Amanda & Reed’s Bridgeport Art Center Chicago Wedding

Nailing the upscale, yet effortless and cool vibe for a wedding isn’t easy. That’s why Amanda and Reed’s wedding in Chicago at Bridgeport Art Center was one of my favorites in recent memory. Fun. Stylish. Modern. Full of energy. They absolutely crushed it!

Their day started at Ambassador Hotel, which was such a bright, beautiful place to get ready. For portraits, they wanted city-forward shots at the Chicago Riverwalk and some more editorial photos that included the dramatic architecture at Lyric Opera House.

A ride on a luxury party bus then set the tone for the rest of the day! The Sculpture Garden at Bridgeport Art Center gave them a smooth indoor-outdoor flow for both the wedding ceremony and the reception.

Getting Ready at Ambassador Hotel in Chicago

Amanda started her wedding day at Ambassador Hotel in Chicago, and I cannot emphasize enough how perfect of a spot it was for getting ready photos! The bright interiors gave everything a clean, polished look. If you’re searching for a Chicago hotel with great natural light for wedding prep, the Ambassador is it!

Even with all the energy and excitement of the day, Amanda was able to really relax and enjoy her morning getting ready with her bridesmaids. The space had plenty of room to capture details, final touches, and some fun moments with the wedding party. Everything looked modern and fit the vibe of the day.

Wedding Portraits at Chicago Riverwalk & Lyric Opera House

Amanda and Reed wanted a mix of city-forward and high-end portraits, so we hit up two of the best spots in downtown Chicago: Chicago Riverwalk and Lyric Opera House.

The Riverwalk was perfect for those classic city-vibe shots. Walking along the water, I got a mix of candid moments and wide city views. It’s always a solid spot for couples who love the energy of the city and a photo-journalistic feel. Plus, you can grab so many fun shots just by exploring the next couple of blocks!

After that, we stopped at Lyric Opera House. This place is always a go-to, but the lighting that day made it even better! On this particular sunny day, the colonnades let in the most beautiful natural light, creating that effortless, high end editorial feel.

Pro tip – Whether it’s a backup for a rainy day or a planned stop, The Opera House is always a must for portraits! 

It All Starts With That Party Bus Energy! 

If you want your Chicago wedding to feel like a party from start to finish, get the right party bus! Amanda and Reed chose one with side-facing seats instead of rows, which was a great call. It made such a difference—everyone could see each other, talk, and actually vibe together.

The energy on the bus was electric! Music was blasting, the drinks were flowing, and the whole wedding party was hyping each other up. It felt less like a ride and more like a pregame for the night ahead! 

If you’re planning a big Chicago wedding, trust me, you’re going to want a party bus! Just make sure you get a great setup that keeps everyone engaged. Amanda and Reed loved every second of it and it absolutely set the tone for an unforgettable wedding!

Pro tip – Make sure to rent out transportation with side-facing seats instead of rows. It makes such a huge difference for the vibe of the party bus when everyone can see each other and talk to each other easily!

Ceremony and Reception at Bridgeport Art Center

Amanda and Reed’s ceremony? Total perfection. The venue has that industrial charm but still feels polished, with exposed brick, greenery, and an open-air setup that gives it an elevated but unfussy vibe.

A city backdrop, an open-air setup, and plenty of space for guests to take it all in. It felt like the best of Chicago—effortless and stylish.

The flow between spaces made it easy for guests to move around, grab a drink, and enjoy the views during cocktail hour. Once the reception started, the energy shifted into full-on celebration mode in the Skyline Loft. Whether it was speeches, dinner, or dancing, everyone was letting loose and having a blast! Charming one moment and a big vibe the next – Bridgeport Art Center checks every box on the must-haves list for Chicago wedding venues!

A Perfect Chicago Wedding at Bridgeport Art Center

Amanda and Reed’s wedding at Bridgeport Art Center was the perfect mix of modern, high-end style and energetic fun. From getting ready at Ambassador Hotel to iconic Chicago portraits to a hype party bus ride, every part of the day fed into a fun celebration of their love. The venue’s industrial-meets-luxury vibe tied it all together, and gave them a place that encapsulated everything they wanted for their Chicago wedding. Every wedding at Bridgeport Art Center has its own unique feel—take a look at another wedding I photographed at this venue to see more ways to use this space!

Authentic & Editorial Chicago Wedding Photography

You deserve to feel absolutely striking in your photos without having to feel uncomfortable. Amanda & Reed were able to enjoy the excitement of their day, be present and still look like they would be right at home on the cover of vogue. Each image can be a testament to your love and feel true to the style you’re recognized for. I would love to bring that energy to your day! Reach out here so we can chat more about your vision for your wedding.

Photographer: Loren Weddings // Second Photographer: Vitaliy from Monro Photography // Planner: Ashley Lytel // Venue: Bridgeport Art Center // Bar: VenueLogic Chicago // Catering: Food For Thought // Hair: Anomalie Beauty Agency & Dani Samson // Makeup: Jose Deleon // Video: Blush and Briar // Floral & Decor: Atmosphere Events Group // Photobooth: ShutterBooth Chicago // Music: The DJ Firm