Chicago Wedding Photo
Before Tina and Michael went to their intimate courthouse ceremony with a few family members, they decided they wanted to celebrate the occasion with photos along the Chicago museum campus lakefront. They live just a short walk away from the museum campus and so for their photos we stopped at many of their favorite spots. We also had to incorporate their deep love for ducks along the way!
I had such a sweet time with these two, and I’m excited to share a few from our time together here.
I met Hana and Chris in Millennium Park on a crisp Fall day this past year. They planned to have their wedding ceremony in Southern IL in December, however, they still wanted to capture the beauty of the city of Chicago and so they decided to take their bridal portraits beforehand.
My time with them spent exploring Millennium Park and then Union Station was filled with such sweet love and laughter. Thankful to have played a small roll in their wedding celebrations.
And now, a thoughtful and much appreciated review from the bride:
We planned an elopement photoshoot in Chicago and loved working with Erika. She was not only professional but super easy and fun to work with especially during these stressful times. We also had to change locations a couple of times and every time she was helpful nailing down details. We also loved how she always came prepared and full of ideas — really, her optimistic and positive attitude helped get us through 30 degrees chilly Chicago winds.
The photos came out beautifully and couldn't have asked for more!
-Hana
Vendors:
Florist - Shamrock Garden Florist
Bridal Gown - Glamour Closet
Groom Attire - The Black Tux
Reception Venue - Salvatore's Restaurant
Bakery - Bittersweet Pastry Shop
Videographer - Pipe Dream Productions
Shelly and Wyatt had plans to get married this past May. Things happened… but rather than wait a full year to get married, they decided to elope at the Indiana Dunes National Park. They had a ceremony on top of a dune with their family present. It wasn’t what they planned but still beautiful and full of sweet love.
Rob and Nora met in Boston and moved to Chicago right at the beginning of the pandemic. They had plans to have a wedding in Puerto Rico with friends and family; however, well you know… So rather than wait to get married they put together this elaborate virtual wedding within just one week! They had a slideshow for guests that showcased the history of their relationship, family and friends did readings and made speeches, all were able to watch their ceremony and hear their sweet vows to each other, AND they cut cake and drank Champagne to celebrate it all!
While this day was planned rather quickly, it did not fall short in any way. It was filled to the brim with thoughtful touches, happiness, and love.
Last thing - Quick vendor shoutout: Nora found her hair and makeup team just days before the big day. Kiss This Makeup did such an amazing job!
The 2020 global pandemic has altered plans for many. Kate and Paul plan to have a large wedding in 2021, but rather than wait and see if their plans will remain the same, they decided to tie the knot a year earlier with a few friends in the Chicago area and many more loved ones via video chat.
I met up with them outside their apartment in Hyde Park as they helped each other put on their finishing touches. Side note - Paul actually did Kate’s hair! He gets two thumbs up from me. ;) We then walked along the path they take each day together to The University of Chicago - were they met. We took photos along the way and then at many personally significant spots on campus.
After photos we made our way to the Ida Noyes Hall Courtyard were their ceremony took place. Friends gathered around on blankets and more watched virtually as they exchanged their vows to each other. It was sweet and full of so much love.
Thankful to have been apart of this special day for Kate and Paul.
There’s no time like the present to be reminded of the joy and laughter from Breece and JR’s wedding day this past Fall. When I looked back at my notes during the planning process, I had asked them. “What details from your wedding day are you particularly excited about?” Here was their reply:
Everything! All the memories, laughs, smiles, and love from our family and friends. Getting ready with our friends, first look, saying our vows, hearing our families' speeches, EATING, and dancing!
When I looked back at these images to create this blog post, I was reminded of all these moments and how much happiness and love was felt throughout this entire day.
It greatly warmed my heart to be reminded of what a gift it is to document these special moments in peoples’ lives. Looking forward to the day I get to do this again; until then, I’ll continue to share my couples’ love stories here.
VENDORS:
Photo Location - Chicago Botanic Garden
Ceremony & Reception Venue - Pinstripes
Wedding Planner - Forever & Always Events
Bridal Dress - Essence of Australia
Groom Attire - Suit Supply & Tie Bar
Hair - Pin Me Up Chicago
Make-Up - Joyce Tsai, Pin Me Up Chicago
DJ - Remix Entertainment
Anna and Quinn are great friends of mine from church. When they asked me to photograph their intimate wedding at Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool you can only imagine how excited I was!
