Melissa Marie Photography...

Antarctic Safari...

2012-02-17T10:55:00.000-08:00

It's August. Wait... No. It's February. Isn't that obvious? I'm wearing so many layers I've out fluffed the kid from the Christmas story. If I could do anything I would travel & take photos all over the world. Okay, that's only slightly true. Really, if I could do ANYTHING I'd be an Olympian, or I'd even settle for being a cupcake taste-tester.

But a close third is traveling the world with my camera (:

So... Pretty much I got to shoot for National Geographic Engagement Edition today. No...That's not a real magazine. You know how many people would have Googled that if I didn't mention it? Just sayin'...

Anyway, today was SWEET! Who gets to shoot in the grasses of Africa and the winter tundra of the Antarctic in the same hour? This girl! Love my third option for a job. (:

Seriously...Are you not impressed with these two? It's so stinkin' cold it's ridiculous. They make it seem like we really are baskin' in the sun after stepping out of our Jeep for fresh air. Best couple I've shot in freezing weather. Period.

So that was the safari.. And by that I mean a sand dune dog park. Which didn't click in my mind till I knelt down in the brush and thought it smelt funny. Haha...

Oh what a difference a couple inches makes.

Now for the Antarctic. They are literally standing on a cliff of ice & snow. If the ice-shelf weren't here we'd literally be 80 yards into the lake. Kinda creeped me out but mainly I was just stoked. The setting was crazy. I think it's safe to say the trek to get some of our shots was an expedition!

So... I'm definitely no Olympian, I might as well get paid to eat cupcakes as it's a staple food-group for me, but in between my travels of the world I will gladly take amazing shoots with fantastic couples in places like these!

Heart Full of Love...

2012-02-13T07:08:00.000-08:00

What I absolutely love about weddings is when people cry because their heart is is so full it overflows with tears. To see and hear Diana try and put into words her vow to let my friend Dan take care of her child, her heart, her life was intensely moving. Not a dry eye in the house! Literally in the house.
Their wedding was in the most gorgeous Tudor home.

Dan, you've come a long way my friend...
Keep workin' hard but always work the hardest on your & your families relationship with the Lord. (:

Diana...You are such a sweetheart! Look forward to many more get togethers in the future.

Much love & congratulations you guys!

Piece of Art...

2012-02-02T12:39:00.000-08:00

The fact that the Art museum today was free admission...

Awesome.

The fact that we drove together so we didn't have a real life:

"Where's Waldo"

Brilliant.

The fact that that we got to take photos with Picassos and Monets...

Kinda great.

Yeah...today was pretty darn fantastic.

I also am sorta in love with this couple.

They're a mega fun (Shoot, the groom was a Big-Ten mascot for goodness sakes!) up for anything kinda crew. And I dig it.

I haven't been to the art museum in probably 15 years but even with being aware of the insane amount of rules ahead of time such as no use of flash indoors made me a bit nervous. I was happily surprised

(I don't think that's grammatically correct phrasing but stay with me!) to find that the place is actually really bright!

And not only that, taking pictures inches away from Rembrandts is kinda ridiculously cool.

With every turn we found a new genre to take on. So fun!

Their wedding is in a few weeks! Excited for it!

Partnership: Start Marriage RIght...

2012-01-26T11:52:00.000-08:00

Melissa Marie Photography is now partners with

Start Marriage Right!

I've been married for a little over 6 years now (I know! Crazy...) and while most people my age are starting families (Don't even get my mom started on that topic!) my husband and I hang out primarily with single people. This may sound weird, but for me, singles are in a life-stage that I'm passionate about. I whole-heartedly believe that one's relationship with the Lord & their trust in His timing will not only have everything to do with who they end up with one day but the quality of the journey along the way. People that know me have heard me say a million times: "If I dated my now husband when I wanted to, there's no doubt that we would not be together today." So to be able to come along side others as they make seemingly small choices that lead up to a decision with a really big impact on their life is something I not only love to help with but is something I greatly desire do. I know what you may be thinking: "Don't you shoot weddings?" Why...Yes. Yes I do! And let me tell you, there's no greater, or more beautiful a wedding than when two people that truly are meant to be together are so. They're the weddings that I have to wipe away tears. (Comon now! The photog isn't supposed to cry!) (: They're the weddings that I honestly, never forget. So...How does one get this infinite wisdom as they try and survive the world of dating & marriage? Well, I for sure don't have all the answers but I'm thrilled to now be partnering with people that have a whole lot more of them then I do! (:

Melissa Marie Photography is now partners with Start Marriage Right!

