Gina & Benjamin’s Wedding at Holy Family & the Art Institute of Chicago

Gina & Benjamin: A Modern Masterpiece at the Art Institute of Chicago

Gina and Benjamin’s September 8th, 2018 wedding was a breathtaking celebration of love, scale, and sophisticated Chicago style. With a final guest count of 415, the day was designed to be as grand as the venues themselves, moving from the historic charm of The Blackstone to the timeless sanctity of Holy Family, and finally to the sleek, modern elegance of the Art Institute.

Morning Preparations at The Blackstone

The day began at The Blackstone on Michigan Avenue, where the energy was electric as we captured the final stages of hair and makeup. One of the most cinematic moments of the morning was the bridal party’s departure via a classic Chicago trolley, first whisking the groom and groomsmen to the church, followed by Gina and her bridesmaids.

A Traditional Ceremony at Holy Family

The ceremony took place at the stunning Holy Family Catholic Church. The atmosphere was set by Clarke’s “Trumpet Voluntary” as Gina was escorted down the aisle by her father. Following the ceremony, we captured a joyful bubble send-off as the new Mr. and Mrs. Johnson exited the church into the Chicago afternoon.

Iconic Chicago Portraits

While the 400+ guests made their way toward the reception, the bridal party boarded the trolley for a tour of the city’s most iconic landmarks: panoramic skyline views, the classic architecture of the Board of Trade, and the greenery of the South Gardens.

An Evening at the Art Institute

The celebration culminated in the Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago. Guests enjoyed cocktails on the Bluhm Terrace and in Terzo Piano, overlooking the city as the sun set. The reception in Griffin Court was nothing short of spectacular, with purple uplighting and a custom monogram projected on the walls, and Gina and Ben made a truly dramatic entrance at the top of the Morton staircase, introduced as husband and wife to Calvin Harris’s “How Deep Is Your Love.”

• The first dance: a romantic moment to “Over and Over Again” by Nathan Sykes and Ariana Grande.
• The cake cutting: set to the soaring vocals of “Perfect (Symphony)” by Ed Sheeran and Andrea Bocelli.
• The after-party: the night didn’t end in Griffin Court; guests transitioned back to Terzo Piano for a late-night after-party featuring a Buona Beef station and a neon-lit dance floor.

It was an honor to document such a monumental day, a wedding that perfectly balanced the deep traditions of family with the cutting-edge style of downtown Chicago.

The Creative Team

• Videography: 312FILMS
• Planning: Shannon Gail Events
• Ceremony: Holy Family Catholic Church
• Reception: Art Institute of Chicago, Modern Wing
• Getting ready: The Blackstone
• Floral: Flower Fantasy
• Entertainment: BeatMix Music
• Lighting: SPL

Love the Art Institute? See Lauren & Ryan’s Modern Wing wedding. And for more from Holy Family, watch Mia & Stone’s Everglow wedding.

Planning an Art Institute or Holy Family wedding? See our Art Institute venue guide and Holy Family guide, or check your date →