Daniel + Janice’s Rockefeller Chapel Engagement Photography
“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.