Anna and Quinn started dating back when they lived in D.C. They each have lived throughout the U.S. and Anna has even lived aboard for some time. When it came time to plan their wedding, they decided rather than have one large celebration in which many would have to travel to, they’d have an intimate ceremony with just immediate family in their current hometown of Chicago. Then they had wedding celebrations in their past hometowns for all to enjoy. And the thoughtfulness didn’t end there… They even lived streamed their wedding ceremony so that all were able to witness their beautiful wedding vows wether physically or virtually.
Capturing these friends of mine get married was a true joy and certainly a highlight to my year.
VENDORS:
Ceremony Venue - Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool
Brunch Venue - Uncommon Ground
Officiant - Jason Helveston
Videographer - Daniel D Video
Bride’s Attire - BHLDN
Groom’s Attire - Bonobos
Hair - Freyja Salon
Baby Mattingly #2 will soon be here! Our little family couldn’t be more excited. Given all the preparing for baby, I’ve been focusing a lot on finishing up some editing before I tackle updating my blog. Thankfully though, I’m all caught up with editing and now have a couple weeks to work on my blog before maternity leave! Excited to share with you all what I’ve been up to this wedding season.
First up - Allison and Nick’s summer wedding at Ovation Chicago!
When planning their wedding day, Allison and Nick really wanted to focus on providing good food and good fun for all those who came together to celebrate their marriage. Let me tell you, they did just that. Schauls Cuisine and Molly’s Cupcakes did not disappoint in the food and bake goods department. ;) And, when I was collecting images to put together this blog post, I couldn’t help but laugh my way through the bridal party and dance floor photos. This group was such a riot and they so clearly had a great time.
I’ll let the photos speak for the rest of the day!
VENDORS:
Reception Venue - Ovation Chicago
Ceremony Venue - St. Joseph Catholic Church
Hair/Make-Up - Bella Bridal Beauty
Invitations - Knox Signs and Graphics
Florals - Stella Gray Blooms
Bridal Gown - Allure Bridal
Groom Attire - Mens Wearhouse
Videographer - Trey Jones
Caterer - Schauls Cuisine
Bakery - Molly’s Cupcakes
DJ - Style Matters
Caitlin and Michael’s wedding day gave me such a renewed perspective on the importance of being a wedding photographer, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to capture their day.
Caitlin is a 1800s historian. When it came time to selecting their wedding venue The Haley Mansion, built-in 1893, seemed like the perfect place for them. This mansion was once home to many extravagant parties hosted by the Haleys, and has now been turned into an event space for all the enjoy. This space definitely has an old-world charm to it, and Caitlin and Michael made it their own with many personal touches throughout the home. For instance, both of them are avid readers so they decided to make some of their favorite books the centerpieces for the reception.
These details are great and all, but that’s not why this wedding had such an impact on me. Earlier this year Caitlin’s sister, Colleen, had to receive brain surgery and wasn’t able to attend the wedding. I can only imagine how difficult this all has been on their family, but they all wanted to make the most of the situation and through FaceTime calls Colleen was still so much apart of this day.
Many wedding photographers I know say they often cry at weddings and can get very emotional… Let me honest, that’s usually not me. Since having my own daughter, sometimes moments between parents can get to me but for the most part I can keep it together. But… Seeing the relationship between Caitlin and Colleen had me in tears all day long. Even while editing this wedding every time I got to the part where Caitlin “brought” Colleen to the dance floor and then her family gathered around Caitlin to dance with Colleen, I’ve cried. This is NOT normal for me haha! Witnessing this sister relationship was just that beautiful.
I’ve talked about this before and I’ll say it again… Wedding details are great and amazing couple portraits are the best, but goodness gracious it’s all about the people. This day you have to celebrate comes once in a lifetime and I want you to enjoy it as much as possible and be as present as possible. I want you to trust me to capture your day and all those there with you. I’m the photographer that hustles as much as I can because I can’t stand the thought you not having photos of your guests at cocktail hour. I’ll always be down for you to pull me aside to get a photo with your college roommates, or you dancing with your grandpa. And gosh (I know you’re not supposed to say this but oh well), I’m notorious for over-delivering on photos because I care that much that you can look back on your wedding photos 10+ years from now and get to actually see who was at your wedding.
