Mary + Sean || Thalia Hall Chicago Wedding

This wedding is definitely one of those days I will never forget. On Mary and Sean's wedding day it rained. Not just a light drizzle; I mean downpour all. day. long. But despite the crazy weather, we were able to find some pockets of natural light inside Thalia Hall Chicago and the results are stunning! They are easily some of my favorite portraits to date. You know that saying that having rain on your wedding day is good luck? I think that saying surely rang true for Mary and Sean's day. This wedding was so unique and so sweet to have been a part of. 

Mary and Sean live in California so I hadn't officially met with them until their wedding day. From the moment I met them, they treated me with such grace and kindness. After seeing them together at their first look, I could so easily see the love they had for one another. It was so sweet to witness. Not only did they so clearly love one another, but their family and friends had such a clear love for them as well. Just so you know what I mean... when Mary and Sean walked on stage for their ceremony they received a standing ovation from all those in the audience! That was a first for me. From there, love and joy were just radiating throughout the whole day. 

This day could not have been complete without the help of an outstanding vendor team. Elizabeth of Anticipation Events did an incredible job organizing this event. Just wait until you see the floral arrangement for the huppah; La Rue Floral work was insanely gorgeous. The Chicago Players seriously know how to put on a show and get people on the dance floor - SO many hilarious dancing moments in this post. Full vendor list below! 

Enjoy!!

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Vendors: 

Photography - Erika Mattingly Photography 

Venue - Thalia Hall Chicago

Wedding Planner - Anticipation Events

Florist & Tablescape Rentals - La Rue Floral

Band - The Chicago Players

Hair + Makeup - Charles Ifergan

Photo Booth - Magic Moment Photo Booth

Caterer - Dusek's

Daphne + Chris || Chicago, IL Engagement Session

Daphne and Chris met in homeroom during high school... yup, these two adorable humans are high school sweethearts and its the best. After all these years of knowing each other, they instantly become comfortable with each other during their engagement session in the gardens of The Art Institute of Chicago. Their laughter was so sweet! Cannot wait to capture these two tying the knot next May!! 

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Maureen + Scott || Chicago, IL Wedding

Maureen and Scott's wedding was simple, modern and timeless. Their love of Chicago came through with every detail of their wedding day... I mean they had Lou Malnati's for dinner - doesn't get more Chicago than that! 

One of my favorite aspects of their day is their clear love for not only each other but also all those they've surrounded themselves with. Throughout the day there was so much joy and constant laughter. There were also some pretty epic toasts that had the whole room cracking up. At one point, Maureen's brother was also DJ'ing the wedding! It was quite the show. Much more sweet and memorable moments from their wedding - see for yourself! 

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Vendors: 

Photography - Erika Mattingly Photography 

Coordinator - That Special Event

Videographer - With Love Productions 

Invitations - Paper Culture

Florist - Whole Foods

DJ - Style Matters

Caterer - Lou Malnati's

Cookies - Insomnia Cookies

Wedding Dress Designer - White Tree Designs 

Groom's Attire - Men's Warehouse 

Hair/Make-Up - XO Studio

Laura + Chad || Chicago, IL Wedding at Garfield Park Conservatory & Trigger

Laura and Chad grew up in the same neighborhood. When they were 15 years old they met each other in a park... they were interested in each other for many years but waited to start dating until the timing was just right. Fast forward to present day and these two have been married for exactly one month!

From their gorgeous details to their love rainbow ice cream cones, this wedding day was truly unique. Their first look at Garfield Park Conservatory was so sweet to witness. The Big Star taco bar at Trigger Chicago was certainly a hit. And, even though their sweet pup could not come to their actual wedding, they found fun and unique ways to incorporate his presence throughout the reception (you'll see what I mean). 

This intimate affair is one I will surely not forget. 

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Vendors: 

• Photographer - Erika Mattingly Photography
• Photo Session Location - Garfield Park Conservatory
• Ceremony & Reception Venue - Trigger Chicago
• Stationary - Laura Rupp
• Florist - HMR Designs - Hello Darling
• Caterer - Big Star
• Bakery - Desert - Rainbow Cone
• Bride's Attire - Mignonette Bridal
• Groom's Attire - Bonobos
• Hair - Sparrow
• Make-Up - Barbra Anne Butchk

Logan Square Family Session || Chicago, IL Family Photographer

Just a few months ago, this sweet family welcomed Judah into their world. I had the joy of capturing some adorable moments for them in their home. Quickly I learned that Judah enjoys putting his hands in his mouth, playing with his cute little feet, and flying through the air (with some support from his parents, of course!). Hope you enjoy some favorites from this session! 

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Sweet Melissa Desserts || Chicago Editorial Shoot

Shoots with Sweet Melissa Desserts are too good. She seriously makes the most incredible desserts and I just love the way she incorporates inspiration from her grandmother throughout her business. For instance, the bundt cake [pictured below] was her grandmother's recipe and she still even has her grandmother's cake server to go with it! 

For this shoot, Melissa and I worked on capturing all her new branding materials and some new treats to her shop... I'll let you in on a little secret - her snickerdoodle cookies are the best I've ever tasted. Seriously. You need to give them a try. 

SPOILER ALERT - there's a little surprise towards the end of this blog post. 

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So my husband, Brandon Mattingly, decided to tag along on this shoot and film some behind the scenes. Here's a little video to see what the shoot look liked. Enjoy! 

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Geneva || Chicago, IL Mini Portrait Session

Earlier this month I met up with Geneva of Kite & Spring Photography. Geneva has been such a sweet friend of mine this past year - sushi dates are our norm. For our most recent meetup, we decided to do some photos together to try out some new techniques at her apartment. It was so fun to think outside the box a little bit and get creative in new ways. Will definitely be incorporating some of these things in upcoming shoots. Enjoy! 

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Maureen + Scott || Chicago, IL Engagement Session

Lincoln Park never looked so pretty. Maureen, Scott and I met in mid-October for their engagement session. The Fall colors were just peeking through and it created a gorgeous backdrop for their shoot. Excited to meet again for their wedding next June.

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Allie + Connor || Chicago, IL Engagement Session

I'll be the first to say that getting up before sunrise can be tough... but I am SO glad I did for these two. A little over nine years ago, Allie and Connor met in high school (my high school in fact!) and they have been dating ever since. After being with each other for so long, their love for one another is too good to miss. He makes her laugh so hard without even saying a word... literally, I asked him to whisper something funny in her ear and he couldn't think of anything to say so he said "nothing." As I type this I'm thinking that maybe that was a had to be there moment haha.. But okay I'll stop rambling and let you enjoy! 

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We are just half way through! After our sunrise session at North Avenue Beach, we went for coffee to catch up. Among other things, we chatted about wedding details - let me tell ya, their wedding is going to be gorgeous and I am so excited for them! I also got to hear their proposal story. So as I mentioned they met in high school - Connor thought it would be a good idea to take Allie back to classroom where they met to propose! He decorated the room with photos they've taken together throughout their 9+ years together. How sweet is that?! Gosh, I love hearing sweet proposal stories. :) Okay, now on to the rest of their engagement session at Lincoln Park Conservatory. 

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Sweet Melissa Desserts || Chicago, IL Commercial Shoot

Earlier this summer I got the chance to work with Melissa from Sweet Melissa Desserts. Melissa was so much fun to work with and the DL Loft gave us such a perfect backdrop for this shoot! For this session Melissa made her cherry-almond scones. I love a good scone and let me tell ya these were irresistible! Apart from her desserts, we also incorporated personal aspects of her company throughout the shoot. Melissa's grandmother taught Melissa so much about baking and was a huge inspiration for her to start her own business. Melissa also recalled how her grandfather would always tell his wife "gimme some sugar!" Now Melissa wears an apron with this saying on it to continuously remind her of her amazing grandparents and the inspiration they are to her. How sweet is that?! Thankful I was able to capture these sweet (pun intended) for Melissa.  

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Dana || Chicago, IL Portrait Session

Dana has been a friend of mine since my freshman year of college. Today we got together and made flower crowns. Of course, I had to take some photos of this gal! 

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Gina + Paul || Chicago, IL Engagement Session

Gina and Paul are seriously the sweetest! Believe it or not, they actually found me through Instagram. They were my first inquiry from Instagram and I am so thankful for the chance to meet these two! The way Gina and Paul smile and laugh in front of the lens is simply adorable. Looking forward to capturing their love once again later this summer!

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Boho Chic Wedding Inspiration || Chicago, IL Wedding Photographer

This styled shoot at Garfield Park Conservatory was a dream to capture. 

THAT dress - enough said. The groom looked handsome from head to toe. The florals got me daydreaming about Spring. Anyone with a flower crown has got me swooning. Handmade wedding bands uniquely designed. Macrame designs throughout to add a touch of boho flare. Watercolor paper goods that are simply gorgeous. So much more boho-chic details here. Be sure to check out the crazy talented vendors listed below!

Oh AND - the video is a must see! Enjoy :) 

Update: This shoot has been featured in Junebug Weddings!

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Behind the Scenes Video

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Vendors

• Photography - Erika Mattingly Photography
• Wedding Gown - Mignonette Bridal
• Male Clothing - BOGA
• Flower Crown - Emily Rose Flower Crowns
• Makeup Artist - Carly Pribich, Makeup Artist
• Hairstylist - Unwana Rose
• Macrame Designer - Amy Zwikel Studio
• Florist - Veil Event Design
• Jeweler - Moira K. Lime Jewelry
• Graphic Designer - Emily Rose Ink
• Event Designer - Lil Epic Event Design
• Video - Brandon Mattingly
• Venue - Garfield Park Conservatory

Sarai + Roberto || Chicago, IL Engagement Session

This Chicago winter engagement session at Millennium Park and the Chicago Cultural Center was all sorts of beautiful. I am truly looking forward to when these two tie the knot this March! 

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Keith + Jazmin || Chicago, IL Engagement Session

I met Jazmin through rugby in college - YES, I used to play rugby - fullback to be exact. Not only is Jazmin a rockstar on the rugby field, but she is also such a sweet and loving gal. I'm so happy that she has found her hilarious mate, Keith, to spend her life with. Seriously, Keith and Jazmin had me laughing this whole session! I am truly looking forward to photographing their wedding next Fall. 

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Tyler + Emily || Chicago, IL Lifestyle Session

These two are absolutely beautiful and it was their wedding that actually brought my husband and I together. I have much love for these two. This golden hour shoot on their Chicago rooftop was just too good.

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Justin + Dana || Chicago, IL Lifestyle Session

Even though it rained throughout the whole shoot, these two were troopers. I was smiling ear to ear editing these.

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