Studio Ostendo operates in multiple creative fields including photography, design, and education.
Walking into the getting ready room for Danielle and Matt’s wedding at Walden Chicago was like being welcomed into a family gathering. From the moment we met the members of Danielle and Matt’s families, we felt like old friends, there to celebrate two people whose kindness has made a difference in the lives of many, and whose marriage will too.
Danielle and Matt made intentional choices as they planned their Walden wedding that fit who they are and how they envisioned their wedding celebration. They chose to get ready with their closest friends, even though they didn’t have a traditional wedding party. They exchanged personal notes just before they left to see each other on their wedding day.
Danielle walked up to Matt on the rooftop terrace where her family has a condo in the Chicago Loop, embracing him as they finally got to be together on their wedding day. We rode around the Loop taking photos together—just the two of them—so they could be fully present with each other that afternoon before spending the rest of the evening celebrating with their closest family and friends.
We loved that they did their wedding their way.
So many important people were honored by having a special role in Danielle and Matt’s Walden wedding: their best friends who served as witnesses, signing their ketubah and giving meaningful speeches at the reception; Matt’s dad made the Challah himself; Danielle’s grandma and great aunt performing the Blessing of the Challah & Wine during the reception. As their parents and siblings stood up during the reception to give speeches, the room was full of laughter, tears, and no doubt that Matt and Danielle are a beautiful match.
Danielle and Matt, along with the team at Walden Chicago, planned a beautiful experience for their guests. From the cocktails that welcomed guests as they arrived for the ceremony to the signature cocktails that honored the bride, groom, and their sweet dog, Teddy, their guests were welcomed into a hospitable celebration that reflected Danielle and Matt. During the cocktail hour and reception, there was a video guestbook set up where guests could leave a video message for the bride and groom. Later in the night, Dipsy Desserts provided guests with custom ice cream bars while the musicians with Greenlight Chicago rocked the dance floor.
The moment I’ll never forget from Danielle and Matt’s wedding was when the Rabbi read this line aloud from the ketubah:
“As life partners, we shall strive to build a home emanating love, peace, charity and tolerance. Through each other’s eyes, we see the world anew, may we be better together.”
Danielle and Matt, what an honor it was to be invited into your perfect celebration. Cheers to being better together. Love and hugs, Becky & Kaleb.
For more information about wedding photography with us, inquire on our website!
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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