Wedding photography is so much more than pretty photos of the couple or the perfect detail shots. It also about capturing all those who have come to support and love on you on this very special day. Those are the captures that’ll be cherished for a lifetime.
VENDORS:
Venue - The Haley Mansion
Invitations - Shine Wedding Invitations
Florals - Woodland Flowers Company
Bridal Gown - Suzanne Neville
Groom Attire - The Black Tux
DJ - Clik Entertainment
When speaking with Erika and Andy about their wedding day, they greatly emphasized that they wanted to create a laid-back atmosphere for all the enjoy as they celebrated their marriage. I’d say they created just that.
Warehouse 109 in Plainfield, IL provided such an amazing space with retro vibes - complete with old cars and motorcycles. Rather than have a traditional plated meal, Erika and Andy opted to have Wooden Paddle provide wood fire pizza. It was simply delicious and I’d highly recommend! They ended the night with Felix and Fingers dueling pianos. Let me tell ya, they put on quite the show!!
This day was packed full of sweet moments and much much laughter. I’m sure you’ll enjoy looking through this gallery as much as I enjoyed capturing it!
Vendors:
Venue - Warehouse 109
Bridal Gown - Davids Bridal
Groom’s Attire - Men's Warehouse
Invitations - Jordan Smuksta
Officiant - Jocelyn Ross
Florist - Costco
Caterer - Wooden Paddle
Dueling Pianos - Felix and Fingers
Jordan and Joe’s wedding day was truly unforgettable.
I know many people who would claim to be “dog lovers,” but never have I met a couple that actually met at a doggie daycare! How sweet is that?! About a year later, with their shared love of dogs and movies (Eternal Sunshine is their favorite), Jordan and Joe decided to tie the knot.
When it came time to plan their wedding day, Jordan had such a clear vision of how she wanted her wedding day to be:
We wanted a traditional wedding with some nontraditional twists. A little bit vintage, a little bit garden-inspired, and a little bit of whimsy all rolled into one. I watched my grandparent's renew their vows for their 50th wedding anniversary in my aunt's backyard at the age of ten, and I have wanted something like that ever since.
Jordan and Joe, with the help of their families, put together a gorgeous wedding in Jordan’s childhood home backyard. However, sometimes unpredicted things can happen and your day turns out to be quite different than you envisioned. Unpredicted rain came barring down just a couple hours before their ceremony was to start. While this essentially flooded the backyard, Jordan and Joe were such troopers and they were determined to get married despite some puddles and drizzling rain.
The day turned out much differently than they had planned, BUT they still got married and had a blast every step of the way! I loved how they truly embraced the day and made the most of it. This was such a special day to capture.
Vendors:
Bridal Gown - Marlene's Alterations
Invitations - Jacob Wagstaff
Florist - Homewood Florist
Caterer - Balagio
Bakery - Iverson's Bakery
In the midst of our Chicago winter, I had the pleasure of capturing Claire and Scott’s incredible wedding day at Ravenswood Event Center. And, in true Chicago winter fashion, their was practically a full on snow storm on their wedding day! BUT despite all that, there was still so much warmth, love and joy felt throughout their day.
Claire and Scott started the day getting ready at the new Hotel Zachary across the street from Wrigley Field. The hotel’s lobby provided a perfect space for photos. Seriously - the design of this lobby is absolutely gorgeous!
We then headed to Ravenswood Event Center for their intimate ceremony, followed by their laughter and dance filled reception… Just wait until you see some of these dance photos! I think they will help convey how much of a celebration the union of Claire and Scott was to all. Enjoy!
VENDORS:
Ceremony & Reception Venue - Ravenswood Event Center
Getting Ready & Photo Location - Hotel Zachary
Make-Up - Bomber Betty
Hair - Shear Genius Salon
Bridal Gown - Lovely Bride
Groom’s Attire - Black Tux
Florals - Anna Held Floral Studio
DJ - Toast & Jam
I have said this before about this wedding but as I have been looking back on this wedding weekend to put this blog together, I’ll say it again - This wedding was truly beautiful. I’m not referring to the details, venue, decor, etc. (even those though were gorgeous too). I’m talking about the beauty within this couple, the blending of their cultures and religious backgrounds, and the friends and family that came around them to support them. Witnessing all this come together moved me in such a way I’ve never felt before. I don’t know how else to simply describe other than to use the word beautiful. Capturing Katie and Taha’s love for each other was truly such a gift.
