There are some weddings that feel like a perfect movie from start to finish — the kind that remind us exactly why we do what we do.

Anna and Francesco’s July 12th wedding at Chez Hotel in Chicago was one of those stories.
It was romantic, emotional, beautifully classic, and wildly fun — the kind of celebration that had everything: tears, laughter, a shopping cart joyride, Grandma’s legendary speech, and even literal fireworks on the dance floor.

We’re Whole Heart Video, and capturing this day felt like documenting pure joy. From the quiet moments of handwritten vows to the packed dance floor where guests were singing into microphones, it was a wedding that perfectly captured what love looks like in real life — a mix of elegance, chaos, and everything in between.

A Chicago Love Story Comes to Life

When we first met Anna and Francesco (or “Frankie,” as everyone calls him), we could tell their energy together was magnetic. They had that rare kind of chemistry — playful, deeply in love, and completely at ease being themselves.

They wanted their wedding film to reflect their story: classic and timeless, but full of life and laughter.
The kind of video that feels cinematic but still authentically them — romantic but never overly posed, emotional but full of real personality.

And from the moment the day began, we could tell this wedding was going to deliver all of that and more.

A Romantic Start: A Traditional Church Ceremony

The morning started with the quiet hum of anticipation.
In one room, Anna and her bridesmaids sipped mimosas while @Bridal_Brigade styled perfect, soft curls, and @hairbyrachel worked her magic with makeup — the kind of glow that lasts all day (and looks flawless on camera).

Meanwhile, Frankie and his groomsmen were getting ready in true “guys’ morning” fashion — lots of jokes, high energy, and a few nervous laughs. The excitement in the air was contagious.

Their ceremony took place in a beautiful, traditional church — one that echoed with music, family whispers, and the sound of the organ as Anna walked down the aisle.
Frankie’s face said it all — that look of “that’s my wife” you can’t fake.

The moment they exchanged vows in front of their families was classic and sacred — a nod to tradition that felt deeply personal. You could feel the emotion in every corner of the church.

But what came right after was something truly special.

Private Vows and Unscripted Emotion

After the ceremony, Anna and Frankie took a few quiet moments away from the chaos. They found a peaceful spot, away from the guests, to exchange private vows.

We love when couples do this — it’s such a powerful way to make the day feel personal.
Their words were raw, heartfelt, and emotional. No audience, no pressure — just the two of them, promising forever.

From behind the camera, we were tearing up right along with them. There’s something magical about witnessing two people slow down and be fully present, even just for a few minutes.
It’s the kind of footage that gives a film its heartbeat — the moments that can’t be staged, only felt.

Groomsmen Gone Wild: The Shopping Cart Chronicles

Once the vows were done, it was time to loosen things up — and Frankie and his guys did not disappoint.

During wedding party photos, we were capturing some classic group shots when we noticed something unusual… a stray shopping cart.
Naturally, the groomsmen saw it as an opportunity.

Within seconds, Frankie was pushing one of his buddies down the street in that cart, laughter echoing everywhere.
It was completely spontaneous, completely chaotic, and completely perfect.

That moment summed up their crew: fun-loving, carefree, and ready to make any situation memorable.
And honestly? It made for some of the best footage of the day.

The Party Begins: Chez Hotel Wedding Reception

As the sun dipped lower, it was time to head to the reception — and what a setting it was.

Chez Hotel in Arlington Heights is one of those venues that manages to be both chic and inviting. The clean, modern design paired perfectly with Anna and Frankie’s romantic décor, created by La Fleur Decor.

The florals were elegant but not overdone — whites, greens, and soft pastels that gave the space an elevated, timeless look.
Every detail felt intentional, from the candlelit tables to the stunning head table backdrop.

And when the guests started to arrive, you could feel the excitement building.

A Grand Entrance Like No Other

By the time the doors opened for the grand entrance, the energy was electric.

The bridal party came in hyped — dancing, cheering, shots in hand — and then Anna and Frankie entered to a roar of applause. It wasn’t just an entrance; it was a moment.

We had multiple cameras rolling to catch every angle — the confetti, the smiles, the cheers, and the way they immediately set the tone for the night: big energy, big love, big fun.

Dinner, Laughter, and Grandma’s Legendary Speech

Once everyone settled in, dinner began — and then came the toasts.
We’ve filmed hundreds of speeches, but this one deserves a special mention.

