Rebecca and Scott were married on October 17, 2025 at Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant in Arlington Heights, Illinois... a classic, intimate fall wedding full of really sweet family and friends, incredible food, and quiet, heartfelt moments. As a Chicago documentary wedding photographer, I live for days like this one: down-to-earth people, a beautiful little neighborhood park, and a warmly-lit winery cellar that felt made for a small, elegant celebration.


What makes Cooper's Hawk Winery a great venue for an intimate wedding?

Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant in Arlington Heights is a great fit for intimate weddings because its private event space, The Cellar, is a warm, barrel-lined room that flatters a smaller guest list without needing much added decor. Pair that with a genuinely excellent scratch kitchen and an on-site event coordinator, and you get a low-stress, high-comfort day. For Rebecca and Scott, a navy, champagne, and ivory palette set against oak wine barrels and candlelight was exactly right — quaint, classic, and completely them.

Getting ready at the DoubleTree Arlington Heights

Rebecca and her bridal party got ready at the DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago – Arlington Heights, just up Algonquin Road from the venue, with hair and makeup by Elana Darrus Makeup & Hair. One of my favorite moments of the entire day came early: a first look between Rebecca and her dad, Blake. Her bouquet had a piece of her late mom's wedding dress lace wrapped around the stems to honor her (🥹) one of those small, sentimental touches that really just says everything.

First looks and portraits at a quiet neighborhood park

Before the ceremony, Rebecca and Scott shared a private first look at a small park I picked out near the hotel... and it turned out to be the perfect choice! This particular section was a tucked-away spot where (almost) nobody bothered them. Nothing but trees and this gorgeous, soft light that wrapped a gentle halo around the two of them from behind. It was such a sweet, unhurried moment. From there we grabbed relaxed portraits with the wedding party.

An intimate ceremony at Cooper's Hawk

The ceremony began at 5:00 pm inside Cooper's Hawk, officiated by Joel Schwartz, who kept everything wonderfully warm and relaxed. It was small, personal, and full of heart. The best part though? The kids stole the show. Their nieces and nephews were running up and down the aisle with nerves, and it was the most cutest, real moment you could ask for. That's the kind of thing a documentary approach is built to catch!!!

Great food, sweet details, and a reception to remember

The reception stayed right at Cooper's Hawk, and the food was a true highlight — the kind of meal guests keep talking about long after. We slipped away for a portrait staged in the tasting room, grabbed a shot of the rings together, and documented the grand entrance, first dances, and speeches as the night unfolded.

Rebecca and Scott also ordered a wedding album, and it turned out absolutely beautiful. I always love when couples choose to hold their day in their hands like that... it's such a little treasure to remember the day by!


Rebecca and Scott, thank you for trusting us with such an important day, and for the way you understood and valued this work as art. Congratulations, Costellos!!!

Vendor Team


Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant located?

Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant is at 798 W Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005, in Chicago's northwest suburbs — about 15 minutes from O'Hare.

Is Cooper's Hawk a good venue for a small or intimate wedding?

Yes. Weddings at Cooper's Hawk take place in The Cellar, a barrel-lined room downstairs that feels warm and elegant for a smaller guest list, with the ceremony and reception both hosted on-site and food handled by the restaurant's own kitchen.

Where should you get ready for a wedding at Cooper's Hawk in Arlington Heights?

The DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago – Arlington Heights sits just up Algonquin Road from the venue, which makes it an easy, convenient home base for getting ready before a Cooper's Hawk wedding.

Does Lux Everlasting photograph weddings outside of downtown Chicago?

Absolutely. Lux Everlasting serves the entire Chicago metro area and suburbs like Arlington Heights, the Kankakee region, all of Illinois, and destination weddings worldwide.

Do you offer wedding albums?

Yes — heirloom wedding albums are available, and I always encourage couples to consider one. There's nothing like holding your wedding day in a beautifully printed book, the way Rebecca and Scott did.


Let's tell your story

Planning an intimate winery or restaurant wedding in Arlington Heights, the Chicago suburbs, or anywhere across Illinois? Lux Everlasting specializes in warm, artistic, documentary wedding photography that captures your day as it truly felt. Reach out at hello@luxeverlasting.com, I'd love to hear about your plans.