“When Daniel + Janice contacted us from California about engagement photography in Chicago, they mentioned a few urban settings they like and the Rockefeller Memorial Chapel at the University of Chicago campus. Since architectural photography is one of Daniel’s hobbies, it’s no wonder they had personal interest in capturing photos on the historic university campus and inside once we saw the grandeur of this famous chapel. The Gothic vaulted ceilings and ornate church pews provided a dramatic backdrop for the photogenic couple, and the photos taken by the limestone and ivy-covered exterior walls made for some naturally beautiful, early in the Spring time photo opportunities. This awe-inspiring engagement portrait session and incredible ceremony space gave us a sneak peek so we could gather ideas to use at our upcoming Rockefeller Chapel wedding we’ll be shooting this July.

 

Aside from Chicago architecture and wanting tons of after dark night skyline photos, engagement photos along railroad tracks were also on Daniel + Janice’s wish list. The abandoned train tracks were a perfect juxtaposition to the magnificence of the chapel, and presented a unique setting for the modern, artistic photos our couples often desire. Speaking of desires, one of D+J’s is waterfronts, and what better way to capture that passion than with night engagement photos at the Chicago Harbor and skyline. Janice’s long evening gown and Daniel’s high-fashion menswear set the tone for sexy, show-stopping and strikingly colorful engagement photos.

 

Inspired by their love for water, Daniel + Janice have selected a private yacht in Newport Beach, California, to charter their wedding reception on November 3, 2012. The couple are both originally from Fresno, but currently D+J are managing a long-distance relationship (and wedding planning!) while Daniel finishes his residency at a Chicago hospital and Janice pursues a career back in California in Huntington Beach. In the words of Janice, November 3rd is an “all-day event” including a ceremony in Irvine and the Newport Beach yacht cruise on the water reception. Unfortunately, M+M had already booked another couple’s wedding on their date, so we won’t be on board to shoot the big day. Upon meeting and discussing the details more in person, we were super bummed about not being able to be their photographers; we love boating, yachts, and just being on the water. In fact, our dream is to shoot a wedding aboard a private sailboat, boat or yacht, either on a destination or locally at places such as a reception at the Chicago Yacht Club, aboard the famous Anita Dee Yacht on a wedding cruise, or on one of the amazing vessels out of Burnham, Chicago or Wilmette Harbor.

 

Thanks, Daniel + Janice, for the photo adventures around the city and for inviting us into your lives. We wish you both the very best for your future!”

 

 

 

♥ Interested in hopping upon a boat on your wedding day? Daniel + Janice booked Electra Cruises and the Eternity yacht to host their wedding reception. The ship is docked on a pier in Newport Beach and in the evening will be setting sail into the sunset. If you’re looking for a romantic waterfront Chicago area venue, consider contacting or researching any of the nearby lakes, Chicago harbor, Burnham Harbor, Wilmette Harbor, Navy Pier or any of the number of Lake Michigan coastal towns stretching from Wisconsin to Indiana or the shorelines of Michigan.

 

Inspired by Janice’s glamourous fashions featured in this session? The green dress pictured in the evening photos was an online purchase of Janice’s and the accompanying shoes are from Macy’s. The cream, long-sleeved dress is from Victoria’s Secret. Thanks Janice for bringing along your great fashion sense and sharing your purchasing locations. We still can’t get over the amazing weather and 70 degrees in March day for this session! Janice’s hair styling and make-up provided by Laura Black.

“We can’t believe Spring is here and how fast the recent months have flown by. It feels like just yesterday when we were outside in the chilly December weather photographing Sean and Emily’s Chicago Winter engagement photography session and now… these two are happily married! Sean + Emily planned an early in March wedding day. It was a formal event, with classic details, style and utter sophistication. A mix of cultures and traditions from both the bride and groom’s families were tied into the day, including an Irish bagpiper during their exiting down the aisle at the ceremony, photos at the father of the Groom’s alma mater the University of Chicago, and later Persian music and gifts at the reception. The lavish Empire Room ballroom hosted the couple’s reception dinner and dancing. The Empire ballroom is located inside one of the most famous of hotels in Chicago The Palmer House Hilton Hotel. When planning the decor and florals for the room, S+E hired a florist located nearby their Hinsdale home where they could work closely with and refine the details of the space. What stunning results and we believe it was exactly what they sought out to achieve, a jaw dropping room and presentation to their guests.

 

“For the ballroom, we wanted the decor to reflect the beauty in our church and the Palmer House. We saw the hotel and room as regal, with romantic touches, so we spent a lot of time with Sadie Belman our florist at The English Garden Flower Shop creating the centerpieces. We wanted people to gasp when they walked into the Empire Room. We were not looking for something conventional such as flowers low on the table. Because the room is so special, we wanted to add height with a grand, mystical feel.”

 

Chicago’s Palmer House Hilton hotel offers a number of historically stunning rooms and grand ballroom spaces. Photographically, we found the hotel to have an abundance of amazing photo settings around every corner. ( And great for couple’s who enjoy romantic and magazine style Chicago editorial wedding photography as Sean + Emily love, where we incorporate the room. ) If your searching for a stylish venue with historic and architectural details, the Palmer house is a excellent downtown hotel venue. Sean + Emily choose the hotel’s Empire Room, and the room defines the word luxury and grandeur. With it’s rich tapestries, painted molding and metallic embellishments, a centered in the room stage where historically celebrity performers took that same stage, and balconies on the sides, The Empire Room is one of the most captivating atmospheric settings we have photographed a reception within. Undeniably the most memorable of of element in the ballroom is its gold, ornate ceiling details. The rich elegance of the room, gold and brilliantly gleaming chandeliers offers an unmatched feeling for the bride + groom to feel truly like a celebrity and royalty for the day. With recent renovations in 2009, the Palmer House has undergone a complete restoration back to the hotel’s architecture from its 1920′s era glamour. Historically the hotel has been re-constructed a few times, from it’s original and first construction dating to 1871. The original building was a casualty of the Great Chicago Fire, rebuilt in the 20′s, and today stands as the second largest hotel and acclaimed the fanciest post-fire in all of the City. It’s a legendary space and the perfect setting which defined Emily + Sean’s classic and formal wedding theme. We decided to not only photograph the couple inside at the hotel before dinner began, but also at the University of Chicago’s Rockefeller Chapel. Another architectural significant building, the Rockefeller’s cathedral with it’s circular drive, Porte Cochere “covered doorway” entrances, and towering limestone and concrete walls presented another amazing setting for incorporating historical architecture and wedding photography together in pictures.

 

Thank you Emily + Sean in choosing us as your engagement and Chicago wedding photographers. What an amazing day it was, truly a memorable fairytale event. We can’t help but to feel like we’ve become close friends. We enjoyed the entire day, our photo shoot outside at the University, catching smiles as the cold March wind provided the perfect excuse for you two to get closer and warm up, the day’s Irish and Persian elements, and spending the day with you documenting all the celebrating. We hope you, family and friends enjoy seeing the photos. More will be coming soon.”

 

 

 

Sean + Emily’s Vendor Details:
Theme: Classic + Formal Wedding
Ceremony: St. Thomas More and photography at Rockefeller Chapel University of Chicago
Reception: Empire Room at the Palmer House Hilton
Bridal Dress: Badgley Mischka
Bridal Dress Shop: Ultimate Bride, 106 E Oak Street, Chicago
Bridal Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Jewelry: Family Heirlooms
Bands: Custom from Browning and Sons Fine Jewelry, Hinsdale
Engagement Ring: Family Heirloom Reset
Hair: TJ from Zazu Salon, Hinsdale
Make-Up: Morgan Byrnes, Freelance MUA
Bride’s Veil + Lace Bolero: Custom by Ultimate Bride
Bridesmaid Dresses: Jim Hjelm
Catering + Day of Coordination: Jane S. Himmel of Palmer House Hilton
Dinner Details: Soup: asparagus and green pea; Salad: champagne and saffron poached baby pear, ripe brie cheese, dried cranberries and candied walnuts, with balsamic vinaigrette; Entree: grass fed filet of beef encrusted with blue cheese and a pinot noir reduction-or-phyllo pouch stuffed with sauteed spinach, mushrooms, onions, and sundried tomatoes, with a red pepper reduction
Cake Dessert: Red Velvet, Yellow Cake, Layer with Buttercream and Chocolate Fudge Frosting by Take the Cake
Flowers: The English Garden Flower Shop, Clarendon Hills
Invitations: Sass n Class, Hinsdale
Church Exit: Red Rose Petals + Irish Bagpiper
DJ: James Traut from Big Fish Productions
First Dance: Tu Recuerdo, Chambao
Transportation: White Vintage Rolls Royce from Chicago Trolley Rental
Videography: Keith Jorgenson of Poetic Productions

 

Favorite Memory: Emily said the entire day was so perfect. But she said Sean had the most perfect of all answers. Simply he said and Emily says “I have to agree seeing him at the church and promising our life together was by far the best memory I have of that day. :)”

 

Honeymoon: With a love of traveling Sean and Emily are hoping to spend 3 weeks in Switzerland and Italy exploring. Honeymoon plans include starting in Geneva, Switzerland and then driving through the Alps to Milan. On Emily’s “bucket list in life” ( that Emily says Sean has promised her they will complete together ) they plan to attend a horse race ‘the Palio’ in the center square in Sienna, Italy. After leaving Sienna, they plan to drive down the breathtaking Amalfi Coast and end the trip in the Island of Sardinia, and do nothing but swim, sail and drink wine in the Mediterranean.

 

 

♥ Check out our recent photo blog photos post of Sean + Emily’s Winter engagement photography session.

“Just about anyone would say long distance relationships can be tough. But we were wondering if planning a wedding long distance is even harder? Well Maggie + Dave have experience in both! The couple met while on vacation and traveling out of the country. At that time, Maggie lived in Illinois and Dave in Minnesota, but the distances between them didn’t stop them from writing a few letters and texting notes to each other after the trip ended. After all Dave knew he’d be traveling to Chicago once in awhile for his job and perhaps he’d be able to stop by and see Maggie again. Then on one unplanned weekend day, an unexpected text turned into the day they would reunite. Here’s Maggie’s details of that story:

 

“Dave and I’s story began in Acapulco, Mexico, during college Spring Break. We knew we had a connection the minute we saw each other, but there was little we could do about it because I lived in Chicago and he lived in Minneapolis, so we decided to stay “pen pals” after the trip. A year later, Dave came to Chicago with some friends and randomly gave me a call to say hi. As it turned out, he was at the bar LITERALLY right next to where I was with my friends. We met up for a drink and then pretty much immediatly decided to give this long distance thing a shot. This quickly turned into one of us getting on a plane almost every weekend to see the other. In fact, we even had a few “date nights” where Dave flew to Chicago on a weeknight after work, and took a 6AM flight so he was back at work in MN the next morning. Luckily it’s only a 50 minute flight! I paid him back by finally moving to MN after two and a half years of the flying back and forth!” Thanks for sharing this story Maggie. And thank you also in you both taking that same 50 min flight home after this photo session.

 

Dave + Maggie were a fun couple to photograph, we had a great time downtown with them. Instantly we felt like we were hanging out with two of our best friends. To those who already know Dave, you likely already know he’s a pretty hilarious guy. He definitely has a humorous side to his personality and additionally he’s absolutely in love with his stunning fiancé Maggie. Maggie’s incredibly smart, sweet, and as you can see a gorgeous blonde beauty. As a couple together, there’s a lot of chemistry and they are a perfect match for each other. While out on the couple’s downtown Chicago engagement photography session, we were all laughing nearly the entire day. Especially because of Dave’s welcoming and inviting sense of humor ( and at one point he even started dancing an Irish jig. ) Thanks Dave in keeping us the photographers laughing, and in keeping Maggie also smiling.

 

These two booked us as their wedding and engagement photographers from out of state and from Minnesota. So before this engagement session, we actually never spoke nor met in person. :) We corresponded prior to each other all via email. So when brainstorming the couple’s fashions and engagement photography stops for the day, we emailed about a few ideas. As soon as Maggie mentioned her and Dave would be staying downtown at one of their regular and favorite choices in city hotels, we decided why not plan for some time to shoot inside at that hotel? The venue fit the couple’s preferred look for a unique and modern photo backdrop. We loved inside the drama and pink uplighting adding to a fashion and edgy style. And in D+M flying in, having only the one single day in town, we in turn needed regardless of warm and dry weather a place to capture the photos. The hotel was a perfect solution. With some decent weather, we were luckily able to shoot outside of the hotel photographing in a few of our favorite outdoor spots, capturing engagement photography under the Chicago L train tracks, along the lake shore where the Lake Michigan water was so still and beautiful, and in front of the night skyline last. We always love mixing in of a number of photographic styles, some fashion inspired, some artistic, and some urban and dramatic. Thanks Maggie + Dave in being so open to all of our photo ideas. Looking forward to your September wedding! We know it’s going to be a fabulous celebration. Can’t wait to see you two again, in the gown and tux this time.”

 

 

 

♥ Maggie + Dave are planning their wedding events to take place here in Chicago-land. Maggie says she choose Illinois because the wedding belongs in the bride’s home state and friends & family are very excited for the occasion. The ceremony will be at Ceremony at St. Mary of Vernon in the town of Indian Creek + the reception at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel.

“Athena loves pink and the plans for her and Jimmy’s wedding day is to incorporate a few pink details. For J+A’s engagement session, I was in love with her pink pumps! Well… we were basically a fan with all their purchased fashionable pieces they wore. ( Thanks Athena + Jimmy in putting together such great looks for your session. ) We loved the two’s fashion sense and the gorgeousness they brought to the photo shoot. Jimmy arrived prepped for the pictures and was looking stylish in his indigo tie and rocking few of his favorite pairs of sneakers. We learned another early wedding day detail, not only are we to expect pink, but Jimmy will be wearing one of his favorite pairs of shoes along with his suit. He admitted he has a sincere love for shoes.

 

The weather unfortunately wasn’t being very cooperative for photography. Although, luckily we had already planned for a unique indoor location which Jimmy had provided us special access to. ( Jimmy works for a leading catering and restaurant company in the city. ) So having a warm and dry location previously arranged, helped us in proceeding with the engagement photo session as planned. But when the time came to shoot outdoors, we hid the best we could from some amazing wind gusts and even away from a few light rain sprinkles. Later however, there was no way of shielding ourselves from the blustering “windy” city when it came time to capture the skyline photo. It was bitterly cold!! J+A were so determined to fight the wind and below freezing cold temps, all to capture the perfect shot. ( The skyline was their must have for their save the date announcement. So that factor, provided them with some real determination. ) The water’s river edge and skyline was a favorite location of Jimmy + Athena’s because their Chicago River’s waterfront wedding is set to take place near this exact spot. Dinner, dancing and festivities will take place along the water and at Fulton’s on the River. Jimmy works in the restaurant industry, so naturally we’re excepting some spectacular food. Beyond a great food selection, we’re also in love with the Fulton’s location as their venue choice. It offers a outdoor terrace, the Chicago river venue location, a and contemporary inside cement and glass modern room. Paired with amazing food, all this make for fantastic choice in a downtown wedding restaurant reception venue. On the night Jimmy proposed, he also hand selected a perfect and one of the most romantic spots in Chicago of locations to propose. Here’s Athena’s memories from that day.

