Movie and TV Inspired Wedding

Chewie and Bryan are more than film and television buffs

They’ve made their love of media into their careers, and this love was showcased in all the details of the wedding. We’re talking Dr. Who cake and centerpieces, theme of Game of Thrones for the recessional and friends even brought light sabers for the reception. As soon as those came out, we quickly brought the bride and groom to the silo of the Byron Colby Barn to capture the moment. Before the ceremony, we trekked to a nearby prairie hill and horse barn for photos. Lizz told the rain to stop, and it did. Chewie and Bryan even stepped across a puddle and into the grasses to get to the location, what (storm) troopers! The result were beautiful portraits of this fun, energetic couple in a lovely setting under a dramatic stormy sky. May the force be with these two forever!

Humboldt Park Engagement

Rebecca and Ty are having an August wedding.

We went out on one of the nicest days of the year so far to explore Humboldt Park and make some pictures. Ty was not too keen on doing an engagement session, but with Rebecca’s promise of a Kegerator (Ty makes his own brew), he just couldn’t refuse. They quickly got into the beauty of the park and the excitement of a warm Spring day, when all Chicagoans are out and about. We are so excited for their wedding this summer!

Winter Wedding at Ravenswood Event Center

Lindsay and Chris had a February Wedding…

In Chicago. They did not let the cold weather or snow hold them back from going around the city for photos. Lindsay, in her grandmother’s gown, strapped on her Sorel boots and we photographed them downtown and in Lincoln Park. Although it was chilly, a fresh snowfall a couple of days before made the city look picturesque. All the bridesmaids and groomsmen also joined in the fun wearing their coats and boots, or just rocking the heels, for pictures. This couple had a beautiful ceremony on the third floor of The Ravenswood Event Center, and also had dinner and dancing on the third floor. This was a great way to showcase the space and the tree that Lindsay’s parents chopped and brought from Michigan on a truck. This event was also the premier of our new upgraded camera gear, and we just love the results! Congratulations to Lindsay and Chris!

Salvage One Spectacular

Emily and Jerad were married in November

They chose Salvage One as their venue for ceremony and reception. We’ve photographed this space oodles of times and the wonderful thing about this space is that it is always changing. New furniture, new nooks in which to photograph couples and the effects of light from the time of year and weather keep this place fresh. We also push ourselves with each shoot to try something unique.

With Emily, we chose to pose her with her hanging dress. We thought she looked adorable in her flannel and wanted to do a different take on the hanging dress photo. We also found a pretty wall of ivy outside where we did individual portraits of the couple. The light sinks quickly in November, so we did all our portraits first and for the rest of the evening, used our lights and the warm light of the space to document the evening. We hope that these photos will keep this couple happy with memories of Chicago as they head back to their new home of San Francisco.

Logan Square Engagment Session

Stacey and Todd make Logan Square home.

On a nice October day we went out to explore. Stacey loved the Home mural and they both wanted to be photographed by the Logan theater. As the autumn sun started to set, we wandered over to a nearby park where we explored the El tracks and found a cool old truck to pretend was ours for a bit. It all looked like a movie. The light, the love, a classic tale of falling in love and the next journey. A story told with photographs. Part II, the wedding…

Medinah Winter Wedding

Jennifer and Chad were married at Medinah.

It was chilly out, and the leaves had fallen, but that did not stop us from collaborating on some great photos. Medinah has cool architecture and lovely grounds. We rode a golf cart (one of our favorite vehicles to drive) to a stone bridge and a lake on the course which were very picturesque. Jennifer was a sport and Chad kept her warm with hugs and even a blanket in the golf cart.

After our jaunt outside, we met the bridal party inside where we had set up a scene in the lounge. We knew it was going to be too cold to keep everyone outside for pictures, and during this season the days are short, so we scouted, pre lit and were ready to make great pictures. The reception was held in the lovely ballroom which was made stunning with flowers and filled with family. They danced all night to cool music, Jennifer and Chad are music buffs, and we were so proud to have documented their day.

Millennium Park Engagement Session

Jennifer and Chad were to be married in a month.

So we took advantage of a warm October day and headed to a favorite place of theirs, Millennium Park. It’s where they listened to free concerts all summer, and where Chad proposed. Beautiful Chicago autumn light, the lovely gardens and architecture of Millennium Park paired with this fun couple made for some memorable photos.

Bikes, Babes and Beloved at Independence Grove

Megan and Rob’s wedding was simply adorable.

Their matching Schwinns, paddle-boats and cupcakes were enjoyed by their cute families and fun friends at Independence Grove. The grounds made a perfect background for us to make gorgeous pictures of this fun loving couple. This lady scaled a fence so we could photograph them in a blooming field of prairie plants, gotta love that!

Megan’s Migonette bridal gown, complete with red crenoline, sash, and shoes to match, positively stole the show. Rob’s million dollar smile added to the glimmer of the day. The weather was perfect, the sun set just at the right moment as the couple gazed off into their future. Awwwww….

Wild and Wonderful Wedding at Lincoln Hall

Allison and Simon make a great pair.

She brings out his calm, he brings out her vitality. The couple was looking for a non-traditional venue, and they found it in Lincoln Hall.

For photos we traveled to the lovely and nearby Lincoln Park. (There can never be too much Lincoln!) It was a perfect day. Not too hot, not too humid, and gentle breeze to lift Allison’s veil when called upon.

Then we all traveled to Lincoln Hall for the ceremony and reception. The stage was set for their ceremony. During the toast, well really more of a roast, we got to hear about all the good times these two have had and how much they compliment each other. Their awesome band, Todd Hembrook and the Hemispheres, provided a Blues Brothers song for their introductions, and classic soul hits for dancing all night long.

It was a great night, and a unique wedding. Thanks Allison and Simon!!!

Green Mill Engagement Session

Lisette and Ian are tying the knot in the OC next year.

So we met up with them to make images for their save the date card as well as do some romantic photos at the gorgeous Green Mill jazz club on Chicago’s North side.

Their visual inspiration for the photo shoot was a video by the Jonas Brothers. It features the song they shall play as they dance their first dance on their wedding day. After seeing the video, we had to find the perfect vintage club to photograph in. The lovely folks at the Green Mill were gracious enough to allow us to come in and photograph there. We had a swell time popping quarters in the juke box and photographing this romantic couple work out some dance moves.

After the club, we headed to a downtown rooftop owned by a family member. The couple changed clothes, brought out a frame for their save the date and worked the skyline at magic hour. Our last shot was of their matching shoes. Seriously, adorable couple, we were smitten.