A Modern Chicago Illuminating Company Wedding

There are some places that just grab you and  pull you in as soon as you walk through the door. The atmosphere feels warm and full of possibility the moment you step inside. That’s exactly how it felt walking into the Chicago Illuminating Company for Sydney and Johnny’s wedding! Even before the day began, the energy here already hinted at something special.

Sydney and Johnny are the kind of couple who make everything feel easy. They’re grounded, family-oriented, and wonderfully low-key. They’re the kind of people who care more about being present than being posed. Photographing them felt natural and unhurried, which is always such a gift on a wedding day!

A STYLISH Welcome Party at Ummo Chicago

The celebration kicked off the night before with a welcome party! I absolutely love capturing these with my couples. It’s such a great way to ease into the wedding weekend, reconnect with friends and family, and get excited for the celebration ahead.

Sydney and Johnny hosted theirs at Ummo, one of Chicago’s most stylish spots. The space is moody and art-forward, filled with album covers, warm candlelight, and rich pops of color. Long tables were set with vibrant florals and custom-wrapped chocolate bars with their photo on them (such a fun + cute personal touch!). The whole evening felt intimate and lively at the same time, with guests tucked into velvet booths, sharing cocktails, and filling the room with contagious pre-wedding energy. It was the perfect start to the weekend!

Planning your wedding weekend and looking for someone to capture it? I can’t wait to hear about it!

A CHICAGO Illuminating Company Wedding With an Interior Designer’s Vision

Sydney’s mom, Jill — who is an incredibly talented interior designer — brought the entire day to life through a breathtaking design vision. Every corner of the space felt intentional. The florals, the warm lighting, the arrangements… it all came together in a way that was elegant and elevated.

When clients bring in a strong design perspective, it transforms an already beautiful venue into something so unique to the couple, and that’s exactly what happened here! The Chicago Illuminating Company’s indoor-outdoor layout and clean architectural lines created the perfect canvas for Jill’s ideas.

Film, Texture + an Unforgettable Reception!

I photographed the day on film and digital, which always brings such a nostalgic, artful layer to a wedding gallery. The tones paired beautifully with the moody greens, deep plums, and natural textures woven throughout the reception design. Film was just something that fit so well with the energy of their day.

The reception space was unforgettable: florals by EV Design Collective, warm pendants layered with candlelight, textured linens, and fruit-inspired tablescapes that felt both modern and old-world. It was a space so atmospheric and perfect for Sydney and Johnny. 

With Sydney’s Jewish family and Johnny’s Italian family coming together, the day was full of emotion and connection. Both families were involved, present, and so clearly supportive, shaping the entire atmosphere into one of love.

See more of my film work at Hanna and Firas’s Hammond Castle wedding in Gloucester, MA!

Why the Chicago Illuminating Company Is One of the Best Chicago Wedding Venues

If you're searching for a Chicago wedding venue that blends modern architecture, flexibility, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, the Chicago Illuminating Company should absolutely be on your shortlist.

Here’s what makes it so special:

• A seamless indoor–outdoor flow that’s rare in the city

• A blank-canvas layout that allows for incredibly curated design

• Space for both intimate and larger celebrations

• A high-end atmosphere without feeling formal or rigid

• Endless options for photography, from minimalist architectural lines to lush, layered tablescapes

It’s truly one of those venues that shapes itself around the couple! For Sydney and Johnny, it became the perfect backdrop for a day that was both emotional and stylish.

A Vendor Team That Brought Everything Together

This wedding was the result of an incredible team, some of the best in Chicago and beyond:

Event Planner: LK Events Bridget Rogers // Photography: Ashlyn Henry // Venue: Chicago Illuminating Company // Catering: Paramount Events // Floral: EV Design Collective // Video: Bella Tiamo // Entertainment: Jordan Kahn Orchestra // Entertainment: Gold Coast Entertainment // Lighting: Frost // Transportation: Premier Trolley // Hair: Dorota Pabian // Makeup: Makeup by Anna-Lise // Hotel: The Langham // Cake: ECBG // Sweets: Miko’s Italian Ice

Chicago Illuminating Company: A Stunning Wedding Venue

If you’re drawn to warm, design-driven spaces, thoughtful details, and a celebration that feels personal from start to finish, the Chicago Illuminating Company is an incredible choice. It’s one of my favorite venues in the city for its flexibility, character, and the way it photographs.

If you’re planning a Chicago Illuminating Company wedding (or just starting the search for your Chicago wedding venue) I’d love to connect and help you document the day in a way that feels true to you!

A Hammond Castle Wedding in Gloucester, MA | Coastal Romance + Historic Charm

A Hammond Castle wedding in Gloucester, Massachusetts is about as New England as it gets! Ocean views, stone archways, and moody coastal light that changes every minute. This one was especially meaningful because Hanna and Firas were actually my first Boston wedding couple. They both grew up in Chicago, just like me, and I met Hanna while shooting a wedding there. We hit it off and they asked me to shoot their Gloucester wedding! And to photograph it all at a seaside castle? Pretty unforgettable.