 

“It was a cold Saturday in March and Jimmy had just returned from Omaha, Nebraska, where he had spent over a month opening up a new restaurant. It had been rough being away from each other for so long and he promised me that we would go out for a nice dinner when he got back. He even told me to get all dolled up! He didn’t tell me where we were going though, but I figured it was one of our favorite spots and considering he always loves surprising me I didn’t think anything of it. We arrived at Vivo , a small, cozy rustic Italian restaurant located in the Randolph Street restaurant district. When we arrived, the restaurant was absolutely packed, and as the hostess walked us to our table I couldn’t see an open table in sight that she would be able to seat us at. As we approached the back of the dining room, she directed us to walk up a narrow spiral staircase that I had never noticed being there before. As we approached the top, we arrived to a table that was hidden in a room behind a thick set of velvet curtains. This was the famous hidden Table 70 perched inside an old elevator shaft. It has been the secret table amongst the likes of Oprah, Michael Jordan, Bruce Springsteen, U2 and the Grateful Dead, it’s absolutely impossible to get a reservation for! We were seated at this secret table overlooking the whole dining room 20 feet in the air. The view was stunning. Awaiting us was a beautiful arrangement of flowers that had been delivered to the table with all my favorites, orchids, roses, hydrangea, it was gorgeous! Knowing that I am champagne fanatic, Jimmy ordered a bottle of my favorite Ruinart, Brut Vintage Rosé. It was delicious! We chatted the evening away, about how we have both changed each other’s lives and how we couldn’t possibly imagine life without each other. Jimmy talked about the future and how much he loved me more than anything in the world, and how he couldn’t believe that he had found his soul mate. Our secret elevator shaft had two thick velvet curtains adorning it and Jimmy stood up and shut the curtains leaving us in total silence away from the dining room below. As he stood up, he looked down at me and told me that I was the most beautiful person in the world and that he wanted to spend the rest of his life loving me. He then motioned for me to get up and give him a kiss… as I did, he dropped down to his left knee and held out a box with a stunning diamond ring… The surprises weren’t done for the evening though… uncharacteristically, Jimmy didn’t order dessert which I thought was strange considering I LOVE everything chocolate. He said we could go for coffee and sweets somewhere else to spice things up. We arrived in Greek Town to one of our favorite coffee shops, Artopolis – where Jimmy had secretly invited our family and friends to come and share in our happiness. I was in heaven, I couldn’t of asked for anything more – it was PERFECT!”

 

The Table 70 and private room at Vivo sounds and looks breathtaking. What an amazing story, thanks for sharing! We can’t wait to be a part of your wedding day story. Look forward to seeing you both again in a few months for the big day. Hope you enjoy our favorites we included in this engagement photography blog post. Talk to you soon.”

 

 

 

♥ Athena + Jimmy’s ceremony is set to take place at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. The couple’s evening reception will take place at Fulton’s on the River. Looking for a unique reception venue choice, we suggest checking into Fulton’s. We love the riverfront setting, industrial cement loft feeling, columns and raw exposure to the City’s nightlife, river frontage setting, passing boats and the waterway. It’s the perfect August and summer wedding venue. With the outdoor terrace and being steps from the high-rise buildings, what a memorable Chicago kind of place to celebrate with friends and family a recent marriage.

 

We loved J+A’s fashion style. Athena’s outfits were purchased at Akira Chicago, Bebe and Neiman Marcus Her shoes were all purchased from Nordstrom. Jimmy’s outfits and his sneakers ( which Athena says he owns too many to remember ) were purchased at Nordstrom as well. Athena’s make-up completed at the MAC store in Oak Brook. Although Athena says she has a hair stylist she goes to religiously, she styled her own hair for this session.

 

Looking for a romantic location to propose? This venue is a former fruit market and is located in the Randolph Street restaurant district in Chicago’s West Loop. Check out Vivo. The restaurant also offers a unique space for ceremonies and wedding receptions. To view a photo of the most romantic restaurant table for a proposal and read about the infamous Table 70, check out this article published by Michigan Ave Magazine.

“Introducing Tim + Morgan. We enjoyed working with these two. Over a cup of coffee during and our first meeting, we were only able to meet with Morgan. Tim was traveling out of town for work. So during the couple’s engagement session in Chicago, this was our first time meeting Tim. It’s always fun to see a second half of a relationship and how cute a couple is once the two of them are together. Tim makes for a perfect match to Morgan! Instantly identifiable is Morgan’s stunning beauty, her intelligence and warm personality… and for Tim, he is an identical match to those same traits. During the photo shoot, we stopped for a quick bite and chatted over a beer, guacamole and lunch in the West Loop during a late lunch break. T+M we’re telling us of their interesting “first time meeting” story. It’s one we had to share with the readers on our blog. On a night out, Morgan saw past the fact that Tim was dressed with a much less of fashionable efforts, and the opposite than he was dressed in these photos on our engagement session and his stylish of clothing selection. Little did Morgan know, Tim’s less than stellar outfit was actually a planned set of clothing after all… Tim is a very cunning kind of guy. Read on below for the funny story below.

 

“Tim and Morgan met unexpectedly at Stanleys, a dive bar in Chicago, on September 26, 2009. At approximately midnight, Morgan told her best friend that she was going to leave and head home. Her best friend wanted her to stay so she pushed Morgan hard from behind and said “Talk to him, he is cute.” Morgan went flying into Tim. After Morgan apologized for her friend’s behavior, both Tim and Morgan laughed and sat down together. They were definitely an unlikely match, as Morgan was dressed up from her high school reunion (at a dive bar) and Tim was wearing the worst outfit imaginable… Ripped jeans, skateboarding shoes, a red flannel shirt, red puffy vest and a trucker hat (Hello 1990). Despite the terrible outfit, Morgan was drawn to his funny personality and accepted his invitation for dinner. The next week, Morgan and Tim met for dinner and low and behold, there Tim was, wearing the same outfit as the night they met! Morgan tried to tell herself that he must have forgotten what he wore just a few days before and accepted a second date. The second date was like déjà vu, Tim showing up again in the same outfit. Morgan was wondering at this point whether this great guy had any other clothes. The third date came and when Tim showed up in the same outfit, but a variation of green, she couldn’t hold it in any longer. She bluntly asked him, “Do you not have any other clothes? Why do you keep wearing the same outfit?” Tim responded simply, “I thought you may be stuck up and I was just testing you.” The rest was basically history and those clothes have never made an appearance since! Tim asked Morgan to marry him less than a year and a half later.” Thanks for sharing this story. LOL

 

Although our shooting day was predicting rain, we received the opposite and even amazing light and sun. Luckily we were able to complete all our stops including our arranged outdoor terrace rooftop photo shoot location, as well as shooting in the indoor luxury and stylish bar, around in the city’s loft warehouse district, and lastly the skyline at night. Incorporating an editorial style engagement photography look to the session was perfect for these two. After talking about the couple living downtown in the River North neighborhood, how they met, and their plans for a downtown Summer wedding, some sophisticated, luxurious and Chicago-esque would be perfect. The wedding day of plans and vibe are for a festive party style reception with live music and entertainment. Morgan’s career allows her to attend a number of parties from small soiree to grand galas around the City regularly. So she mentioned she is excited to coordinate her own personal event bringing everyone her and Tim know altogether. Morgan has hired one of our favorite wedding vendors Anthony and his event planning company Liven It Up to help out with the festivities. Looking forward to the day wedding. Hope you both enjoy the engagement photos Morgan and Tim. Thank you in treating us to lunch; we enjoyed getting to know the two of you more. Talk to you soon.”

 

 

 

♥ Tim + Morgan have planned for an evening ceremony + reception to take place in June in Chicago at Navy Pier inside the Crystal Gardens Ballroom. Morgan’s make up for this session was provided by M for Makeup and hair by Frankie at Solo Salon. Fashion details: Morgan gathered together a few already purchased and in her closet fashionable items. Her suede peep toe emerald green pumps were a new purchase from Go Jane. Tim’s clothing for the session was from Nordstrom department store.

“Both Mike + Jane live in the City of Chicago. Mike lives in the Bucktown Wicker Park area and Jane in the South Loop. After a bit of peeking around on Facebook by Mike, mutual friends introduced these two to each other, and their first meeting face-to-face was at a get together at Mike’s condo. Little did Jane know, Mike had already been asking his friends about her. After that first night of meeting, this lead to a friend request, followed by months of dating, and eventually… falling in love. When we first met with these two at our studio, we soon noticed Jane has one of the most beautiful of smiles. Even more noticeable during their Chicago engagement session, she was smiling often and especially because Mike’s the type of guy who is always making her laugh. Together, they are a perfect match with an abundance of chemistry. Jane repeatedly mentioned how much of an awkward couple they are in photos, but we couldn’t tell and didn’t see that whatsoever. : ) Both Mike + Jane were very comfortable around each other, they were excited about our locations, enjoyed our untraditional fashion shooting style, modern photo ideas, and capturing their love in photography was very easy. A number of Mike + Jane’s dinner dates often take place downtown Chicago. They enjoy the urban excitement of the Loop, Riverwalk and Michigan Avenue areas; plus it’s an ideal in-between meeting spot between their two homes. On the night of Mike proposal, during that date they were in the Magnificent Mile section of the city…

 

“It was Friday, June 17, 2011 when Mike spontaneously decided to take the day off work so we could hang out. Our usual day dates occur downtown, so no red flags went up when he suggested walking down Michigan Avenue and having dinner there. We walked by the same bridge on Michigan Ave where we watched the fireworks on our 1st date (flag #1), and then Mike started talking about how great it’s been getting to know each other. It was around the bridge, and right before dinner, that Mike complained of a cramp in his foot (flag #2) and stalled while making our way to the restaurant. He said he just needed to rest for a while and, again, brought up our 3 year relationship. Then abruptly, his phone rang. He decided his foot was better and said we should get to dinner (Later he revealed he was actually going to propose at the bridge, but chickened out.) We ate dinner at Lawry’s Prime Rib – we always enjoy their food, especially the creamed corn and dessert. Dinner turned out being as similar to our normal ordinary dinner dates. Afterwards, we couldn’t decide what to do with the rest of our night. I suggested listening to a live band and a little dancing, he came up with no good options. We finally decided to head back to his place and decide there. While at his condo, we were talking about how it’s always great to spend random weekdays together, how great dinner was, and then Mike mentioned having a gift for me (flag #3). Playing 20 Questions is a pastime of ours, so I tried to guess… chocolate, stuffed bear, any type of food. I was grasping at guessing nearly anything I could think of. Since I was nowhere close and running out of chances, he held up his hand and, sitting on his finger was a ring (flag #4)! He placed it on my finger, mumbling about something or other (on any other day he has no problems in speech), and thought it best if he got down on his knee to ask the inevitable question. After all was said and done, he told me we had a party to get to! Apparently he arranged a get together with some of our close friends and family to celebrate. Alas, we did not get to see a live band that night. But it was a great time, nonetheless.”

 

Thanks so much Mike + Jane in sharing your personal memories and moments from the proposal day. We loved spending the day with you, were glad to have been so lucky with such beautiful late Fall weather, and able to capture a few colorful fall tree leaves + ivy changing in color. While near the aquarium and planetarium, it what an amazing sight seeing how surreal + still the Lake Michigan harbor water can be. We are looking forward to being your photographers on the wedding day, meeting your friends and family, and excited to see what props and added fun you’ll be bring along for our Miller + Miller Rock the Drop… our reception photo booth and backdrop. ( Always an awesome addition to liven up the reception events. ) Enjoy the e-session photos, the rest of your planning, and the difficult task in narrowing down which of these are your favorites… ”

 

 

 

♥ Mike + Jane have planned all of their events including dinner, dancing, their reception and outdoor ceremony ( weather permitting ) to take place in early May at Chevy Chase Country Club. Jane’s make up for this session was provided by Soak Spa in Bucktown. Jane’s fashion and clothing details include: pink dress and jeans Abercrombie & Fitch, wedge sandals Franco Sarto, oatmeal top Forever21, heels Steve Madden, and bone white + purple dress from BCBG,

“Just like each of our couples are unique, so is every shoot location’s personality. We headed to the North Shore area of Chicago with Sean + Emily to capture editorial style engagement photography along the rocky shoreline of the lake, at a secluded location beyond a wooded forest bluff, and later at a historic architectural setting. For Sean + Emily’s photo session, despite chilly weather and shortened daylight conditions, our three locations all came together perfectly, matching well to the couple’s personalities, as well as close in similarities to the spot where Sean proposed to Emily at, in Stockholm. S+E’s personal interests are without a doubt strong in their enjoyment of traveling. Frequently spending time at destinations overseas, Sean told us “we travel abroad really whenever possible.” Emily was one to admit, life is pretty busy for the two of them, and they both work a lot “we are pretty much work alcoholics” she said ( which us at Miller + Miller could relate easily to. ) But when they are able to travel, Sean and Emily enjoy taking in each destination and learning of the local history of the location, as well as the local culture. When emailing each other about their session, the couple proposed a few new to M+M spots rich in their distinctive interests of history and culture. Which we loved and were very impressed, thanks Sean! One of our favorite moments during their engagement session photography shoot was when Emily told us about Sean’s proposal that took place in June. It was one of the most beautiful of stories and what an unbelievably elegant location for it to occur at too. One of the best stories we have heard in our years of being wedding photographers yet, Sean’s romantic proposal took place while vacationing together and visiting his family abroad in Sweden…

 

