Jeff & Isabel | A Winter Wedding in Chicago

December weddings always carry a certain kind of magic — quieter, more intimate, more intentional. Jeff and Isabel’s wedding on December 27, 2025, felt like the perfect way to close out the year: emotional, elegant, and full of meaningful moments that linger long after the day ends.

As our final wedding of 2025, this celebration in Chicago, Illinois was a reminder of why we do what we do — capturing real connection, even when time, light, and winter days move quickly.

A Classic Chicago Ceremony at Assumption Catholic Church

Jeff and Isabel exchanged vows at Assumption Catholic Church, a historic Chicago church located not far from the Chicago River. Like many traditional Catholic ceremonies, the church followed very strict photography guidelines — no flash, no movement through the center aisle, and photographers limited to specific locations.

With two photographers present, we were able to respectfully work within every rule while still capturing the full story of the ceremony — the quiet glances, the emotion, and the sacred atmosphere — without disrupting the space or the moment.

With winter days being short, we had just about 20–25 minutes of daylight along the Chicago River—and we made every second count. What started as portraits naturally turned into celebration. Jeff and Isabel popped champagne, laughed, and even practiced their first dance right there, surrounded by the glow of the city. As the sun disappeared, Chicago’s lights took over, allowing us to continue photographing moments that felt spontaneous, joyful, and completely true to them.

Isabel and Jeff began their wedding day getting ready at Le Meridien Essex Chicago before heading to the ceremony.

A First Look with Her Father

One of the most emotional moments of the day came before the ceremony, when Isabel shared a first look with her father. Seeing his daughter in her wedding dress brought tears to his eyes — a quiet, deeply moving moment filled with love, pride, and years of memories all at once.

While Isabel finished getting ready, Jeff stepped outside with his groomsmen for a few relaxed portraits before the ceremony. With laughter, movement, and a few spontaneous moments, it was a chance to slow down, enjoy the anticipation, and capture the energy of the day before everything officially began.

The Reception

The celebration continued at the hotel connected to LM Studio, creating a seamless transition from ceremony to reception. Guests moved effortlessly into an evening filled with heartfelt speeches, laughter, and a warm, intimate atmosphere. From the glow of candlelight to thoughtful details throughout the space, the reception felt refined yet relaxed—an environment where genuine moments unfolded naturally on the dance floor and at every table.

Jeff and Isabel’s winter wedding was a celebration defined by connection—quiet moments, genuine emotion, and a room full of people who showed up with open hearts. From the ceremony to the final dance, their day unfolded naturally, leaving space for laughter, movement, and memories that will live far beyond the photographs.

Thoughtfully documented by Pictures by GG.