Valerie & Ken’s Wedding at Saint Clement Church & Trump Tower Chicago

A Skyline Love Story: Valerie and Ken’s Iconic Chicago Wedding

The Borgström-Barraza wedding weekend blended urban sophistication with timeless tradition, from vows at Saint Clement Church to a shimmering reception at Trump Tower Chicago.

Morning Preparations and Private Moments

The day began with our team split between two locations: the Trump Tower Bridal Suite, where Valerie and her bridesmaids prepared with hair and makeup, and the couple’s condo on Hampden Court, where Ken and his groomsmen got ready. Quiet, candid moments, a toast with bridesmaids, a final boutonniere adjustment, set the emotional tone for the film.

A Traditional Ceremony at Saint Clement

The couple exchanged vows at Saint Clement Church in Lincoln Park, a beautiful display of tradition followed by family portraits within the church’s ornate architecture.

Exploring the Windy City

After the vows, the celebration hit the road via Second City Trolley for cinematic footage at North Pond, the State Street Bridge, and the Michigan Avenue median. The bridal party then boarded Wendella’s vessel, the Ouilmette, at the Trump Dock for a late-afternoon cruise on the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, giving us sweeping panoramic skyline views for the couple’s portrait session.

A Grand Reception at Trump Tower

The evening moved to the 16th floor of Trump Tower, where the Grand Foyer hosted cocktail hour before the reception in the Grand Ballroom, transformed by The Flower Firm into an elegant oasis.

• The grand entrance: the bridal party’s high-energy arrival, followed by the couple’s first appearance as Mr. & Mrs. Barraza.
• The speeches: heartfelt words from the Father of the Bride, the Best Man, and Valerie’s three sisters.
• The first dance: a romantic moment on the ballroom floor followed by parent dances.
• The finale: fireworks over the city skyline at 10:15 pm, followed by a sparkler exit at the Trump Tower West Exit.

The Creative Team

• Videography: 312FILMS (Anna & Artem)
• Venue: Trump Tower Chicago
• Ceremony: Saint Clement Church
• Photography: Josh Ohms Photography
• Floral design: The Flower Firm
• Music/entertainment: DJ-Chicago and Pianist Chris Martin
• Transportation: Second City Trolley

Planning a Trump Tower or Saint Clement wedding? Check your date →