“Sean decided to take me on a trip to Stockholm Sweden to visit his grandparents. It was somewhat of a routine trip as Sean goes back to Sweden quite often to visit them, but different this time, as I had only been with him to Sweden in the Winter months. This vacation was in June and Sean said that I had to see the other side of Sweden, and enjoy their long Summer nights. ( During the month of June, in Stockholm the sun brightens the sky the entire night, never getting fully dark. ) We packed our bags and got ready for a fun week of sightseeing and family outings. From the beginning of the trip until the end, we were running around sightseeing and visiting his relatives. On the last night Sean, told me that the two of us were going to spend the night out, and that I should dress up. I wondered what surprises were in store… but with him, I never could really know for sure what was going to happen. Well I got ready for the night and Sean called a cab and we were whisked into the city. When we arrived to our destination, I opened the door of the taxi and my eyes were filled with the view of Stockholm’s old town harbor. It was about 9pm and I could still see the sun closing in on the horizon. The sea was calm, the winds had died down and the water walk ways were busy with people enjoy an evening stroll. As I turned to Sean I saw him standing in front of a hotel called The Grand Hotel. It was a lavish hotel, from a different time. Men with long tailed tuxes, top hats and white gloves greet you as you enter through the gold and glass doors. A marble staircase gives way to a lobby filled with red velvet chairs, ornate chandeliers, marble statues and a smell of an old log cabin. Sean grabbed my hand and guided me to a small door on the side. As we made our way we passed a small library filled with books that seemed to be as old as the country, Sean opened the door and we were greeted by another man in a tux. It was a restaurant. It was a narrow restaurant, but on one side the walls were floor to ceiling glass. The view was of the beautiful harbor. We were seated at a table beside the glass wall. As we enjoyed a long dinner, Sean seemed relaxed, but as if his mind was somewhere else. After we ate the last spoon of our dessert, Sean next asked if I wanted to go for a walk by the water. The sun had passed the horizon, but there was still a faint glow in the sky. We walked towards the water and began to cross a small bridge that connected two small islands. Sean stopped me halfway through the bridge. He told me that we should just enjoy the moment and take everything in. The walkway was still quiet as most people had gone home from their walks. Sean asked me if I was chilly. I responded yes and he said, “ok you can have my jacket in a bit.” I though this was strange but didn’t think too much into it. Sean then took hold of my hands ask started telling me how much he loved me, and how much I meant to him. He asked me if I would love him forever. As he was saying this he put his hand into the inside pocket of his jacket and pulled out a small square box. I caught a glimpse of it and a million things ran through my mind. It wasn’t a typical ring box, so I really didn’t know if I was about to get a ring or some other sort of jewelry. He said he loved me and then opened the box. We both went silent. And then both began to tear up. He picked up the ring and gently slid it onto my finger. The first thing that came out of my mouth was “don’t drop it in the water.” We had just been resting our arms on the railing of the bridge. Sean just smiled and we both embraced. I quickly realized that he hadn’t actually asked me the question yet. As we pulled out of our embrace, I said with a chuckle you haven’t asked me anything yet? He just smiled and said: Emily will you marry me.”

 

Thanks Sean + Emily in sharing such an amazing story! You are two fabulous people, who are without a doubt madly in love with each other. Sean the proposal location sounds utterly breathtaking. We can’t but help to want to visit Stockholm now for ourselves. And Emily your engagement ring is simply gorgeous and quite unique, featuring a beautiful turquoise stone. We couldn’t help but ask about it’s significance… Sean’s selection of the round turquoise stone was him providing a part of his family legacy to her. The stone is an old family heirloom of the other side of his family, which is from Iran. Sean’s grandmother had come from the Persian Qajar dynasty in Iran and the stone has been passed down from her. Sean had the turquoise set and surrounded by diamonds… unbelievably stunning. Sean and Emily we hope you love seeing these preview photos and they remind you a bit of the proposal day in Sweden. We are looking forward to your upcoming wedding day and it being our first in 2012, only a few days away. Enjoy!”

 

 

 

♥ Sean + Emily’s ceremony is set to take place at Saint Thomas More Church and the reception will follow at the Palmer House Hilton Hotel in Chicago. The iconic and legendary Palmer House hotel is a perfect hotel selection for Sean + Emily’s personalized taste. The venue offers impressive rooms with modern luxurious renovations all historically kept to the hotel’s original Beaux Arts architecture. The Palmer House is a landmark hotel and a member of the Historic Hotels of America.

 

Emily’s visited Zazu Salon in Hinsdale on the morning of this engagement session. Hair stylist Andrew and make-up by an independent artist Morghan.

“Jamison + Jamie’s engagement session was inspired by the couple’s love of the city, boating, the water, and Jamison’s proposal to Jamie which was on the beach. The proposal occurred with their toes in the sand, at the bride’s family lake house in Michigan. We considered an on-location engagement session and us meeting the couple in Michigan. But later we decided, because of the timing of the late in the fall session and the season not being quite right for boating, to alternately chose to capture photos downtown.

 

On the wedding day, a number of guests will be traveling into Chicago from Indiana. So, we decided on locations and photos in the city’s Gold Coast neighborhood. Jamie grew up in the Chicago Western suburb of Wheaton and Jamison is from Carmel near Indianapolis. The two met while attending Purdue University and during Jamison’s final year of school. After graduation, sadly Jamison was offered a job moving him to Ohio and therefore he had to move away from Jamie. After a few months and another job offer later, fate and determination brought the couple back together again in Indianapolis. Next Jamison planned his proposal to Jamie. That proposal took place last Summer and Jamie said nearly her entire family who were all visiting for a reunion were able to watch as it all happened from afar.

 

“In July, Jamison and I traveled to my parents’ lake house in Michigan. I went a few days earlier in the week to spend additional time with my aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandmother, and on Friday Jamison arrived to spend the rest of the weekend with everyone. On Saturday, we spent the day swimming, hanging out on the beach, and cruising around on the jet-ski. Before dinner, my grandma insisted on taking the family on a pontoon boat ride. I found it odd that Jamison decided to stay back and help clean with my dad and uncle. Little did I know, Jamison was in the process of asking my dad for his blessing while I was on the boat. Later that evening and after dinner, I was about to eat a piece of cake when Jamison asked if I would help him train our Labrador Retriever, Jaxon. I agreed to help as the sun was beginning to set. We went down to the lake (piece of cake still in-hand) and Jamison threw a dummy into the water for Jax to retrieve. Jamison then had Jax bring it back to me, so I could throw it for a second time. As I set my piece of cake down on the beach chair and took the dummy from Jax I noticed there was something written in black marker. I read the dummy, and in big bold letters it said, “WILL U B MY MOMMY 4-EVER?” I was confused, shocked, and excited all at the same time! I turned around to find Jamison on one knee. He then proposed while the rest of my family was watching from the deck. I immediately started crying and hugging him. When I finally composed myself, he put the ring on my finger and we turned around to find everyone cheering ( including the neighbors who unexpectedly witnessed the entire proposal from their beach. ) We were extremely fortunate to have my brother and his girlfriend capture the entire moment on camera. It was the perfect beginning to our vacation and a wonderful ending to my family reunion!”

 

Congrats Jamie and Jamison. Can’t tell you both enough how much we enjoyed spending the day with you. It was great getting to know you two, meeting you both finaly for the first time, talking about boating, wakeboarding, the wedding, and thanks for letting us capture the love between the two of you. You two have so much chemistry… thanks for making our jobs so simple! Hope you enjoy our favorites from the shoot.”

 

 

 

♥ Jamie provided the details of her clothing selections and nautical styled fashions. Her black dress with gold button embellishments was from Bebe and the second red and black outfit was from White House Black Market ( red heels from Charlotte Russe. )

 

Jamison and Jamie’s ceremony will take place in July at Saint James Chapel ( Archbishop Quigley Center ) in Chicago, Illinois. Located at the corner of Rush and Pearson Streets in downtown Chicago, St. James Chapel is steps from the “Magnificent Mile” and The InterContinental Hotel where the couple’s reception will be taking place. J+J say they fell in love with the chapel from the minute they walked inside. Quigley’s Saint James Chapel is a replica of Paris’ Sainte-Chapell and was completed in 1919. Its French Gothic Revival design, arched windows and soaring vertical buttresses, and exterior walls surrounded and guarded by statues of saints, has described the church as “a hidden jewel” in the midst of a bustling commercial and residential neighborhood on Chicago’s Gold Coast.

“Above are a few of our favorites from our beautiful day outside capturing engagement photos with Matt + Andria. When discussing plans for this couple’s photo session, we decided on an awesome abandoned barn setting which had some amazing daylight seeping through the falling down, old plank wooden walls. And ultimately, we decided to focus on mostly outdoor in nature settings. Andria mentioned that they aren’t necessarily “city” people ( where as the only exception they would head downtown is for a sports game ( where Matt would be rooting for the Sox and Andria alternately the Cubs ). She mentioned alternately “we are more small town people.” As a couple, Matt and Andria said they enjoy attending ballgames and spending time outdoors, riding their bikes and going for walks. Andria, although she now resides in the Chicago West suburbs, she mentioned how her and Matt are still “small town people”. These two grew up in North Central Illinois in the towns of Rock Falls and Dixon which are about 10 miles apart from each other. On the wedding day, we will be heading with them back home, to the small town of Deer Grove, to document their wedding day.

 

Often when we talk with many couple’s, they say with so many emotions overcoming each other during the moments of the proposal, it becomes difficult to remember exactly who said what and the exact sequences of the big proposal. On the day Matt proposed, Andria said after Matt presented to her the ring, she was so excited, she was left literally speechless. Matt proposed to Andria while in the Caribbean…

 

“In September 2010, Matt and I traveled to St Thomas for a long weekend getaway. Upon arrival, we decided to take a walk along the beach as sunset was near. Matt appeared to be awfully quiet on our walk, and we eventually came across a few chairs, so we sat down to take in the sunset and fresh ocean breeze. We sat talking for a while, when Matt leaned over to open his backpack and out came our scrapbook ( 6 months earlier Matt had made a scrapbook of pictures and ticket stubs from all the sporting events we attended along with creative rhymes referencing memorable moments from each event. ) I was so excited, I quickly began flipping through the pages to see all the new pictures, and sweet commentary he wrote recalling each event. Then, as I turned to the last page, I began to read the sweetest note describing our love and our future. Suddenly, I was nervous and forgot how to read. I looked up and there it was the most amazing ring! Matt was so anxious that he pulled out the ring before I could read the final sentence in the book, which stated, “I promise to love you for the rest of my life, will do you do me the honor and be my wife?” We sat there looking at each other and looking at the ring for what felt like an eternity; both of us kept waiting for the other to say something. Matt was waiting to hear “Yes” and I was waiting for him to ask ( remember, I stopped reading the second I saw the ring and never saw the final sentence in the book. ) Finally, Matt asked me to be his wife and of course I said YES!!! It was the perfect start to our St Thomas trip and the perfect way to begin the next chapter in our lives together.”

 

The couple met in 2009 at wedding of Matt’s cousin and Andria’s childhood friend. While at the wedding, Matt’s other cousin Dave (the groom’s brother) and his friends (including Andria’s best friend) were scheming to get the two of them together. Late during the reception, Dave confronted Matt about a gorgeous girl on the dance floor he just had to meet. Matt’s says his inability to dance well and a newly poured drink of his choice lead him to decline Dave’s invitation to meet Andria on the dance floor… and this was without even witnessing to whom Dave was referring to. In insisting he must meet her and Matt stubbornly refusing, instead insisting that his “drink was too good too pass up”, Dave next picks up his drink and proceeds to drink the entire glass. And afterwards Dave then proclaimed “Now what is your excuse?”. Having run out of excuses, Matt then mades his way to the dance floor and towards Andria… the woman with whom he would fall in love with. It was at that time that Matt says he realized “he was an idiot for not going out there initially because he definitely needed to go meet this gorgeous girl.” After having successfully dancing together for a song, another man at the wedding decided that Andria’s good looks and dancing ability was too good to pass up as well and proceeded to cut in. Being a gentleman, Matt proceeded to let him dance with Andria and then went back to his table. After that one song Andria, made her way over to Matt’s table, pointed at him and told him to get back on the dance floor with her. At that point, Matt knew he had just met someone special. Living a few hours apart from each other, it took some time before they had their first date. Andria, a life-long Chicago Cubs fan, decided to surprise Matt, a life-long Chicago White Sox fan, with tickets to that night’s Chicago White Sox game for that first date. After a White Sox win and some great conversation, Matt knew he had just been on a date with the woman of his dreams. After a few years of dating and a few baseball games later, Matt says “I can’t believe that first night he almost let his future wife slip out of his hands because of a jack and coke and a fear of dancing. Thankfully, Andria came back to the table.”

 

Matt + Andria thank you to you both in sharing your love stories and the details of your relationship with us. We enjoyed spending the day with you exploring the vintage barn, spending time around town, and walking around the forest preserve. Looking forward to seeing you both again in a few months at the wedding. Congrats!”

 

 

 

♥ Andria’s make-up and hair for this session was provided by Azza’s Hair Salon located in Oswego. While at the salon, Andria met a past Miller + Miller bride Lauren. ( And what a small world, Lauren was Andria’s hair stylist. )

 

Matt + Andria are planning for an outdoor wedding ceremony in Deer Grove Illinois at Deer Valley Golf Club. Dinner, dancing and the couple’s reception will also take place at the golf club.

“Trying to set a date for this session was a tad bit tricky with all the wet weather and especially excessive winds we received during the Fall months. But upon some patience, we found a better day to shoot, and thankfully some warm sun which was a bonus. When discussing Ryan + Dionna’s personalities, they mentioned they were in love with our more urban styled photos in off-beat locations. Dionna mentioned she was up for a railroad location, possibly some colorful graffiti, and would be open to any other unique and new Chicago spots we had in mind. Well, Chicago does have a few great graffiti spots! This location we photographed R+D at was a new shooting spot for us; and with it being nearby their home we decided to check it out. The colors were amazing and we were excited about our find when we arrived. The ivy growing on the wall in front of the graffiti was also an unexpected and awesome added element.

 

While out and about around the City getting to know Dionna and Ryan a little more, we talked about the wedding day and their mentioned longer than expected search for a venue. R+D researched many hotels downtown looking at primarily hotels extending along Michigan Avenue from the South Loop to Water Tower Place. They mentioned, however that they really wanted to choose a hotel located on the River, as the river area is one of their favorite sections of all the City. They choose the Chicago Westin River North Hotel and they said they loved the terrace option which overlooks the blu water and the nearby Chicago River Bridges on Clark, Lasalle Street and Dearborn St. The hotel’s setting also offers some of the best views of the Loop’s high-rises and nearby urban architecture. The River North area also is where some of Ryan’s family lives, as well as many memories of D+R’s years dating. One event includes the couple’s engagement day. Here’s more details from their big proposal day:

 

“Something we wouldn’t typically do, Ryan and I decided to take the day off for my birthday. I woke up that morning to my birthday present sitting on the counter and Ryan making breakfast. I opened my gift, which was a watch that I had been asking for; I was super excited! We then did some walking around the Merchandise Mart to get some ideas for our new place and ended up at Bull and Bear, having more drinks than lunch! :-) We went back home to get ready for dinner, as Ryan had a reservation for us at Smith & Wollensky, one of our favorite places. After dinner, we came back home and Ryan told me he had another gift for me! I walked into the office and he handed me an envelope, which was the most thoughtful and heartfelt letter! When I was done reading it, he was down on one knee and asked me to marry him! I was so surprised and excited! It was perfect!”

