It was my great honor to photograph the wedding of my friends Megan and Jay at the courthouse in downtown Chicago on Friday, October 20.
By sheer coincidence, I first met Megan back in 2017 on the day after Megan and Jay’s first kiss. I was photographing her then too. We were at a castle, wearing fantastical costumes, with our ears pressed against a trapdoor, listening to the voices of spirits. I recommend this practice for making friends.
Preparation
To prepare for Megan and Jay’s big day, I made big plans: I packed a heavy bag full of equipment to cover every type of photography imaginable. I hoisted the bag on my shoulders and walked around the house like a turtle. Finally, wisdom prevailed as I considered the practical realities of the time and space I had to photograph the wedding at the courthouse downtown. I repacked a smaller bag containing everything I needed, and a few extra options. In the end, this was the right choice. I had everything I required and a few small tools I didn’t need, but which didn’t slow me down.
Photography
We started by taking some photographs while waiting in line to get into the waiting room. Once we had seats, I had the opportunity to watch this lovely couple crack one another up. The justice who married them was kind and warm, and he passed on heartfelt well wishes. When it came time for the exchange of rings, Megan and Jay taught him about the Claddagh tradition.
Apart from the actual ceremony, our whole afternoon was one rolling conversation. It was a beautiful autumn day with bright blue skies and colossal white clouds that stretched between the skyscrapers. We moved from the courthouse to the streets of downtown Chicago. From there, we visited Margie’s Candies, the site of Megan and Jay’s second date. I’d wanted to visit Margie’s since seeing it on The Bear earlier this year. (The SafeHouse, where they had their first date, has closed.)
When I looked at the photographs the next day, I couldn’t help smiling at all the moments of laughter and tenderness between Megan and Jay. I hadn’t even remembered taking those pictures. We were having such a good time throughout the afternoon that it had breezed on by.
Photographing Megan and Jay’s wedding truly was an honor. As the photographer, I was the only guest, and I felt privileged to share in their warmth, laughter, and conversation. I’m not accustomed to getting to talk to the bride and groom at the wedding—they’re usually too busy! Megan and Jay’s wedding, on the other hand, was a warm, intimate, memorable time hanging out with two extraordinary people, and I am grateful to them for having me along on their special day.
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