Chicago weddings

Wedding :: Courtney + Justin [A New Leaf, Chicago]

Wedding :: Courtney + Justin [A New Leaf, Chicago]

What was supposed to be a 15 minute introductory call to discuss options for installing her new floor, turned into discussion about love for travel, and Cambodia, turned into sharing noodles, and turned into the unity of Courtney and Justin.

February 19 was unequivocally ‘them’. From the classic old Hollywood glam style to the cherry branch tucked into Justin’s boutonniere to a first dance to My Funny Valentine by Chet Baker to a wedding cake made of cheese, this date was the ultimate celebration of these two individuals. Surrounded by immediate family and friends at A New Leaf, Courtney and Justin committed their vows to each other. 

Hear from them what made the day extra special.

Wedding :: Julie + Ben [Cantigny Park, Wheaton]

Wedding :: Julie + Ben [Cantigny Park, Wheaton]

It’s the middle of winter and I’m warming up thinking about this late summer September wedding. The glow of that golden hour light is much welcome on a winter day like today.

Julie and Ben opted out of a first look and took a more traditional approach in seeing each other walking down the aisle. While Ben and his groomsmen took time to get ready at the Hyatt in Lombard, Julie and her bridesmaids prepped at Julie’s home she grew up in. On the way to the church, we walked down the back alley to Park Ridge Presbyterian Church just a couple blocks away. This was special for Julie because growing up, she and her family would walk this same route on Sundays to church.

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2016 Wrap Up

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2016 Wrap Up

2016 was year of amazing growth, closeness, emotion, and overall life fullness. From newborns to new marriages and Chicago to Oahu, photography took me to new places, familiar places and amazing hearts. I went through periods of self doubt, questioning my work and its ability to continually push further. I was inspired by so many artists' creativity. I was inspired by the faith of so many of the brides and grooms celebrating their commitment. I worked on sharing my love for photography and helping others take better photos. Here's a glimpse into some of my favorite moments from 2016. 2017 is going to be written in the salt and starts. And I'm looking forward to everyday the new year brings.

Wedding :: Caroline + Adam [The Dawson, Chicago]

Wedding :: Caroline + Adam [The Dawson, Chicago]

This was my last wedding of 2016 and it surely was a perfect one to wrap up  the season! The Cubs were in the world series, it was sunny, and the considerably balmy for early November. Writing this blog reminded me that I'm so behind in blogging and I never posted their engagement session from earlier this year!

Caroline met Adam at the gym where Caroline was teaching various fitness classes, including a boxing class. Adam struck a deal that if he took Caroline's boxing class, she would go to drinks with him. I believe a high five sealed the deal and here we are today! 

I see more and more couples opting for more intimate weddings are some of Chicago's coolest restaurants. Caroline and Adam took over The Dawson for both the ceremony and reception with family and close friends. The vibe and aesthetic of The Dawson was perfect for these two awesomely cool people.

I caught up with Caroline and got her to spill the beans on advice for newly engage couples, as well as, her perspective of the day.

Wedding :: Shannon + Joel [Wicker Park Home; The Bedford, Chicago]

Wedding :: Shannon + Joel [Wicker Park Home; The Bedford, Chicago]

I love any marriage ceremony that means something special to the bride and groom. Whether that is a larger affair or one that is downright intimate. This backyard ceremony was all things special. With just immediate family and closest of friends, Shannon and Joel said 'I Do' in the backyard of their Wicker Park home. 

After the heartfelt ceremony [with participation from their daughter and pup], the celebration of unity continued at The Bedford in Wicker Park.

Wedding :: Colleen + Luke [Oak Park]

Wedding :: Colleen + Luke [Oak Park]

Colleen and Luke met at Career Builder when Luke started bringing donuts by Colleen's desk. From donuts to Blackhawks games to an engagement, it's clear how much love and warmth these two have for not only each other, but their families and friends.

Early summer weddings are amazing. Especially in Chicago. We did a first look on Clark Street Bridge over the Chicago River. After photos in Millennium Park, we headed to the ceremony at St. Edmunds. Alongside their faith, families and full hearts, Colleen and Luke said I do in this beautiful church in Oak Park. With a bagpiper to lead the recessional, Colleen + Luke were ready to celebrate with an outdoor reception in the backyard of Frank Lloyd Wright's Heurtley House in Oak Park. It was an evening filled with laughter, some tears and overwhelming happiness. I loved the idea of 'let love grow' for guests to take a miniature planted succulent home as a thank you.

Wedding :: Kailey + Mo [Milwaukee Art Museum]

Wedding :: Kailey + Mo [Milwaukee Art Museum]

These two! I worked with Mo directly and indirectly with Kailey and was so honored when they asked me to photograph their wedding at the Milwaukee Art Museum. What I love about Kailey and Mo is the overwhelming amounts of kindness and love they bring to each day. The day of their wedding, it was obvious that this kindness and love radiated everywhere from family to friends. 

The Milwaukee Art Museum is an architecturally amazing backdrop for a wedding. The crisp lines, the white whites, the airy feeling, and the overflowing happiness. It was such a beautiful late spring wedding celebrating the marriage of Kailey + Mo. 

Talk a walk through this special day with the images below. [See their Chicago engagement session last fall here.]

Wedding :: Cristina + Justin [St Clements, Floating World Gallery; Chicago]

Wedding :: Cristina + Justin [St Clements, Floating World Gallery; Chicago]

November weddings!!! This was my last wedding of the season and couldn't have ended on a better note. Cristina and Justin got married in Lincoln Park's St. Clements Church and celebrated at Floating World Gallery. Every detail was gorgeous - from dresses to table settings, but it was family and friends coming from near and far [Mexico and Tennessee!] that made this day even more beautiful. Cristina and Justin had one of the best November days you could ask for in Chicago.

So happy to be able to capture this day for these two super cool people.