Josh & Jenny: Rialto Theatre Wedding
I have the fondest of places in my heart for The Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet Il. First off it has an incredibly cool history that includes being designed by C.W. and George Rapp in 1924, and doors opening on May 24, 1926. It’s original purposes was to exhibit silent films which typically required musical accompaniment and sound effects so an organ was included in the building's design, with the pipework installed. The organ is mounted on a movable platform that can be raised to stage level or lowered into the orchestra pit.
Later in 1972, a campaign to "Save the Rialto" was initiated. Organizers formed a community arts Association to save the theatre. A student campaign began at Joliet Township High School East Campus. The community won and in 1978 the Rialto complex became public property and the Joliet Metropolitan Exposition and Auditorium Authority was established to provide leadership for the impending restoration of the theatre property. In the 80’s It underwent a renovation. The lobby's marble walls were polished again by Conrad Schmitt Studios, the same company that did the original work. The black marble base on the walls of the esplanade, fashioned after the Hall of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles in France, were polished, as were the elegant red, pink and gray scagliola above the base.
I spent my teen years living in Joliet attending the festival of trees at Christmas time and seeing Ani Difranco and Kenny Rodgers play there. Yet never in my life has anyone asked me to photograph their wedding at the Rialto. Until Jenny & Josh.
It was a dream come true for me to meet Josh and Jenny and it was a joy to be apart of the incredible day they had planned for the people they love. One of my favorite parts of their wedding was the fact that they sent all their guests home with Chicken N Spice. This made all of my Joliet loves come together on one glorious day for their wedding.
Many thanks to Breanne Connor who second shot this wedding with me and saved my entire life when she let me borrow a flash when mine was no where to be found.
