Chicago Cafe Brauer Wedding from Gerber + Scarpelli Photography

Two things that make me happy?  Gerber + Scarpelli Photography and Cafe Brauer weddings.  When I see one (or both) of those names pop up on my computer screen, I know it’s going to be a very good day. (Emphasis on very.)  So when I first spotted this gorgeous traditional soiree, I swear to you, an all caps JOY consumed my body.  And I have the aforementioned lovelies, beautiful blooms from The Flower Firm and a whole lot of pretty planned by Blossom Eventz to thank.  Did I mention it was going to be a very good day?!?  Join me in the gallery for more.

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From Gerber + Scarpelli PhotographyKatie and Chris tied the knot on a chilly autumn day. This wedding was truly a family affair. We met up with Katie and her ladies at the couple’s condo in Lincoln Park. The bridesmaids surprised the bride by each reading a six part note from the groom. There was not a dry eye at the end of it.

The ceremony was held at the newly restored St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Lake View. It is truly one of the most breathtaking spaces in the city. Members of the bride’s extended family provided the music for the ceremony. All nine of the couple’s nieces and nephews preceded the bride and her father down the aisle.

After the ceremony, we all hoped on the party bus and headed downtown for a few pictures. Chris is a trader, so we had some fun shooting in front of the iconic Board of Trade. On our way back north, we stopped at North Pond and snapped a few pictures in the exact spot where Chris proposed to Katie the previous year.

Cafe Brauer is one of the most sought after venues in all of Chicago. An intimate space set on the South Pond in Lincoln Park. It is a stunning example of the Prairie School of Architecture. The reception was held in the ballroom on the second floor. Over a dozen homemade cakes graced the sweets table. All were made by a close friend of the bride. The colorful cakes were as scrumptious as they were beautiful. Flower Firm provided the decor and personal flowers. The orchids have to be some of the prettiest we’ve ever seen! The evening started with a few tears and many laughs (mostly at the groom’s expense). As the meal came to an end, Final Say took up their instruments and rocked it so hard the floor shook! It was the perfect wedding. Nobody could have asked for more!

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Wedding Photography: Gerber + Scarpelli Photography | Ceremony Venue: St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Lake View, Illinois | Reception Venue: Cafe Brauer Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, Illinois | Wedding Coordinators: Mandy Jezewski & Gabi Dorsch from Blossom Eventz | Floral Design + Candles: The Flower Firm | Wedding Cinematography: 119 Productions Chicago | Catering: Tigerlily Events | Wedding Cake: Megan Odum from Everything Cake | Music: Final Say | Wedding Invitations: Aubrey Rager (aubrey.rager@gmail.com) | Hair + Makeup: Salon 1800