Studio Ostendo operates in multiple creative fields including photography, design, and education.
Lincoln Park was bustling—the perfect summer Saturday in Chicago for a Café Brauer wedding. Café Brauer is an iconic wedding venue in Chicago and a beautiful spot for a Chicago wedding!
When we talked with Kristi and Brian about their wedding photography, they knew they didn't want to rush through the day, but wanted to enjoy each moment of their wedding with those who would come to celebrate them. Having their wedding at Café Brauer allowed them to do just that. With the ceremony, wedding photos, cocktail hour, and reception all at the venue, their Café Brauer wedding had the perfect pace.
When we finally got to be with them on their wedding day, it was so fun seeing them be fully present. From the chant Kristi's dad led with all the ladies in her getting ready room to the big hugs they gave family and friends at their cocktail hour, Kristi and Brian's wedding day was truly a celebration.
Located on the edge of the Lincoln Park Zoo, Café Brauer is close to amazing locations for Chicago wedding photos. The historic ceremony and reception space is stunning at Café Brauer, with high ceilings, exposed brick, and beautiful beams that support the skylight.
Because they were intentional about the timing of their wedding day (shout out to Naturally Yours Events for making the day run so smoothly!), we got to witness moments and hear stories we otherwise wouldn't have. We met Brian's friends from home after his dad told us that Brian's mom was THE neighborhood mom—their pantry always stocked, friends always welcome. We snapped a photo of Kristi tearing up as her friend from kindergarten read a poem by Maya Angelou during their ceremony, then heard from Kristi's dad about the long-standing friendships Kristi has maintained with a few friends from kindergarten who were present that evening. Just after they were announced husband and wife, Brian and Kristi's parents and wedding party gathered on the balcony to share a toast with them, an intimate moment of excitement and congratulations, and we could tell how much each person in that circle meant to them.
But one of my favorite moments that day was Kristi and Brian's first dance during their wedding reception at Café Brauer. We knew it would be epic, as Kristi is a dancer, but we never could have expected this! Their choreographed dance happened just after they were introduced at the reception, everyone in the room still on their feet as Kristi took Brian's hand to dance. As they moved together, Kristi and Brian had all their guests cheering and clapping along. The energy and camaraderie in the room was electric.
Kristi and Brian, we hope that you see the story of your day and feel those electric moments as you look at your wedding images. We were honored to celebrate alongside your closest family and friends. The two of you are truly remarkable—we knew it before and heard it time and time again from the people who love you most. Congrats on officially becoming husband and wife at your beautiful Café Brauer wedding. Love and hugs, Becky & Kaleb.
Wedding photography is my heartbeat. For me, it holds the perfect tension between creativity and authenticity, observation and connection. In front of my camera clients transform to friends, and behind it you'll usually find me tearing up, cheering you on, or holding my breath because of the raw goodness of the moment at hand.
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