Business Spotlight: Penny Manning, Lisle Therapist
Penny reached out to me not too long ago wanting to update her website with some new images for her mental health therapy business. I came to her beautiful home office in Lisle where she treats her patients and we captured some wonderful portraits. Penny had such a warm and inviting demeanor. I can see why she is so good at what she does by even the short amount of time we spent together.
How long have you been in your field and what lead you there?
I’ve been a mental health therapist for over 20 years and was drawn to this field because I've always felt an intuitive connection to those in need and also have a passion for problem-solving. I work primarily with women and specialize in issues with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and chronic health issues.
What is your favorite part about what you do?
The best part of my job is collaborating with my clients in a motivational way, and cheering them on as they begin to transform their lives.
What do you wish more people knew about therapy and any common misconceptions?
Because there is still sometimes a stigma of secrecy about counseling, I wish people knew that it is simply something to be proud of. It takes strength and courage to lay out the details of your life, examine your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and be willing to consider the possibilities of trying new approaches to your life. It’s a brave thing, but the pay off is huge, and it humbles me to be part of that process!
What is your website, email, phone number and/or the best way to reach you?
You can find me at www.pennymanning.com, my email is info@pennymanning.com and my phone number is (640) 499-0440. You can reach me through any of these channels.
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
Why I Took a 6 year old to a tattoo parlor!
Meet Ian Whiskers
I had been hearing for quite awhile that piercing guns were not safe which led me to reach out to Ian Whiskers, who works at Electric Tattoo Parlor in Carpentersville as a professional piercer. Ian invited me to his workplace to see just how professional piercing works and I even got to meet Jessyn who came in to get her ears pierced with her mom and dad.
This is a guest blog post written by Ian Whiskers, of Electric Tattoo Parlor
Many parents are heeding the advice of medical professionals and waiting to pierce their children's ears until they are older, but where should you actually take them? An experienced tattoo parlor or piercing studio is absolutely your best bet. That does not mean every professional piercer is created equally. A little research will go a long way, so use that to your advantage.
Jessyn came in with her mom and dad and first got to pick out her jewelry for her ear piercing with Ian
Why a tattoo parlor?
It's safer.
Most piercing pagodas you'll find in the mall or department stores only rely on a brief video their employees watch, to basically learn how to use their "tools."
While most professional piercers will have a first aid certificate, CPR training and pass a blood borne pathogens test annually, have taken an apprenticeship that can last anywhere from 9 months to a year (preferably), and attend seminars on anatomy, technique, and cleanliness, and have cleaning and sterilization comparable to most healthcare professionals.
Isn't a piercing gun safer?
Absolutely not. A piercing gun cannot be properly cleaned, cannot be ran through an autoclave or statim, and cannot even be thoroughly wiped because of the tight spaces that make up the mechanism. Chances of spreading hepatitis A, B, C, and even HIV are a genuine concern when using these guns on multiple people. Did you know hepatitis C is seven times more infectious than HIV? Pretty scary
Professionals use single use sterilized needles for every procedure. Some even use single use sterilized tools and sterile gloves for the procedure!
Ian sanitizes the jewelry that will be used and shows Jessyn the hollow needle he will use to pierce her ears. He also demonstrated to her with an inflated glove how easy the needle will pierce her ear so it would hurt less than the blunt force trauma of a piercing gun. He also had her try to pierce the glove with a typical earring back to which Jessyn could not get it through the glove since it was not sharp enough.
But don't the needles hurt more?
Again, no. A gun uses an earring and pressure to shove that blunt object through skin, or worse, cartilage. Have you ever tried popping a balloon with an earring back? It's difficult to say the least.
Needles however are hollow, extremely sharp and are beveled to allow the needle to slice through tissue with ease and gently separate the tissue to allow the width of the needle to pass through. Think about popping a balloon with that!
Ian marks her ears first, Jessyn checks out the placement in the mirror, then he sanitizes and pierces both earlobes
Then that's it, she is all done and all smiles with her new big girl earrings!
But the piercing pagodas have plenty of cute jewelry options!
Most of those cute options are mystery metal jewelry that can cause irritation and problems with nickel allergies, even if they aren't apparent at first. Plus they don't sterilize them before use. Alcohol only has aseptic properties while still wet, so after it dries, it's doing you no good. Kind of gross when you think of how many people probably laid their unwashed hands on that jewelry.
Higher end shops will only use implant grade jewelry and have a high selection of options in every price range to give your little one the option to get exactly what they want.
Research your piercer, call and ask a million questions if you have to. Make sure your child is being taken care of the best they can. Your child deserves the best, make sure they get it.
To book with Ian you can email him at ian@electrictattooparlor.com or call the Electric Tattoo Parlor at 224-802-2151
Also for a limited time I am offering $100 off any family, mini, engagement, or wedding photo service if you use Ian for your piercing,
be sure to ask Ian for the coupon it will be in your aftercare bag he provides.
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
Chicago Museum Campus Engagement Photography of Ashley + Ben
I will be photographing Ashley and Ben's wedding this September at one of my favorite suburban venues, Silver Lakes in Orland Park Illinois, but before the big day comes the engagement photos. We got together on October 3 to take these right on the Museum campus. Luckily they were able to make a weekday work so we practically had the entire place to ourselves. Also fun fact, Ben's birthday was on the same day as our session, which is just 1 day before my birthday! So we started over by the 12th street beach in Chicago, then walked to the Adler, and finished near the Shed Aquarium. I can't wait till your wedding this September!
Team headshots in Mount Prospect
As the year ends, now is the perfect time to update you and your teams headshots. Many times companies have had people come and go and having me come in and do everyones at once will give your image a uniform and professional look.
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
St. James Farm in Warrenville Engagement Photos
Jobeth and Brett met me after being rained out on our first session. The weather was beyond perfect for our new session a few weeks later. Even though they were both very nervous they were naturals at having their photos taken! We explored St.James Farm together which is a favorite location of mine. We gushed about our mutual love of Disney World and these two love birds will be getting married there! How amazing is that?