Whether you're single, dating, newly married, or trying to hold-on you should check them out!

http://www.startmarriageright.com/

Photo Promo...

2012-01-11T07:32:00.000-08:00

We'll see if I'm crazy for doing this but I'm having my first ever (we'll see if it becomes annual) photo promotion! I've had more people than normal for this time of year want portraits so I'm releasing the deal of the promotion early. I predict spots are going to fill fairly quickly so get in on it while you can!

Okay... Here's the deal...

For $250:

You'll get 25 photos in 25 minutes.

The 25 best images will artistically be edited.

They'll be online for viewing and sharing.
You'll also get the images on disc to use as you wish.

I can meet you wherever you'd like to shoot
(Chicago-land area unless you get a crew of 5 to join in)

The shoot must take place BEFORE April 14th.
i.e. the start of wedding season for me.

Here's some fun details to get the best deal!

For every friend you get to "Like" Melissa Marie Photography on Facebook

(Have them message me for confirmation)

I'll give you 1% off your photo session! (Up to 30%)

May not sound like much but that's $75! Which is pretty great!

Get more than 30 friend's to "Like" Melissa Marie Photography?

Whoever gets the most people to like it will win a 10x14 fine art print from their photo shoot!

Pretty exciting right?

So whether it's you're going to propose and you want pictures of it...

Whether you want engagement pictures (If I'm already shooting your wedding it's included don't worry)

Preggo pics...

New Born pics...

You just haven't had beautiful photos in a really long time....

Now's a great opportunity!

You can E-mail or message me with any questions, the list of friends you've gotten to "Like" MMP, as well as to set up an appointment.

Excited to meet some newbies as well as catch up with some that has been awhile!

Have a great day guys...

And share this deal!

-Melissa Marie

Now Rock it Out...

2012-01-10T08:20:00.000-08:00

Bam...Now rock it out...Rock it out...Rock it out...Is that a song? I'm pretty sure it is.

If there were ever a family you'd want to see dance to a song it'd no doubt be this crew. We joke that we could rent them out as party starters, party sustainers, and well...I don't have a third option but you want them there I'm tellin' ya.

So... There wasn't an official party but kinda felt like one.

Always a great time with this crew!

Chicago Magic...

2011-12-22T08:36:00.000-08:00

There's a magic vibe about Chicago. Especially around Christmas. And just as I begin to wonder why I don't come into the city more often my 45 minutes of trying to find a parking spot and $22 a hour parking fee reminds me. But ya know what? Today was totally worth it. There was a slight chill in the air, Christmas lights everywhere, and a beautiful couple that's as sweet as can be.

Took a little while for us to find our comfortable groove but before long we're dodging taxi's and letting thousands of Christmas shoppers be more of a prop than a distraction.

No doubt their wedding will be gorgeous.

Looking forward to it!

Never Fails...

2011-12-13T06:28:00.000-08:00

Goodness knows I'm a home-body at heart but in theory if I were to move to another city Milwaukee would be one of the few on top of the list. No I didn't say Boulder, or Seattle...You heard me, Milwaukee. It never fails. You can literally find a ridiculously cool building, artsy store, or mega sweet coffee shop. Icing on the cake? No traffic, and oodles of available parking. Umm... Yes please.

