KARA HANES

I live and work in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and I love photographing weddings across West Michigan, Detroit, and Chicago. My couples value genuine connection, joyful moments, and timeless storytelling through photography.

Hi, I'm KARA.

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The Kara Hanes

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Weddings

A Romantic Fall Chicago Wedding at The BRIX on Fox

Gia and Jeremy’s fall wedding at The BRIX on Fox in Carpentersville, Illinois was one of my favorite days of the year. It was an overcast November day, and the soft light, warm brick and candlelit reception made this BRIX on Fox wedding feel romantic from start to finish.

I’ve been with these two from the very beginning. I photographed Jeremy’s proposal and their downtown Chicago engagement session, so getting to be there for their wedding day meant so much to me.

Getting ready at The BRIX on Fox

The morning started with champagne, green robes and so many beautiful details. Gia’s strapless ball gown hung from a carved mirror in the bridal suite, and her stationery, rings and heirloom details tied right into the emerald green color palette.

Wedding invitation suite with green ribbon and a vintage ring box for a BRIX on Fox wedding
Bridesmaids in green robes toasting with champagne while getting ready
Strapless wedding gown hanging from an ornate carved mirror at The BRIX on Fox
Bridal veil draped over a carved wooden mirror frame
Bridal heels, perfume and stationery styled for wedding day details
Bride getting into her ball gown with help on her wedding morning
Groom details with a black bow tie, cufflinks and a pint glass
Groom in a black tuxedo leaning against a brick wall at The BRIX on Fox
Bride with her bridesmaids in emerald green dresses on the lawn at The BRIX on Fox

A first look in the ceremony space

Gia and Jeremy chose to see each other before the ceremony, right in the middle of the empty ceremony room. With the brick walls and draped ceiling around them, it was quiet, intimate and so them. Afterward we took a few portraits around the building, including one of my favorites under The BRIX sign at the front doors.

Groom waiting for the first look in the ceremony space at The BRIX on Fox
Groom turning around to see his bride during their first look
First look in the brick ceremony room at The BRIX on Fox
Bride and groom embracing after their first look
Wedding stationery with green ribbon, wax seal and menu card
Bride and groom walking along the brick building at The BRIX on Fox
Bride and groom sitting together on the stairs at The BRIX on Fox
Bride and groom kissing under The BRIX sign at the front doors

An indoor ceremony with champagne and petals

Both the ceremony and reception were at The BRIX on Fox, which made the day so easy for their guests. One of the most heartfelt moments was Gia’s dad walking her down the aisle. Guests were handed champagne during the ceremony, which is a detail I’ll always love, and after their first kiss as newlyweds everyone tossed petals as they walked back up the aisle.

Ceremony space at The BRIX on Fox with black chairs and white aisle florals
White baby's breath arrangements on pillar stands for the ceremony
Close-up of a wedding day timeline card
Bride with her dad before walking down the aisle
Groom watching his bride walk down the aisle with his groomsmen behind him
Dad walking the bride down the aisle under draped curtains at The BRIX on Fox
Wide view of the wedding ceremony and guests at The BRIX on Fox
Guests getting emotional during the wedding ceremony
Embroidered handkerchief gift for the bride from her parents
Wedding invitation with a green envelope and photo of the couple
Wedding guests smiling during the ceremony
Bride and groom at the altar in front of brick walls at The BRIX on Fox
Bride and groom exchanging vows with their officiant
Wedding rings resting on a vintage silver ring holder
First kiss as newlyweds at The BRIX on Fox ceremony
Guest reading a Newlywed Times newspaper wedding program
Bride and groom laughing together during the ceremony
Guests tossing petals as the newlyweds walk back up the aisle

The wedding party

Their wedding party wore mismatched emerald and sage green, which looked stunning against the cream brick and green lawn outside.

Wedding party celebrating on the lawn outside The BRIX on Fox
Wedding rings in a green velvet ring box with wax seals
Full wedding party outside the brick building at The BRIX on Fox
Bridesmaid in a green floral dress holding a white rose bouquet
Groom with his groomsmen in black tuxedos on the lawn
Bride with her bridesmaids in mismatched green dresses

A candlelit reception

As the evening went on, the reception space was filled with candlelight, long wooden tables and white florals from Huntley Floral. The standout detail was the giant LEANDERS marquee from Alpha-Lit Marquee Letters, glowing behind the dance floor during their first dance. It was elevated but so welcoming, and guests lingered at their tables celebrating all night.

Wedding bands and engagement ring detail
Wedding menu card styled with gold details
Bride and groom walking past The BRIX building sign
Candlelit reception table with white florals at The BRIX on Fox
Reception space at The BRIX on Fox with long wooden tables and draped ceiling
First dance in front of glowing marquee letters at The BRIX on Fox
Guests cheering during the wedding reception
Guests toasting with wine glasses at the reception tables
Wedding toasts during the reception at The BRIX on Fox
LEANDERS marquee letters glowing under a chandelier
Reception space through a brick archway with string lights
Bride and groom sharing their first dance at the reception
Champagne bottle wrapped in white ribbon on a brick windowsill
Black and white photo of the bride lounging on a velvet sofa

Why The BRIX on Fox is perfect for a fall wedding

For couples planning a Chicago-area wedding, The BRIX on Fox has a rare mix of industrial character and warmth. The brick photographs beautifully in soft overcast light, and the lawn and the Fox River nearby give you plenty of spots for portraits without ever leaving the venue.

Bride and groom walking down the front steps of The BRIX on Fox
Black and white photo of the groom lifting the bride by the brick windows
Bride and groom on a bench by the Fox River with fall color
Wedding party running across the lawn at The BRIX on Fox

Vendors

Venue: The BRIX on Fox, Carpentersville, IL
Coordination: Lauren Barajas
Photography: Kara Hanes Photography
Catering: True Cuisine
Transportation: Best Western
Florist: Huntley Floral
Hair and Makeup: Die Mangie Beauty Team
Entertainment: Intone DJ Entertainment
Officiant: Chad Ruback
Marquee: Alpha-Lit Marquee Letters
Champagne Board: Champagne and Ivy Rentals

Planning a Chicago wedding?

If you or someone you know is getting married in Chicago and looking for a wedding photographer, I’d love to hear about your plans. Reach out here and let’s chat.

Now booking weddings!

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welcome to my blog

I'm Kara, West Michigan Photographer, Wife, Mom of two kids and our sweet Maltipoo. I hope you stay a while or reach out to chat!

FREE DOWNLOAD

MY WEDDING GUIDE

Learn how to get the most out of your photography experience with this free resource

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