“We had a great time spending the afternoon with Kurt + Carrie out on their summer Libertyville engagement photo session. After delaying the shoot a few times ( due to rain and then two weeks of bachelor and bachelorette fun in Vegas, so jealous ) we were happy for finally a dry day. Except the day was more than just a little buggy, there were a ton of mosquitos outside… especially at dusk. With it definitely being one of those super hot summer and very humid days, thanks Kurt + Carrie for sticking things out until the end, even through the bugs to capture night shots. : )

 

We first met with Kurt + Carrie last Winter during their search for a north shore Chicago wedding photographer for their wedding. Carrie told us she searched in nearby areas like Lake Bluff, Libertyville and other North Shore suburbs, but eventually stumbled on Miller + Miller and loved our unique wedding photography style. With all the Chicago area wedding photographer options out there, we’re glad you found our photo blog.

 

For Kurt + Carrie’s engagement pictures, Carrie asked if we would be up for heading up to the Chicago Northern suburbs. Of course, that was no problem as we love traveling anywhere for engagements and weddings. We enjoy shooting couples located anywhere in and around Chicago… often too in other States or Countries outside of the US. For Carrie’s engagement session, she had a few of her and Kurt’s favorite locations around Libertyville in mind for the shoot. Libertyville is a big part of their relationship as it’s the location where they originally met and are currently living. Their unique “falling in love story” started several years ago while attending Libertyville High School… yes they have known each other for nearly a decade. Carrie was telling us of her memories of the older senior grade level Kurt, back in her freshman year, and being out with other cheerleader friends in the back of Kurt’s Jeep. Hearing stories of the past are always cute. Ryan and I have our own high school and college era stories too.

 

Thanks Kurt + Carrie in spending the day with us and providing the tour around your place! We enjoyed roaming around Libertyville, meeting Kurt’s mom, visiting with your dog for a bit, and exploring your home town. Libertyville looks like a great place to live. See you in a few weeks for the big wedding day!!

 

 

 

Kurt + Carrie are going to be married in a few short days… their wedding is this upcoming September. Both their ceremony and reception are going to take place at Ivanhoe Country Club in Mundelein located nearby their Libertyville home. Kurt was telling us how the golf club has 27 holes, with three different designed terrain styles one course is a prairie, one a marsh and the last 9 holes are in a forest setting. Sounds beautiful… looking forward to hopping in a cart and exploring the course.

“Ryan and I are very excited to feature these photographs of our close friends Mike + Sheila and their beautiful June wedding. We definitely had some fun with their bridal party during their group photo time and getting creative. We loved the mix of fun, modern, vintage + elegant photos we captured in between M+S’s ceremony and reception.

 

Mike + Sheila currently live downtown Chicago but didn't restrict their venue researching only to the City. They visited Chicagoland wedding venues stretching from Naperville to Lake Forest, and from Chicago to Joliet. Their search was for a truly distinctive venue with style and some historical details. Their final decision was at two venue's in Joliet both with architectural details... a vintage mansion and historical loft building creating a perfect mix of styles.

 

Mike + Sheila's ceremony took place outside the historic Jacob Henry Mansion in Joliet under the venue’s pergola in the secret garden. It was a romantic and picturesque garden setting for their outdoor wedding ceremony. Ryan worked solo on this one and did an amazing job covering this ceremony all 100% on his own with two dueling cameras, one on each shoulder. Yes, I was honored to be a bridesmaid standing up by Sheila + Mike on their wedding day, so my duties were to shared by shooting earlier in the day, followed by enjoying the events of the day. I did share with Ryan during the bridal session in posing and styling, but then we took some time in later to enjoy the party and reception festivities. It was an awesome party, great food, music, martini drink menu and fun. The Department was the perfect historical loft venue adding urban flair to their wedding day. We loved this place! Although compartmentalized, the two story venue was very unique and an awesome suburban substitute for those looking for a downtown Chicago loft reception venue.

 

A huge congratulations goes out to Mike + Sheila!! We hope you enjoy your wedding photos. Thank you for hiring us as your personal wedding photographers and allowing us to capture the memories of your wedding day with family and friends. ( Oh and it was a pleasure standing up as a bridesmaid on your wedding day. SOOOO happy for you guys! Yes... I even shed a tear or two on the day of and when editing these photos. Congrats!! )"

 

 

 

Ceremony: Jacob Henry Mansion, Joliet
Reception: The Department, Joliet
Wedding Dress: Winnie Couture Haute Bridal Fashion
Hotel Prep Location: Harrah’s Casino, Joliet
Bridal Shoes: Caparros
Bridesmaids Shoes: Bandolino
Bridesmaids Dress: Watters, Too
Tuxedos: Formally Modern
Cake: Kirsten’s Danish Bakery, Burr Ridge
Flowers: The Petal Shoppe, Joliet
DJ: Spencer from Style Matters DJs, Chicago
Hair: Total Image Bridal
Airbrushing + Makeup: Total Image Bridal

 

Revisit our engagement photos from Mike + Sheila’s July 2009 Chicago engagement photo session.