Chicago Wedding and Elopement Photographer

An intimate weekday wedding: Tisha and Matt – 8/8/13 in Chicago, IL

August 30, 2013

It seemed only fitting that since Matt proposed on Tisha’s birthday that she would marry him on his birthday!

When I first spoke with Tisha I loved that they were planning such a small sweet affair with their families. I was honored to be a part of it.

We started the day at City Hall where they “officially ” married in front of 10 or so family members. From there we made a couple photo stops before heading to Nightwood restaurant for their reception and ring ceremony. Tisha’s dad did a wonderful job of providing wisdom as the two said their vows and exchanged rings in a more personal ceremony at the restaurant.

We followed that up with an AMAZING dinner. Seriously you need to check this place out – http://www.nightwoodrestaurant.com/.

Thank you to Tisha and Matt for letting me be a part of your day and to both of your families for welcoming me with open arms!

Flowers – Garland Flowers in Oak Park, IL

Dress- J & L Bridal in Wilmot, WI

Hair and Makeup – Aniko Salon & Spa in Chicago, IL

Limo- Stretch Limousine, Inc.

Dinner/Reception Venue – Nightwood Restaurant

Here are some of my favorites!

We had a little bit of a wait at City Hall, but it provided some good time for story telling!

Because we had a few people with us the judge held the ceremony in the waiting room so we didn’t have to cram into her office.

Of course I couldn’t resist a stop at my favorite bridge since we were just a couple blocks away.

Then we piled in the limo to head to Women’s Park…. a hidden little gem 🙂

From there we headed over to Nightwood Restaurant for their ring exchange and dinner!

I told you the food was delicious… I mean just look at this!! During dinner I learned that I should probably let Matt and his family choose all the restaurants I need to eat at in Chicago because their food knowledge puts me to shame!

Matt’s Sister and Tisha’s Brother also gave toasts during dinner.

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A City Hall Wedding : Alexis and Bob – Chicago, IL 6/24/13

August 1, 2013

Have I mentioned lately how much I LOVE shooting weekday weddings? So much so that I’m working on a new site strictly for elopements and weekday weddings? (www.elopetochicago.com)…the site is still a work in progress.

So when Alexis contacted me about shooting their Monday wedding I was thrilled. They were having the ceremony at City Hall and then wanted some great photos around the city. They chose the date because it was their anniversary (love that!) and then jetted off for a sun soaked beach honeymoon.

There was a 70% chance of rain during the time we were looking to shoot… 70 PERCENT?! Guess what – it didn’t rain a drop. This is why I never trust the weather channel! We got soooo lucky that it stayed just north of us the entire time 🙂 Thanks mother nature for not making me go to a back up plan!

If you are getting married at city hall or having a small weekday wedding contact me ASAP. I’m still looking for a couple more weddings to feature when the site goes live!

Congrats to Alexis and Bob!

Of course we had to head to my favorite bridge (LaSalle) since it’s just a couple blocks from City Hall.

Next stop was Millenium Park. They decided to rent a car for the day which was the best move ever! It was so nice to not to have to flag down cabs, have her walk in her heels or worry about downtown parking. I highly recommend this to my couples!

Next stop Planetarium for some gorgeous skyline shots!

Last stop Union Station!

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A Golf Themed Wedding – Krista and Billy : Chicago, IL 6/15/13

July 21, 2013

I’ve been waiting for this wedding for a LOONG time! After shooting Krista and Billy’s engagement session (see HERE) I got to know them a little better and realized what a crafty person Krista is! I loved following her facebook posts leading up to the wedding about all the projects she was working on. It was great to see it all come together for the wedding day!

There were sooooo many favorites from this wedding, but I did my best to narrow it down. Congratulations to Krista and Billy!

Ceremony venue: St. Michael’s in Old Town

Reception venue: The Odyssey Club in Tinley Park

Videographer: Jack with Leap Weddings

Flowers: Classy Flowers

Cake: Orland Park Bakery

Getting Ready Hotel : Hotel Palomar

Bridal Gown : Reddington Bridal

Tuxes: Formally Modern Tuxedo

Hair : Cejay Campbell of Kiva Salon and Spa

Makeup : Ana Oviedo of Chanel at Bloomingdales

DJ: Carrie with Toast & Jam

Transportation: Trolley & Bus Company

All invitations, save the dates, programs, golf tee place cards and greens, moss M , table numbers, wineglasses, garter, flowers on the bridesmaids dresses and the flowergirls headpieces where made by Krista…. told you she was crafty!!!

Love this reaction from her parents when they first saw her 🙂

Had to get the Sofia in there! Krista’s favorite beverage!

They wanted to have a moment together before the ceremony without actually seeing each other.

Cutest flower girl and ring bearers ever!

They surprised everyone with a bagpiper to play them out of the ceremony.

We headed back on the trolley for a few photo stops around the city, but first a beer run which just happened to be across the street from Zanie’s where they had their first date! It wasn’t on our list as a photo spot, but it was a great coincidence!