Well, today we hit up two of my Milwaukee favs. One of them was new & shown to me by today's couple Peter & Emily but no doubt I will return to this place every time I head north. I've never been to seattle but one thing that's super iconic and is something I've always wanted to take a pic of is their Public Market sign. Well who knew little Milwaukee has their own little slice of word art. Looks like I'm in the Northwest but only drove a couple hours. Inside this massively awesome loft is everything you could ever want. Love love love it!

What's to love more than the market? Alterra of course! I may have a slight obsession with this coffee shop. I may have even contemplated going up north for the day just to spend some time in this piece of caffeinated heaven. It may even be my favorite shot of the day. Nothing crazy. No skyscraper, or hustle and bustle of a city just a warm everyday type of shot.

Plus this is where Peter & Emily first met. (:

He's Always Been Faithful...

2011-11-26T08:13:00.000-08:00

Okay...Let me preface this post with the fact that she's due in just over a month and we literally had to tell her to push out her belly because she didn't look pregnant.

Her belly is mine after I've eaten a Pizza.... Just sayin'... (:

In all seriousness though... Watching, talking, and praying for my dear friend Lindy as she's gone through the ups and downs of waiting for the blessing of this child has not only brought my friend and I closer together but it's taught me life-long lessons about trusting the Lord and not making assumptions about people's journeys in life.

Upon asking them to write something personal on the chalkboards I had a silent "amen" upon reading what they wrote: "He's Always Been Faithful." Most people will never know the journey it's been for Kyle & Lindy as they've hoped and prayed for little Landon and I will never know the depths of it but it has been absolutely amazing to see how they've trusted in the Lord more than their circumstances.

May this lesson that they've walked in so faithfully remain in the joys and trials ahead in life as they build their family.

Lindy- From college dorm room laughter, to bridesmaids, to life-long friends, you are dearly loved!

I may not be a mom but you need anything you just ask.

I mean that.

Love you girl. (:

Big Italian Family...

2011-11-23T09:16:00.000-08:00

Between engagements, weddings, more engagements and more weddings I've fallen in love with this big Italian family. You ever have one of those friends growing up that eventually you got to the point that you no longer rang the door bell, you just let yourself in and called out "Hello?"This is that type of family. But you don't have to have known them since you were five you love them from the first time you meet. Mom, sister, grandpa, the whole gang is there for everything I love it.

I also love that the family is expanding.

Michael Anthony joined the crew about 5 months ago and as you can see...He's a little cutie!

We're out of siblings to marry off in this group so looks like I gotta hope that they have more kids so we can keep meeting together and having fun with some pics. (:

Beautiful People....

2011-11-19T05:29:00.000-08:00

The first words of my inner-monologue upon first meeting: "Holy crap, they're beautiful!" I'm not easily flustered and I know it sounds ridiculous to say that I was but....I was. I had one cheesy "pick-up" sounding line after another. "Are you sure you haven't done this before?" "Are you sure you don't have a secret career in modeling?" Lame...I know! But do you see them!?

I mean I was gettin' cuddles, eye contact to camera, killer body language.

I was gettin' gold people. Gold!

What a freakin' fantabulous day!

Meaning...

2011-11-16T05:58:00.000-08:00

I always recommend couples to first think if there's any spots that have meaning for them. Like for me and my now husband it was an old gazeebo. Not the prettiest place persay but we would talk till the sun came up there. Shoot, no joke, he learned to crochet so he could make me a blanket to convince me to stay out there longer. (:

It's the local coffee spot, the movie theatre, the old jalopy car, it those things that have the memories.

So if we can capture a glimpse in time like that, it's been a great day. It just so happens that today's couple Chad & Jenna's "place" was at the beach.

Memories & a ridiculously sweet background, uhhh... yes please. (:

Though I shoot here all the time I absolutely loved getting to capture an amazing time in life for Chad & Jenna at a spot that they will always cherish.

Looking forward to the big day!

With legs dangling over the sidewalk wall this is where they had many of their dates. (:
I love that...

Nerf Guns....

