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.
Karthika Gupta Chicago Wedding Photographer
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!
Karthika Gupta Wedding Photographer Ballet Inspired Bridal Editorial in Historic Grandball Room 023
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!
Karthika Gupta Photography Ballet Dance Inspired Bridal Editorial Shoot in Joliet Union Station Ballroom-50
Karthika Gupta Wedding Photographer Ballet Inspired Bridal Editorial in Historic Grandball Room 039
Karthika Gupta Wedding Photographer Ballet Inspired Bridal Editorial in Historic Grandball Room 038
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
  1. Juli says:

    Everything about these images just portray lovely, the dress, the background everything comes together and fits nicely.

  2. These are some incredibly mesmerizing photos! You have quite the talent!

    • Why thank you so much! I really enjoyed working on this ballet bridal editorial and am so glad the photos fit the bill 🙂 the team did such an amazing job!

  3. kim says:

    I LOVE these images. You are very talented.

  4. Maureen says:

    Wow these images are all so gorgeous! I love how the decorations and everything just blends together beautifully with the theme of the wedding.

  5. Maureen says:

    Oh my goodness! These are the most beautiful pictures. I love the theme and the bride is absolutely beautiful! Great work!

  6. Echo says:

    Oh my goodness! These are the most beautiful pictures. I love the theme and the bride is absolutely beautiful! Great work!

  7. Miranda says:

    So amazingly stunning!! Wow! The dress, the decor, the light! ?? an amazing venue for sure! And how sweet is a ballet bride?

  8. Bina says:

    Your photos are gorgeous. I love how you brought together the idea and had the ballerina and a wedding. The concept is so great and your team did amazing !

  9. Mansi gupta says:

    Breathtaking pictures! This was such an usual idea..but the results are mesmerizing…?

  10. Jillian says:

    how beautiful! she is stunning!!!

  11. Jillian says:

    Wow! What a stunning and gorgeous shoot! The colors, the fabrics, the light…everything is romantic. Beautiful!

  12. Amanda says:

    This is so stunning and romantic. I absolutely love the colors and the lighting.

    • Thank you Amanda – the ballroom was full of natural light and it made everything look so pretty plus we lucked out on a cloudy morning so we had the soft diffused light to play with 🙂

  13. Katie says:

    Such beautiful photos! My friend is getting married this summer – I will share these with her!

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