Ballet Inspired Bridal Editorial in Historial Grand Ballroom

There’s something so classically beautiful about dance, especially ballet. The grace, poise and strength with which a ballet dancer holds herself is so ethereal, much like that of a bride on her wedding day – that quiet strength and the grace a bride shows on one of the most important day of her life, even if she is a bundle of nerves on the inside. As a wedding photographer, my goal was to combine the two in a beautifully styled editorial shoot that was all about movement, fluidity and classic charm.

The stunning and beautifully restored Grand ball room of Joliet union station was the perfect backdrop for this ballet inspired bridal shoot. Built in 1912, the train station was a highlight of activity in the mid-1900s. The train station with its tall ceilings, grand crystal chandeliers and timeless appeal was a perfect nod to the stunning bridal dress by Mignonlette bridal. The gold lace delicately interwoven in multiple layers of tulle seemed to gently wrap itself around Katie. As she elegantly moved her arms and feet, I was mesmerized by her graceful strength.

 

 

Frame after frame, the fusion of a bride and a ballerina were meant to evoke memories of wedding day preparations as well as ballet movements. The stunning soft pastel florals in the bridal bouquet and centerpiece from Splendor of Eden, blush and white hand crafted ceramics from Sandbox ceramics and stunning grey and blush invitation suite from Littlebitheart were all nods in the right direction – detail shots that enriched the narrative of the softness, elegance and grace of a bride and a ballerina. Perhaps one of my favorite elements was Katie’s bridal accessories – handmade delicate and romantic headpieces from Maggie Wu Studios that were so perfectly set by expert Hair artist Jenny. The flawless makeup by Sophia Bella MUA was exactly what was needed to complete Katie’s look. This editorial brought out the best of the best in the Chicago wedding industry and as a Chicago based wedding photographer, I was so happy to create magic with a local dream team!

Of course, this entire shoot wouldn’t be possible without the expert styling by Jessica Zimmerman of The Style Project. She took my vision, my dream to photograph the heart and soul of a beautiful ballerina bride and brought it to fruition!

Truly a dream team to make an idea come to life!

This editorial is an inspiration to for soft, romantic elegance that is always in style.

Here is a list of all the vendors who made this magic possible

Design & styling: @mkestyleproject
Photography: @karthikagupta
Florals: @splendor_of_eden
Model: @katie_mcginnis
Makeup: @sophiabellabridal
Hair: @jayme.golden.bridal.design
Ceramics: @sandbox_ceramics
Stationery: @littlebitheart
Hair accessories: @maggiewustudio
Location: @jolietballroom
Bakedgoods: @artesabakery
Scans: @thefindlab

Dress: @mignolettebridalchicago