 

Thanks Ryan + Dionna in spending the afternoon around town with us. Look forward to hearing which image is your favorites and sharing the wedding day with you both next Fall. Enjoy!”

 

 

 

♥ Dionna admitted she loves to shop, so many of these outfits were already in her closet. Her session’s clothes were purchased from these downtown Chicago stores and boutiques: the purple shirt is from Francesca’s, the black dress is Alice + Olivia, and the black + taupe dress is Juicy Couture.

 

The Westin Chicago River North is the venue hosting the couple’s October 2012 ceremony and reception. The downtown Westin is located on Dearborn Street situated on the Riverwalk providing Chicago River views.

“Jonathan + Vera are getting married in a few months… their ceremony and reception are set to take place this Summer at the Museum of Science and Industry. Their venue selection is perfect for their personalities. As both J+V work within the science and medical fields. Jon and Vera mentioned they are looking forward to their guest’s enjoying the museum’s exhibits which will be on display nearby the ballroom. And for some of their portraits, we are going to have the opportunity to shoot in some of those spaces too, which is awesome. But back to the day we photographed their engagement session… we started out the shoot first picking them up from their home. Upon arriving, we were anxiously greeted by a cute English bulldog, who is the couple’s pet dog named Boba Fett. : ) And while driving to one of the couple’s special location requests, a nearby Japanese garden, Vera was telling us how Boba was actually the only one there to witness Jonathan’s proposal to her. The proposal happened at the couple’s home in the kitchen. Vera said “he got down on one knee and said some stuff that I don’t remember. I just remember agreeing! The dog sat still for the entire thing until I agreed. Then he walked away. I’m not sure if the dog was really aware of what was happening.” The couple met 5 years ago while in college. It wasn’t until the very last day of school that things started to get more serious. Their last day of school was the start of their lifetime together! Here’s a little more from Vera about that day:

 

“It wasn’t until the very last day of the semester, like the last day of finals, did anything really happen. I had gone out with my girls to celebrate and later in the evening, he met up with us. That night, I had THE perfect kiss of my entire life. We both agree that it was the absolute best and perfect kiss either of us have ever had. I certainly wasn’t expecting anything to happen between us so that was a nice surprise. The next night, he called me and from that night on, there was never a time when he didn’t call to say good night. : ) Well except now because we live together.”

 

Jonathan + Vera we can’t wait to document one more memorable kiss, and the many kisses you’ll have on your wedding day. The outdoor ceremony taking place at the Museum of Science and Industry on the South portico of the Chicago architectural landmark is definitely going to be one of the best places to exchange the first we are married kiss. The location alone is one of the best spots to be married outdoors in all of the City – being amidst a combination of famous architecture, trees and a sparkling waterway lagoon, it will be a romantic setting. And afterwards, surely your celebration indoors within the rotunda room at the Museum will also be equally amazing. Hope you both enjoy the remaining months of your engagement.”

 

 

 

♥ Vera’s make-up for this session was provided by Sonia Roselli www.soniaroselli.com. Vera admitted she did a little shopping for our shoot together. She looked stunning in her plum French Connection Dreaming one shoulder dress was found online. Another favorite spot she enjoyed shopping at was AKIRA.

“This was our second visit and wedding at The Blackstone Hotel this Summer, and we absolutely could not wait to shoot there again. Although the two event dates were set only a few months apart, we often find because every couple plans their ceremony + reception uniquely adding in their individualized style, even if the two events are in the same ballroom and season, the results are always such different photographs. Tons of personalized style was the case for Mark + Vanessa’s day. M+V put together one of the best days with a set of amazing Chicago vendors. With plenty of online research, adding in a number of DIY items, along with ideas from Tara Moser of LOLA Event Productions, the day seamlessly unveiled Vanessa’s dream wedding day. The groom is English, and the bride a southern girl. The couple incorporated ties to those upbringings, paired with a classic Chicago ambiance and good old fashion Southern wedding charm.

 

There were so many additional things we loved about M+V’s day. The smaller intimate gathering of guests ( with many attendees traveling from a number of miles away including family & Mark’s parents who reside in England and Vanessa’s family residing in the the Southern states. ) We also loved all the paper items including the weekend’s guests welcome box, watercolor maps, invitations and printed information which was provided to guests outlining the downtown area and the perks of the Michigan Avenue hotel. When deciding on a venue, M+V decided upon the Blackstone which they say offered: amazing food prepared by the amazing Chef Eric from Mercat a la Planxa, and the perfect, hands down favorite of both the Groom + Bride for venue ambiance both being fans of history and architecture. Vanessa made a stunning bride, radiantly glowing ( a special thanks to the beauty talents of Erin + Kristen ) and all complete in her beautiful Lazaro couture gown. Later during dinner, Vanessa tied back her curled tendrils and accessorized her dress adding a sheer black bow accent. Both the ceremony and reception incorporated anything from the ordinary activities including the Jewish wedding celebratory hora dance with the couple on chairs over the dance floor guests, the hilarious entrances on surprised motorized carts, a competition pingpong table, and games for the children guests. The behind the scenes and pre-day efforts Vanessa brought along were personally constructed or designed by herself ( which we enjoyed photographing so well that we added in more than we usually post of detail photos within this blog post. ) She created the CHICAGO save-the-dates, ceremony hard bound “love story” book programs, the welcome gable boxes and welcome information, the escort cards, dinner place cards, menus, kid’s activity packs, and initials photo props – everything was just exquisite. And the esthetic of the “southern charm” decorated reception room WOW it was breathtaking. Decor included flickering candles, candelabras, an amazing array of fresh flowers, peonies, and perfectly shaped peaches on each place setting. Vanessa’s selected florist Cornelia McNamara did an impeccable job with the flowers. The room was inviting + warm, and matching nearly identical to Vanessa + Mark’s also warm + inviting personalities.

 

It was wonderful getting to know your kind and fun friends and families Mark + Vanessa! Thank you so much for allowing us to be a part of your wonderful day. We enjoyed being with you for nearly the entire day, documenting the celebration taking place inside the classically elegant ballroom, seeing the two of you in wedded bliss, and all dressed up, looking so glamorous. As you can see, in this blog post… we had SOOO many top favorite photos from your day… and many more photos will be ready for your viewing also soon. Enjoy + Congrats.”

 

 

 

Vanessa + Mark’s Bridal Details:
Wedding Theme: Classic Elegance Colors: Grey, Peach + Antique White
Planner: Tara Moser from LOLA Event Productions
Bride’s Prep-Room: The Presidential Suite Smoke Filled Room
Bridal Dress Designer: Lazaro
Dress Shop: Volle’s Bridal & Boutique
Bridal Shoes: Christian Louboutin, Nordstrom
Hair: Erin Graham, 312.560.7890, skinpact {at} gmail.com
Makeup: Artistry by Kristen Repta of www.rachelreiman.com or Artists by Timothy Priano / Stewart Talent Agency, www.kristenterese.com, 312.479.7853, kristenterese {at} yahoo.com
Bridesmaids Dress: Jenny Yoo
Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse
Officiant: Reverend Jim Rehnberg
String Quartet: Parkwest Strings
Flowers: Cornelia McNamara Flowers
Invitations: Betsy White Stationery Boutique
Map + Guest Signing Scroll: Hand Lettered Calligraphy + Watercolor Illustration by Elizabeth Danae Elizabeth Danae on Etsy
DIY and various paper products by Vanessa the bride
Caterer: Mercat a la Planxa inside the Blackstone
Cake: Take the Cake
DJs: Kate Bilinski and Rachel Hinsdale of Toast & Jam
The Couple’s First Dance Song: L.O.V.E. by Nat King Cole

 

Ceremony + Reception Venue: Renaissance Blackstone Chicago Hotel
The Blackstone venue’s ballroom overlooks Michigan Avenue, Grant Park and the Lake. A unique mix of both historic and a modern space, the crystal ballroom is painted with ornate details, colors of grey and white, elegant vintage chandelier lighting, and a carpeted floor featuring a massive, colorful and bold chrysanthemum flower design. Other distinctive and unique rooms are the Art Hall, Barber Shop, English Board room and the Presidential Suite also called the Smoke Filled Room. But none are as uniquely designed and breathtaking as the hotel’s lobby with it’s colorful flooring pattern, marble, columns, ceiling, fabrics and the furniture ( including the gold couch ) just amazing to photograph within. The hotel is absolutely stunning and on a list of our favorite indoor places to shoot at within the City of Chicago. Quite legendary, the Blackstone has been the choice hotel for over 100 years as a venue for a numerous notable historical events of Chicago’s finest celebrities, sports starts, royalty and Presidents including Hollywood’s greatest such as Katherine Hepburn and other famous celebs coming into the City.

“With our busy photography season and the 2011 wedding year coming to a close, we are now diving head first into lots of editing. We are excited about all of the amazing people that we’ve met and photographed over the past few months. With the huge pile of editing in front of us and work ahead, we are excited to take a break from the early holiday orders and are looking forward to this next featured blog post. We loved spending the day with Arty + Cynthia. An amazing couple, these two are truly an ideal match and perfect for one another. It’s always nice + inviting to photograph couples who are overly illuminating with love for each other as A+C were.

 

When we left our studio for this photo session, with heavy rain clouds lingering, the four of us all were figuring we had missed out on receiving any sun that day… which brought along disappointment as clouds were going to be spoiling our plans to capture the sunset, and our warm and dreamy end of the shooting day plans for Arty + Cynthia’s vintage in the country photo shoot. But to our surprise we were graced with some glowing sun. Always interested in hearing what makes our couple’s unique, when getting to know these two, we discovered not only are A+C are two wonderful people, Cynthia is so sincere, gorgeous, but Arty is nearly identical another sincere person and he’s definitely head over heels in love and into Cynthia. We had a great time getting to know the two of them better during our first meet up and out on the session. But before first meeting in person, when Cynthia first emailed us, it was through Facebook. And to our surprise, Arty had that day popped the big question to her. That put a smile on our faces… she was super excited and messaging us all the way from China! Here’s their beautiful “will you marry me” story and a few trip details from Cynthia:

 

“Arty and I love to travel. One of our goals as a couple is to see all the Wonders of the World. Earlier this year, we received the opportunity of a lifetime and a trip together to China. Among the many things was saw during our trip, we were amazed in seeing the Great Wall. We visited 4 different cities with Beijing being the last stop before heading back to Chicago. Standing in front of the Great Wall was breathtaking, but being able to share the experience together was much more amazing. We explored the Wall for a few hours and on our way back down, Arty wanted to stop for a picture. He asked a gentleman to take our photo, which he did, but it was really quick. Arty looked disappointed, so I told him not to worry and I suggested we take another picture. He responded, “Yeah, but you don’t understand. I wanted to get a picture of this.” As he said that, he started to get down on one knee and pulled a box out of his coat pocket and revealed a beautiful ring inside. Besides ending with “Will you marry me?”, I don’t remember what he said. I was so overwhelmed and excited! However, I’ll never forget how I felt. I had always told Arty I wanted to be completely surprised when he proposed, and I was absolutely shocked. I couldn’t have picked a better place or time. Getting engaged at one of the greatest Wonders of the World was amazing!”

 

When discussing their engagement session, Cynthia messaged us saying she’d like to incorporate a few props for the session as well as a bit of 1920s-esque fashion inspiration into part of her and Arty’s photo session. Cynthia said she not only loved our classy, elegant and magazine like high-fashion portraits style, but she also enjoyed the idea of using fun and creative props. After Cynthia searched the web, she found a few props including paper hearts, a cupid bow and arrow, and since her and Arty LOVE the old “Love is” comic strip, she mentioned she had made a sign that says “Love Is” and would like to incorporate that somehow. One final personalized request was to stop by Cynthia’s office building where the couple first met ( during her and Arty’s internship ) “as a nod to where we met.” In Cynthia still working at the same company, she was able to receive special clearance for us to shoot there. ♥ Thanks for all the great ideas Cynthia. We always love when our couple’s put to use their creativity. Enjoy the rest of your pre-wedding planning. Looking forward to the big day next Fall and spending the day with you two again.”

 

 

“The bride Marisa is originally from the western burbs of Illinois, but currently lives near the sandy coast of California, just outside if Los Angeles in Marina del Rey. Marisa works within the advertising industry for In Touch Weekly Magazine, and Alexis is in a band as a lead guitarist. Marisa was looking for love in LA and about a year and half ago through a friend, her and Alexis crossed paths.

 

“We met when a friend of mine, Stefano dragged me out to meet a few new guys because I was complaining it’s so hard to find good guys in LA. I was reluctant and had been heading out to see a band somewhere else, but I said fine Stefano, just for a minute. Well, it looks like that ‘minute’ has turned into a lifetime. : ) Alexis and I definitely had a special connection from the start… the fact that he was French and played the guitar didn’t hurt either. On the first night we met, we spoke closely for about 30 minutes or so and then had to part ways due to other plans. Alexis text me a little later and wanted my email, so he could send me some of his music, since we had been talking about our musical interests. I’m sure that was half the reason he sent me his music. We started emailing about music and texting back and forth, planning to go out in a couple days. That turned into meeting him out after a Tool concert on Monday, we went on our first date on Tuesday, saw each other again on Wednesday, he came down to visit me in San Diego on Thursday, on Saturday I went to his show, and by Sunday we were in love and practically moved in together! I truly feel like we have known each other for years, even though on the books its only been since July 17th! There was so much honesty and expression of feelings and thoughts between us, we just cut right through the BS. Thanks Stefano, I owe ya one.”

