Chicago J2 Gallery Wedding
Jesse contacted me last year about photographing her destination wedding in Chicago. Both she and Sarah now live in Las Vegas, but it was in Chicago where they met and fell in love. They got married at J2 Gallery in Chicago which made an awesome wedding venue. I had never had the opportunity to photograph a wedding at an art gallery and now I can cross that off my list!
Their ceremony was emotional! Hearing the letters that they had written to each other expressing their love brought me to some tears behind my camera.
Jesse and Sarah were down for anything photo-wise, so we headed outside to get some great urban images showcasing Chicago. Congratulations you two! It was an amazing day!
Venue - J2 Gallery
Crepes - Flip Crepes
St.James Farm and Harry Caray Lombard Wedding
Kenny and Ashley's wedding was pretty much a dream from start to end with the gorgeous details, dress, venue, and all the love the two of them shared. I met them both last year through my friend and fellow photographer Sarah who was in the wedding. We photographed them after their church wedding at one of my favorite places, St.James Farm in Warrenville. It made such a wonderful backdrop. Then we headed to the reception at Harry Caray's in Lombard. Enjoy the look at their day!
DJ/Photobooth/Uplighting-Sounds Abound
Videographer-Ojo Creative
Florist-Urban Botanicals Chicago Eileen Weeder
Favors-Garrett's Popcorn
Hair-A Cut Above Nicole Matsas
Makeup-Flawless by Tiffany
Dress-Bella Bianca
Cake-Creative Cakes
Party Bus-Elite Chicago Limo
Reception-Harry Caray's
Second Shooter-Courtney Scheimann
Springvalley Nature Preserve in Schaumburg Engagement Session
I was so excited to photograph Sebastian and Nicole's engagement shoot this week at Springvalley Nature Preserve in Schaumburg. It was such a gorgeous fall day and all the wildflowers there were in full bloom. They were all laughs the whole time which makes my job of capturing them way too fun and easy. I can't wait for their wedding this June!
Creek Bend Nature Center Outdoor Wedding
From our first phone call I could tell what a cool laid back couple Clancy and Patrick were. They came all the way from Washington D.C. back home to have their wedding in the St.Charles area. They met during graduate school at Georgetown University and have been together ever since.
The day of their wedding we had an awful thunderstorm, things were so dark but I had a feeling that everything would clear up in time for their first look and sure enough it did. A little rain on your wedding is good luck they say. Their first look was so sweet, I think Patrick almost had some tears in his eyes when he saw Clancy who looked stunning. Her dress had this gorgeous pink tone to it, ever so subtle but just breathtaking.
Next we headed to the wedding at St. Patricks, The church was so filled with all of their family and friends who had traveled from near and far to be with them on their day. After the said the "I do's" We headed back to Creek Bend Nature Center, part of LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve so they could enjoy their cocktail hour and of course their big party. What a gorgeous setting for a wedding! Once the dancing started it seemed everyone was on the dance floor, the flower girl was dancing up a storm way into the night a long with Clancy's Grandma Lois. One of my favorite parts was when the "Call Me Maybe" song came on, Patrick was on that song singing it and dancing to it in the middle of all their friends.
After all that I snuck the two out of the reception for a few minutes to take a final nighttime shot which also allowed them to have a few minutes together just to reflect on the whole day. As a couple I see how their personalities really compliment each other and I just wish them well in this new chapter of their lives together. Congratulations Clancy and Patrick!
Wedding Planner-Two Sisters Events
Makeup-Meghan Selleck
Reception-Creek Bend Nature Center
Catering-Cousine America
Church-St. Patricks Parish
Hotel-Hotel Baker
Second Photographer-Laura Manzano
Moe + Kayla
When I was asked by Kayla's sister if myself and Ania would be interested in shooting her sisters wedding I was excited right away. I have known Ania and Melissa for years and have even traveled to photography conventions with both of them. When a fellow photographer wants you for an event as special as your sisters wedding it's truly an honor. Once I met Kayla and Moe I was very excited to work with them both. They are both very much in love and also had a appreciation for photography which I loved.