Also… I had one other specific thing I wanted to call out before you dive into this day. Taha is completely smitten with his bride! I’m sure you’ll be easily be able to tell as you look through these images. Gosh, I just think it is the sweetest thing when a groom can’t help but swoon over his bride. Go on and see for yourself!
Vendors:
Friday Reception Hall - Shalimar Banquets
Saturday Ceremony Venue - St. Anne Catholic Community
Saturday Reception Venue - Deer Path Inn
Bridal Gown - Michelle’s Bridal & Tuxedo
Bakery - Ambrosia Euro American Pâtisserie
DJ - Toast & Jam
Erica and Derek’s wedding day was put together with the hopes of reflecting their personal style.
“Our wedding is most definitely ROCK & ROLL with a little bit of a bohemian edge.” - Erica
Their wedding was just that.
Derek wore a custom made Lanskey Bros jacket that had the same black paisley print jacket that Elvis wore to his wedding, and the inner lining was made up of photographs of Elvis being tailored by Mr. Lansky (who was the clothier to the KING). This detail had great significance to Erica and Derek as they are hugeee Elvis fans.
Erica’s Moroccan inspired dress was designed by Hayley Paige and it was the perfect mix of boho and Rock & Roll.
Their ceremony was held in the wine garden of City Winery Chicago. The romantic/bohemian theme was seen throughout the decor. There was tons of greenery, a gorgeous blend of dark-wild burgundy flowers by Flowers by KH, and cafe lights strung overhead. Of course, can’t forget the beautifully made Moroccan rugs down the aisle.
Lastly, this Rock & Roll wedding wouldn’t have been complete without their incredible band, The Delta Bombers. A few years back Erica and Derek saw them play at City Winery and they loved them! When it came time for their wedding, they couldn’t think of a more perfect fit. So, the Bombers flew out from Las Vegas and made their wedding day that much more meaningful and helped bring their vision for their wedding day to life.
Vendors:
Venue & Caterer - City Winery Chicago
Dress - Hayley Paige
Groom Attire - Lanskey Bros
Hair - Amanda Fowler, MacDaddy Salon
Invites - Minted
Flowers - Flowers by KH
Band - The Delta Bombers
Sweets - Seph's Sweets
Hey friends!! With a full Fall wedding season and raising a now one-year old, I haven’t been able to blog as much as I’d like to. But now I’m all caught up with editing my 2018 weddings and I could NOT be more excited to share Lacey and Tyler’s wedding with you all!!
Lacey and Tyler went to the same high school but they didn’t really know each other at the time. Get this - in their high school yearbook, their photos were diagonal to each other! Flash forward some years later, Lacey and Tyler met at a club and their story together began. After dating for a little over five years, Tyler asked Lacey to marry him and I had the great honor of capturing their wedding day!
They both have a love of Autumn and the outdoors, so Northfork Farm in Oswego, IL was the perfect fit for them. PSA: If you’re looking for some FALL WEDDING INSPO, go no further. You’re about to see a Fall wedding done right. The beautiful Fall colored trees, the bride’s long-sleeve lace gown, and the Fall themed decor seen throughout the entire day all blended together to create the most perfect Fall wedding.
Gosh, I haven’t even mentioned how amazing Lacey and Tyler were to work with. I shot their engagement session last winter; you can view that here! Their engagement session was my first session back after maternity leave and they surely reminded me of why I love what I do. Their love for each is so easy and effortless. I don’t know how else to describe it, but when they are together there is this sense of fullness, as if they complete one another. I know that may sound cheesy but I’m just keepin’ real… I’m sure you’ll understand once you take a look their photos.
Now, cozy on up with some coffee and a fuzzy blanket to fully enjoy looking back on this incredible day.
VENDORS:
Venue - Northfork Farm
Make-Up - Katie Oertel
Hair - Molly Lagos, A Shear Encounter Downers Grove Hair Salon
Bridal Gown - Maggie Sottero
Groom’s Attire - Joseph Abboud
Florals - Mark Allen Inspired
Invites - Bethany Mavronicles
Caterer - Uncle Bob’s BBQ
Bakery - Ingram's Busy Bee Bakery
DJ - Matt Kuhnen, Style Matters
Kristin and Pavel met over 6 years ago while in grad school.. they both were obtaining their PhDs! Since their schooling played a huge role in their relationship, celebrating their love in a library seemed like the perfect fit for them. Kristin and Pavel exchanged their vows in Washington Square Park and then walked across the street to dance the night away with their close family and friends at Newberry Library.