 

When Marisa contacted us, she mention how technically her and Alexis were already married. But, they were planning for a cocktail reception with Alexis family at Chateau de l’Isle in Civray France, and a traditional ceremony and reception in Chicago. Alexis + Marisa had an intimate outdoor ceremony. The couple each recited personally written vows in both French and English. Starved Rock Lodge and State Park hosted both the ceremony, dinner and dancing. A national historic site and Ottawa Illinois river area natural landmark, Starved Rock is known mostly for its amazing location and the extensive display of naturally formed rock canyons throughout the property. It truly is one of the most gorgeous places to be married outside in nature within Illinois – the wooded ceremony vista is high on a bluff overlooking the nearby river valley. With humid and hot temperatures and rain forecasted for nearly the entire weekend, as you can imagine everyone was a little nervous about the day’s plans being rained out. But with drier weather, the outdoor ceremony proceed. However our original intention of hiking into a canyon at the park had to be changed. We proposed a few alternate locations for the bridal party pictures and Marisa said secretly she loved even more our alternate dry locations. She especially loved the offbeat and abandoned train car shooting spot. She said it fit her and Alexis’s personalities perfectly. We were in love with the locations too… the ivy wall, train tracks, inside the messy box car, and graffiti, it was an awesome find. Alexis + Marisa said it was so “us”. When she was explaining her and Alexis had already been married, we were curious to hear more. Both being huge music fans, naturally that was a memorable and big part of the day. Marisa told us more about their first ceremony:

 

Marisa writes: “We initially got married on stage at a Steel Panther show at the Key Club in West Hollywood. Alexis is French so we needed to get the immigration paperwork over with before our July wedding and a civil ceremony at the Beverly Hills courthouse was taking too long! When we initially went to file for our marriage license, it just so happened to be one of Lindsey Lohan’s neverending court dates and there were swarms of paparazzi and reporters everywhere, yelling ‘congrats’ as we made our way out of the courthouse. We ran into an acquaintance, Sean, we often see out and about on the scene and he told us he was a Reverend with a 100% success rate. :) ( He was also wearing a Lucky Charms costume as it was Halloween weekend. ) He asked where we would like to get married and on Stage during a Steel Panther show was the first thing that popped into mind. Sean knew the singer and made it happen through the management. Because this is LA, I didn’t exactly plan on Sean’s follow through. Well one day I was home sick and he called and said we were all set to go on stage. It was Monday, November 1st. I thought Monday?, I’m sick, plus being the day after Halloween? What a perfect day for a wedding right?! :) I popped up and grabbed some Sudafed and Alexis and I met him out at The Rainbow to discuss the schematics for the show. We called some of our closest friends last minute and we went out to celebrate! It was fun and crazy and very ‘us’.”

 

It was extremely important to Alexis and Marisa that they selected an AMAZING band to keep guests on the dance floor. The Libido Funk Circus was their chosen band and rocking the room was just what they did. If you are looking for a band that is other than an average, ordinary band, look no further. Libido Funk Circus has an awesome and commanding stage presence and as they describe their style, they do truly “set an electrifying pace for your event.” The band says they pride themselves on being “the band that party-goers rave about well after the event is over!” So true, we even stayed until the end of the night to watch the rest of their show. The bride, groom, and guests were seriously having so much fun! Marisa + Alexis your entire day was truly a celebration of what you are all about… we had a rocking time working with you, thanks Marisa + Alexis in selecting us as your photographers – we enjoyed spending the day with you! Hope you enjoy pictures from the beautiful wedding day – you are a stunning couple together + we wish to you all the best.”

 

 

 

Marisa + Alexis day of details:
Theme: Rock in Roll Glamour meets Nature
Los Angeles California Vows: On stage at the Key Club in West Hollywood
Outdoor Ceremony: Sunrise Shelter at Starved Rock Lodge
Harpist: Devon Haupt The Classic Harpist
Intro Music Selection: “Canon in D / Bridal Chorus”
Sand Ceremony: “Come Sail Away” Styx
Processional: “Sweet Child O’ Mine” Guns ‘N’ Roses
Bridal Shoes: Guess
Bride’s Jewelry: Vintage Jewelry
Hair Master Stylist: Jerry Monjes of J Alison Salon in Naperville or Tomas West Salon in Chicago
Makeup: Marissa Govedarica, 630-890-1872
Reception Venue: Starved Rock Lodge
Coordinator: The bride Marisa : )
Flowers: Mary’s Special Touch Floral
First Dance: “Starlight” Slash featuring Myles Kennedy
Band: Libido Funk Circus
Honeymoon: Sandals Grande Riviera Ocho Rios, Jamaica

 

Listen to a few sample tracks of Alexis’ music at: French Rocker on Reverbnation

“Jeremi + Lianne are getting married! But before taking off to get hitched in Los Cabos Mexico next year, Lianne emailed our photography studio to capture engagement photos. Sometimes our couples look into incorporating a theme for their sessions, this concept was a theme Lianne proposed to us and unlike any other shoots we have ever photographed before. ( And it’s a perfect photo post for the current Halloween season. ) We photographed Jeremi and Lianne in an editorial and lifestyle inspired engagement photography style with a dramatic, trash the dress theme.

 

Before Lianne first contacted us, she said she had researched online for various photo session themes and admitted she was a little nervous mentioning her discovered scandalous photo concept, her idea for props, and the unique trash-the-dress photo concept to us. ( She said she didn’t know if we’d think she was a crazy woman. : ) LOL The idea did admittedly catch us off guard, as we thought initially we were going to be completing a typical portrait session. But after seeing her inspirational photos, and getting to know her a bit more, we soon were excited about the idea, and we were up for the challenge in creating some edgy, stylish and dramatic photography. Upon setting a shoot date, we suggested one of our favorite photo shooting locations to pull the prop and Halloween themed photography session altogether. We left to Lianne the task of organizing both their outfits and the challenge in finding & experimenting with some fake, but realistic looking blood. The results? Well we had captured so many great unique photos, we decided to blog a few more photos than normal, blogging two photo posts from our day’s photo session. Click here to view Jeremi + Lianne’s night engagement photography pictures.

 

Jeremi + Lianne looked stunning and did fabulous in bringing to the session some fantastic and stylish clothing along with on the engagement session. Thanks J+L in investing a little extra into your wardrobe, makeup, and hair which we feel is one of the biggest keys to outstanding engagement pictures. ( We always love how our couples arrive for the portrait sessions with such a great fashion sense. ) You guys looked edgy, sexy + sophisticated. A special thanks to you J+L.

 

Jeremi proposed to Lianne this summer after being together for 12 years. They are high school sweethearts who met on the football field. Jeremi was a football player and Lianne a cheerleader. Lianne mentioned “since we love to travel, we decided that we wanted to have a destination wedding. We had been to Cabo San Lucas before and loved it there so we figured that would be a good place to get married.” During the session, we learned about the couple’s adventurous travels around the world and got to know in person more about them. Lianne was raving about her recent trip to Brazil and hang gliding adventures over Rio de Janeiro. And her past visits to places like Rome and The Giza Pyramids in Egypt. We definitely couldn’t help but to be jealous of their recent world travels.

 

Jeremi + Lianne, we are looking forward to traveling along with you to Mexico for your wedding day. On the day after, J+L would like to try trashing the wedding dress again, however in the sand and ocean waters this time. J+L we hope you are excited about the results of the pictures above! We loved the combination of modern fashion inspired photos and tying it together with a dramatic and devious storytelling style. You two were amazing to work with. Both your love for each other and enthusiasm in the photo shoot was like no other couple yet we have photographed. Thank you. Check back soon for more of our favorite photos captured during the night portion of our shoot, coming up next!! ( Lianne incorporated a birthday present she said she bought herself for these photos. ) Looking forward to showing off your second, and even more dramatic photography post. Enjoy!"

 

 

 

Wait, there’s more! View a few of our favorite images from our photos with guns night engagement photography part of shoot with Jeremi + Lianne.

 

♥ Jeremi + Lianne are exchanging vows next August in Mexico’s coastal Dreams Resorts & Spa in Los Cabos. We are looking forward to joining the Chicago couple and traveling along with their family on this destination celebration. J+L will be having an on the beach, waterfront ceremony. One of our favorite types of ceremonies.

 

Shoot details:
Lianne’s make-up artistry by Sonia Roselli www.soniaroselli.com
Hairstylist Brandy Chrismon from Intoxicating Styles in Oak Forest 708-535-2020

 

Photography session props included:
Motorcycle: Harley Davidson Sportster 883 Iron motorcycle
Knife: handcrafted custom bowie knife by Gil Hibben originating outside of Louisville Kentucky www.hibbenknives.com

“Above is part two from our dramatic and prop engagement photography session with Jeremi + Lianne. In capturing too many amazing photos with Jeremi + Lianne, we decided on a second bonus photos blog post. With three props during our single photo session, first a motorcycle, second a knife, and third guns, we decided to differentiate the time later to capture ultra modern editorial style photos photographing J+L at night in an edgy photographic style using dramatic lighting. Lianne looked stunning, and Jeremi well he was very nicely dressed too. They brought along to the shoot, a couple of their toys and weaponry accessories for this part of the photo session. Another first for us, we loved the edginess, incorporating television and movie inspired poses and photography concepts, dramatic lighting techniques, and wow it was fantastic how the variety of night photos turned out. J+L, you two were simply amazing client’s to work with, looking like two celebrities. Hope you both enjoy seeing the completed photos. Thanks Lianne + Jeremi in looking absolutely fabulous. Looking forward to the wedding day! Vayamos a México.”

 

 

 

Don’t miss our first blog post! See photos from the J+L’s Halloween themed engagement photography session which included more edgy photo props and a trash-the-dress theme.

 

♥ Details from Jeremi + Lianne’s engagement photography shoot with guns include:
Movie + Television Posing Inspiration: Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Sons of Guns and American Guns on Discovery
Rifle: Rock River Arms Operator Ar-15 223 by Rock River Arms a family owned, gun manufacturer out of Colona, Illinois
Handgun: XD 40 Caliber Sub Compact by Springfield Armory, family owned gun manufacturer out of Geneseo, Illinois
Destination Wedding Plans: Dreams Resorts & Spa, Los Cabos, Mexico, August 2012
Engagement Make-Up by: Sonia Roselli, Chicago
Engagement Hairstyling by: Brandy Chrismon of Intoxicating Styles, Oak Forest, 708-535-2020

“We had the pleasure in spending the day and photographing Ross + Charmagne’s modern chicago wedding ceremony and reception at the contemporary Michigan Avenue Hard Rock Hotel Chicago. The day was a festive celebration and party celebrated in rock-in-roll style. Ross + Charmagne kept surprising us with more and more personalized details, which began at the start of the day and proceeded all the way to the end. Many brides say they feel their dress selection helps to define their wedding’s style. Charmagne’s dress was an absolutely stunning choice with beautiful layers of feminine organza, and an incredible petal embellishment along the length of the dress… just gorgeous. And Ross he was styled in all class, cool and ready to marry the love of his life. Yellow bold florals and the ladies wearing sapphire blue, floor length dresses tied the bridal party as a group altogether.

 

This was personally our first visit to The Hard Rock Hotel, and yes we loved it as much as Ross + Charmagne had described it to us upon our first meeting. The hotel resides in the iconic Carbide & Carbon building offering a few unique party spaces and Michigan Ave address where everyone including guests can enjoy it’s centralized right in heart of downtown Chicago location. The hotel, often frequented by musicians and celebrities, boasts a similar upbeat ambiance, buzz and a feeling that the paparazzi is peeking around the corner vibe, and features stylish music playing. A perfect modern venue to celebrate the vibrant city, while mixing in an upbeat cultural ambiance. Ross + Charmagne said they were instantly drawn to the venue too because of it’s musically inspired atmosphere and the interior’s decorated Art Deco aspects blended with contemporary style.

 

The ceremony proceeded in the Gibson Room which was a elegant space, flooded with an abundance of natural window light, tall bold yellow bouquets, live music harmonizing elegant sounds of a classic guitar and cello together, and smiles exchanged during personalized vows recited by the bride and groom. The lobby level hosts the Angels & Kings nightclub where they say “there’s no need to act like an angel to feel like rock and roll royalty”. We decided to go with the royalty theme while composing a few fashionable bridal party group photos. During the later evening festivities, guests enjoyed cocktails in style within a city view room featuring a terrace and balcony with views of Michigan Avenue. Later, events of dinner, dancing and fun were experienced in the hotel’s Fender Ballroom. Leaving not even the tiniest of stylistic details unplanned, Ross and Charmagne incorporated hundreds of personalized touches, including incorporating an urban + yellow + lovebird theme, handmade printed menus, signs, place cards and DIY items included placecard holders, photo sleeves, welcome bags, wedding favor boxes, and the couple’s birdcage card box.

 

Ross + Charmagne you are both as sweet, thoughtful and genuine as they come. Capturing the love between you two was super easy. Your choice of bright and cheery yellow color was a perfect fit for your amazing personalities. The wedding was a true reflection of you from head to toe. Nothing but best wishes to you as you start your futures together now as husband + wife. Hope you enjoy our preview of your day, within the photos above.”

 

 

 

Ross + Charmagne’s Planning Advice to Couples Who Are Engaged ♥ “Don’t be afraid to be creative and think outside the box!”

 

Theme: Lovebirds
Colors: Yellow and gray color combo
Modern Chicago Hotel Wedding Venue: Hard Rock Hotel Chicago, Event Services Manager Erica McMillen
Ceremony: Hard Rock’s Gibson Room
Reception: The Hard Rock Fender Ballroom
Cocktails: The Hamer Room with Outdoor Terrace Overlooking Michigan Avenue
Dress + Veil Shop: Mori Lee by Madeline Gardner from Here Comes The Bride
Bridal Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Bride’s Jewelry: Nordstrom Collection and Crislu
Wedding Rings: Gale Diamonds
Hair: Mario Tricoci Downtown Chicago
Makeup: Sephora at The Shops at North Bridge
Bridesmaids Dresses: Mori Lee
Tuxedos: Savvi Formalwear
Bridal Party Gifts: Coach and Kate Spade
Officiant: Bruce Otto from Spirited Weddings
Ceremony Musicians: Moeller Music
Sand Frame Set: Say Anything Design
Cake + Sweet Table: Luscious Layers Bakery
Love Angels Cake Topper: Kikuike Studio on Etsy
Flowers + Ceremony Decor: Kehoe Designs
DJ: Aris Enterprises
Linens: Chair Couture
Custom Invitations ( using Miller + Miller photos ): Keepsake Designs with DIY envelopes and inserts
Custom Ceremony Minibooks ( using Miller + Miller pictures ): Minted
Guest Book: Featured M+M engagement photos
Guest Favors: Frango Mint Chocolates
Honeymoon: Spain

“Erin + Joel’s rustic styled wedding took place in the LaSalle Peru area of Illinois. Throughout our shooting season often we are traveling into the City of Chicago one weekend, and then come the next weekend we are out in the ‘burbs. We enjoy both settings of a modern city venue and location, but we also love the simplistic beauty found in country settings, desolate nature photos, and outdoor ceremonies in unique places and surrounded by nature. Ottawa, LaSalle Peru and even further West into the Illinois River Valley and the Starved Rock areas, we definitely include all of these spots as some of our favorite regions for nature.

 

Erin + Joel’s smiles and love for each other was very easy to capture on this day. E+J’s day started off in us meeting each of them as they were getting ready in separate rustic cabins at Grizzly Jack’s Grand Bear Resort & Lodge in Utica Illinois. Grand Bear was also the couple’s venue where dinner, dancing and their reception took place later in the day. We first met with Erin + Joel over a year before their wedding day. They mentioned that in the earlier part of their relationship, often they enjoyed spend time outdoors, either biking along the river or hiking at the parks in and around Starved Rock State Park. Instantly the four of us bonded on that subject, as we also enjoy hiking in the Starved Rock region too. So when discussing the couple’s ceremony and reception plans, deciding to incorporate photos in nature was definitely a must. Erin + Joel decided to see one another before their outdoor ceremony took place, so we’d have plenty of time for a little, light hiking into a forest preserve followed by some bridal photography.

