A WINTER WEDDING BY THE LAKE

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The Midwest has not gotten a lot of snow this season, but we were graced with two beautiful snow storms right before Christmas and just recently in mid January.

If you have followed my photography journey, you will know just how much I love shooting in fresh falling snow. Imagine my delight as I was heading to shoot a beautiful wedding by the lake in Wisconsin, and the snow started to fall.

I was honored the lovely couple trusted me with my vision of capturing some sacred moments outside in the snow embracing the elements and natural beauty for the sake of the shot. These might just be some of my favorite images caught on film. Developing that relationship with my clients is one of my favorite parts if what I do. Bringing out the essence of the moment and the joy of the newly married couple.

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A FLORIDIAN ENGAGEMENT

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While Chicago experienced a stunning albeit chilly white Christmas, I was whisked away for a surprise engagement shoot in warm sunny florida.

I flew in to Fort Lauderdale Christmas evening to prep for a sweet surprise shoot of a beautiful couple getting engaged the next day. The future groom-to-be had planned a very special day filled with close loved ones and their big bundle of fur pup. As I pretend to be a part of the staff for the private dinner, I couldn’t help but think about just how romantic this moment was for the unsuspecting future bride-to-be. It went off without a hitch and we even captured some whimsical, evening poolside, bottle popping images that truly embodied the ambience and mood of the evening: fun, playful, sweet, and glamorous.

Due to all of the winter storms my flight out was delayed by a day, so I got to explore the area and tour some local destinations that are a must see if you are visiting South East Florida.

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A WINTER CHICAGO ENGAGEMENT

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A/W 23' MINI BRANDED SESSIONS

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TOM FORD AT NYFW

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It has been a dream to visit New York and attend NYFW. This past Fashion Week I had the honor of being invited to attend Tom Ford’s private dinner and presentation for S/S 23’.

I was invited by a client to attend and capture her exclusive experience throughout the week. I am always so grateful for the incredible moments.

I have always admired Tom Ford for his fun and classic design aesthetic but also for his story, attention to detail and quality, and his journey to the top. He is a true artist and visionary. His creative story telling shines through with timeless grace as he balances the embodiment of sexy with true elegance.

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Chicago Winter Fashion Shoot with Sara Rose

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What to do during a beautiful snow storm in Chicago? Hit up the Bird Sanctuary on Montrose and do a quick shoot with Sara Rose from Stix and Roses.

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Chicago City Hall Wedding

What happens during Covid when City Hall will not allow everyone into the building and no venues will have weddings. You have a small photoshoot of course.  I am not going to lie. This is a long overdue post. This was photographed last year right as the pandemic started. It was a beautiful day where the blooms in Grant park have just started to blossom, but since then this couple has hired me to photograph their little bambino that they welcome before Christmas. Like I said this is long over due.  I will make sure to link the photoshoot once I have blogged about that one. 

There are a lot of spots in Chicago that have beautiful flowering tree blossoms. You just have to time everything correctly.   These are called Crab Apple trees. They are on what is called the Logan Garden in Grant Park. There is a beautiful staircase as well as a fountain. Very Parisian feels and I’m so glad the Judges picked this spot to have their photos. 

After we took some photos of just the two of them. We worked our way to city hall. There was a line outside since no one was allowed to go in. City hall is a beautiful building and I’m very bummed we weren’t allowed to take some photos inside. 

After they got married we made our way to the famous city hall sign with their families. We took a couple of photos and we had to make our way to the board of trade building that has been used in such famous movies like batman. Its the perfect spot to get the middle of the street photo. Very popular with weddings and on weekends there is no one around. So you can take a shot right in the middle of the street. 

Chicago Photoshoot locations 

Grant Park - Logan Garden 

City Hall 

Board of Trade Building 

Park Ridge Wedding: Julia and Eric

Meet the most organized bride I have ever worked with. She had her own binder which is usually something planners have for your day.  It was such a pleasure to work with Julia and Eric.  They were both such kind and family oriented people. You guys really become family to me. I I probably spend the most time with you on your day. More than your actual family. You become my family and I do my best to be the sister to you.  Sneaking around with my camera and trying to capture all your moments. If I have to boss around some family members for photos…I will. 

Everything was conveniently close to where I live as well.  They met at a new years eve party at a hotel in Rosemont and guess what?…. That is the location they had their reception at.  Hyatt Regency Ohare ( https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/illinois/hyatt-regency-ohare/chiro). We made sure to recreate a photo of the two of them from that night they met. 

It was such a hot day that day as well. We had to make portraits fast and pain free since Eric was wearing a three piece suit. We picked the close location right by the Hotel called Dune park. They have beautiful swans but also lots of goose poop to get around.  We made it quick and painless. 

The ceremony was at St. Paul of the Cross also super close to the hotel. Everything was so convenient for the guests and family. Some churches have rules on where photographers can and cant be. This was one of them. So we had to make sure not to break those rules. This included us not being past the last guest. This makes it difficult to capture emotions of the parents during the ceremony but we made it work.  A new favorite tradition of mine has become trying to take a large group shot right after on the steps of the church to capture everyone there. It’s super quick but makes the best memory of everyone on your day and probably the only time we are able to do that. 

Intimate Covid Wedding

Covid has changed many lives and taken a big toll on weddings in 2020. Many couples have resorted to small and intimate weddings. Outdoors and backyards were a big hit since you can invite a couple of people and keep your distance. Thea and Mike have three small children and have opted for an intimate wedding in their home. It was just the them, an officiant and myself. The children were taking a nap and grandma was on duty in the backyard in case.

We went to a close forest preserve to get some intimate shots and came back for some family and kids photos to remember the day by. The kids are tiny and they needed to be able to be more flexible than a full on wedding. I think everything turned out in their favor. It was a beautiful day and congratulations to the couple.

Covid Wedding Rescheduled to Grandpas Horse Ranch

Paul and Kim got married May 16th , right in the heart of Covid19. They were originally planning to get married in Florida. They have had this plan for a year now, with the uncertain times they were not able to have the wedding they wanted. Their Grandfather, however has a beautiful horse ranch and they were able to have an incredible wedding. Everyone was far apart enough to be able to enjoy the company of all their loved ones, in a time of Corona.

With all the smaller weddings, happening during Corona, I’m really admiring and appreciating the wedding season more. The intimate weddings are spent more focused on the couple and their love than the guests and their needs. It really is a better way to celebrate your love.