“Valentin + Nicole are our next featured Chicago engaged couple who hired us for their Chicago engagement session and Winter Chicago wedding photography. Although it was definitely a gusty Chicago windy day, we had an awesome time roaming through the Windy City on their Summer engagement session… we are very excited to be working with V+N.

 

We met Val + Nicole six months ago on a cold February night. They were originally considering a Winter engagement session, but after a little more thought, V+N decided to switch up the season… Because they are planning for a Winter, January 2011 wedding, we suggested a summer photo session which would capture engagement portraits and wedding day images in two contrasting seasons. They decided that was a good idea. : ) In starting out their Chicago engagement session, we spent the early part of the afternoon in Lincoln Park and walked down to the sandy, lake shore capturing photos on a Chicago beach pier. We loved the moody clouds! Nicole requested we find a unique shot and she mentioned she really loves our fashion photos style of pictures. : ) No problem… we love creating unique pics like that! The fluffy cloud filled sky provided the unique setting which contrasted against their neutral colored clothes by the lake. We incorporated romance, and a bit of edgy-ness, and high-fashion looks at a few more stops for some unique engagement images for these guys. You guys look HOT in these photos!

 

Val + Nicole originally met at a Chicago Caribou Coffee shop, so incorporating a few pictures there were a definite must. Although their first time meeting was technically for business purposes, soon after their first meeting they fell in love and Val proposed a few months later! So creating a casual look with V+N both holding caribou coffee cups was one location idea. Nicole also wanted to incorporate a prop… so she did a little internet research and purchased a hand painted parasol that says “LOVE”. We love typography, did you see her love bracelet paired with the white heels… thanks for bringing those elements added along Nicole.

 

While out on the shoot, we talked about Val’s Limo company called Limo Envy. Limo Envy is a Chicago limousine company covering the limousine market from the City of Chicago to the surrounding suburbs. Wow check out his vehicle gallery images and his massive fleet! Limo Envy covers basically all needs and various size weddings and events with limos for as little as 6 up to a 56 passenger motor coach. To all our Miller + Miller brides and blog readers, we invite you to request a quote. Check out Val’s company’s web site by clicking the preview images below, use this link www.limoenvy.com or call them at 773.357.5466.

Thanks guys… we had a great time spending the day with you Val + Nicole!!! We can’t wait to here which images are your favorites. Nicole added a 16″ x 20″ canvas gallery wrap of one of her favorite engagement images to display on the wall of their Chicago condo as wall art. It will be hard to choose… super curious which one she’ll pick.”

 

 

 

 

Valentine + Nicole are finalizing plans for their upcoming January 2011 wedding day. A first glance has been discussed inside at Chicago’s Union Station, their ceremony is planned for St. Hyacinth Basilica in Chicago, and their reception at Venuti’s Banquets & Ristorante in Addison. We’re very excited for winter wedding photos outside – hoping for lots of snow!

“Donovan + Brianna were a fun couple to work with. Their chemistry, edgy ideas, awesome trendy clothes, and pure comfortability with each other in front of the camera made them extremely easy to work with. Not to mention, wow they are a beautiful couple. After learning more about these two while out on the shoot, we determined Brianna’s camera comfortability comes from her former experience as an actress in LA and later here in Chicago on stage and screen. It’s no wonder they are planning for their wedding at the Chicago Lyric Opera House. Brianna loves the stage and is planning for her reception just like that, front + center on the Opera house’s stage.

 

During D+B’s Chicago engagement photography session, we also learned of their unique “falling in love” story. Donovan + Brianna met in LA while out + about at Halloween costume party in 2002. During this first meeting time, their timing was a little off, but they never lost touch or stopped thinking about one another. In 2006, they reconnected and Brianna says “they have been crazy in love ever since.”

 

A couple years later, D+B decided they were done with LA and couldn’t wait to get back to their midwestern roots. So Donovan accepted a senior level position at the Nationally known, Inland Real Estate Auctions and they relocated back to Chicago in 2008. Brianna has transitioned away from the limelight and is enjoying being an entrepreneur who owns and operates her own organic and nutritious baked goods company called Brianna’s Heathy Fare. I sampled a gluten free brownie, which was delicious. Brides and mom’s… she’s accepting orders for a variety of cakes, muffins, cookie, cupcakes and more which are great for events, parties, showers and even weddings. : )

 

For more information about Brianna’s Heathy Fare and her nutritious products, visit her web site www.briannashealthyfare.com.

Be sure to check her September 2009 video clip and feature of Brianna’s Heathy Fare on Chicago’s 190 North television show .

 

When discussing ideas for their engagement session, Donovan and I were discussing locations. He mentioned that he proposed to Brianna ( did you see her gorgeous sapphire engagement ring? ) at The Elysian Hotel in Chicago. We have been long awaiting a look inside this hotel, and were very excited about this opportunity. In addition, to their proposal Donovan mentioned that few days after the proposal, D+B also hosted an celebratory engagement party at The Elysian’s second-floor Bernard’s Bar, so it was fitting that he requested and we returned to the Elysian Chicago hotel for their engagement session. We enjoyed shooting at Bernard’s Bar with it’s sueded lounge decor and velvet covered couches. The Elysian hotel lobby and their courtyard entrance creates a new definition in a Chicago luxury hotel. This hotel is SO VERY impressive and we couldn’t have asked for a more spectacular place to shoot at. We’d love to have had the luxury to spend more time within the hotel and especially in the lobby during our next visit… with only time for a few quick shots underneath the amazing, lobby chandelier “brooch” ( unfortunately with Donovan + Brianna it was a busy guest’s check in time ) we’d love to capture more photos here. : )

 

Thanks Donovan + Brianna in choosing us as your photographers! We had a great time spending the day with the two of you. Remember how super cold for like the last 45 minutes during the night photos on the beach, Brianna thanks for being such a trooper … you sure can’t tell from the photos how chilly it was. Good luck in the rest of your wedding day planning. Hope your family and friends in Chicago and LA love the photos as much as we do!!”

 

 

 

 

 

Donovan + Brianna are planning their May 2011 wedding at the Chicago Lyric Opera House which is owned and operated by the world-renowned Lyric Opera of Chicago. The venue is considered a hybrid of Art Nouveau and Art Deco architectural designs and considered to be one of the world’s most beautiful opera venues! Built in 1929 and fully restored today, the Civic Opera House is majestic and will be an excellent, dramatic Chicago wedding venue for Donovan + Brianna to host their fairytale wedding. Visit the venue’s web site for more information www.civicoperahouse.com.

 

Searching for a glamourous, luxury Chicago hotel wedding venue, the Elysian Hotel is definitely one to pursue. Visit the Elysian Hotel web site www.elysianhotels.com for more information and of course, we look forward to you contacting Miller + Miller about your wedding photography.