2011-11-15T05:50:00.000-08:00

Remember several weeks ago my "blue wall" post in which I mentioned how fun that couple was? Yeah...I showed up to their wedding to Nerf guns...! Not kidding... How great is that?

So I think it goes without saying that the couple is as laid back as it gets! But something you or even most anyone who even attended the wedding wouldn't know is that along with all our silly moments the bride, Brianna, would tear up in anticipation of seeing Logan for the first time or that at the end of the night Logan gave me a real appreciation hug. Sure your wedding is supposed to be fun but it can be so much more than that. It can be a recognition of just how many people love an support you. It can be a day that for once others can give back to you for all that you've done. It can be a day that gratefulness can whelm your heart. Logan & Brianne got that...To me, that's the most enjoyable part of a really special day.

Congrats guys....!

Years Gone By...

2011-11-03T10:56:00.000-07:00

You know you're getting old when a "kid" you've known since they were in 6th grade is now getting married.

You also know you're getting old when someone at the wedding goes: "You took our prom pictures! That was like 4 years ago!"

Oh geesh... (:

Yes... I've known today's bride Lindsay for nearly half of her life at this point. I was her youth leader, her "stay out of trouble while you're parents are away guardian", and I'd like to think, her friend. Lindsay's always had a smile that's infectious and a personality that's as vibrant as it is endearingly charming. But the thing I'm more proud of is to see her grow in maturity. She's always been responsible but I feel like she's finally come around to not only seeing but acting on all the wonderful traits we've said she's had all along.

She's strong...

She's loyal...

She's sweet...

And one of the most photogenic people I know. I took her prom pictures remember. (:

So today has been wonderful in that I not only get to see her step into another amazing chapter in life with Mike but I get to capture some pretty sweet memories along the way.

Some highlights:

For one... They really could make a soundtrack out of her ceremony. My goodness!

Second...Um...Are you seeing the picture that I'm seeing? Uh... How cute are they!?

Third... I adore their bridal party! They were so fun!

I literally have never seen the ENTIRE wedding dancing from the very first song. I thought to myself: "There's no way this can last like this!" Uh... It did!

With that, shout out to some pretty great DJ's with 6:7 entertainment.

I also want to give a shout out to IndyVisiual for hookin' me up with some extra pics!

Super generous of you! Appreciate it!

Lindsay... Congrats my dear. Good things come to those who wait patiently! Be sure the Lord is the center of your life & your marriage!

Mike... I have no doubt you'll take great care of Linds. (:

Congrats guys!

My Row of Trees...

2011-10-27T05:47:00.000-07:00

Several years ago there was this little back road that had an infinitely long drive-way perfectly lined with trees and rustic farm fences. The street was on my route to church so each Sunday in the fall I'd go nice and slow to see if the leaves down my dream drive were just right for a picture. I ended up doing that for 6 years straight. No joke. Never did get it right. But have no fear, IKEA had a picture that was close enough. (:

I feel like this row of trees has been a similar feat. I always come with high hopes and for whatever reason whether the sun is too bright or moms are having picnics on the lawn it just hasn't worked.

(To it's full potential) But I think this is the best one yet...

Take That IKEA. (:

This is totally random but I feel like every time I blog my post has a good color scheme goin' and then I fall in love with a picture that just doesn't match. Hence the pic below. But can you blame me? It's like a little secret garden. And how cute is this couple!?

They seriously were absolutely amazing to work with.

True Winner...

2011-10-25T06:26:00.000-07:00

There's few people that are as competitive as me. Now I don't get mean & people totally wouldn't know it but I may or may not get internally peeved if I lose at Mario Kart or need to take a walk if I lose to my most prestigious gaming talent, Monopoly.
(Which I've literally lost twice in my life at that)

With that all being said today's groom and a college friend of ours, "Cake" hands down no doubt about it is more competitive than me. I never see him happier than when he wins a game of Ping Pong or shuts out a solid team in goal during soccer.

That was until today....

I have never ever, EVER seen Cake as happy than at his wedding.

