Villa Olivia Bartlett Wedding of Alex + Stephanie

I had met Stephanie and Alex at the Villa Olivia open house over a year ago now. We had an engagement session together in downtown Chicago and I could tell from then that their wedding would be an amazing day.

Alex and Stephanie's wedding at Villa Olivia in Bartlett was filled with so many happy tears and laughter. Instead of the traditional unity candle or sand ceremony, they poured each other a shot of tequila and aguardiente antioqueño to take which I just loved. Their first dance was beyond magical and there was even a dress change for the reception!

Enjoy the photos from their beautiful summer wedding!

Venue- Villa Olivia Bartlett
DJ - Mixwell Events
Video - Monica Medina
Second Shooter - Lauryn Schalk

Spring Wedding at Old Orchard Country Club with John & Erika

John and Erika wed on the most beautiful spring day May 12, 2018. John got ready at his and Erika's home while Erika got ready at her mom's home. Since we had a late spring this year, all of the trees had their beautiful blossoms on them at the time of their wedding. They shared their first look at Gallery Park in Glenview and then went to St. Edna’s for a beautiful wedding mass. This was the perfect spring wedding.

After mass we headed to the Old Orchard Country Club in Mount Prospect to celebrate the night away. There was so much love in the room for John and Erika which was so evident by all the people there to celebrate with them.

So please take a peek at their day and enjoy and a huge thanks to their amazing planner who helped the day run ever so smoothly, Jennifer Henderson.

Thanks to the following vendors who I worked with on their wedding day

Wedding Planner - Jennifer Henderson A Fresh Event
Hair - Pure Salon
Makeup - Makeup by Maricris
Church - St.Edna
Reception - Old Orchard Country Club 
Flowers - MC&Company
Wedding Cake - Central Continental Bakery
DJ - DJ's For You, Benny Aguilera
Invites - Quintessence Papers

Winter Wedding at Tuscany Falls in Mokena

Danielle and Marty were one of the most in love couples I have ever gotten to work with. Their unique winter wedding took place just 2 days before Christmas and they had decorated for it at their ceremony and reception at Tuscany Falls in Mokena. Danielle had done some DIY projects such as a burned wood project with her and Marty's names which were very cool. The music they had selected for the day included Jacks Mannequin and Panic at the Disco, what could be better? Danielle also had a special dance with her sister after her and Marty's first dance that included big feather fans, called Sisters from the Movie "White Christmas"  Take a peek at their beautiful day full of love, rustic touches, and Christmas Cheer!

Venue - Tuscany Falls
Cake-Creative Cakes 
Flowers - Eco Flowers 
Second Shooter - Sarah Barkley
 

Midwest Rainy Lake House Wedding of Sarah + Margaret

10.7.2017

     Sarah and Margaret had their big day at Sarah's families lake home up in Antioch, Illinois. The day started off rainy as we were getting ready in the hotel but right as we were doing their first look the rain started to clear a bit. As family and friends started pouring in so did the rain. Sarah and Margaret luckily had a rain plan and wed in the tent their reception was going to be in. Thank goodness for backup plans. After they wed the clouds cleared, the sun came out and wind calmed just in time to do some awesome portraits on their pier on the lake. 
    We came back into the tent as the sun began to set and ate a delicious dinner, listened and laughed as the speeches went on and finished it off with delicious cake and cupcakes. I am a sucker for good cupcakes! We finished the night with a few night shots with the lake house and it ended up being one of my favorite images from the entire year.

Venue - Private Residence
Florals - Fairy Godmothers Wedding and Event Design
DJ- Chicago Mobile DJs
Catering - Maravelas
 

Ivy Room's Dining Room and Chef's Kitchen at Tree Studios Intimate Winter Wedding

     Megan and Scott wed surrounded by their families at the beautiful Ivy Room's Dining Room and Chef's Kitchen at Tree Studios. The snow was falling as everyone gathered and we braved the cold for some beautiful outdoor portraits. After photos outside, we head inside for the ceremony. As the kids walked up the aisle leading their parents to the hearth out of the corner of my eye I spied Megan's sister teaching Megan's parents the art of the selfie. 
    The ceremony was touching as Megan and Scott read letters affirming their love of their newly formed blended family. Megan and Scott could barely hold back the tears, nor could anyone else. It was a touching and sentimental ceremony.
   Immediately following, the wonderful staff at Tree Studios got to work switching the room over to dinner as the family enjoyed delicious Hors-d'oeuvre at the Chef's Kitchen which was attached. The tablescape was romantic with candlelight and the beautiful florals.
    Congratulations Scott and Megan again on your beautiful day!

Wedding Venue - Tree Studios Dining Room and Chef Kitchen
Florals - Oliver Dogwood
Officiant - Bonnie Cortez
Cake - Alliance Bakery
Cake Topper - alphabetcanvas
Hair & Make Up - Kiss this Makeup
Dress - Veiled in Elegance 
Necklace - White Owl
Shawl - Recherche Bridal

 

Acquaviva Winery in Maple Park Wedding Photography

     Emily and Kevin bonded while watching "How I Met your Mother". We took some of their engagement photos with that iconic yellow umbrella, so It was fate their day started off with a little rain. Emily and Kevin both got ready at the Pheasant Run Resort in St.Charles Illinois. Emily had the most beautiful wedding gown with a delicate pearl back necklace which was something I had never seen before.
     The ceremony took place the the Aquaviva Winery at Maple Park. Kevin was in tears watching his beautiful bride-to-be walk down the aisle. The rain kept us off the vineyard but let up just as the ceremony ended so we were able to head outside. The foggy haze made for some beautiful portraits and we finished up inside in the wine barrel room.
     Just as we went back inside it started pouring, perfect timing. Kevin and Emily danced the night away with their family and friends. One of the highlights was Kevin's brother really getting  "Bye Bye Bye" which is pretty much the best song of the early 2000's. 
     Take a peek at their wonderful wedding day bellow.

