Chicago Wedding and Elopement Photographer

Chicago’s First Lady Cruise Wedding: Christie + Angel 6/15/18

September 10, 2018

When you want to take in all the best views that Chicago has to offer there is nothing better than getting married on boat!

I met the couple at Swissotel where they were getting ready. It’s a short walk form there to the boat dock and you could even see the boat from their suite window! Some details and getting ready and we were off to set sail!

It was a pretty hot day so the breeze on the water was a welcome relief. Once everyone was aboard we pushed off and headed west on the river as the ceremony began. We were literally surrounded by the city as they said “I do”. And got a lot of honks and yells from boats passing by and those on shore! From there we headed up the North Branch while doing family photos and then back down the main stretch of the city to make our way out onto the lake.

Guests headed downstairs to enjoy a taco bar and toasts while we made it through the lock to enjoy the full skyline view of the lake at sunset. It doesn’t get much better than that!

We spent the rest of evening cruising the river while they danced the night way!

Congrats to the newlyweds! Here are some of my favorites!

Venue: Chicago’s First Lady Cruises

Getting Ready Location : Swissotel

Hair & Makeup: Zea Salon

Flowers: Dilly Lily

Cake: Blue Sky Bakery

Catering : Harry Caray Catering & Events

Wedding Gown : Weddings 826

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Oak Brook Bath and Tennis Club Wedding : Brianna + Ethan 5/26/18

August 23, 2018

Meet Brianna & Ethan! They are the sweetest couple and I have been so excited for this wedding since the moment that I met them. We did their engagement session in the fall (you can see that here) and I love that they used some of those photos, especially the one of their dog to incorporate him into their wedding day!

They chose to have only their sibling in their wedding party which I loved. You can’t beat being surrounded by people you love! We had their first look in the hotel and then headed off to the park for some photos. It was a surprisingly hot day for the start of summer, but they were troopers! Their ceremony at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Darien was beautiful and heartfelt. I definitely saw more than one tear shed!

From there we headed off to Oak Brook Bath and Tennis for their reception. Around sunset I talked them into heading out to this hill on the other side of the pond for a few photos. I think they thought I was crazy as sometimes people don’t see what I see right away. I was I laying in some taller grass that resulted in about 15 bug bites, but I love the silhouette shot of them on top of that hill! Worth it!

The dance floor quickly became packed and stay that way! They took a moment to play a special song for Brianna’s parents, their first dance song! I thought that was so cool!

Congratulations to the newlyweds!

Ceremony: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel

Reception : Oak Brook Bath & Tennis

Florist : Walden Floral Design

DJ : Elevated Event Design

Hair & Makeup: Kate Johnson Artistry Bridal

Cake : Cakefections

Catering: Tasty Catering

Wedding Gown : Designer – Stella York- Store – White Satin Bridal

Bridesmaids Dresses : David’s Bridal

Groom and Groomsman : Men’s Wearhouse

Second Photographer: Carrie Holbo

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Edgewood Valley Country Club Wedding : Cathie + Charlie 4/28/18

July 10, 2018

Meet Cathie & Charlie! The very first moment I met them I was hoping they would hire me to capture their wedding. And thankfully they did!

You could say that they aren’t your “traditional” couple, but I’m not one that wants to do the same wedding over and over again. When Cathie contacted me and gave me some of the details about them, I was in love. I believe her actual words at our meeting were, “I never thought I’d be a first time bride in my 60’s”. Love has no age and these two are proof of that.

I met them at her sister’s house where they were getting ready and did a first look and some photos. From there we headed off to the church which was gorgeous. Apparently it’s the oldest church around as it was built in the 1850’s and is on the National Historic Register! They had a wonderful ceremony complete with a handfasting ceremony.

After their I Do’s we headed off to cocktail hour and the reception at Edgewood Valley Country Club. I love this venue and the high ceiling where the dance floor is makes for some awesome first dance shots. We snuck out for a few sunset photos and then back in to dance the night away!

Congratulations to the newlyweds. Here are some of my favorites!

Ceremony Venue: St. James Church at Sag Bridge

Reception Venue: Edgewood Valley Country Club

Wedding Planner : Angie Welter – Blossom & Branch Designs

DJ : Toast & Jam

Flowers: Vince’s Florist

Invitations: 221 Creations

Hair & Makeup: Marlo Shop