Harold Washington Library Wedding in Chicago | Lexie & Jake

VENDORS

Photography: Mikaila Dusenberry Photography

Getting Ready Venue: Chicago Athletic Association

Reception Venue: Harold Washington Public Library

Wedding Planner & Florist: Modern Day Collective

Hair & Makeup: Blush & Braids Beauty Bar

Videographer: CamdenClaire

Catering: Lula Cafe

Band & DJ: Gold Coast Entertainment

Some wedding days just feel different — and Lexie and Jake’s was one of those from the very start.

Everything about their day felt intentional. Not in an overdone way, but in the kind of way where you can tell every choice actually meant something. The design, the timeline, the people in the room… it all came together so naturally.

The Harold Washington Library was the perfect backdrop for it all — classic, timeless, and somehow still warm once everything (and everyone) filled the space.

There were so many moments throughout the day that felt really honest and unfiltered.

Lexie’s first look with her dad is one I’ll think about for a long time. It’s something I photograph often, but it never feels routine — it’s always emotional in its own way, and this one was especially meaningful.

Her and Jake’s first look was just as special. They kept it simple and private, exchanged gifts, took a breath together… and you could feel how grounded they were in each other before the day really picked up.

Those quieter parts of a wedding day will always be some of my favorites.

The reception design was unreal — easily one of the most cohesive and thoughtfully put-together spaces I’ve seen.

But what made it stand out even more was how it felt once it was full.

The candlelight, the florals, the layout — it all created such a beautiful atmosphere, but it was their people that brought the energy. The speeches had everyone going from tears to laughter within seconds, and the whole night just felt easy in the best way.

Nothing forced, nothing overly structured — just really good moments happening one after another.

This was one of those weddings that sticks with you — not just because of how it looked, but because of how it felt to be there.

So much of the day was rooted in real connection. The kind you can’t fake, and definitely can’t recreate.

I’ll never not be grateful to be trusted with days like this — especially one like Lexie and Jake’s.