Another point to add to my endless list of why I love being a photographer – I get to be one of the first to meet new family members! This awesome little dude is my husband’s cousin’s baby and my husband was so jealous when I headed out to do this session when baby Ben was just ten days old. As a gift I’ll be doing his first year of photos so you’ll be seeing lots of baby Ben on the blog. I don’t think anyone will mind, right? Such a cutie, with the most rad little hairdo…

Josh decided that a trip to Lindsey’s favorite city of Chicago would be the perfect time to surprise her with a marriage proposal. He picked the lakefront as the spot to pop the question so the beautiful Chicago skyline could serve as the backdrop for our photos. After a fun but very chilly day enjoying the St. Patrick’s Day festivities, Lindsey did her best not to complain when Josh insisted they take a long walk along the lakefront when it was absolutely freezing out. She soon discovered it was worth it – she was rewarded with a proposal to marry the love of her life, a gorgeous engagement ring and some beautiful photos to remember this special day.

A big congratulations to you Josh & Lindsey – you are such a lovely couple and will be an awesome bride and groom! Many thanks for having me share and capture your big day – it was a joy. A very cold joy, but so much fun! Best wishes for a beautiful life together!

“Ever since I was a  little, I’ve dreamed of a black and white wedding…” Audra explained when asked about her design influence for her wedding day. Audra and Dan’s elegant winter wedding was like a fairytale – everything was grand, gorgeous and just perfect. From Audra’s ah-mazing Rosa Clara gown from Mira Couture to her princess like walk down the long aisle of the gorgeous Holy Family Church and everything in between, Audra and Dan’s wedding was simply stunning, and little Audra’s dream wedding was a reality.

I met the ladies in their gorgeous suite and the JW Marriott Chicago just as the finishing touches to hair and makeup were applied. The natural light was just incredible as Audra got into her gown and made for some gorgeous images.

We took a few minute before heading to the ceremony to capture some portraits at the JW Marriott. The beautifully restored landmark building designed by Daniel Burnham made for a stunning backdrop for a stunning bride.

The incredible orchid bouquets and grand floral arrangements at the reception were created by The English Garden.

Audra and Dan chose not to see each other until she walked down the aisle. I love the nervous anticipation that wait creates! But we did arrange for them to give each other a blind hand squeeze just minutes before the ceremony start.

Here she comes!

Holy Family was still decorated for Christmastime theme and the dramatic lighting filled the church with a warm glow. It made Audra’s fairy princess walk down the aisle even more magical.

Audra is the varsity girls  lacrosse coach for St. Ignatius College Prep as well as the director of the Chicago Youth Lacrosse league. Her girls participated in the wedding day by creating a grand exit from the church with their decorated lacrosse sticks.

Despite the cold January temps, Audra and Dan braved the winter chill to get some shots along the lakefront. It was really important to them to get a wedding photo here – this spot is exactly where Dan proposed more than a year ago!

Audra and Dan’s wedding reception was held in the historic Rookery Building, another of Daniel Burnham’s masterpieces with interior details designed by Frank Llyod Wright. The elegant architectural details of the light court are simply gorgeous and added greatly to the grandeur of the day.

How fun are the guys argyle socks?! And a nice tie in to the other lime green accents.

Dan and Audra’s parents making their grand entrance into the reception…

One of my favorite traditions of Lithuanian weddings takes place as the bride and groom are formally announced at the reception.They walk through a series of sashes but cannot pass through some until they kiss – makes for some great photos!

After an amazing dinner, several meaningful toasts and first dances – the dance party went into full swing!

Audra & Dan ~ thank you so much for having me be a part of your fairytale wedding. It was such a joy to capture the love, excitement and beauty that filled your day!

More vendor info…

A big thanks to my second photographer Deonna Caruso who is not only amazing behind the lens but without her camera too!

Hair & Makeup: Tamara Hair + Makeup Artistry

Videographer: Jaysin at NightOwls Media - I loved working with Jaysin and his video from this wedding is amazing – highly recommend!

Wedding Cake: Toni’s Patisserie

Nida and Nate were married just a few days before Christmas, right about when the holiday glow and excitement were reaching their peaks. The Christmas decorations everywhere made their beautiful day even more magical. While it was the gigantic smiles on both of their faces that had the most impact on the beauty of their day, their Victorian themed locations added to the beauty too. They were married in the Old Central Church, built in 1895 and now located on the Illinois Historic Registry for it grand architecture. And their reception was held at the gorgeous Patrick Haley Mansion. Also built in the 1890s, the stately mansion is filled with authentic Victorian furniture and decor. The addition of a conservatory style ballroom allows for large celebrations and Nida and Nate’s guests rocked that Victorian house! It was an absolutely gorgeous wedding day for the lovely Nida & Nate!

Nida & Nate – thank you the opportunity to capture your beautiful wedding day – it was such an honor and a pleasure! I wish you so much joy, love and laughter during you lives together.

(And a big thanks to Ernst Jacobsen, my second shooter, for not only being a swell guy to shoot with but for some awesome images too!)

We so lucked out on the weather for our mid-November photo session. With sunny skies and temps in the upper 60′s, the Moses family and I hit Lighthouse Beach in Evanston to capture their family. The kids posed and smiled on cue, patiently waiting for the promised romp on the beach at the end of our session. And after all the little ones I shot this fall, I have to admit that I really enjoyed working with older kids who listened and followed instructions. It kinda shocked me at first when they did what I wanted the first time I asked. The Moses kids made my job so easy and we had a blast. Thanks guys for such a fun session!

Sweet and sassy Miss A turned two – seems like it was just yesterday we did her one year session. My favorite part of the session was when she started calling me “lady”. “Hey Lady, come over here…hey lady, watch this” As you see, she is a little princess into proper tea service so it seemed only fitting that she referred to me as a lady…

One of the numerous reasons why being a photographer is the best job ever is getting to check out how different couples get married. Everyone is doing the same thing, becoming husband and wife, but every wedding is unique in its details. In my opinion, the best have the couple’s personality shining through – and Sarah Jane and Jack’s did just that. OMG – did I love this wedding!! Sarah Jane and Jack tied the knot at Chicago’s hippest brewpub Revolution Brewing in Logan Square. Their ceremony was short and sweet, performed by their friend who’s credentials came via the internet. One of the hors d’ouevres was bacon fat popcorn and the beverage choices included an Anti-Hero IPA. Sarah Jane did an amazing job with all the details – I loved her mix of vintage and funky. The night was intimate, relaxed, warm and filled with love. Here are just a few of my many favorite images….

Jack wasn’t  into the whole photo thing – which I totally understand and respect, I’m the same way. So we kept the portraits short, simple and as pain free as possible – and I love them. Here is the happy couple just before they became husband and wife!!

Loved the use of playing cards as place and table cards!

Sarah and her stole!

Their wedding cake – it just makes me smile.

Sarah and her dad as the ceremony begins…

Sarah gets a little teary…

And then very giddy!

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Kaplan!! It was an honor and a joy to be a part of your awesome wedding and I wish you so much love, happiness, laughter and good fortune in your lives together.

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