This April I was blessed with the opportunity to photograph my dear friend Lindy’s wedding – you can see photos I took at Brian’s proposal here and the couple’s engagement portraits here.  With the proposal happening shortly after New Year’s and the wedding mid-April, there wasn’t much time to plan… Lindy and I met up a few times for coffee/sushi during that time and every time I asked her about the details, she seemed so nonchalant like there was nothing to really worry about.  (I was secretly thinking, “Lady, you’re crazy, and why aren’t you freaking out?!?”) Let me just say that I was totally blown away on the wedding day, Lindy did such a phenomenal job with all the details – it was truly one of the most beautiful weddings I have ever seen – so simple yet elegant, so classy with a touch of whimsy, so Lindy. :-)

Lindy & Brian’s condo is on the Near West side, and the nearby Kitchen Chicago, with it’s rustic/urban loft feel was the perfect venue for their ceremony and reception.  The details were full of the fresh summery color scheme, with soft blues & pinks accented with yellow and orange:

Being a wedding photographer herself, Lindy understands the value of doing portraits before the ceremony and the hustle and bustle of the day begin – she and Brian met up a few hours before the nuptials so we had plenty of time to get what she wanted.  Their first meeting:

We first went to the ‘top secret’ location with a fantastic view of the skyline from the Metra tracks for a few photos.

Then we went to the Goose Island area for a pop of industrial color:

When ceremony time came around, the sun lit up the venue’s loft like a spotlight on Lindy’s grand entrance.  She came in Bruno Mars’ song, “Just the Way You Are” – and I don’t think I’ll ever hear that song without picturing her lit up at the top of that balcony.  So stunning.

After the ceremony, cocktails started, and Lindy & Brian shared a quiet moment in the stairwell away from all of their guests.

And it was party time!

Brian has a full storm trooper suit (he does charity events with the troop around the city), so there were several Star Wars items floating around the reception. :-)

A whole bunch of us from the office were at the wedding, so I handed the camera off to my husband for a group shot at the end of the night.

Such an unforgettable night!  Lindy and Brian, you guys are amazing and I’m so glad you thought of me to capture your wedding! I still get teary looking through your photos, I’m so happy for you both!

[This wedding was photographed in conjunction with Gokhan Cukurova for George Street Photo & Video.]

Yesterday I had a great session with a couple of friends of mine – Melissa (I call her Lindy) & Brian.  I worked with Lindy for almost three years, and in sharing a very small closet-of-an-office with her, I’d say we’ve gotten to know each other pretty well!  When Brian decided it was time to pop the question, I was honored that he asked me to photograph the big event.  [Photos of that magical evening in January are here.]

Lindy & Brian are getting married later this month in a super-chic urban loft space nearby their place in the west loop.  So exciting!  The weather yesterday actually turned out quite nicely (especially considering the freezing temps and sleet/rain/whatev we experienced all week prior!)  We started the session just a couple blocks from the couple’s condo under the el tracks.

Then we traveled to Lindy’s top-secret location which we’ll be using for portraits on the wedding day.  Well, maybe not so top-secret anymore?

Next we went to the museum campus in front of the Field Museum, where they had their unofficial first date.  I wish I could retell the story well, it was so cute.

Last stop, Soldier Field.

I recently was asked by my good friend Thom to do some photos for his new improv comedy group, Thora Birch – with the group’s theme of childhood stardom and fast-fading celebrity fortune, we met up at Wish Craft, an adorable little venue in Roscoe Village, to play around.

Here’s what we came up with:

I was excited when Jesse and Luke wanted to schedule their engagement session near their condo in the trendy Wicker Park neighborhood in Chicago… we actually started IN their condo then had a great time wandering the neighborhood!  Though I was suffering from the flu when our session rolled around, I think we came up with some great images true to their personalities. :-)

Um, I want this mural in my house!!

It’s so fun to work with couples that can’t stop staring into each other’s eyes.  So in love.