Hammond Castle - A Castle by the Sea

If you’ve never been, Hammond Castle Museum sits about an hour north of Boston and is one of the most unique venues on the Massachusetts coast. It’s a beautiful castle by the sea, built nearly a century ago with stone archways, tall windows, and an ocean view that stretches for miles. It’s filled with medieval architecture, dramatic staircases, and windows that look straight out to the Atlantic. Seeing it for the first time, I was a bit in awe.

The weather that day kept us on our toes. Wild wind, dark clouds, and pre-storm tension in the air. But honestly? It fit the setting perfectly, and Hanna and Firas embraced the moodiness of it all. Hammond Castle on a rainy day is so cinematic, and the weather honestly gave their photos so much depth and texture.

Check out Eden and Brian’s wedding at Wychmere Beach Club for more beautiful East Coast wedding inspiration!

The Day of the Wedding

Just as the beautiful outdoor ceremony wrapped and everyone began heading inside for cocktail hour, the skies opened up. The rain was torrential, a true New England downpour that came out of nowhere. Guests hurried inside as the rain started to fall, where the sound of raindrops really added to the castle ambiance. 

Hanna, who’s also a photographer herself, loves shooting with film and asked if I could incorporate some into their wedding day, and I’m so glad we did. It ended up being such a perfect fit for the atmosphere at Hammond Castle. (See more of my favorite film photos from their day!) The colors and the texture all brought such a timeless feel to their gallery, and now they’re some of my favorite photos!

Details of the day

Every detail of this Hammond Castle wedding was so personal to the couple. Hanna’s sister, Olivia, hand-painted the invitations, and Sage Florals brought in soft, organic arrangements that fit perfectly against the castle’s stone textures.

The tables were lined with books (!!)  a nod to Hanna and Firas’s shared love of reading, and the cake featured tiny cats representing their own fur babies. It was those kinds of thoughtful touches that made the day feel so true to them.

Hanna wore a Jenny Yoo gown paired with Dior heels, and Firas looked classic in his Ralph Lauren tux. Their vibe was very “effortlessly elegant”. 

The ceremony music was played by Hanna’s cousins, Chris Kalkbrenner and Courtney Sullivan, while their friend Jarod Apple performed on the saxophone later in the evening. Custom Sounds DJ kept everyone dancing well into the night, and dinner from Creative Catering was nothing short of incredible + delicious.

They got ready that morning at The Beauport Hotel, which has probably the best ocean views in Gloucester! It was the perfect calm before the energy of the day kicked in.

Inside A Personal Celebration

This day was overflowing with connection and sweet moments with family. Firas’s sister stood beside him as one of the groomspeople, and the couple’s families were deeply involved throughout the day. One of my favorite moments was during the reception when Hanna’s sisters gave their toast - they turned it into a mad lib game and had the guests get involved! So much fun, highly recommend.

What I loved most about their wedding day was how personal it felt. Every single part of it felt like a true reflection of who they are and the people who love them. 

“Ashlyn is an incredible, kind, professional, talented photographer and you should highly consider her for your East Coast wedding. I couldn't have dreamed up a better photographer and could not have imagined my wedding photos would have come out as incredible as they did.”

Hanna & Firas

Getting Married in New ENgland? Let’s Chat.

Getting to photograph my first Boston wedding for this truly gorgeous couple was an amazing experience. If you’re planning your own Hammond Castle wedding or dreaming up a celebration somewhere along the New England coast, I’d love to be there to capture it with an artistic and documentary approach that feels true to you. You can see more of my work, and reach out to chat about your wedding plans. I can’t wait to meet you!

Vendor Team

Venue: Hammond Castle // Photography: Ashlyn Henry // Florals: Sage Florals // Invitations: Designed + painted by Olivia Sutton // Dress: Jenny Yoo // Shoes: Dior // Firas’s Tux: Ralph Lauren // DJ: Custom Sounds DJ // Caterer: Creative Catering // Saxophonist: Jarod Apple // Guitarists: Chris Kalkbrenner + Courtney Sullivan // Hotel: The Beauport // Signature Scents: Byredo + Le Labo

Wychmere Beach Club Wedding: Eden & Brian’s Cape Cod Celebration

Eden and Brian’s Wychmere Beach Club wedding was the kind of Cape Cod celebration that perfectly captured New England summer. Ocean views, coastal charm, and an amazing group of friends by their side. I had never been to the Cape before, and getting to photograph this weekend felt like the best introduction! Beach views, the sweetest people, and that laid-back New England charm everyone talks about. I love it here.

From the moment I arrived, I knew Eden and Brian’s celebration was going to be something special. It was the Fourth of July weekend, and the entire atmosphere had a relaxed and festive energy. The weekend kicked off with a 4th of July themed welcome party: think red white and blue decor, strawberry margs and great food. 

Eden & Brian’s Day: A Wedding Centered on Family and Connection

One of my favorite parts about photographing this Cape Cod wedding was that there was no wedding party! Just Eden, Brian, and the people they love most. It made the entire day feel so intimate and intentional. Everyone was present, soaking in every moment, rather than worrying about a timeline or formalities.

Their families and friends gave me just the warmest welcome, immediately making me feel like I’d been part of the group for years. I left that weekend feeling like I’d made lifelong friends. After the wedding, Eden and Brian even sent me screenshots of texts from their friends and family saying how much they loved the photos! And the weather? A perfect New England summer day. Warm sunshine, a light coastal breeze, and the kind of beautiful weather you’d hope for on a Cape Cod wedding day. There were also a few quiet, emotional moments woven throughout the day honoring Eden’s mom. Subtle, heartfelt touches that added even more meaning to an already beautiful celebration.

Coastal Details That Made Their Day Stand Out

Every single detail of the day reflected Eden and Brian’s personalities. The florals by Foraged Floral of Cape Cod were the perfect mix of soft and coastal, with organic arrangements that looked right at home against the ocean backdrop. The reception carried the same relaxed energy as the rest of the day: guests mingled between tables, the music started up, and everyone was just genuinely having a great time being together.

Eden’s gown from Jenny Yoo, which she bought at Flair Boston, moved so beautifully in the Cape Cod breeze. The couple even designed their own invitations, which were printed at Minuteman Press. It was such a sweet and personal touch! Their cake by Brenda’s Cakes for All Occasions was simple and gorgeous. And I can’t forget the music! Natalia Bonfini played acoustic guitar during the ceremony and cocktail hour, and DJ Danny Walsh kept everyone on their feet once the party began.

What I loved most was how natural it all felt. Everyone showed up ready to celebrate, no stress, no bad energy. Just good people, good weather, and the kind of day that reminded me how lucky I am to be a wedding photographer.

Why Wychmere Beach Club Is One of Cape Cod’s Dream Wedding Venues

As a New England wedding photographer, I can confidently say that Wychmere Beach Club is one of the most breathtaking venues on Cape Cod! Truly. The property sits right on the water, with panoramic ocean views and absolutely incredible light. Whether couples choose to get married on the beach, on the private lawn overlooking the harbor, or inside one of the club’s gorgeous event spaces, it all feels really timeless and romantic.

The staff at Wychmere take such great care of their couples too, from the in-house catering team to the on-site coordination. Everything ran seamlessly on Eden and Brian’s wedding day. As a wedding venue, the Wychmere strikes the perfect balance between luxury and coastal charm, making it ideal for couples who want a wedding that’s high end and elevated, but also a relaxed celebration by the water.

The beauty of Wychmere Beach Club is that it doesn’t need much. It’s one of those venues that looks incredible in every direction! My best advice? Choose colors and details that work with the natural tones. Soft blues, sandy neutrals, and textures that feel coastal without trying too hard.

A Weekend to Remember

Getting to the Cape that weekend was a bit of an adventure, traffic, bridges, and all. But? It felt like a rite of passage for anyone spending the Fourth of July in New England. Once I arrived, I understood the hype. There’s something about Cape Cod that feels lively and peaceful at the same time.

After photographing their Charleston engagement session earlier that year, this weekend felt like a full-circle moment with Eden and Brian. We already had that connection, and it made documenting their day feel even more natural. Between the ocean breeze, the fireworks in the distance, and the warmth of their people, I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to Cape Cod!

“Ashlyn is so incredibly talented and such a great person to work with for special events in your life. She wowed us with our engagement photos in Charleston and know our wedding photos will come out just as amazing. Us Boston / East Coast / Cape Cod clients are lucky that she will be here full time!”

Eden & Brian

A Cape Cod Summer Wedding That Left an Impression 

Eden and Brian’s wedding was everything I love about what I do. Real emotion, good people, and a setting that’s beautiful and charming. It was one of those weekends that reminded me why I’m so grateful to photograph couples who are just as kind as they are stylish.

If you’re planning your own Cape Cod or Wychmere Beach Club wedding, I’d love to hear your story and help you capture it! Check out more of my work and reach out to chat about your wedding.

Vendor Team

Venue & Catering: Wychmere Beach Club // Photography: Ashlyn Henry @ashlynhenryphoto // Florals: Foraged Floral of Cape Cod // Dress Designer: Jenny Yoo // Dress Shop: Flair Boston // Guitarist: Natalia Bonfini // DJ: Danny Walsh // Cake: Brenda’s Cakes for All Occasions // Welcome Sign + Mirror: Timeless Occasions New England // Invitations: Designed by the couple, printed at Minuteman Press