 

E+J chose a historic ceremony venue where their vows were exchanged outside, in the rain, and on the step of the Lasalle Illinois Hegeler Carus Mansion. The rain held off for the first part of the day up until about 5 minutes before the ceremony began. Continuing on, the bridal party stood alongside the couple as the rain drops steadily fell… guest watched down below with umbrellas in hand. The rain Joel and Erin had made their day one of our most memorable exchanging of vows this year. The light rain was actually quite beautiful. Details we enjoyed about Erin + Joel’s planning was the overall in the woods and outdoors style incorporated to all the locations, selections of details, and decor. Erin’s vintage inspired lace dress tied in a touch vintage elegance. Erin worked closely with her florist in choosing florals to complement their outdoor day’s activities and woodsy venues. Floral bouquets and centerpieces included chopped wood, wood branches, moss, and an earthy color palette. A bright shade of orange found accented in her bouquet and within the bridesmaid’s dresses brought in a lively burst of color. Erin said inspiration for her theme of was also derived from the mansion’s own family history, the story of the mansion and the Hegeler Carus mansion’s historic story of togetherness. Erin decided to carry that over creating a family-togetherness aura while having their ceremony at the mansion.

 

“In addition to the story behind the family that lived at he Hegeler Carus Mansion, we really wanted it to be a day about love and family….and we wanted it to be a personal experience for everyone. Every one of our guests really have played an important role throughout our lives, so for the reception we created a wedding wall with photos honoring those guests and the commitment they made to each other… just the same as Joel and I had that day.” Erin and Joel mentioned they didn’t know at first have any ideas what to do for their guest’s favors. She said “we didn’t want to just throw some M&M’s in a paper box and say thanks for coming! I have a green thumb. I thought it would be cool for the place card succulent plants to double as a little gift guests could take home. Personalizing the day even more, we incorporated a unique recipe concept since we both love to cook. ( Erin said cooking is frequently a weekend date night activity. ) On date nights, we choose a couple of recipes, turn the music up really loud, make some drinks and cook all night long.” So when considering personalizing the reception, Erin + Joel thought it would be a special personal touch in sharing their favorite recipes for everyone to have their own date night at home. Rather than gifting a generic favors… Erin said “we wanted everyone to have a piece of us. If Joel and I had any advice to give anyone getting married, it would be take the time to research and find GREAT VENDORS who know what they are doing. I think the biggest reason the two of us didn’t get stressed is because we made a point to choose vendors who were very professional and experienced and all we had to do was let them do their jobs. Also, don’t sweat the small stuff or the big stuff for that matter. Everything always has a way of working out and at the end of the day, you honestly won’t remember what you were so worried about. I think both Joel and I agree that our favorite memory is when my dad gave me away to Joel in the rain. You just can’t recreate moments like that.”

 

Erin and Joel, we thank you again in hiring us to share the beauty of the day with you. We were honored to be chosen as one of your vendors – we enjoyed capturing the many moments in the official start of your lives together. Sending out a congratulations again to the two of you, and best wishes! Hope seeing photos bring back more smiles for you and fond memories from the day.”

 

 

 

Joel + Erin’s vendors included:
Theme: Vintage Rustic
Mansion Outdoor Ceremony: Hegeler Carus Mansion, LaSalle, IL
Reception Venue: Grizzly Jack’s Grand Bear Resort & Lodge, Utlca
Getting Ready Locations: In a Cabin and Villa at Grizzly Jack’s Grand Bear Resort & Lodge
Bridal Dress Designer: Paloma Blanca from Bridal Elegance, Ottawa, IL
Bridal Shoes: Martinez Valero
Hair: Lauri Vancil and Stevi Fox of Colorific Salon, Normal, IL
Makeup: Anne Frances Salon & Spa, LaSalle
Bridesmaids Dress: Mori Lee from Bridal Elegance
Tuxedos: Jim’s Formal Wear by Marien Mae Bridal
Cake: Kelsey’s Kakes
Flowers: Jennifer Hunt of Countryside Flower Shop, Crystal Lake
Guest Favors: Small potted succulent plants
DJ: Tone Productions DJ Service
Honeymoon: Secrets Capri in the Riviera Maya
Travel Agent: The bride Erin from Travel Connections, Peru, Illinois

 

♥ Visit our photography we captured during our day out in the Spring season for Erin + Joel’s engagement photography session.

 

 

Looking to book a destination, honeymoon or vacation? Erin the bride is an owner and partner in a local travel company called Travel Connections. We recommend contacting Travel Connections when planning a destination, honeymoon or another travel event. Visit Erin’s company’s web site by clicking the preview image below, use this link Travel Connections or call them at 815.780.8581.

“We had a great time getting to know Kia + Leo and capturing the love between these two madly in love people. On our day out roaming the more industrial part of the urban city, we had a number of varying weather conditions ( and in turn photographic lighting situations. ) Working with a variety of sources of light and improvising with this couple was fun. The day started out with some beautiful summer sun, but soon clouds started rolling over the buildings in Chicago. While the four of us chatted and waited for the strong winds and darkest storm clouds to pass, Ryan was quietly composing a dramatic lighting scenario. With the winds and rain starting to slow down, we found ourselves inspired by the rainy situation, the location, Kia + Leo looking absolutely stunning together, and the wind lightly blowing… it was a perfect and unplanned scenario for some dramatic styled engagement photography images. We loved the impromptu location we found, with decaying buildings in the foreground and further in the distance the faint skyline. ( Without a doubt our careers in being wedding and engagement photographers, always brings fresh and new inspirations for us every day. We find ourselves improvising quickly and surprisingly on this shoot when the fierce monsoon rainstorm rolled into downtown Chicago, it was an unexpected and creative shooting situation sitting right in front of us. )

 

While awaiting the raindrops to stop falling, we had a little extra time to chat. We talked about both Kia + Leo’s fascinating careers working within the medical fields, their upcoming next Summer wedding, and we learned the little details of how the couple first met. Kia + Leo met each other in the Summer of 2007 and soon found themselves seeing each other almost every day after their first date. Kia admitted before that first date happened, she was not really looking to settle down. Soon what she call the “dating game” with Leo, was soon occupying her lifestyle as a relationship. She said everything happened so fast. With the couple’s spending so much time together, after a few years friends + family ( and especially Kia ) were getting anxious for Leo’s proposal to come about. Kia was expecting a Christmas engagement, but Leo wanted to make the proposal a real surprise, less cliché, and catch Kia off guard. Christmas day passed so when Kia was least expecting it, Leo put his plans into action. Kia sent me a little story about her unexpected proposal:

 

“As I went to lay down there “IT” was. A ring was shining bright on my pillow. All I could say was “no you didn’t.” I was so surprised! Leo asked to marry me and of course I said “YES”. The best part is that he had asked both of my fathers if he could have their blessings.”

 

It wasn’t soon after the proposal took place, that Kia + Leo were searching a number of reception venues around the City of Chicago. The conclusion was on a stylish and modern hotel location located in the heart of River North which had the couple’s preferred modern look. The location provided wedding guests the opportunity enjoy the downtown event space and also the proximity of being steps from Michigan Avenue and the Chicago River areas. We are excited photographing Kia + Leo’s wedding and festivities at the Hotel Sax Chicago. Hotel Sax is another one of our FAVORITE venues with awesome decor and amazing distinctive style. We can’t wait for their wedding day! The 4th floor ballroom has clean lines and tons of modernism. Plus the Sax Hotel’s Crimson Lounge with its rich colors and bohemian furniture style, we think it’s going to offer some amazing photographic ambiance. Kia + Leo, we are looking forward to the wedding day and shooting in your stylish hotel venue’s spaces. We hope you love the outcome from our engagement session. Enjoy the excitement of the rest of your engagement, until the big celebration next year. Talk to you soon.”

 

 

 

♥ Kia + Leo are exchanging vows next year 2012 in June at Rockefeller Memorial Chapel located on the campus of the University of Chicago. The celebration is set to continue afterwards at the stylish Hotel Sax Chicago.

 

We are looking forward to both the couple’s venues, but especially shooting inside the Sax Hotel’s modern Crimson Lounge. We love the look of entire hotel and as so do Kia + Leo … it’s going to be a perfect fit for our editorial style photography. Visit the venue’s web site www.hotelsaxchicago.com for more information this urban hotel, described as “traditionally elegant yet bohemian” jewel of the Marina City’s River North Chicago neighborhood area.

 

Kia’s make-up for this engagement photo session provided by Stacy Kelly Makeup Artistry. www.stacyfaces.com

“Steve + Veronica hired us as their destination wedding photographers and we can not wait for our next trip back to Arizona. After our first meeting to discuss S+V’s across the country trip, it wasn’t long that they were thankfully including us in on their Sedona’s Red Rock Country wedding day plans.

 

We LOVE being hired to travel for destinations to ANY beautiful location around the world. ( But if you didn’t already know this, we chose a similar setting as Steve + Veronica for our our Nevada Red Rock mountain wedding. So we are especially fond of the Southwest region and Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sedona and the Las Vegas areas. ) With our close family members residing in both the Tucson and Phoenix regions, we are annually out in Arizona and the Las Vegas areas, usually planning at least once a year an escape out West away from Chicago’s cold winter months. Upon our first discussions, we decided while we were in Sedona with Steve + Veronica, to include a day after the wedding, bridal session in the mountains. The extra day of photography allowed the four of us to explore different parks in the area and get a little more creative and artistic styled bridal pictures of the bride + groom. Between the two days of shooting and a collection of photos from the couple’s ceremony, reception and the scenic overlooks around town, we found several picturesque shooting places. Destinations with natural beauty and outdoor shooting spaces some of our favorites. Northern Arizona is one of those. It’s a nature lover’s paradise.

 

The majestic red rocks, grand cliffside mountain views, meandering creeks, canyons and desert plants, paired with a venue that offered an authentic outdoor terrace for seating, dancing, and outside courtyard spaces to enjoy the clean mountain air and celebrate, all those elements together created the best wedding ambiance ever. Helping to put Steve and Veronica’s vision together was the hired expertise of a Laura Marolakos of Heart of Sedona Weddings. Laura helped the couple narrow down their search for a Sedona reception venue to one of the town’s famous and a authentically-styled Mexican village called Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village. We loved Tlaquepaque – what an amazing venue. Surrounded by huge sycamore trees, vine-covered stucco walls, and cobblestone pathways and courtyards, the village is located near the center of Sedona and has the authentic Spanish style decor and historic, architectural details which makes it feels like it has been around for centuries.

 

A few years ago Steve + Veronica first visited Sedona during a vacation to Phoenix, they came back for second visit, fell in love with the area, and ultimately decided a getaway destination in the mountains would be perfect for them. Veronica said “we wanted to have a small and intimate wedding with only our close family and friends and that is why we decided to go the destination route. We didn’t want to deal with all the stress of a large wedding and we wanted to plans an event different from all others. With the smaller group coming along, we were also able to make the day about us. A favorite moment of the day for Steve was when he first saw my dad and I at the doorway to the chapel. My favorite memory was seeing Steve standing at the alter waiting for me.”

 

Some guest drove from Chicago through Colorado into Arizona, some arrived by train, others flew in to either Las Vegas or Phoenix before making it into Northern AZ. Friends and family arrived early to visit local tourist spots and also attend Thursday’s event, which was Steve + Veronica’s rehearsal dinner night. We enjoyed S+V’s gracious invitation to come along to dinner to meet everyone. Everyone was discussing how utterly picturesque Sedona was. A perfect destination location with so much to offer. People were talking about trail rides in the Red Rocks, jeep tours, cliff diving, and hiking. Arizona’s mesmerizing Red Rock Country offered an opportunity for the guest’s to either unwind and relax under the desert sun, or the option of more adventurous activities.

 

Friday was the beautiful, sun shining, wedding day. Tears and sounds of laughter were shared during Veronica and Steve’s intimate chapel ceremony which was in one of the smallest and quaint chapels we had ever seen. Later, festivities took place outdoors on the Patio De Las Campanas at Tlaquepaque. Always a hands down favorite of ours is photographing couple’s outdoor ceremonies and receptions. This location offered the utterly best of those two options. A memorable moment was during the couple’s romantic first dance. As the soft evening sun was setting, a beautiful golden light was casted over the cobblestone outdoor terrace creating a beautiful glow. The amazing soft light was shining on the couple as they danced together for the first time as husband and wife. As the song ended the golden sun was slowly dropping below the mountains, it was picture perfect.

 

In seeing that it was official and Steve + Veronica were finally married… well naturally the next day Steve and Veronica were glowing with excitement. So getting S+V to get close to each other for some romantic photos was pretty easy. During Saturday’s bridal session, the four of us explored Sedona’s beautiful rock cliffs, forest and desert. We set out to capture unique photos of the the couple around Sedona mixing in a little drama and romance, plus a few more edgy and high-fashion wedding photography styled photos. With a number of Red Rock mountain area scenic spots nearby, we decided on three locations a few miles North of uptown towards the Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon areas, South of town to Bell Rock, and also at a Cathedral Rock viewing vista. Veronica + Steve were looking forward to our artistic ideas, up for hiking, or even getting the dress wet if needed. Thanks S+V in allowing us to get creative with you.

 

We were SOOO excited to see you officially tie the knot Steve + Veronica and we are thankful you choose the two of us as your photographers. We appreciate your truly sincere hospitality, our new found friendships, and your many invitations to join in on the weekend’s festivities. Best wishes to the two of you and congratulations on your marriage.”

 

 

 

Steve + Veronica’s vendors + details:
Ceremony Chapel: The Chapel at Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village
Outdoor Reception + Dancing: Patio De Las Campanas at Tlaquepaque
Planning + Coordination: Laura Marolakos of Heart of Sedona Weddings
Officiant: Reverend Andrew Murphy
Dresses: David’s Bridal
Bridal Hair + Makeup: Patricia Vega of Le Petit Spa de Sedona
Tuxedos: Sedona Tuxedos
Caterer: Heartline Cafe
Cake: Sedona Sweet Arts Bakery
Flowers: Events by Show Stoppers
Ceremony Guitarist: Brian David
DJ: Rafael Rosas of Mobile Magic Sounds
Honeymoon: Cancun Mexico
Rehearsal Dinner: Open Range Grill & Tavern, located in Uptown
Accommodations: Sedona Summit Resort
Illinois Cocktail Party: Westwood Tavern, Schaumburg

 

 

 

♥ Have you decided on your destination’s venue or chosen a picture perfect location yet?
Whether your decision is a ceremony in the mountains, on the coast, a sandy beach, a desolate island or in the desert, we’d love to capture not only your unique day & your celebrating moments, but photos of you as a newly married couple in the picturesque location’s natural environment. Considering a mountain reception, perhaps look into venues in places such as Lake Tahoe, Arizona’s Sedona or Lake Powell, Wyoming’s Jackson Hole, Colorado’s Maroon Bells, Pikes Peak, or Aspen. If you’re planning a waterfront or beach ceremony, you may enjoy browsing through our beach weddings blog images postings too. Whether you decide on a desolate and picturesque island location, or within a popular bustling city location, email us with more information about your plans. We’d love to come along traveling with you.

