The Exchange Wedding: Kelsey & Brett in Chicago | Wedding Photography
The Exchange Wedding Chicago for Kelsey and Brett was an elegant, editorial celebration rooted in emotion, design, and experience. There are weddings that feel composed, and then there are weddings that feel considered. Kelsey and Brett’s The Exchange Wedding Chicago belonged to the latter — organic yet refined, fashion-forward without being contrived, and deeply rooted in family and feeling.
From the quiet early morning to a dance floor that never slowed, their wedding day unfolded with an effortless rhythm. Every choice felt intentional, never performative — the kind of celebration that doesn’t chase trends, but instead trusts instinct.
The Morning at The Exchange Wedding: Where the Story Began
The day began early at The Gwen, allowing space for creativity before the pace of the celebration took over. For this The Exchange wedding, the visual story started with details — not rushed, not secondary, but treated as their own chapter.
Invitations were styled in layers: first in a classic, structured composition, then again in a looser, more organic arrangement. When time allowed, the details moved into a more editorial space. A custom mat in soft greens and romantic pinks grounded the palette, echoing the floral tones of the day. Glassware, fruit, and floral trimmings were introduced alongside jewelry to create texture and movement — still lifes that felt tactile and expressive rather than staged.
While details were being photographed, the dress was captured separately, allowing the morning to remain calm and unhurried — a rhythm that would carry through the entire wedding day.
Getting Ready: Editorial, Intimate, Alive
Getting ready felt playful and cinematic. Kelsey wore her robe in the soft light of the bathroom, champagne nearby, her puppy Nora curled close — a moment that felt both whimsical and effortlessly editorial. The tub became a backdrop for laughter, quiet pauses, and a sense of ease that defined the morning.
As bridesmaids gathered, the energy lifted — champagne popping, movement filling the room — before settling again into quieter moments with Kelsey’s mom, her two maids of honor, and her grandmother. The necklace Kelsey wore, passed down from her grandmother, carried visible meaning. Fastened gently, it became a quiet thread connecting generations — one of those details that defines a wedding not by how it looks, but by what it holds.
First Looks at The Exchange Wedding: Emotion Before Aesthetic
Emotion arrived naturally. The first look with bridesmaids was exuberant and full of joy. Moments later, Kelsey’s first look with her dad shifted the room entirely. He cried instantly, holding her tightly — a reflection of how close their family truly is.
From there, the city stepped into the narrative.
Portraits Across Chicago
Kelsey and Brett’s first look together took place beneath the architectural elegance of the Wrigley Building. When Brett turned around, he cried — a genuine, unguarded reaction that revealed a tenderness not often on display. Though he doesn’t consider himself someone who loves being photographed, his devotion to Kelsey was evident in every interaction. Supportive, steady, fully present.
With Nora joining them, portraits felt affectionate and alive — walking together, laughter breaking through, Brett scooping her up in moments that felt completely natural. Their love extended easily to the life they’ve built together.
Portraits continued through the Chicago Riverwalk, the refined exterior of the Driehaus Museum, and finally the Art Institute South Garden, where wedding party portraits and family formals unfolded. The garden offered a quiet, architectural pause before returning to The Exchange for the ceremony.
The Ceremony at The Exchange Wedding
Inside The Exchange, the ceremony felt expansive and intimate at once. A grand staircase, soaring ceilings, and candlelight set the scene without overwhelming it. Kelsey walked down the aisle with both of her parents. Brett was escorted by his. Family was not a detail — it was the foundation.
As they exited, guests showered them with flowers, filling the space with movement and celebration. It was emotional, cinematic, and entirely unforced — a defining moment of their Exchange wedding day.
Cocktail Hour & Reception: A Celebration in Motion
Cocktail hour unfolded with ease, guests enjoying thoughtful details before the space transformed once more. The design, brought to life by XO Design, was immersive and textural — grasses lining the staircase, candles flickering throughout, custom linens grounding the room with warmth and depth.
The reception felt electric. A saxophone player, drummer, and violinist filled the room with sound. The dance floor stayed packed, bodies moving late into the night, no pauses, no hesitation. Just celebration.
An Exchange Wedding That Felt Like Them
Kelsey and Brett’s The Exchange wedding was elegant yet organic, editorial yet deeply personal. It honored family, embraced fashion, and allowed emotion to lead. Photographing a day like this isn’t about control — it’s about trust, observation, and letting beauty unfold naturally.
This was a wedding that didn’t try to be anything other than what it was — and that’s exactly what made it timeless. We’re Nicole and Michael, a husband-and-wife team of Chicago wedding photographers, and we’ve seen how thoughtful collaboration shapes a wedding day. Reach out if you’d like to connect or need guidance along the way.
Creative Partners
Planning & Design: Shannon Gail Events
Venue: The Exchange Chicago
Photography: Berlez
Videography: Aspen Avenue Studios
Floral Design: XO Design
Hair & Makeup: Glam Atelier
Wedding Gown: Ultimate Bride Chicago | Monique Lhuillier
Suit: SuitSupply
Entertainment: The DJ Firm
Cake: Alliance Bakery
Rentals: Windy City Linen | Tablescapes Event Rentals
Stationery: Laughing Owl Press