You could just tell: His eyes squinted when he'd try and take in how gorgeous Danielle was. And he'd tear up trying to declare how appreciative he is of his parents.

Now that doesn't negate his competitive spirit all together. They had their wedding at Pinstripes. Which is not only ingenious to have a wedding there but it's so Josh & Danielle! Who doesn't want to go bowling and play bocce ball during cocktail hour?

Okay... You can un-furrow your brow.

It's fancy bowling and bocce. Like...Really fancy.

And their food is killer.

So Cake can win a game of Bocci and celebrate the big day?

Talk about a win win! (:

Baby Mae...

2011-10-17T06:15:00.000-07:00

So one afternoon I got a call from a wonderful family who I had not yet met and I heard about their newest addition to their family "Mae" who they adopted in....May!

I cannot even begin to tell you the miracles that have literally happened in my life because of my own adoption 20+ years ago. After spending a bit of time with Mae I could see physically she's not where a lot of two year old are (YET!) but it honestly bonded me more with her. I was predicted to never to walk or talk...On every single report card of my life it said: "Melissa talks too much" and I not only walked but went to college on a soccer scholarship.

All that to say, the love of a family can go a long way and I'm incredibly happy for them.

I'm Cool With Blue...

2011-10-14T06:58:00.000-07:00

Not gonna lie I was mega bummed when I first saw that my favorite wall was painted. That was until Logan & Brianne...It was perfect...

Classic yet at the same time not at all.

Kinda like them!

They have these super cute mannerisms that they totally don't even know that they do but then can have me laughing in fits with a funny comments or random move I didn't expect.

I did however expect our lets call it: "Bust a move" sesh to be great.

And it was. (:

You know what else will be great? Um...Their wedding! Which is just around the corner!

Yahoo!

Been Awhile...

2011-10-11T12:38:00.000-07:00

Yeah...I know. Ridiculous right? Haven't seen a sunset like this in years. Well, gotta be honest, I didn't really "see" it until I started editing. Sunset pics were of prime importance to today's bride Lindsay and with a snug time-frame I may or may not have been a little pre-occupied with making sure we just got her pics before the sun fully went down. After editing thousands and thousands of pictures a week (Crazy I know) to find pleasant little surprises like a ridiculous sun-set that you didn't fully get to embrace the first time around is what keeps me excited day after day.

It's also been awhile since I've loved a wedding band so much.

Well this wasn't your average wedding band and in fact they're not a "wedding band" at all. Not too many people would name themselves "Spoiled Rotten" if they planned to play for weddings. (:

Haha....But seriously....They were amazing!

Gorgeous sunset...Venue with not only a panoramic view of lake michigan but is just steps from the water...A band that was legit...and a couple that's even greater than all these things.

Another great day for the books.

According To Seasons...

2011-10-07T06:12:00.000-07:00

You ever have a long sleeve shirt that you only wear in the fall? In theory, its just as usable in the spring when temperatures are similar but no...theres certain things reserved for certain seasons.

What? Like its not feasible to have pumpkin pie in July?

Or fireworks in January?

No date on a calendar can keep me from my pie. (:

Same seems to be true of fall photo shoots in Long Grove and winter receptions at Chevy Chase. Sure I shoot in long grove's quaintness often. Are you kidding me? It's as cute as it gets! But there's nothing like Long Grove in the fall. And there's nothing like Chevy Chase in the winter. Well, that is until now.

I had no idea their were stunning gardens in the back yard.

Hello gorgeousness!

You really can't go wrong with either spot and you for sure can't go wrong with today's couple.

They're great.

I'm so lucky this is my job.

Go Big or Go Home...

2011-09-30T06:40:00.000-07:00

For such a tiny girl there is no goin' small when it comes to today's bride Tina. From start to finish "BIG" was the name of the game.

She had the biggest bridal party...

16 on each side not including flower girl & ring bearer!
Despite 41 people in theory being insanity they were absolutely amazing to work with they were easier than most smaller groups!
Plus they were so fun. (:

Biggest Hair...

She'd say: "I need more hair! More hair!"

She turned out stunning.

(No surprise there!) (:

Biggest Centerpieces...

I honestly think if they were on the ground they'd be taller than me.

Which in a sense isn't sayin' much but for centerpieces!?

They were gorgeous.

Biggest Candy Table...

No exaggeration they could have opened a full on candy shop with the selection they had. And it's not just oh a little bowl of jelly bellies here and some Tootsie rolls there, they had full on every flavor of every candy you could think (including cotton candy!) in massive containers.

As in a child could sit in it massive.

Sorry weird analogy but that's all I got. (:

And last but certainly not least she had the biggest party goin' on.

It's pretty inevitable that after most weddings the guests chant:

"One more song! One more song! One more song!"

No lie, at this wedding it went:

"One more hour! One more hour! One more hour!"

Several hours later in the wee hours of the night

the party was just as strong as it started and it was an absolute blast!!!

I adore this family and was so glad I got to be a part of the day.

Congrats guys!

The groom, Vinnie is a firefighter.

Joliet Union Station...

2011-09-26T06:51:00.000-07:00

Where did these people come from!?

And by "these people" I mean my bride Erin & her groom Jon.

I hope you know I'm saying this lovingly but for a couple with such quirky personalities they flip the switch to elegant Italian Vogue Wedding edition pretty darn quick when a camera is on em!

They're sarcastic....Yet genuine.

Layed back...Yet willing.

Tough...Yet Sentimental.

And all around an absolutely wonderful couple.

So glad I got to share in their day!

Firsts...

2011-09-19T05:03:00.000-07:00

Okay...I've never done this but throughout the years of weddings I've come across many celebrity look alikes. From Matthew McConaughey, Penelope Cruz, to Shia LaBeouf, (All from the same family, no joke) But today... I had a first for a certain celebrity and it's definitely a first for me to point it out on the blog but after the fact that it took me a couple hours to figure out "who it was" she looked like I gotta point it out now. (:
Not that I watch the show or anything because that would be embarrassing (to admit) but from the many seasons of me "not watching"(: the Bachelorette I think Deanna was the most stunning and today's bride Joanna could be her twin. Well, maybe her even prettier younger sister. (:

She's one of those girls that when you walk in the room you go: "Dang, she's gorgeous." Her sweet & kind demeanor is equally stunning. So needless to say following this chick around all day was pretty great. (:

(Am I right!? or am I right!?)

It was also a first for me to do back to back ceremonies for the same bride! (:

Yes...Yes I did just say two ceremonies.

Made for a busy day but the more you spend time with their families the more you see just how right of a decision that was.

And last by note least...Joanna was marrying Nick who is Greek & one of the traditions is to write two single ladies names on the bottom of your wedding shoes and whichever name rubs off is the next one to get married. That's just about as true as catching the bouquet but it's little fun tradition that I've never seen before.

Congrats Nick & Joanna!

Dream Girl...

2011-09-14T05:05:00.000-07:00

We got a phone call from a good friend saying they want to meet over dinner with my husband and I and to not invite anyone else. So there we are huddled over a tea light candle at our favorite Thai place & our usually analytical friend tried to not run off with excitement as he began to tell us about a girl.

Well, not just any girl. His "dream girl." (His words) ( :

Ryan & Bethany were neighbors as children growing up in Columbia and despite eventually moving geographically far a part Ryan always held Bethany as the standard.

A whole lotta God timing later the two cross paths again and now here we are...

In a beautiful backyard in the countryside of Tennessee celebrating how the Lord desires to bless us with someone we could could only dream of.

Ryan & Bethany...We are so happy for you guys!

In both the greatest & most challenging of times remember that by no accident you were brought together. The same God that orchestrated your paths is the one with a plan & a future beyond what you could ever imagine.

You are dearly loved.

Beautiful + Beautiful = Gorgeous...

2011-09-01T07:54:00.000-07:00

I honestly think I may have gasped as I saw little Eli in his car seat.