Frankie’s grandma took the microphone and gave what can only be described as a viral-worthy performance.
She had the crowd in stitches, cracking jokes, telling stories, and delivering one-liners — all “in front of the salads,” as we like to say.

It was heartfelt, hilarious, and unforgettable.
The kind of speech people will still be quoting at family gatherings for years.

The First Dance (With Fireworks!)

After the laughter, the lights dimmed.
Anna and Frankie took the dance floor for their first dance, and it was pure magic — then suddenly, sparks flew.

Literally.

As the music swelled, indoor fireworks erupted around them, and the crowd went wild.
It was cinematic, electric, and completely romantic — a moment that looked straight out of a movie.

Capturing it on film gave us chills — the reflection of the fireworks in their eyes, the way they held each other close, and the cheers that filled the room.

This was one of those shots you know will become an iconic part of their wedding film.

A Dance Floor That Didn’t Quit

After the first dance, the night exploded into a full-blown party.

The team from An Enchanted Evening had the crowd dancing nonstop — every genre, every generation, every song hit.
There was even a surprise guest moment: one of the attendees grabbed the mic and started serenading the crowd.

It wasn’t planned, but it turned into a highlight of the night.
People were clapping, singing along, and laughing until they cried.
The vibe was pure joy — and we have video evidence to prove it.

Candid, Emotional, and Real: Our Favorite Kind of Wedding Film

When we create wedding films, our goal is to make something that feels alive. Not just pretty shots and transitions — but something that truly tells the story of the day.

Anna and Frankie’s film has it all: laughter, tears, romance, chaos, and the kind of energy that keeps you smiling long after it ends.

From the private vows to the spontaneous shopping cart adventure, it was a perfect blend of heartfelt and hilarious.
And through it all, we wanted to capture what made their love unique — the warmth, the humor, and the joy they bring out in everyone around them.

Vendor Dream Team

Every great wedding has an incredible team behind it, and this one was no exception.
We were honored to work alongside some of Chicago’s best wedding professionals:

Venue: Chez Hotel — Chic, modern, and perfect for a celebration that’s both elegant and energetic.
Photo: Krystal Richmond Photography — A total pro with an amazing eye for candid, emotional moments.
Flowers: La Fleur Decor — Stunning, soft florals that tied everything together beautifully.
Video: Whole Heart Video — That’s us! We capture emotion, energy, and story in every frame.
DJ/Band: An Enchanted Evening — Experts at keeping the dance floor alive all night.
Makeup: @hairbyrachel — Gorgeous, glowing makeup that lasted from “I do” to the last dance.
Hair: @Bridal_brigade — Soft, romantic styles that moved perfectly with every happy tear and dance spin.

When all of these vendors come together, it’s no wonder the day felt seamless from start to finish.

Why We Loved Filming Anna + Frankie’s Day

Every wedding has its own rhythm — its own heartbeat.
For Anna and Frankie, that rhythm was full of life.

They laughed hard, loved harder, and made everyone around them feel like part of their story.
What stood out most wasn’t just how beautiful everything looked (and trust us, it was stunning) — it was how real it all felt.

As filmmakers, we live for those real, human moments:

The nervous deep breath before walking down the aisle.
The laughter after an unplanned dance move.
The tears that fall when no one’s watching but our cameras.

That’s what makes a wedding film timeless.

And for us, this one will always be a favorite — not just because of the fireworks or the hilarious shopping cart sequence, but because it felt like them in every single frame.

Ready to Capture Your Chez Hotel Wedding?

If you’re planning a wedding at the Chez Hotel or in Chicago (or anywhere in the Midwest) and want a film that feels as alive as your love story, we’d love to be part of it.

At Whole Heart Video, we create wedding films that balance beauty with authenticity — cinematic storytelling that still feels real.
We believe your film should make you laugh, cry, and relive the day exactly as it felt.

Whether you’re hosting your reception at Chez Hotel, a downtown rooftop, or your family’s backyard — we’ll bring the same energy, creativity, and care that we brought to Anna and Frankie’s unforgettable day.

🎥 Let’s make something amazing together.
Reach out to us here to check your date, tell us your story, and start dreaming up your own cinematic wedding film.

A Chez Hotel Wedding that was so friggin’ fun.