Chicago Black Tie Wedding at Pella Signature and Nativity B.V.M. Church

This elegant Chicago black tie wedding began with a Lithuanian Catholic ceremony at Nativity B.V.M. Church in Chicago and continued with a stunning reception at Pella Signature in Burr Ridge. With downtown Chicago portraits, an all-black dress code, and a packed dance floor powered by DJ Donatas and Deus Sax, the day blended timeless tradition with modern editorial style.

Some weddings stay with you long after the gallery is delivered.
This one? It lived in my head for weeks.

From the moment the bride started getting ready on a warm August morning, I knew this day was going to be special. The light was soft, the energy calm but excited, and every detail felt intentional — elegant, timeless, and effortlessly cool.

A Lithuanian Catholic Ceremony in Chicago

The ceremony took place at Nativity B.V.M. Catholic Church, one of the most beautiful Lithuanian Catholic churches in the city. The architecture alone is breathtaking, but what truly stood out was the atmosphere — welcoming, meaningful, and refreshingly photographer-friendly.

No endless restrictions. No stress.
We were able to photograph everything that matters: rings, vows, reactions, wide architectural moments, and intimate details — all with respect and ease. It makes such a difference when a ceremony allows space for creativity, and this church truly does.

A Downtown Rush Worth Every Second

After the ceremony, we headed straight into downtown Chicago for portraits. A tight timeline, summer traffic, and city chaos — but somehow it all worked beautifully. The contrast of classic elegance against the urban backdrop gave us some of my favorite images of the day. Effortless, editorial, and timeless.

All Black Everything (Yes, Please)

Then came the reception — and let’s talk about the guests.

Every single person understood the assignment: black tie, all black.
Tuxes, gowns, sleek silhouettes — it felt like a Vogue editorial came to life. If you’re a future bride wondering whether a guest dress code makes a difference… this is your sign. The photos were instantly elevated.

A Glass-Wrapped Dream Venue in Burr Ridge

The reception took place at Pella Signature, a venue that feels like it was designed specifically for photography. Glass walls, glass ceiling, greenery, reflections, and that perfect transition from daylight to night — every angle looked unreal straight out of camera.

The Night the Dance Floor Never Emptied

Now for the part I can’t stop talking about.

A saxophonist flew in from Australia — Harry (Deus Sax) — and I need to be very clear: this was not background entertainment.

I’ve photographed weddings with sax players before. Many stay near the DJ booth, play a few songs, and blend into the background. Harry did the opposite. He was on the dance floor, weaving through guests, feeding off the energy, pulling everyone in. The dance floor was packed all night — no breaks, no dips.

And here’s the key: none of that would’ve been possible without DJ Donatas.

The chemistry between them was unreal. Despite meeting for the first time, they worked together like longtime collaborators — reading the room, syncing transitions, building energy at exactly the right moments. That level of professionalism is rare, and it showed.

As someone with a musical background myself — violin, clarinet, piano — I’m picky. I hear off-key moments. I notice timing. This? Flawless. I genuinely didn’t want the party to stop.

If you can afford a live saxophone paired with a truly talented DJ — do it. No hesitation.

When the Photographer Joins the Party

And then there’s this part…

I stayed an extra hour. Not because I had to — but because I wanted to.
At one point, I realized I wasn’t just photographing the energy — I was part of it. Dancing, laughing, completely in the moment. There’s even a photo of me on the dance floor, unable to resist. That’s how good it was.

I don’t just show up to document a wedding.
I show up to feel it. And this night delivered everything.

The Team That Made It All Happen

This day came together so beautifully thanks to an incredible vendor team — starting with the planner, whose vision and clients I truly love working with.

Planner: Sigita Jura — the heart and brain behind the entire day
Photographer: Pictures by GG
Second Shooter: Sandmood Photography
Hair & Makeup: Diana Dau
DJ: DJ Donatas
Saxophonist: Harry (Deus Sax)
Video: Marius Radzevičius
Florals: Phillip’s Flowers & Cyndi Weber
Cake & Desserts: Sandria’s Sweets
Venue: Pella Signature
First Dance Choreography: Dance Duo Studio