There’s something undeniably magical about The Walden in Chicago. Maybe it’s the dreamy rooftop views of the Chicago skyline, maybe its the reception room that combines industrial architecture, greenery and lighting into a magnificent party ambience. I dunno- BUT what ever it is Every. Single. Flippin’ couple who gets married there seems to bring their own brand of joy and style to the space. This March, we had the honor of capturing two beautiful weddings at The Walden just one week apart—Guinevere & Colin on March 8th, and Rachel & Eric on March 1st. Each celebration had its own flavor, but together, they showed just how versatile and vibrant this venue can be. This was a walden double header.

Let’s start with Guinevere and Colin. From the moment we arrived, they brought an easygoing energy and so much personality. We kicked off their portraits at Union Station, where the light was absolutely perfect—soft, golden, and cinematic. Guinevere rocked a pair of cowgirl boots under her wedding dress, which was such a fun twist and so true to her spirit. One of the standout moments of the day? Their vow exchange. They wrote their own vows, and I’ll be honest—editing their ceremony had me tearing up more than once.

At their reception, the vibes were nothing short of electric. Saxophones are so hot right now- Hot as a potato. They also had this incredible custom sign of the two of them riding in a red convertible, which made the whole party feel uniquely theirs. The dance floor was packed from start to finish. From the first beat to the last song, it was clear this wedding was all about love, laughter, and letting loose.

Colin + Guinevere’s Vendor Team

Chicago Wedding Videographer | Whole Heart Video

Planners, Venue, Catering | The Walden

Wedding Photographer | Kerri Karlquist Photography

DJ | MDM Entertainment

Flowers | Flower Child

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Couple enjoying a hora at the walden in chicago, IL

Rachel and Eric’s wedding, held just a week earlier, was equally moving and packed with meaningful moments. Their day began with a heartfelt first look between Eric and his mom, followed by another sweet reveal with Rachel’s father. One of the most beautiful elements of their celebration was the signing of the ketubah—a stunning piece of art that we made sure to include in full in their ceremony video. Their Jewish ceremony also featured the breaking of the glass, a chuppah under the glowing light of The Walden’s rooftop, and vows that they wrote themselves. Eric couldn’t hold back tears during the ceremony, and neither could anyone else.

Couple enjoys a sunset snuggle on the walden's rooftop during a chilly march sunset.

Their reception included all the classic moments—first dance, mother/son and father/daughter dances—but the standout was the Hora. This was no ordinary Hora; it was high-energy, action-packed, and full of laughter. The chairs went flying (safely!), the crowd was on fire, and the joy was contagious. It was one of those moments that reminds you why weddings are so special.

Rachel and Eric also made the most of downtown Chicago for their portraits. We hit the Chicago Riverwalk and the Wrigley Building for iconic shots, and just like Guinevere and Colin, they used The Walden’s rooftop for golden hour photos. The sunset that evening was unreal. The skyline lit up behind them like it was custom-ordered.

A huge shoutout goes to Alyssa, Kalila, Hannah, Krystle and the whole planning team at the walden for executing this day to perfect precision. With so many moving parts, from traditional elements to heartfelt personal touches, their coordination made everything seamless.

As a wedding filmmaker, these two weddings reminded me why I love what I do. Each couple brought so much heart to their day, and The Walden provided the perfect backdrop for every emotional vow, every joyful dance, and every stolen sunset kiss. Let’s do it all again next year, same time, same place.