The weather on their wedding was gorgeous, especially for July, no sweltering heat! They wed outside at Silver Lake Country Club in Orland Park, which was decorated in so many flowers in the most dreamy light. They exchanged vows and also locked away letters during their ceremony that they will then read on their 5 year wedding anniversary. What a cool idea and something I have never seen before.
Well take a peak at their day bellow!
Silver Lakes Country Club; Venue; Weddings at Silver Lake Country Club, Orland Park, IL
Amy Coghill; Silver Lake's Director of Events; Weddings at Silver Lake Country Club, Orland Park, IL
Felix & Fingers; Music; Performers: Emily & Robert; Dueling Pianos - Felix And Fingers
Karen Steen; Florist; Home
John Sternisha; Videographer; http://gingerjohnthomas.com
Jarmin Carreno; Hairstylist; Jarmin Carreno (Master Hair Stylist)
Allison Dziemiela; MAC Studio Makeup Artist
Melissa Wilson; Wedding Planner
Courtney Wilson; Baker/Wedding Cake; (Culinary Art Student)
Reverend Anne Styx preformed the ceremony THE REV FOR WHATEV- Chicago wedding officiant and interfaith minister
Ania Scheiman; photographer Ania Scheiman Photography
Paul + Emily Married
I had met with Emily to discuss her wedding a few months ago and was instantly in love with all the fun and DIY projects they had, Star Wars Boutonnieres, and custom made action figures Yes PLEASE!! We couldn't of asked for a better day, once again not to hot and no rain hooray!
During their ceremony, One reading or quote rather really stuck with me.
"'We’re all a little weird. And life is weird. And when we find someone
whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall into
mutual weirdness and call it love.'
How true that statement is and to find that other half that does work with your weirdness, it's truly a blessing. Emily and Paul were both surrounded by big families who were so happy for them on their big day. Villa Olivia provided the perfect backdrop to their ceremony and reception! Once the reception started and the best men and maid of honor made their speeches. The whole room was laughing, these were some of the funniest speeches I had ever heard. So take a look at their special day bellow!
Hair - Valerie Giacobbe at Plush Salon
Makeup - Benefit Boutique In Downtown Naperville
Venue - Villa Olivia
DJ - Dave Alvarez 312-479-3557
djdave_alvarez@ymail.com
Wedding Dress - Wtoo - A Joyful Occasion
Rings - Hers Kay Jewelers
- His Touchwood
Second Shooter - Courtney Scheimann
Jesse + Liz Married
Jesse and Liz's wedding was a pretty amazing day. The rain decided to hold out till we were all under the tent for the reception and it was nice and cool instead of sweltering like June weddings can sometimes be. Liz was radiant in her gown, a lace fit and flare number while Jesse was dapper in his suit complete with bow-tie. Their two children Mateo and Isaac were also dressed to the occasion and walked Liz down the aisle to meet their dad at the altar. Well Mateo walked her down and Isaac wasn't quite as sure. It was adorable to say the least.
After the ceremony we headed to the Worth Metropolitan Water Reclamation District for family photos and photos of Liz and Jesse together. I was in love with the backdrop we had for their photos. I have also never taken such a large family photo, so I am happy we had ample space to make that happen for them! Jesse and Liz both come from large families and we had the largest group at the whole park.
The night ended with the reception in Liz's sister's backyard. They had so much food, music and laughter. The night ended with Jesse being thrown up in the air by his friends, something I have never witnessed first hand. It was amazing and a beautiful day, congratulations Jesse and Liz!
Hair and Makeup - Javier Nieto
Flowers - Grapevine
Dress - Eva's Bridal in Oak Lawn
Ceremony - St.Patricias
Catering- La Casa Samuel
Cake - Bombon
DJ - Alex Perez
Jenny + Ian Married
I was so happy when Ian reached out to me about photographing his wedding last year. I have known Ian since high school so I was especially excited to photograph their big day. Ian and Jenny are the most amazing couple. You can see just how in love with each other they are once you meet them. They have an adorable son named Elliot who is their pride and joy and who I have been able to photograph during their engagement shoot and of course their wedding.