This day was packed to the brim with so many gorgeous details. Abby of Heirloom Event Co providing thee most gorgeous blooms that had subtle nods to Beauty & the Beast. Glamour Closet provided such a stunning gown for Kristin, and Knot Standard made such a unique and sharp blue suit for Pavel… This is just to name a few of the amazing details - just wait until you scroll through this day and see allllll the goodness.
And, of course, this day wouldn’t have been so smooth and flawless without the incredible planning done by Katherine of Clover Events; she is a true gem.
Now, sit back and see the giddy-adorable love of Kristin and Pavel on their wonderful wedding day!
VENDORS:
Wedding Planner - Clover Events
Hair & Make-Up - Bianca Sansosti Artistry
Bridal Gown - Glamour Closet
Groom’s Attire - Knot Standard
Florals - Heirloom Event Co.
Invites - Shutterfly
Caterer & Bakery - D’Absolute
DJ - Yazz Jazz
Nina and Michael have been together for 10 years. So, when it came time for these two to tie the knot last August, you can imagine all the excitement that was shared between the couple and all their friends and family. This day was such a highly anticipated day for all and it was such a joy to witness Nina and Michael dedicate their lives to one another.
Nina and Michael have a great love for the outdoors and they wanted to bring nature aspects as much as possible into their day. Nina described her vision as a “romantic starlight in the garden feel.” With all their lushes blooms, gorgeous bridal headpiece, twinkling lights, and infectious love for one another, I believe their day was just that.
Vendors:
Hair & Make-Up - Diem Angie Co
Bridal Gown - BHLDN
Groom’s Attire - Generation Tuxedo
Florals - Table arrangements Ceciel’s Flowers, Bouquets The Bouqs Co.
Officiant - Father Richard Simon
Caterer - FIG Catering
Band - One Night Band
Cake - The Baking Institute
Sarah and Mike’s wedding day was a dream to capture. With Sarah’s love of flowers and plants and their combined love for industrial aesthetics, A New Leaf was the perfect venue for them. A New Leaf also provided thee most gorgeous flowers (just wait until you see these!).
Gosh. Truly everything about their day was so good. To name a few - Pin Me Up Chicago did such an amazing job with Sarah and her bridesmaid’s hair/makeup. Sarah’s gown from Lovely Bride was AHHmazing. FIG Catering provided easily one of the best meals I’ve ever had at a wedding (and I’ve been to many weddings). AND AND AND they had a gelato cart from Black Dog Chicago.
Lastly, this day wouldn’t have come together so seamlessly if not for Cecil of Prickly Pear Events.
Sarah + Mike - If you could not tell already, I loved capturing your wedding day. You two were so sweet and your love for each other was such a joy to witness. Thank you so much for having me, and happy one month anniversary!
VENDORS:
Wedding Planner - Prickly Pear Events
Hair & Make-Up - Pin Me Up Chicago
Bridal Gown - Lovely Bride
Bridal Tailor - Ette Tailor
Groom’s Attire - The Black Tux
Florals - A New Leaf Chicago
Officiant - Pastor Kris Hewitt
Caterer - FIG Catering
DJ - Cage + Aquarium
Gelato Cart - Black Dog Chicago
Late last year, Jen and Patrick decided to elope in Yosemite National Park. Only a handful of friends and family were able to make their elopement, so they planned to have a larger celebration back in Chicago for all to enjoy.
Jen and Patrick have been together for 13 years. When it came time to plan this larger celebration, they wanted to create something unique yet personal. So they decided to host a block party on the same Chicago street that Patrick grew up on.
Between all the games, personalized Jen + Patrick tattoos, potluck style dinner, gorgeous florals, and joy-filled moments seen throughout the day, this wedding celebration was for sure one to remember. I'll even admit, as I was editing these images a thought crossed my mind that if Brandon and I were to get married again I would definitely consider having a block party wedding. Seriously THE coolest day. Now see for yourself - I'm sure you all will agree!
Vendors:
Hair & Make-Up - Diem Angie
Invitations - Minted
Florals - Anemone Creative LLC
Caterer - Potluck Style Dinner
DJ - DJ AD Entertainment
Bakery - Magnolia Bakery
