Nina and Chris's wedding at Chicago Winery was pure old Hollywood glamour dropped right into the heart of River North. Love the vibrancy of this neighborhood! And this venue was perfect for their vibes. Candlelit arches, red roses everywhere, a black and white palette, and a bride who basically looked like a contemporary Marilyn Monroe. For real.

As a Chicago documentary wedding photographer and videographer, I've rarely seen a day this refined where every single detail was dialed in this precisely. Held on February 13, 2026, the day before Valentine's Day, it had all the romance of the holiday with none of the cheese.

What makes Chicago Winery such a romantic wedding venue?

Chicago Winery (739 N. Clark Street) is a working winery and event space in River North known for its refined staff, dramatic arches, and warm, romantic vibes. It's glamorous wine country meets city atmosphere. For a couple chasing an elegant, candlelit mood, it's hard to beat. Those arches lit up beautifully as the evening rolled in, and paired with Nina and Chris's red rose heavy design and black and white palette, the whole space felt like a modern take on classic Hollywood. Refined, posh, and warm all at once.

Getting ready in the Bridal Suite

Nina got ready in Chicago Winery's Bridal Suite, surrounded by her mom, Christine, and her sister and maid of honor, Jade. We started with the details that set the tone, including a flat lay of the rings, some smaller details, and the invitation... plus Nina's gown hanging in the suite before the big reveal! Watching her mom and Jade help her into the dress was one of those quiet, emotional beats that documentary photo and film coverage is made for. All of their excitement was just so perfect.

A first look with Dad in the barrel room

Nina and Chris chose to see each other for the first time at the aisle, so we saved the pre ceremony emotion for Nina's first look with her dad, Tim, in the winery's barrel room. An excellent little bonus space at this venue! Framed by rows of barrels, it was such a moving moment, and one that landed even harder on in the highlight film. Exactly the kind of unscripted reaction we love to catch!

The ceremony

The ceremony began at 5:30 pm, walking down the aisle was the first time they saw each other all day. And... That payoff was worth it! With candlelight, red roses, and those glowing arches as a backdrop, the whole room leaned into the romantic mood the couple had built. Their vows and the reactions around them are the heart of their highlight film. Their closest family gathered afterward for portraits, along with maid of honor Jade and best man Mike.

Portraits on the stairs and through the winery

For some portraits, we took Nina and Chris to the winery's staircase... AMAZING! Chicago Winery gives you a lot to work with in a compact footprint, which is a gift on a February evening, because we never had to step out into the cold to get variety. Nina's old Hollywood styling really shined here. The look felt effortless and elegant rather than costume-ish, and it also translated gorgeously in the photos and video.


It was a brief but incredible session before our couple of honor got to join their cocktail hour. Which was so fun too! It was amazing to see everyone gush over them. That was a repeat theme of the evening too... Everyone was just so damn happy for them. It was incredible to see.

An elegant, high energy reception

The reception kicked off at 7 pm with a room reveal and a private cake cutting (loved this!), then rolled into introductions and a first dance that peaked with some serious sparklers, which is one of those moments that video was made for! From there, it was a party!!! Their DJ was, hands down, one of the best MCs I've seen in a long time. He kept the energy up and the dance floor full all night. Between the candlelit tables, the dessert, and a late night snack to keep everyone going, it was every bit the polished, one for the books celebration Nina and Chris planned.

Nina and Chris, thank you for trusting us with both your photography and your film. It was truly an honor to get to work with you and help document such an EPIC EVENT! I am forever grateful. Cheers to the Wendts!

Vendor Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Chicago Winery located?

Chicago Winery is at 739 N. Clark Street in Chicago's River North neighborhood, just north of the Loop. It's a working winery, restaurant, and full service private event venue.

How many guests can you have at a Chicago Winery wedding?

Chicago Winery hosts full service weddings for roughly 200 guests. Nina and Chris's celebration had about 118, which felt warm and full without ever feeling crowded.

What style of wedding suits Chicago Winery best?

Its arches, candle glow lighting, and wine country meets city glamour lend themselves beautifully to elegant, romantic, candlelit weddings. Think refined, old Hollywood, black and white, or moody luxe palettes. It's also a strong pick for a winter wedding since nearly everything can happen indoors.

Who photographed and filmed this Chicago Winery wedding?

Lux Everlasting, a luxury documentary and artistic wedding photography and videography studio serving Chicago, the Kankakee region, all of Illinois, and destination weddings worldwide. Nina and Chris booked both photo and film.

Is Chicago Winery a good venue for winter weddings?

Yes. Because getting ready, the ceremony, portraits, and reception can all happen under one roof, a Chicago Winery wedding gives you gorgeous, varied photos and film even on a chilly February evening.

Planning a wedding at Chicago Winery or somewhere else in River North or the greater Chicago area? We'd love to tell your story with warm, documentary style photography and videography that captures the day as it actually felt.


Reach out at hello@luxeverlasting.com.


We photograph and film weddings across Chicago, the Kankakee region, all of Illinois, and destinations worldwide.