 

“Our busy season’s photography shooting schedule has lightened up ( for us just a teeny-tiny bit ) and we are excited to take a break from being photographers to come back to blogging a few photos from our engagement session in Chicago with Jeff + Elizabeth. Upon arriving for the session, Elizabeth was glowing and looked absolutely stunning. ( Part because she had just left the Macy’s MAC Cosmetics make-up counter at Woodfield Mall – and she was looking fabulous – but also part because she was glowing with excitement for the session. ) Despite the gloomy weather forecast, Elizabeth was staying positive and eager to keep her excitement going strong for her and Jeff’s day out with us in Chicago.

 

Like many of our shoots this Summer season, the sky was a little gray, the weather a little wet, and the forecast less than desirable… but after postponing their session date already once when our rescheduled second day rolled around, J+E decided to proceed, and if we had to, we planned on heading indoors. Upon our entrance into the City, ahead of us we found some amazing stormy cloud formations! So we decided to head straight towards the shoreline of Lake Michigan to capture the gloomy sky as it was approaching the skyline behind Jeff and Elizabeth. Inspired by the moody, dark clouds, we captured J+E in our unique dramatic styled photographic style. Thanks J+E in letting us get creative with our creative lighting techniques. Not only cloudy but also windy, the breezy wind gusts created some beautiful movement within Elizabeth’s hair and the images. We loved it.

 

Although it did rain, we took a little break waiting for the drops to stop and we made the most of the overcast day in incorporating the amazing storm clouds hovering over the lake into the photos and we searched for a few dry shooting spots close by the shore. We captured a few candid + romantic photos of the couple cuddling up in nature, while in the green grass, and also near a vibrant flower bed which had some amazing shades of purple and yellow flowers. After shooting in the park setting, we next ventured downtown for a more urban location style. We had a great time not only photographing, but also talking to Jeff + Elizabeth about their jobs, their relationship, and how these two first met. Elizabeth was telling us about Jeff’s proposal ( which was a highly detailed and throughly thought out event. ) The proposal took place around the Christmas holiday when Elizabeth was away visiting her parents back home in Dublin Ohio:

 

“When Jeff dropped me off at the airport for the Christmas holiday he handed me a card and told me not to open it until Christmas Day. The next afternoon on Christmas I opened the card which said I would be receiving three Christmas gifts today; one of Christmas Past, one of Christmas Present, and one of Christmas Future. The Gift of Christmas Past was a scrapbook containing pictures of the past year and a half Jeff and I had spent together. The Gift of Christmas Present was a football jersey Jeff had purchased for me. Inside this box was another note that said my Gift of Christmas Future would be arriving today and should be on the front doorstep. Myself, along with all my family rushed to the front door. Upon opening the door, Jeff stepped on the porch wearing a tag that read “Gift of Christmas Future”. Jeff then proceeded to get down on one knee and propose in front of my family! We later found out that Jeff had flew in on Christmas Eve, rented a car, and spent the night in a hotel down the street so he could be at my family’s house in time for the proposal!”

 

We are looking forward to meeting both Jeff and Elizabeth’s families many whom will be traveling into town from the Ohio area. Jeff + Elizabeth we had a ton of fun with you two. Thank you in treating us to dinner and we hope you, family and friends enjoy seeing your engagement photos on our blog. Looking forward to celebrating the big day with you two very soon. Enjoy the rest of your planning.”

 

 

 

♥ Elizabeth’s make-up provided by MAC Cosmetics at Macy’s in Schaumburg at the Woodfield Mall.

 

Jeff + Elizabeth are exchanging vows this October at St. James Cathedral Church, the oldest Episcopal congregation in Chicago. The church is located on the corner of Wabash Avenue and Huron Street. The couple’s reception, dinner and dancing will follow The Allerton Hotel on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. As a surprise to Elizabeth, Jeff secretly contacted us a few days after the session shoot to order a secret gift, a 12″ x 18″ print which he framed and gave to Elizabeth on her birthday.

“For Greg and Kathleen’s engagement session, weather ( an unexpected cold front and the possibility of rain ) urged us to alter a bit our Spring engagement session’s plans. With several consecutive days of gloomy weather, G+K kept their eye on the forecast, and because they were not able reschedule for another day, Greg quickly worked to improvise finding an indoor shooting location. Greg works for a large property management company located in the Loop, so he’s familiar with the a number of unique spaces and historic high-rise properties in the Downtown area. After he searched and the couple discussed their options, Greg and Kate decided on “The Library” located within the historic 190 S. LaSalle Building. Greg and Kate emailed me excited about creating a library themed session. They said it would be a unique indoor location, they loved the colors, the concept incorporating the books and bar area, and felt it would be perfect especially for them.

 

The Library is located on the 40th floor of the 190 South LaSalle building and is a members-only club and private entry space. The venue is perfect for booking private meetings, wedding oriented events, or unique cocktail parties. Located in the Loop, on the corner of LaSalle Street and Adams Street, it is near the Board of Trade Building at the end of LaSalle Street. Visit www.190southlasalle.com and call Noelle Frost at 312-444-1258 for more information about the space. Greg heard about the space from a friend who had booked the venue for his wedding reception space. We captured some fun pictures near the aisle of book shelves, a few of the couple reading the books, by the bar, and near the social area of the space’s pool table. A beautiful iconic Chicago high rise building, and uniquely designed space… the room incorporates vintage chandelier lighting, tall ceilings, long corridors, and art deco and modern accents of colorful green shelving lighting along the bookcases.

 

Next we decided to venture with Greg + Kathleen outdoors. It took a little bit of courage and fighting the 25 MPH winds while photographing these two along one of our favorite treelined locations near the lakefront. During this part of the day, it was fun watching the way that Greg and Kate interact and seeing how truly madly in love with each other they are. Kate was freezing and it wasn’t long into our time outdoors that Greg came to the rescue providing to her his jacket. He was working nearly the entire shoot to keep her spirits up… it was cute. Greg + Kate thanks to you two in all the smiling and doing a great job hiding the fact that it was chilly. Next, we decided to search for ideally a hidden from the wind, place to shoot in and luckily we found a beautiful and full of blooming color garden. Being outdoors and in nature was a part of Greg’s proposal plans on the big engagement day. So in us discovering the space and capturing photos in the garden, Kathleen said she was thrilled as it was perfect. Kathleen forwarded to me details about Greg’s proposal:

 

“His proposal was super cute and well thought-out. Greg actually put me onto a scavenger hunt – and I visited all the people in our lives that were most important and influencial in our relationship – ultimately I ended up at the Prairie Path in Elmhurst in a gazebo – where we trained for the Chicago Marathon together. Afterwards our closest friends gathered at my mom and dad’s house for champagne toasts and lots of hugs. It was so perfect!”

 

Thanks in hiring us as your photographers – we are looking forward to your upcoming wedding Greg + Kathleen next month! We had a great time getting to know the two of you better… and come the wedding day we will all hopefully be enjoying warmer weather conditions. Looking forward to day of photos plans we have already discussed. Hope you enjoy the photos and memories from our day together.”

 

 

 

♥ Greg and Kathleen are getting married this September at Immaculate Conception Church in Elmhurst with pictures following in nearby Wilder Park. Kathleen says it’s a tradition in her family to capture photos at this park near her parent’s home. Friends and family will be enjoying cocktails, dinner and dancing following the ceremony at the resort-like hotel The Oak Brook Hyatt Lodge at McDonald’s Campus. The Oak Brook hotel is unique to other hotel venues in the area situated amongst nature trails, waterways and acreage of trees.

“We’d like to introduce you to Brandon + Stefanie whom we first met with on a chilly February evening. Over a few warm cups of coffee, we chatted about the opposite weather and not only their Summer wedding plans, but also their preference in waiting for warmer temperatures for a Chicago beach engagement photography session. Well with so much rain we received earlier this year, it was unfortunate but we had to reschedule an amazing three times! ( A big thanks to Brandon + Stef in being so flexible. This season’s weather has been a slight bummer overall. ) But the day we ended up shooting on, wow did we have some beautiful weather for our day at the beach. The sun was shining, Brandon and Stefanie dipped their toes in the water along the shore, relaxed in the sand, and then spent some time getting close and cuddling up in their beach blanket together. Stef + Brandon’s wedding date was only a few weeks away when we met for their session and they seemed to be caught up in the moment and happily in love, so it was easy to capture their love and emotion for each other. They are really excited about the big wedding day, seeing their planning all come together and having friends and family all there to celebrate. We can’t wait for the big day too. An outdoor ceremony plus a live band, we especially love those types of weddings.

 

Brandon + Stefanie currently live downtown. While living on the North side of Chicago in the Lakeview Wrigleville area, they met at a mutual friends party at a neighborhood bar. It was fun learning while out out on this engagement session, more about that day and how not only they met, but a few other couple’s and friends also met on that same day. Although years and time has passed, many of them are still together and have also gotten married… now as married couples they all have remained very close friends. The couple’s careers and excitement of living in the City brought them both downtown. Brandon works in the creative industry, as a talented web designer. He enjoys the living in the urban environment, but originally was telling us he grew up in the small town of Sterling located in central Illinois. Stefanie is from Carol Stream in the Chicago Western Suburbs and since graduating has worked within the metropolitan setting of the healthcare industry. Dating for few years before Brandon popped the question, Stefanie mentioned she was eager and ready to immediately start the planning process. : ) Their engagement story is definitely a unique one. Remember the incredible Chicago blizzard we had earlier this year where Lake Shore Drive was closed and everyone was snowed in? That’s the exact day Brandon proposed and Stefanie shared his surprise proposal details with me:

 

“I woke up early February 1st because record snow fall was expected that day. I got in the shower and quickly got ready for work. On the way out the door Brandon told me to come back upstairs. When I entered the room I asked what was wrong and he got down on one knee and proposed. I thought getting engaged at 6:45am was different but with record snowfall I was told plans had been altered. I didn’t know what plans but after I said yes he told me that I wasn’t going to work that morning and that I needed to pack my suitcase for a warm destination. I was in complete shock and the next thing I knew my mom and sister were at the door. I quickly packed my things and called work. My manager had already known about the proposal and vacation because Brandon had been planning it with her for months. The snow was coming down hard and we were worried our flight would be cancelled. At this point I still did not know where we were going. We ended up being the last flight out of O’Hare. We flew to Florida and then connected to our next flight. Brandon had managed not to let me know where we were going until we got to the gate and I saw we were headed to St. Lucia. I was beyond thrilled to be engaged to the best man and going to the most beautiful island.”

 

What a romantic story and awesome planning Brandon. Always love hearing unique engagement stories. Thanks again Brandon + Stefanie we had a great time spending the day with you two around the City, thanks for bringing your unique modern style to the session, fashion clothing ideas, and it was great sharing a bite to eat together being able to chat a little more during the session. It is awesome we have many things in common including being designers and visits to our family’s lake houses Union Pier MI during the Summer. ( BTW, hope the bachelorette party in Michigan at the beach was a great time Stef. ) We are excited about your upcoming wedding, the live band, our rock the drop, and meeting everyone incorporated in your lives. Hope you enjoy the engagement photos!! Talk to you soon.”

 

 

 

♥ Brandon + Stephanie are getting married in the evening on the grounds of The Lehmann Mansion. The mansion is located in the small town of Lake Villa in Lake County. Lake Villa is in Northern Illinois located approximately 5 miles from the Southern Wisconsin border. Lehmann Mansion was built in 1912 and this North shore venue was formerly a summer home of the Lehmann family. Recently restored to the grandeur of its elegant past, is now open for wedding celebrations. The couple’s tented reception, dinner, and dancing will follow their outdoor ceremony also at the mansion. We are excited that Brandon + Stefanie have added to the activities taking place after dinner our Miller + Miller Rock the Drop reception photo booth and backdrop. Always a blast and awesome addition to our couple’s reception events.

“Eric + Tiffany are Married!! It was our pleasure in being chosen as Eric + Tiffany’s Chicago wedding photographers and you may remember Eric and the stunning Tiffany from the couple’s previous appearance on our blog last year when we posted the couple’s Chicago engagement photography session.

 

Although we have only known these two for a little over a year, it didn’t take long for us to feel like we have known them for much longer. Eric and Tiffany are a couple who are both beautiful inside and out. Through reception toasts, conversations and stories exchanged during their engagement session, and in meeting their closest friends and family on the wedding day, we found these two are truly genuinely great people. We loved working with you guys Eric and Tiff!! Eric + Tiffany currently reside in Valencia California near Santa Clarita. However both Eric and Tiffany are originally from the North Chicago suburbs. So planning a wedding in Illinois versus California was a big decision, but they felt definitely a “must have” having it back home in Chicago. Primarily why did they have their wedding here in Chicago… family and friends. : )

 

Tiffany and Eric’s day was streamlined and kept very simple, as Tiff decided she’d like to stay at the one location all day. All of the events of during the day such as bridal hair, make-up and getting ready were upstairs in the hotel’s huge and light filled suites. And following the couple’s morning preparations, our bridal dramatic, romantic and editorial style wedding photography, Tiffany and Eric’s indoor and romantic candle lit ceremony, and the events of their modern reception all took place at the same one location and their venue. The Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel is a Chicago modern wedding venue and we enjoyed it as much as Tiffany and Eric told us they did upon first booking it. Tiffany was telling us during our first conversation, how they were inspired by the venue and were planning on putting together a modern themed wedding. As the planning all came together, Tiffany added to the modernism a few more emphasizes for an overall themed “Modern Organic Clean Romantic” styled wedding. Tiff and Eric decided to hire on the help of an expert and a vendor we always enjoy working with Anthony Navarro from Liven It Up Events. Anthony and his team always do an amazing job helping to craft and produce fully a bride’s vision. Highly focused on putting together all the planned items and taking care of any unexpected parts of the day that may arise, we can’t recommend a planner enough. And Anthony is a delight and talent worth looking into working with.

