I recently had the incredible honor of photographing Gina and Jake’s wedding at the new Society 57 in downtown Aurora and what an amazing time it was. With COVID going on, Gina and Jake had to downsize their wedding a bit and decided to still have their wedding at Society 57 but with just their close friends and family. I have always loved smaller weddings, I find that they are always romantic and more personal and this wedding definitely did not lack in the romance department.
I have never photographed a wedding at Society 57 before, and for me, I find that very exciting. I gave myself a little extra time to scope out the area beforehand and I found so many amazing spots close by that I knew would make some incredible images.
My favorite spot from the entire evening was the coffee shop itself (Society 57 is also a coffee shop in the mornings!) particularly this romantic seating area near the front of the building. There was so much amazing natural light cascading in through the windows and the interior has such a warm cozy vibe to it.
Never been to Society 57? Here’s how they describe this wedding venue.
Our historic building has been completely re-imagined, providing abundant space and an aesthetic that can be described as comfortable elegance. Complimented by ample nearby parking, enchanting photo opportunities of both river and city, and flexible catering and vendor options – It’s where the past meets the present to create memories that will stay with you and your guests forever. And while weddings & private events may be our forte, Society 57 is also home to sponsored events that bring the community and the arts together to fuel the human spirit. From workshops and classes to gallery viewings, there’s always excitement to be found at Society 57.
But enough about the venue, more about the couple! Gina and Jake were high school sweethearts and it really showed! It was so amazing seeing how in love these two truly are with each other. They were so comfortable with each other and I think that really shows in each photo and really creates energy for each and every one of them. Throughout the entire planning process, they were both so much fun to talk to and I really enjoyed hearing their story as well as finding out those really cool details about them.
The whole day was amazing and I had so much fun editing these for them. Weddings like this one and a couple like Jake and Gina really makes me realize how lucky I am to have found a career that I am truly and fully happy with and I can’t wait to see where this path takes me. Gina and Jake, thank you so much for letting me be part of your big day! You are both amazing!
![Society 57 in Aurora on a warm summer day](https://griff-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Society-57-Aurora-IL-Griff-Photography_0001-1024x687.jpg)
![A beautiful bride getting ready for her wedding at Society 57 in Aurora IL](https://griff-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Society-57-Aurora-IL-Griff-Photography_0002-1024x687.jpg)
![A hair stylist doing a brides hair at Society 57 in Aurora](https://griff-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Society-57-Aurora-IL-Griff-Photography_0003-1024x697.jpg)
![A mother of the bride buttoning the back of a brides dress as the bride smiles during her wedding at Society 57 in Aurora IL](https://griff-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Society-57-Aurora-IL-Griff-Photography_0004-1024x687.jpg)
![a close up of the mother of the bride buttoning up the back of the brides dress on her wedding day](https://griff-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Society-57-Aurora-IL-Griff-Photography_0005-1024x687.jpg)
![a gorgeous bride standing in the cafe of Society 57 in downtown Aurora on her wedding day](https://griff-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Society-57-Aurora-IL-Griff-Photography_0006-1024x766.jpg)
![a bride smiling on her wedding day in front of a painting at Society 57](https://griff-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Society-57-Aurora-IL-Griff-Photography_0007-1024x687.jpg)
![a group of bridesmaids having a toast and laughing at Society 57 in Aurora](https://griff-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Society-57-Aurora-IL-Griff-Photography_0008-1024x687.jpg)
![vintage wooden tables set up for a wedding at Society 57 in Aurora IL](https://griff-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Society-57-Aurora-IL-Griff-Photography_0009-1024x687.jpg)
![place settings at Society 57 in Aurora](https://griff-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Society-57-Aurora-IL-Griff-Photography_0010-1024x347.jpg)
![rustic wooden tables setup for a wedding in Aurora at Society 57](https://griff-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Society-57-Aurora-IL-Griff-Photography_0011-1024x687.jpg)
![the sweets table setup before a wedding at Society 57 in Aurora](https://griff-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Society-57-Aurora-IL-Griff-Photography_0012-1024x347.jpg)
![the handsome groom getting ready before his wedding at Society 57 in Aurora](https://griff-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Society-57-Aurora-IL-Griff-Photography_0013-1024x767.jpg)
![The groomsmen standing outside Society 57 in Aurora IL](https://griff-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Society-57-Aurora-IL-Griff-Photography_0014-1024x687.jpg)
![the groomsmen giving the groom a hard time before his wedding at Society 57 in Aurora](https://griff-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Society-57-Aurora-IL-Griff-Photography_0015-1024x687.jpg)
![the ring bearer running down the aisle at a wedding at Society 57 in Aurora](https://griff-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Society-57-Aurora-IL-Griff-Photography_0016-1024x687.jpg)
