pamela yasuko

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.

, ,

2016 Wrap Up

, ,
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.

Newborn :: Naya [Chicago]

Newborn :: Naya [Chicago]

The first snow flurries floated down on Chicago and inside I got to meet little Naya, just a couple weeks new. What I love about photography is being able to story-tell through visuals. Telling an authentic story and documenting these milestones as time capsules. For newborn photography, this is especially true. There are so many different styles of baby portraits, but to me, capturing the strongest stories, the most authentic stories, means being a fly on the wall and letting the story unfold itself. Watching two new parents interact with each other and a newborn. Witnessing the quite moments and the real moments. These are the moments that happen in a flash and slip by in an instant. I'm here to freeze that story forever in your family journal.

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.

Portraits :: Family Mini Sessions [Mililani, HI]

Portraits :: Family Mini Sessions [Mililani, HI]

I found the endless summer, and it is in Mililani, Hawaii. It's November and typically fall family portraits sessions don't look like this back at home. Warm summer light still eases into the late afternoon. I could get used to this in no time. I probably already am . . .

Newborn :: Averly Mini Session [Honolulu, HI]

Newborn :: Averly Mini Session [Honolulu, HI]

I am a strong supporter of lifestyle documentary photos for newborns. Keep it simple. Natural light. Quiet moments. Focused on the new family life and welcoming a new babe into the world. While in Hawaii, I had the opportunity to meet Averly, just a couple weeks new. She did great in this newborn mini session in town.