenery for iconic Chicago architecture and modern city lines.
Their chemistry was effortless, their laughter genuine, and every frame felt like a glimpse into the joy of newlywed life.
A Perfect Finale
This session felt like a love letter to both their marriage and to Chicago—a city that holds so much meaning for Ron and now for them as a couple. It was the perfect way to close out their wedding weekend, blending editorial elegance with authentic, candid moments.
For couples considering a day-after session: it’s one of the best ways to create portraits in a completely different setting, without the time pressures of the wedding day itself. With Ron & Yuying, it allowed us to tell their story in two parts: the garden romance of their wedding day, and the city-chic elegance of the morning after.