Wedding Planner - Banana and Bean Events
Wedding Venue - Acquaviva Winery in Maple Park 
Make-up - Lerin Johnson Bridal Makeup
Florals - Town and Country Gardens
Cake and Sweets - The Sugar Path 
DJ - Sounds Abound 
Second Shooter - Courtney Scheimann
Videographer - Corfias Films  

Palmer House Hotel & Chicago Symphony Center Wedding of Dan & Rob

Dan and Rob got married on July 1 at the gorgeous Chicago Symphony Center. Before they got married they got ready at the gorgeous Palmer House Hotel. This is also where they took all of the photos with their families and wedding party. What a pretty hotel it is and we really were able to capture some amazing images for them there. We then headed to the Chicago Symphony Center where we got to go on stage for some more photos and it was STUNNING. I had never been on a stage like that before. After that they exchanged their vows in the unique rotunda surrounded by all of their families and loved ones with Rev. Marian Hale. I have had the pleasure of working with her before and she does such a wonderful job! I was most impressed by their AMAZING glittered dancing shoes, hands down the best shoes EVER. After they said their I Do's we headed upstairs to the reception where their room was decorated with gorgeous deep blues. There was a macaroon tower filled with rainbow macaroon and a gorgeous wedding cake. They then danced the night away and ended it by watching the fireworks from the outdoor balcony!

Hotel - Palmer House Hotel
Wedding Venue - Chicago Symphony Center
Catering - Blue Plate Catering
DJ - Harsh Singh
Florist - Flowers for Dreams
Cake - Toni Patisserie/ Marissa Wilger
Harpist - Anette Bjorling
Officiant - Rev. Marian Hale
Second Shooter - Courtney Scheimann

Spring Chicago Courthouse Elopement of Same Sex Couple

I am so happy to share the Chicago Courthouse Wedding images of Jean-Marie & Alyssa. Their families both came to town from acorss the country for the special day on August 4. I have never photographed a weekday courthouse wedding before but must say I was pleasantly surprised with the shortest line ever! We also had one of the nicest Judges I have ever came across there. It was a rare cool August day which was just perfect for being outside, and luckily we just missed the rain. After they wed I had us head up to the top of a chicago parking garage where I had parked and scoped out earlier to get some fun city shots without all the city traffic that is there at ground level. We then headed to Winnemac Park which was a place they had both spent time at and special to them! 

The Wit Hotel Winter Wedding of two Grooms

Darius and Suresh got married on December 17, 2016 at the Gorgeous Wit Hotel in Chicago. They had a whirlwind long distance relationship that really came about by chance as Suresh was moving to Chicago from Atlanta. They met at a bar by chance in Atlanta right before Suresh left to the Windy City in 2010. Luckily between many flights back and forth Darius finally joined Suresh in Chicago 18 months later. In 2013 they added Bailey to their family, an adorable cockapoo puppy expanding their family. I even met Bailey during their engagement photo last year. 

Their wedding was gorgeous and they were surrounded by family and friends from all across the country and globe! They had the cutest Chicago gift bags for all of their out of town guests joining them for their wedding. They got ready in a gorgeous suite and then went down to the Chicago riverwalk to take photos. It was a bit slippery but we all managed without a single fall. As we were struggling to walk we see runners running the same icy path, gotta love Chicago dedicated runners.

After that we headed to do family formal photos in their gorgeous suite and and headed to the ceremony at the Wit which was lit by candles. The ceremony was beautiful and included Darius and Suresh walking down the isle with their mothers. After they were wed it was time to party! After they were introduced and had their first dance and cake cut they invited all their guests to the dance floor to kick off the party before dinner. I had never seen this before but it was a huge hit! 

Dinner was delicious and the speeches were heartfelt. Darius sister and best friend from Atlanta toasted them as well as Suresh's little brother and good friend. After all of that it was time to hit the dance floor again. They had an amazing dance floor and I realized I and my second shooter Laura were dancing and singing along while photographing them! Congratulations Darius and Suresh!

The harpist: Nichole Luchs

The officiant: Liz Hoffman

Florist: Phillip's Flowers

Cello and guitar players: Moeller Music

DJ: Scott at Hot Mix Entertainment

Drapes/tableclothes: Studio AG

Hotel/food - The Wit Hotel

Invitations - Minted.com

Tuxedos: Tommy Hilfiger

Second Shooter : Laura Manzano

Gwen Hotel Chicago Wedding of Shaun and Jon

Shaun contacted me with a crazy proposal, He was getting married to his partner of over 20 years in 2 weeks and needed photography and just started planning that week! I of course said yes and was so excited. It was a small intimate affair with their closest friends. They got married in the beautiful Gwen hotel in Chicago in their room suite. The view from their room was spectacular. Shaun and Jon were so kind and their friends were a riot, I can't imagine of a better way to wrap up 2016 weddings then to spend it with them. Shaun suggested at one point if they could jump onto the bed....we tried that and then I asked if the would both be game with getting up on the bed and actually jumping on it....and they agreed, how fun are they? Well enjoy their wedding and their photos!

Venue - The Gwen Hotel

Reception - Mia Francescas