“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!

“Congratulations Justin + Elisha and thank you in selecting us as your Chicago wedding photographers. Justin and Elisha, along with family, friends and especially the signature style and highly detailed organization of Anthony from Liven It Up Events, put together a modern and elegant wedding ceremony and a reception celebration which rolled out with artistry + style.

 

Justin + Elisha’s outdoor Chicago ceremony and wedding reception both took place at the lush Ivy Room at Tree Studios which is located in the heart of downtown Chicago. The Ivy Room’s captivating, outdoor ceremony space is the perfect place for the making of a memorable and fairytale wedding. And this leaf filled courtyard space doubled for J+E after the ceremony, as the picture perfect, green lush ivy garden for the cocktail hour. The reception space and connected indoor studio at the Ivy Room was decorated with the wedding stylings and detailed touches of fusia lighting, amazing floral centerpieces and environmental design details as appointed by the fantabulous Chicago event firm of Kehoe Designs in combination Anthony from Liven It Up Events.

 

Wanting to incorporating plenty of time for photos together before the wedding day events began was a must for J+E. So after meeting Elisha and her bridesmaids at the Chicago Allerton Hotel and Justin and his groomsmen at the James Hotel ( both Chicago hotels are modern and stylish and located within walking distance of Michigan Avenue and the couples’s River North Chicago wedding venue, The Ivy Room ), we planned for an early afternoon meeting time and a “first glance” big reveal of Elisha sneaking up upon Justin at Chicago’s Olive Park. The groomsmen and bridesmaids were close by to witness these moments and of course, our cameras captured smiles, love and excitement between J+E. The park was a gorgeous setting located both by the Lake and overlooking the Magnificent Mile Chicago skyline.

 

We squeezed in just enough time for photos in the venue’s ivy courtyard before the ceremony began, plus two more Downtown Chicago stops beyond the nature park. J+E requested to incorporate their bridal party in many of the pictures, so we had fun putting together some creative poses and roaming the City in the limo with everyone. What a great group of friends + family! As you can see, they were excited to climb bridges, ladders, fire escapes and up for standing in the middle of Michigan Avenue, so yes we incorporated a little urban adventure into their day. During the reception, DJ Spencer from Style Matters was seriously rocking the night… the bridal party and guests were loving the music and he brought a style that kept the crowd moving. We love the in-action and photojournalistic dance floor photos. And of what the perfect ending, to a perfect day… a little fireworks display at the end of the night.

 

Justin + Elisha we had a great time photographing the events of your May wedding day including your emotional ceremony in the ivy filled garden, and beautifully decorated indoor reception studio space of The Ivy Room. We wish you both all the happiness in the world. Hope you are enjoying the newly wedded life and congratulations again Elisha in all your recent successes. After returning from the honeymoon in Cabo, we loved reading your excitement of going from a wedding gown, to your cap and gown! What an exciting couple of months May and June have been from the excitement of a wedding, graduation, and becoming officially an MD. Congrats and well wishes to you both Elisha and Justin in building your lives together as husband and wife!”

 

 

 

Venue: The Ivy Room www.ivyroomchicago.com
Wedding Coordinator: Anthony from Liven It Up Events www.livenitup.com
Caterer: Food for Thought www.foodforthought-chicago.com
Dress: House of Brides
Veil: Elisha’s mom’s wedding veil
Hotel Prep Locations: The Allerton Hotel www.theallertonhotel.com and The James Hotel www.jameshotels.com
Bridal Shoes: MeToo
Bridesmaids Dress: House of Brides
Tuxedos: Men’s Warehouse
Hair: JoJo from Loop Hotel Hair Salon
Makeup: ECC Artistry
Cake: Vanille Pastisserie www.vanillepatisserie.com
Flowers: Kehoe Designs www.kehoedesigns.com
DJ: Spencer from Style Matters DJs www.stylemattersdjs.com
Cocktail Hour Band: Ajana Band
Honeymoon: Cabo San Lucus

 

Revisit photos of Justin + Elisha on their urban Chicago engagement photo session.