[I saved the best for last!]

[This engagement session was photographed for George Street Photo & Video]

If there’s one thing I love, it’s clients who want unconventional locations for their portrait sessions, and Maria and Jose fit the bill.  They wanted something fun and romantic downtown, so to symbolize the new journey they’re making as they become husband and wife, I give you a CTA-themed engagement session. :-)

We of course made a few stops along the way (not everything was on or near a train!)

P.S. it was about 40 degrees out this day.  Maria is a TROOPER (and a lover of cute colorful dresses!)

[This engagement session was photographed for George Street Photo & Video.]

A good friend of mine, Thom, is part of a hilarious sketch comedy duo called A Good Idea [In Theory].  He asked me to take some photos of him and his partner-in-crime, Andrew, for their upcoming show.  Here are a few of my faves:

Here is the finished poster I designed for them.  Oh, and I’ve seen the show, and it’s pretty darn funny.

Oh, and I also dabble in web design, so I put together their blog site as well. :-)

I met Stacey & Mike back in the fall to shoot their engagement session, and we hit it off right away.  With such a fun couple and the beautiful city as the background for their wedding celebration, I knew their wedding would be fantastic.  And let me tell you, it did not disappoint!

With great anticipation, Stacey and her bridesmaids got ready in her highrise condo in River North, with a stunning view of the skyline just outside the window.

Love love love love the vintage style of Stacey’s dress!

I just adore this creamy-dreamy color palette.

The ceremony was held just walking distance away at Assumption Church.

The couple’s handwritten vows had me (and Stacey of course!) on the verge of tears.

After the ceremony we made a few stops around the museum campus for some photos.  The weather threatened to force us inside, but once we stopped to get some photos by Buckingham Fountain, the skies began to clear and we were golden!

Last stop was Kinzie Street bridge.  A great spot if you want Chicago architecture without the busy-ness of tourist downtown.

Last, but certainly not least, we headed to the stunning reception at the Holiday Inn Mart Plaza.  One of my favorite venues downtown, really, with large windows overlooking the Chicago River, and beautifully clean, modern lines.

Stacey’s brother and sister-in-law sang “Unforgettable” as the couple shared their first dance.

Stacey and Mike, you two are the best.  Your wedding was truly unforgettable!  If you could hear how much I gushed about your wedding to my co-workers afterward you’d probably think I’m a weirdo. :-)

[This wedding was photographed for George Street Photo & Video.]

Jessica and Peter’s wedding this past March could be summarized up in three words: stylish, modern, and fun.  The day started & ended at the Renaissance Hotel in Schaumburg, with a Chicago ceremony at St. Sylvester Parish in Humboldt Park.

There was truly an air of excitement as Jessica pulled up for the ceremony.

The happily married couple!  Next we made a quick stop (it was freezing outside) to Humboldt Park for a few photos before heading back to the Renaissance.

Jessica and Peter’s reception was decorated with bold black & white with a wash of purple floral arrangements and lighting.

Towards the end of the night, Jessica and Peter asked me if we could do some more photos of the two of them around the magnificent hotel lobby.  I love it when couples do that!

What a great day!  Jessica and Peter, I wish you the best.  Thanks for including me in such a fab celebration!

[This wedding was photographed for George Street Photo & Video.]

Stacey & Mike are getting married next May in River North in Chicago, so it was very fitting for their engagement session to be very city-oriented as well.  What a beautiful day it was!  What Stacey & Mike lack in shortness, they certainly make up in cuteness and charm. :-)  (Seriously though, I was on my tip-toes all day.)

[This engagement session was photographed for George Street Photo & Video.]

Liz & Daniel are big-time nature-lovers and seemed a little unsure about having a Chicago engagement session – I, however, knew of the many wonders of Chicago’s Lincoln Park, and convinced them to make the trip down from Deerfield.  Here are some of my favorites from this very sweet (an very much in love!) couple: