Anna + Quinn || Chicago, IL Engagement Session

Anna and Quinn are good friends of mine, and it was such an honor to capture them in their new home city. Throughout their relationship they’ve had many miles between them, but the past few months they both lived in Chicago and it’s been so sweet to see their love for each other grow as they prepare for marriage! Looking forward to capturing their “I do’s” this Fall.

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Jordan + Joe || Homewood, IL Backyard Wedding

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. 

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Vendors:

Bridal Gown - Marlene's Alterations

Invitations - Jacob Wagstaff

Florist - Homewood Florist

Caterer - Balagio

Bakery - Iverson's Bakery

Claire + Scott || Ravenswood Event Center Chicago, IL Winter Wedding

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!

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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

Katie + Taha || Deer Path Inn Lake Forest, IL Wedding

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!

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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

Breece + JR || Downtown Chicago, IL Engagement Session

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Erica + Derek || City Winery Chicago, IL Wedding

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.

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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

Jamie + Ryan || Fulton Market Chicago, IL Engagement Session

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Lacey + Tyler || Northfork Farm Oswego, IL Wedding

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.

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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 + Pavel || Newberry Library Chicago, IL Wedding

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! 

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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 + Michael || Chicago Marriott Schaumburg, IL Wedding

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.

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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 + Mike || A New Leaf Chicago, IL Wedding

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! 

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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

Haley + Vince || Garfield Park Conservatory Chicago, IL Engagement Session

Vince and I were both engineering students working at an orthopedic company as co-ops. We actually met at a bar and did karaoke with each other the first night we met.... at a biker bar... (We like to leave that part out if we're talking to our grandparents! HAHA!) After that night we remained friends for about 6 months or so, and started dating during our next co-op rotation (and the rest is history)! - Haley

I love that story so much! Haley and Vince are such a sweet and genuine couple. It was such a joy capturing this season of life for them, and I could not be more excited to capture their boho inspired wedding next June - I am sure it'll be a good one!

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Kelsie + Chris || Notre Dame South Bend, IN Wedding

Kelsie and Chris’s wedding was one for the books. It was filled with so much love, laughter, happy tears, and celebration.

A few months ago, Kelsie also asked me to also capture her bachelorette party and bridal shower. This was the first time I have covered these wedding events for one of my brides, and it was honestly such a gift to do so. I got to know her friends and family a bit more and to witness how much love they had for her and Chris. So when it came time to capture their wedding day, I already knew it would be such a joyous, emotional and love-filled day. 

Kelsie + Chris - You have such an amazing group of friends and family that love and support you. It was truly an honor to be included in one of the most important days in your relationship. It will surely be one I will never forget. 

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Vendors: 

Coordinator - Monica Newland, Merry Me Events

Hair - Carli Conlon

Make-Up - Sarah Arriggo

Bride's Dress - Vera Wang

Videographer - Imagination Designers

Florist - Cher, Merry Me Events

Band - Standing Room Only

Caterer - Cafe Navarre

Bakery - Macri's Bakery

Jen + Patrick || Chicago, IL Block Party Wedding

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!

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Vendors: 

Hair & Make-Up - Diem Angie 

Invitations - Minted

Florals - Anemone Creative LLC

Caterer - Potluck Style Dinner

DJ - DJ AD Entertainment

Bakery - Magnolia Bakery

Frances + Jono || Humboldt Park Chicago, IL Engagement Session

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Grace + Anthony || Labagh Woods Chicago, IL Engagement Session

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Jackelyn + Peter || Chicago, IL Engagement Session

Jackelyn and Peter met at work five years ago... and now, they are engaged to wed! For their engagement session, we walked along the city streets that they walk together each day on their way to work. We then hit Fullerton Beach for some gorgeous city views. Throughout the entire session, Jackelyn and Peter were so incredibly comfortable with one another and made each other laugh with ease.

I truly couldn't be more excited for these two as they plan to commit to forever together. <3

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Bridal Boutique by New Name || Chicago, IL Wedding Photographer

One of my favorite parts of a wedding day is seeing a bride's dress for the first time and getting the chance to swoon over it during portraits. So when Jill Fager of J.M. Fager contacted me to help her take bridal portraits for  Bridal Boutique by New Name I was over the moon with excitement! Not only would I get to capture gorgeous gowns, but I'd also get to help support an amazing nonprofit that sells wedding dresses at a discounted rate and then one hundred perfect of its proceeds go towards helping exploited women. How amazing is that?!

Many talented women came together to make this shoot happen (see below!), and I am so honored to have been apart of this incredible team.

Organization - Bridal Boutique by New Name

Makeup Artist -  Ashley LaHood

Hair - Unwana Rose

Studio - Mingo Gallery

Models - Geneva, Dana, Tamara & Jenna

Photographers - J.M. Fager & Erika Mattingly Photography

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ALSO - On May 5th there will be a New Name Bridal Boutique Sale and Dress Drive! If you're in need of a dress be sure to stop by, friends!!

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Maia + Mike || Gilt Bar Chicago, IL Engagement Session

When Maia and Mike first started dating, they lived just down the street from each other. Each time they went to see each other they had to walk across Kinzie Street Bridge. And, just down the street from Kinzie Street Bridge is the location of their first date, Gilt Bar Chicago. Flash forward two years later, when it came time to plan for their engagement photos we of course went back to where it all began. 

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