Salvage One Chicago Wedding - Marissa and Troy

Feb 6

LaSalle Street Bridge | bride and groom wedding photo kiss overlooking Chicago river | Chicago, IL

Photographing a Salvage One wedding

Some weddings radiate pure joy, deep tradition, and an undeniable sense of fun—and Marissa and Troy’s wedding was exactly that. Their love story, spanning over a decade, brought them from Marquette University in Milwaukee to the vibrant city of Chicago, where they’ve built a life together. They tied the knot in a celebration that beautifully blended Armenian customs with a vintage, rustic aesthetic, creating an unforgettable day for everyone involved.

A Day Filled with Love and Iconic Chicago Backdrops

Marissa and Troy’s wedding day began with portraits at The Westin River North, capturing the excitement and anticipation of the day ahead. Their first look took place outside the along the Chicago River, a heartfelt and emotional moment between the couple. From there, we moved to the LaSalle Street Bridge, where the city's iconic architecture framed the couple and their closest friends in timeless elegance.

Following these stunning portraits, the couple exchanged vows at St. James Armenian Church in Evanston, IL, a nod to Troy’s Armenian heritage. The Armenian wedding ceremony is rich with symbolism, and capturing these moments was both an honor and a challenge. The exchanging of crowns, one of the most significant rituals, was an especially powerful scene—an intimate moment steeped in history, faith, and love.

The reception was held at Salvage One, an eclectic architectural salvage and vintage furniture store that doubles as one of Chicago’s most unique wedding venues. You can actually buy any of the furniture used in the wedding space. The rustic charm and warm atmosphere made it the perfect setting for Marissa and Troy’s vision. While Salvage One’s ambiance is stunning, it is known for its dim lighting, which required skillful use of indoor lighting techniques to capture every candid laugh, dance move, and toast throughout the evening.

One of the highlights of the night was the traditional Armenian dancing, accompanied by a live Armenian band. Friends and family surrounded the couple, creating an electrifying energy that lasted throughout the reception. A standout moment? Troy embracing tradition and taking a knee to finish a bottle of mulberry vodka as part of the celebration. It was a moment that had the entire room cheering and laughing, perfectly encapsulating the spirit of the night.

Marissa and Troy, thank you for allowing me to document your incredible day. From the emotional first look to the joyous, tradition-filled reception, every moment was a testament to your love and the strong bonds you share with family and friends. Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness, adventures, and, of course, plenty of dancing!

P.S. Special thanks to Jenny MacBeard of Blue Moon Events for an outstanding job making this wedding come to life!