A couple weeks ago I got to capture Gus and Belle get engaged! Here’s the story behind this proposal location... Gus was the new kid at school in 8th grade. Then one day at recess Belle walked up to him under this gorgeous tree to say hi.
They’ve been together ever since.
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!
A few weeks ago I had the great joy of capturing my friends' maternity session. Anna and Kevin will be parents any day now and I couldn't be more excited for them!
Sappy/personal story coming at ya - Capturing my friends' maternity session brought me back to when I was pregnant with Ari and the maternity session a friend did for me.
I loved those photos but the importance of them did not really hit me until after I had Ari. A couple weeks post birth, I remember putting my daughter down for a nap and pulling up our maternity photos. Friends, I balled. Like a real good ugly cry. It all came full circle for me. This precious baby that was now napping next to me, also grew into a person inside my body. Now she wasn't there anymore but here she was and I could now touch and feel her skin, hands, feet... Postpartum emotions may have played a role too, but nonetheless, it was such an emotional thing for me to walk through and hit me in a way I didn't see coming.
It made me appreciate those photos that much more. These images helped capture that 9 month season. A season that felt so long at the time but post birth I'd sometimes wish I could carry my sweet girl a little while longer.
You may be wondering, why am I sharing this? I think it is such a good reminder that these seasons we are in while they may seem long and exhausting, they are also short and beautiful. Whether you are engaged and hoping to get married in the next year or two; expecting your first baby any day now and tired/achy more than your comfortable with; have a newborn at home and lacking much needed sleep; or, have littles running around and you can't seem to get everything on your to-do list done... There are many more seasons but these are just a few I've walked/am walking through. But my encouragement is to be sure to photograph the season you're in! I assure you that one day you will look back on those photos and be thankful that those good ol' days were captured.
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.
As your kids get older, you may be a little less likely to have your family photos taken. However, I encourage you to still do them! These years are still so precious and your kids are probably growing up faster than you could believe. Take some time to capture these older ages too. I promise you that we will still capture some sweet memories that will be cherished for years to come.
Side note, I am also a huge fan of grabbing some solo parent photos too even when it is a family session. It’s so important to capture your love too!
This was my second time capturing the Tanaka family and what a joy it was. Our first session together was back when their son, Logan, was just two months old. Now he is two-and-a-half year old with a personality that just lights up the room. The smiles shared by this family were infectious. I am so thankful my work brings me to a place that captures the pure joy and happiness children bring to the world.
Looking forward to capturing this family again now that they’ve got a new little man added to the fam!
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
When I was in high school, Indiana Dunes National Park was one of those places we used to go in the summer time and I absolutely loved it. Such a beautiful and peaceful place to be. Now I have a husband who actually grew up in this area, and we’ve created many fun memories there too. Fun fact - Ari’s (our daughter) first beach day took place at the Indiana Dunes! Gosh, this place has a special piece of my heart.
When it came time to planning Shelly and Wyatt’s engagement session they knew they wanted something in nature and at golden hour. When we decided on the Indiana Dunes, I was thrilled! I learned even more so how magical and gorgeous the Indiana Dunes are at sunset.
Shelly and Wyatt are a fun, low-key couple that have been together nearly a decade. Their love for each other feels easy and natural, and I loved every minute of capturing it.
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
My trip to Napa, California to photograph Kylie and Joe’s wedding was such a dream. I had never been to Napa and it is as gorgeous as everyone describes.
When Kylie and Joe got engaged they knew they wanted to have a small, low-key wedding with just their family present. They choose to get married in Napa because of its beautiful scenery and laid-back, friendly vibe. It also gave their families all an excuse to relax and enjoy a trip together!
When Kylie asked me to tag along on this adventure I was completely thrilled! I actually ran into our living room with excitement to tell my husband hah! … Kylie and Joe were so much fun to work with. Given that their day was so laid-back they were open to any and all ideas I shot their way, and I think it shows in the photos! We ended up getting some amazing captures throughout the day.
I’ll just end it here and let these photos speak for themselves!
One more thing!! FUN FACT: In the past year I have photographed three siblings weddings! Kylie’s brother, Mike, and sister, Claire, also had weddings this past year. Capturing this amazing family’s weddings has truly been a career highlight for me. Click here to see Mike and Sarah’s wedding, and here to see Claire and Scott’s wedding!
Vendors:
Wedding Planner - Duncan Reyes Events
Venue - Hans Fahden Vineyards
Bridal Gown - Dear Heart Bride
Groom Attire - Nordstrom
Hair & Make-Up - Sherrie Long
Officiant - Kimberly Thompson
Florist - Floramor
Guitarist - Montara Music, Mike McCall
Wedding Menus and Place Cards - Hyegraph Invitations & Calligraphy
Catering - Elaine Bell Catering
Bakery - Flour & Bloom
This year on June 8th I had the pleasure of capturing Haley and Vincent’s wedding day at Friendship Botanic Gardens in Michigan City, IN. The whole day came together beautifully. The photos will give a good view of it all but I just thought it was worth calling out a few of my favorite moments/aspects from this amazing day:
The friends and family that surrounded Haley and Vincent were just so kind and filled with so much happiness for the soon-to-be newlyweds.
ALL the flowers seen throughout the day were put together by Haley and her bridesmaids. Let me say it for you - WOW!
You can just tell from the first look how much Vincent loves and adores his bride.
This bridal party was pretty large, but I could clearly see how much history and love was there between them all.
During the maid of honor and best man speech, Haley used her grandmother’s handkerchief to wipe away her many happy, joy-filled tears.
The dance floor was lit and a pink blow-up microphone added many laughs and hilarious captures to this catalog.
Simply put, this day was special. Now hope you enjoy looking through as much as I enjoyed capturing it!
Vendors:
Venue - Friendship Botanic Gardens
Bride’s dress - Marie Gabriel Couture
Groom’s attire - Vera Wang - Men's Warehouse
Invitations - Vistaprint
Hair - Top Knot Bridal
Makeup - Bailey Carter
Caterer - Scartozzis
Bakery - Macris
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