![The groom watching as his bride walks down the aisle on their wedding day](https://griff-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Society-57-Aurora-IL-Griff-Photography_0017-1024x687.jpg)
![the bride and her father walking down the aisle during a wedding at Society 57](https://griff-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Society-57-Aurora-IL-Griff-Photography_0018-1024x687.jpg)
![the bride and groom smiling at each other during their wedding at Society 57 in Aurora](https://griff-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Society-57-Aurora-IL-Griff-Photography_0019-1024x687.jpg)
![a small wedding taking place at Society 57 in downtown Aurora](https://griff-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Society-57-Aurora-IL-Griff-Photography_0020-1024x687.jpg)
![the best man reading a poem during a wedding in downtown Aurora](https://griff-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Society-57-Aurora-IL-Griff-Photography_0021-1024x687.jpg)
![the groom smiling as he looks at his bride during their wedding at Society 57 in Aurora IL](https://griff-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Society-57-Aurora-IL-Griff-Photography_0022-1024x687.jpg)
![the groom brushing away a tear during their vows at Society 57 in Aurora](https://griff-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Society-57-Aurora-IL-Griff-Photography_0023-1024x347.jpg)
![the mother of the groom smiling as her son gets married at Society 57 in Aurora](https://griff-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Society-57-Aurora-IL-Griff-Photography_0024-1024x687.jpg)
![the groom putting on the brides ring during a wedding at Society 57](https://griff-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Society-57-Aurora-IL-Griff-Photography_0025-1024x687.jpg)
![the bride putting on her grooms ring during a wedding at Society 57](https://griff-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Society-57-Aurora-IL-Griff-Photography_0026-1024x687.jpg)
![the bride and groom kissing for the first time as husband and wife at Society 57 in Aurora](https://griff-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Society-57-Aurora-IL-Griff-Photography_0027-1024x687.jpg)
![confetti going off during a wedding at Society 57 as the bride and groom walk down the aisle](https://griff-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Society-57-Aurora-IL-Griff-Photography_0028-1024x687.jpg)
![the bride and groom laughing as they stand together in the cafe of Society 57 in Aurora IL](https://griff-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Society-57-Aurora-IL-Griff-Photography_0029-1024x347.jpg)
![the groom kissing his bride on her head at Society 57 in Aurora IL](https://griff-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Society-57-Aurora-IL-Griff-Photography_0030-1024x687.jpg)
![the bride and groom kissing in front of Society 57 in Aurora as the sun sets in the sky](https://griff-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Society-57-Aurora-IL-Griff-Photography_0031-1024x766.jpg)
![the bride and groom standing on a bridge over the fox river in downtown Aurora](https://griff-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Society-57-Aurora-IL-Griff-Photography_0032-1024x687.jpg)
![the groom hugging his bride from behind as they both laugh during their wedding at Society 57 in Aurora](https://griff-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Society-57-Aurora-IL-Griff-Photography_0033-1024x687.jpg)
![a reception taking place at Society 57 in Aurora](https://griff-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Society-57-Aurora-IL-Griff-Photography_0034-1024x687.jpg)
![wedding guests with their arms around each other at a wedding reception at Society 57 in Aurora](https://griff-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Society-57-Aurora-IL-Griff-Photography_0035-1024x347.jpg)
![the officiant praying during a wedding reception at Society 57 in downtown Aurora](https://griff-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Society-57-Aurora-IL-Griff-Photography_0036-1024x687.jpg)
![the maid of honor giving her speech at a wedding at Society 57](https://griff-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Society-57-Aurora-IL-Griff-Photography_0037-1024x687.jpg)
![Wedding guests laughing as the maid of honor gives her speech at Society 57 in Aurora](https://griff-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Society-57-Aurora-IL-Griff-Photography_0038-1024x347.jpg)
![the bride and groom dancing for the first time as husband and wife at Society 57 in Aurora](https://griff-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Society-57-Aurora-IL-Griff-Photography_0039-1024x687.jpg)
![the bride and groom laughing as they dance for the first time during their wedding reception at Society 57 in Aurora](https://griff-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Society-57-Aurora-IL-Griff-Photography_0040-1024x347.jpg)
![the groom swinging his bride during their first dance at Society 57](https://griff-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Society-57-Aurora-IL-Griff-Photography_0041-1024x687.jpg)
![the mother of the groom and the groom dancing during a wedding reception at Society 57](https://griff-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Society-57-Aurora-IL-Griff-Photography_0042-1024x348.jpg)
![the bride and her father giving each other 5 during a choreographed dance at a wedding reception at Society 57](https://griff-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Society-57-Aurora-IL-Griff-Photography_0044-1024x686.jpg)
![wedding guests dancing during a wedding reception at Society 57 in Aurora](https://griff-photography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Society-57-Aurora-IL-Griff-Photography_0045-1024x347.jpg)
Planning a wedding of your own? I would love to hear about it! Contact me!