Their wedding was amazing and their party bus was filled of sing-a-longs and beers. The soundtrack to their wedding included such fine bands as Backstreet Boys, Aaron Carter, and Spice Girls, what more could one want in the music of their day.
Hair- Tamara Makeup – www.tamaramakeup.com
Makeup- Gabrielle Kalnins – O’Hara and Friends Salon
https://www.facebook.com/OHaraAndFriendsSalon
Wedding Venue- Stony Creek Golf Course-http://www.golfstonycreek.com
Reception Venue- Holiday Banquet Hall - www.holidaybanquets.com
DJ – Nick Vera - http://impulseentertainmentdjs.com-
Videographer – Josh Siegers - http://jksproductions.com/
Photobooth – Big Hugs Photobooth- www.bighugsphotobooth.com
Cupcakes/Cake – Naples Bakery - www.naplesbakery.com
Second Shooter- Courtney Scheimann
Same-Sex Brookfield Zoo Wedding
I had the pleasure of photographing Dave and Paul's gorgeous zoo wedding this weekend! What a gorgeous setting for a wedding and no one could of asked for a more perfect day. The weather was amazing, not too hot, not too cold, just right! Their ceremony and reception were filled of laughter and joy. One of the readings from their ceremony you can read bellow their images and was just the most amazing lyrics from a song sang in the musical "Catch Me if You Can". They had delicious signature drinks at the cocktail hour with the giraffes, followed by an awesome reception with some amazing musical choices for the dance floor. If you have never heard Downtown and Mrs.Miller, listen to it....you are in for a serious treat!
A Special thanks to the Officiant, DJ Benson, the couples great friend"She really made it personal and gave us a chance to turn around and take in the crowd. It was a breathtaking moment." said Dave
The venue for the wedding was the gorgeous Brookfield Zoo
The DJ was their friend's brother Jeff Beilfuss
The flowers were by Bride's Choice Wedding Flowers in Lisle. Mary Kenny was the flower designer.
Invites were through WeddingPaperDivas.com.
The cake came from Lezza Bakery in Bellwood which Brooke did.
The suits were through Formally Modern Tuxedo in Countryside. http://www.formallymodern.com/ Carmelo helped them in particular
Also a huge thanks to Ania Scheiman for being my amazing second shooter for the day!
I've seen the seven wonders
if you give or take a few
But all them seven wonders
well they can't compare to you
I've been a lot of places
Yes I've traveled near and far
But now I know that home is where you are
Niagara Falls a leaky faucet that a plumber oughta fix
The Pyramids are really just a dusty pile of bricks
The Taj Mahal a fixer upper
The Grand Canyon just a hole
The Grand Canal in Venice an Italian toilet bowl
I've seen the seven wonders
if you give or take a few
But all them seven wonders
well they can't compare to you
I've been a lot of places
Yes I've traveled near and far
But now I know that home is where you are
The Aurora Borealis just a night light on the fritz
And Stonehenge it's just a bunch of rocks
La Brea's tars the pits
I've seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa it looks like somethin' up and broke
Mount Rushmore someone climb up there and tell them boys a joke
Yes my travellin days are over
You get the check I'll pay the bill
Cause I see all the wonder in your eyes
Just standin' still.
I've been a lot of places
But I've learned now near and far
There's no need to roam
Cause home is where you are
There's no need to roam
cause home is where you are
yes now I know that home is where you are.
Paul + Dave
I am excited to introduce you to Paul and Dave, I had the pleasure of photographing them at the Brookfield Zoo a few weekends ago and have the honor of photographing their wedding this weekend at the Brookfield Zoo.
Paul and Dave met while they were both out with friends the night before Thanksgiving in 2000. They started talking early in the night and before they knew it, it was last call.
During the weekend, we like to shop, play games with friends and family (especially mah jongg) and go up to the place they share with family in Michigan.
Dave grew up in Elmhurst and went to Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington. Paul grew up in Deerfield and went to Brandeis University in Boston. Dave can easily find his way around the western suburbs but gets lost up north. Paul can find his way easily around the northern suburbs but gets lost out west. That's why they say they are so perfect for each other. And they have a cat named Delilah.
