Glamorous Wedding at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago
Congratulations to grooms Dan and Brian, who tied the knot in a glamorous, high-style wedding overlooking the Chicago skyline. These grooms were not afraid to take wedding tradition and make it their own—what an honor to photograph this emotion-filled LGBTQ+ wedding!
The Chicago Skyline: the Ultimate Wedding Backdrop
The grooms, Dan and Brian, split their time between homes in South Florida and Chicago. Summers in Chicago are wonderful, so these grooms opted to host their wedding at the fabulous Ritz-Carlton, which recently underwent a major renovation. With a stunning and massive ballroom, panoramic views of the city, and a classic mid-century modern aesthetic, this luxurious resort was the perfect backdrop for Dan and Brian’s big day. Dan, an attorney, and Brian, a landscape architect, worked closely with Danielle Dworkowitz of Creative Party Touch Design to plan an unforgettable wedding that, while beautifully styled, still felt personal and unique.
The Grooms and their Wedding Party
When the grooms decided to get married, they had already been together for the better part of two decades! As such, they had a group of friends and family that had already been combined. They didn’t think it was fitting to have separate wedding parties, so instead, they opted for one large mixed-gender wedding party consisting of their nearest and dearest, each wearing variations of classic and elegant black dresses and tuxedos.
Speaking of wedding style, these grooms had no shortage! Dan and Brian opted for identical white jacket tuxedos and custom Gucci loafers (recently purchased on a trip to Italy). The white jackets provided just enough contrast to let the groom stand apart from their wedding party, while still remaining timeless. This clean and understated look was modernized by bright purple orchid boutonnieres. Their sweet golden retriever named Finley also joined in the festivities, sporting a classy tuxedo front harness.
An Emotional and Highly Personal Ceremony
Dan and Brian were not afraid to update traditional elements of their wedding to fit their love story. For example, this wedding ceremony featured not one, not two, but FIVE officiants—each a judge close to the grooms. Their vows were poignant and demonstrated the commitment these two men have for one another after more than a decade together.
The ceremony space, designed by Austin James of Kehoe Designs, featured clean and chic details, mirrored tables, numerous candles, and a round stage surrounded by abundant florals on top of a mercury glass-styled floor. The guest seating was also set in a circular pattern around the central stage, giving an panoramic view of faces as the couple said their “I do’s.”
A Glamorous Reception
After cocktail hour, guests made their way back to the ballroom which underwent a spectacular makeover! Bright pinks and purple lighting emanating from the central massive glass chandelier was a true work of art and a showstopper. Tables were adorned with silk linens, florals in deep hues of red, purple, and pinks, metallic flatware, and modern accents of gold. At the entrance was a massive multi-tired cake with a design that emulated the invitation suite: charcoal grey with contrasting floral designs. The focal point of the room was a massive stage, where Aragon Artists gave heart stopping performances that kept the dance floor full all night!
During one of the groom’s emotional welcome speech, he mentioned, “When you get married at our age, a big wedding is inevitable because of all the lives you’ve touched.” That sentiment was so present in the room: despite a wedding with hundreds of guests, each person felt like family and the love filling the room was palpable.
Congratulations again to the grooms, Dan and Brian! We were so honored to document this momentous occasion and wish you both the best for the future. Please enjoy a selection of images from this spectacular and which wedding!
This elegant and glamorous LGBTQ+ wedding was photographed at Ritz-Carlton in Chicago, Illinois.
Planning: Creative Touch Party Design | @creativetouchpartydesign
Venue & Catering: Ritz-Carlton Chicago | @rcchicago
Photography: Todd Danforth Photography | @toddthephotographer
Floral & Decor: Kehoe Designs | @kehodesigns
Lighting Design: Black Oak Technical Productions | @blackoak.tech
Band & Sound: Aragon Artists | @aragonartists
Rentals: Tablescapes Event Rentals | @tablescapeschgo
Linens: BBJ La Tavola | @bbjlatavola
Makeup: Makeup By Toshi | @ToshiSzpyra
Tuxedos: Suit Supply | @suitsupply
Shoes: Gucci | @gucci
Accessories: Hermes & Tom Ford | @hermes & @tomford
Watches: Rolex | @rolex
Rings: David Yurman | @davidyurman
Dresser: A Sharp Dressed Man | @asharpdressedman1
Invitations: CJV Paper & Creative Touch Party Design | @cvjpaper & @creativetouchpartydesign
Watercolor Art: Lesley Beck Design | @lesleybeckdesign
Letterpress: Able Letterpress | @ableletterpress
Officiants & Judges: Family Friends
Gift Boxes: Carol’s Cookies, Garrett Popcorn, Jelly Belly | @carolscookies, @garrettpopcorn, @jellybellycandyco
Late Night Dueling Pianos: Howl2Go | @howl2go
Boston wedding photographer Todd Danforth Photography is an LGBTQ+ and POC-owned wedding photography team specializing in capturing joyful and candid moments. As storytellers and craftspeople, we believe in the power of visual narratives. Our mission is to create honest and authentic photographs you can share with your loved ones for generations to come.