 

The Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel and Convention Center in Schaumburg is a hotel with an abundant amount of beautiful and natural lighting. The convention center is a large building with nice grand spaces and it incorporates a clean, urban and chic esthetic, with an ultra modern style. The venue has an airy appeal with many white walls and towering columns and contrasted colorful details with within the decor, vertical lines in metals, cement and glass. The glass stair case and huge floor to ceiling windows in both the guest’s hotel rooms and throughout the second story hotel’s grand foyer are great. ( We can’t express how much we LOVED the abundance of natural lighting and windows everywhere, creating perfect and ideal lighting conditions for photographs. The window lighting allowed us to use the space as our photo studio, to artistically create and capture editorial style wedding photography images for Tiffany and Eric. This venue was a photographer’s dream location! ) The hotel offers an ideal situation for bride’s whom prefer if a humid Chicago weather or rainy day comes along, the venue offers great indoor space to shoot inside. For Eric + Tiffany’s wedding day, lucky it may be, it did thunderstorm and rain. So already having the indoor space, made for less stressing about staying dry and more time for shooting artistic pictures. Tiffany looked stunning in her Winnie Couture gown which she purchased directly from the boutique’s flagship store on Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. Eric complemented her beauty in his classic fit tuxedo. We felt spoiled in having such a glamourous couple to photograph! Tiffany you looked stunning and compliments to her make-up and hair stylists who did an amazing job enhancing her natural beauty.

 

Eric + Tiffany again, thank you in your hospitality and we had a great time alongside you at your wedding. Best wishes to the two of you! When we are near Los Angeles or Valencia for a future wedding or vacationing out your way in California, we will surely be calling to visit you guys. Hope you love our selection of favorites from your wedding day we chose to feature above as much as we do. Enjoy + Congrats!”

 

 

 

 

Eric + Tiffany’s day consisted of these details and amazing vendors:
Theme: Modern Organic Clean Romantic
Reception + Ceremony Venue: Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg, Illinois
Wedding Planner: Liven It Up Events, Anthony Navarro 773.727.4929
Bouquets, Floral and Wheat Grass Florist: Vale of Enna, Grace Ha-Kim, 847.942.3629
Décor: Art of Imagination, Deborah Weisenhaus, 773.632.8553

 

Beauty + Fashion:
Hair Stylist: Michael Thomas Salon, Isela, 847.716.0584 + Renee Feldman Salon of Studio 110 Salon, Chicago
Make-Up Artist: Suzanna Avakian, Neiman Marcus, 224.730.1900
Officiant: Church of Atonement, Pastor Don Wink, Barrington, IL 847.381.0243 ext. 172
Bridal Dress & Veil Designer: Winnie Couture Haute Bridal Fashion, 9393 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA
Brides Bridal Shoes: Glitter Fabric Platform Sandal by Jimmy Choo
Reception Shoes: Sparkly Tom’s
Bride’s Jewelry: Tiffany & Co. + Bloomingdales ( switched earrings )
Bride’s Hair Accessories: Ceremony Flower Accessory + Reception Feather and Brooch: Tigerlilly Jewelry
Bridesmaids Shoes: Caparros
Bridesmaids Dress: Priscilla of Boston
Jewelry Bridesmaids: Tigerlilly Jewelry
Flowergirl Dress + Shoes: Amazing Gracie’s Children’s Shoppe, South Barrington, IL
Flowergirl Accessories: Tigerlilly Jewelry
Tuxedos: Formally Modern Tuxedo
Engagement + Wedding Bands: Tiffany & Co.

 

Reception Details:
Ceremony Recessional Exit Elements: Ribbon Wands ( Black & Ivory ) from Etsy
Cocktail Napkins: Betsy White Stationary Boutique
DJ: Okyne Medialab, Al Okyne 847.275.3619
Audio + Visuals: Swank Audio Visuals
First Dance Song: The Way You Look Tonight by Michael Buble
Videographer: Orange Wedding Films, JJ Kim, 847-520-0123
Catering + Cake: Schaumburg Renaissance Hotel
Cake: Yellow Chiffon, Fresh Strawberries, Vanilla Buttercream by Pastry Chef Ms. Kathy Plucinski from The Renaissance Hotel
Menu: Pretzel roll, roasted tomato bisque, Summer blend salad, Riesling poached pear sorbet and choice of Mediterranean chicken, center cut beef tenderloin or porcini seared halibut
Guest Favor as a Donation: Children’s Cancer Foundation, California
Invitations + Papers by: Social Savvy Invitation Studio, Pasadena, CA
Honeymoon: Bora Bora, in 2012

 

 

Don’t leave our ♥ blog without viewing photos from Eric + Tiffany’s Chicago engagement photography session last Summer.

 

See Eric + Tiffany’s Chicago wedding photos featured on the Style Me Petty bridal inspiration blog. The Style Me Pretty blog post is entitled Renaissance Hotel Wedding by Miller + Miller Photography.

“We had an amazing time photographing Rob + Brandy aboard a friend of their’s Chicago yacht for this Chicago engagement photography session. Upon the four of us first meeting, about two months ago in June here at our photo studio, beyond us all talking first about being entrepreneurs and owning our own businesses, we eventually started talking a bit about boating. Brandy mentioned how one of her past employers and a friend owns a yacht in Chicago’s Burnham Harbor. After discussing their preferred engagement photography style and locations, before we knew it, Brandy was leaving our house considering calling up the boat owner to see if her and Rob could schedule a photo shoot sailing on the boat. Thankfully the idea turned into reality! Next we were discussing available dates to hop aboard the beautiful Bonita boat before it set sail for a 6 week Summer excursion on the shores of Lake Michigan and the waters of the Great Lakes.

 

Rob + Brandy’s love story started in college and where the couple first met. They have been together for over 10 years and Brandy told us that Rob proposed to her only a few months ago, this year on April 1st = April Fools Day. Soon after the proposal, the couple quickly decided on an August 2011 wedding date and put together all the details of their big day in an accelerated few short months. Brandy said pushing up the date and planning it in only 4 months wasn’t too hard, because they both knew exactly what they wanted. : )

 

Upon our arrival to the harbor and once we hopped aboard one of the biggest privately owned and most beautiful yachts in all of Chicago, we were in serious awe. The boat was breathtaking, four levels tall and had everything a boater could imagine having on the water. ( Our 20’ Sea Ray doesn’t stand close to this massive vessel, nor did the other 50 foot plus in size boats we were towing above while anchoring and floating on Lake Michigan near Navy Pier and museum park. ) It was a perfect early in the Summer day, sunny and warmer than the rest of the season had been thus far. A great day for sailing and also great for shooting photos. Our visit to the harbor with Rob and Brandy included a mix of both in the moment lifestyle engagement photography and our Chicago high-fashion engagement photography photographic style. Before taking sail, the captain kept the yacht docked at the harbor. So we captured Brandy + Rob first along the water walking near the other docked boats, within the private Burnham Harbor dock area, and then on the bow of the boat. The soft late afternoon sun was a beautiful golden color. Great for illuminating the blue water behind Rob + Brandy while they were on the pier, perfect for romantic photos of the couple feeding the geese dock side, and aboard the multiple decks of the boat. In closing the night, the captain headed towards one of the best views of the Chicago skyline while floating on the water of Lake Michigan. Following capturing photos of the couple in front of the night city skyline, we relaxed and enjoyed sitting watching the Navy Pier fireworks still on the boat and from the water. We almost forgot we were working by the end of the night.

 

We had a great time working with you Rob + Brandy! You guys were up for just about anything and we enjoyed getting creative with you guys incorporating a few magazine style, lifestyle, editorial photographs into the session. We were thrilled to be able to come aboard the yacht and the weather we received for the shoot was amazing! The sunset, fireworks, and hospitality was beyond words. Thank you again in coordinating and providing for us all the shooting spot. Rob + Brandy and we hope you enjoy the photos! We will see you both again, a few days from now, for the wedding.”

 

 

 

♥ We will be heading to Lemont and Itasca in a few weeks for Rob + Brandy wedding day. The couple is exchanging vows at SS. Cyril and Methodius Parish in downtown Lemont, Illinois in late August. Following the couple’s ceremony, the bride, groom and guests will be celebrating at the Chicago Northwest Westin Hotel in Itasca. You may remember another couple of our’s Joseph + Linsey from their modern chicago engagement photography session post last fall. Rob + Brandy were thankfully a referral by Joseph + Linsey.

“This engagement session was filled with tons of fun little, extras. One of those “extras” was a bit of unfortunate rain – but with some improvisation and the drops letting up later as the day went on, the shoot proceeded along. And Marlena inadvertently decided to make it a playful concept incorporating a few rainy day elements. When they showed up for this session, Marlena + Adam mentioned the night before the shoot they added in an extra day of shopping for the session, and one of the extras they brought along were some fun rain boots and an umbrella.

 

Other little extra props we had for this Chicago modern lifestyle inspired engagement photography shoot were picnicking props, plus a few other items the couple unknowingly surprised us with. Marlena had, ever since we first met, mentioned she loves prop inspired engagement sessions, so we had in advance planned for a touch of vintage picnic inspired engagement photography session and decided on an Illinois country side photo setting. The four of us talked, how we not only love the urban city ( and they are going urban for the wedding day ) but the beautiful IL country, also offers a romantic, peaceful and natural beauty. After first discussing the couple’s lives together and weekend getaways often to Michigan wineries, vineyards, and the beach, we generated some location ideas for a vintage picnic engagement session. With Adam and Marlena’s busy work schedules unfortunately our first plans to travel to Michigan was decided not possible, but a session nearby our studio would be a perfect alternative for them. Turns out it was a nice getaway for not only the pictures, but also a break from their busy work schedules. On M+A’s session, we went to a few shooting locations, a park, a vintage downtown setting, and a grassy meadow with tall grasses and gravel road. ( One of Ryan and my favorite secret country spots, we will plan on going back to this beautiful country meadow again. ) The rolling hills, the 100 year old + fallen tree and the overall simple beauty of nature, served as the perfect location for Adam + Marlena’s picnicking moments of the photo session. And not to mention, A+M’s playful interaction and love for each other shined in the photos.

 

Marlena + Adam we can’t thank you enough in bringing along, so many creative props for your session. We appreciate you hiring us as both your wedding & Chicago engagement photographers and your passion, creativity and enthusiasm in planning for the shoot was not unnoticed, thank you so much. We had a great time out on the session and enjoyed working with you! We know after seeing these photos, you’ll both be much more comfortable in front of the camera come the big wedding day. We are looking forward to your August wedding date!!! See you again in… only a few weeks.”

 

 

 

♥ Adam + Marlena are planning in contrast to this modern and slightly vintage styled engagement session in the country, instead an urban and contemporary mod styled wedding day in Chicago. We recently learned and are overly excited in hearing of Marlena’s selection of one of the Top 10 trendiest hotels in the US for their day. That hotel is the downtown Chicago wedding venue of theWit Hotel. A+M have already had a civil marriage, but August will officially mark their exchange of wedding vows at St. Mary of Czestochowa Parish. Marlena mentioned a number of her family members have for over a decade been married at this particular church.

“We had a great time working with Drew + Tiffany. Although it was quite chilly on their engagement session ( don’t let the sun and beach fool you ) their love for each other and excitement for the engagement session kept them warm. When discussing their relationship and personalities we decided to spend the afternoon at a few stops around Chicago… at the sandy beach, in nature, and Tiffany especially liked our style where we focus on fashion inspired styled photos in a factory or industrial location in Chicago. Drew + Tiffany traveled to Chicago from Nashville Tennessee for their Spring engagement session. They currently live in Nashville, but both Drew and Tiffany’s families resides in the Chicago area. Chicago will be the location of the couple’s Fall 2011 wedding.

 

For a few years, Drew lived in Florida. So at the start of his and Tiffany’s long distance relationship, many of hours and dates were often spent in the water or walking along the sandy beach. On their session’s day in Chicago, we were wishing we were in Florida and hoping for warmer weather as the day went on. When we arrived at the beach for shooting some Chicago beach engagement photography pics, it was empty which was ideal for the photos, but there was a reason why the lakefront was cleared… it was incredibly cold and a super windy day in the Windy City. We’re talking over 25+ mile an hour winds. So especially to Tiffany, she did really well putting a smile on and not letting the blowing sand and gusts against her legs effect the photos one bit. After that quick trip to the beach, we searched for a more natural setting and ventured to a nearby park searching for a beautiful nature location for some soft and cuddly photos. A few early Spring plants were starting to bloom and we found a quite spot with much less wind to sit the couple down in the tall grasses.

 

We had only meet Tiffany + Drew before this day over the internet and on Facebook and via email. So we had a ton to talk about and enjoyed this first face to face meeting and getting to know each of them. We learned about their careers, them moving around and currently living outside of the Chicago area, the engagement proposal and the big upcoming wedding. Although Tiffany and Drew went to high school together the two of them didn’t know each other very well, until a few years ago reuniting and talking more on Facebook. In high school they were a year apart in school, so they did have a few things in common, but after catching up and chatting on a regular basis, Tiffany says “Inbox messages turned to text, which turned to phone calls, which turned to a trip to Naples in February! And the rest is history. : )” Drew is a professional golf player who at the time was playing golf daily and living in sunny Florida. It was interesting learning about his competitions, world wide tournament tours, and visiting locations around the world. Both Drew + Tiffany are very dedicated to their careers, so the relationship just kinda happened one day. Until Tiffany met Drew, she said her focus was on completing her degree in a field she loves Behavioral Therapy. We asked how and if the engagement proposal happened in Illinois, Tennessee or Florida. Tiffany shared their ♥ proposal story with us. It was up North and here in Chicago.

 

“Drew convinced me to come home for a long weekend and anniversary party. We had breakfast at my parent’s house and were supposed to go to Woodfield Mall. On our way to the mall I noticed we had passed nearly every exit to the mall, and mentioned that the mall was “way back there.” Drew then mentioned that we aren’t going to the mall, then handed me a blindfold and instructed me to put it on. Several minutes later I was led into a room, took off my blindfold, and saw a beautiful set-up :) Drew had organized four hours at a private spa – pool, hot tub, and steam room for two. It was decorated with wine, candles, gifts, and my suitcase was ready to go with clothing and toiletries for later that evening. He proposed poolside and it was perfect. Drew told me to get ready for our dinner reservation, but first we would have to stop home and let the dogs out. When I walked in his parent’s house, there was a big surprise party! It was an amazing day and night, and I couldn’t ask for anything more!”

 

Drew and Tiff we hope you two in Nashville and family & friends both here in Chicago & down South all enjoy our blogged favorites from your Chicago engagement photography session. We are so excited to be working with you and we can’t wait for your wedding this November!”

 

 

 

♥ Drew + Tiffany are getting married at the Concorde Banquets located in North Chicago suburb of Kildeer. The couple’s reception will take place in Crystal Lake at the First Congregational Church. If you have visited our blog over the past year, you may remember Tiffany’s college friend Michele. Visit Michele + Mark’s blog posts to see their Chicago Beach engagement photography session. A big thank you to Michele who referred her friend Tiffany to us. And of course, thank you Tiffany and Drew in booking us for your engagement and wedding day photography.