Holy moly this kid is BEAUTIFUL!

This is shameful advertising but pictures just don't even do him justice. And he's no pre-modonna either. No joke for a solid 3 hours straight he was all giggles & smiles. Not one tear, whine, or tantrum in the bunch. From barns, to a field of not so soft wild grasses nothing fazed this kid!

If you were to combine the awesomeness of all my kid shoots for at least a year and combine them it still couldn't reach the afternoon I spent with this beautiful family.

They may look familiar as I have many pics of them up on my website

(common now they're gorgeous! Look at em!) (:

So when one beautiful person marries another they end up making one absolutely gorgeous child it makes for one incredibly happy camera lady. Me!

So not joking at all but on a more real note I really do love this family. They take the gospel seriously and have some of the most contagious joy.

Me, My heart, and most definitely my camera are happy every time we get together.

Much love dear friends.

PS- Don't forget about me when Baby Gap comes a knockin'... (:

Through The Garden...

2011-08-30T06:57:00.000-07:00

Okay...Can we talk about her outfit? My goodness it's gorgeous! I don't know why it screams "I've ben frolicking in a garden" when any girl knows there's no skipping in wedge heels, and the first rose thorn would for sure snare your dress ruffle but it just seems so right. Maybe it's her soft waves in her hair, or how the fact she doesn't know how beautiful she is comes across as so sweet. And don't even get me started on where their wedding pics are going to be.

Thank you for strolling through the gardens with me.

Can't wait for your big day!

Fun...What a Concept.

2011-08-27T07:05:00.000-07:00

Whether it be dancing with a sequined Michael Jackson glove or jumping in with the band & jammin' out on the tambourine, this wedding & its bride & groom, Ryan & Ashley are too much fun!

I tell my couples to "be themselves" and no doubt these two were! There definitely were more pictures holding up peace signs & making silly faces than "romantic" ones but not only was it a blast to shoot, it was refreshing & true to who they are.

People having a ball on their wedding day...

Imagine that. (:

On the other side of all this silliness are two of the most genuinely nice people you'll ever meet.

So happy for you guys!

Thank you for letting me be a small part of your big day. (:

Fun fact:

The church for their ceremony was not only gorgeous but it was in the movie Home Alone. (:

Gardens, Fountains, Chandeliers Oh My...

2011-07-27T08:05:00.000-07:00

I love shooting here... Meson Sabika is a gem.

You've got this sweet mansion, gardens, stone fountains, and a tent adorned in sheer linens & gorgeous chandeliers.

Chandeliers? Yes...They're everything but gaudy & old-school.

They were delicate, modern, and something I want in my house.

Shoot, lets just transfer this whole place to my non-existent back yard. Okay? Sound good?

I hope my groom Dan & my bride Jaclyn get to come with it because they are some of the most normal down to earth people.

You just want to be around them.

Luckily for me, I got to spend a pretty important day with them. (:

Congrats guys!!

Ridiculously Awesome...

2011-07-19T07:39:00.000-07:00

So...I'm a little crazy. Not really...

But the fact that I may or may not have 16 versions (Don't judge me!) of this one picture is a little obsessive. But can you blame me!?

This pic is ridiculous. And by that I mean ridiculously awesome.

For sure one of my all time favs.

I couldn't decide which of them I liked best so I narrowed it down to what I think are my favorite two versions. If you're remotely interested or perhaps just bored feel free to vote on which is your fav. & that will be one of my new main pics up on my website.

Another one of my all time favs? These shoes! Are you kidding!?

They say love on them!

Yeah...This was a fantastic day. Was kinda freaking out.

Congrats Justin & Samantha!

Love Me Some Milwaukee...

2011-07-13T21:38:00.000-07:00

So... It's pretty much inevitable that two things happen when I shoot in milwaukee.
No matter what the season or what the shoot is we're going to have crazy weather & crazy awesome places to take some pictures.
Today was no exception.
Though the wedding was in June it was freakishly cold.
Like where is my Eskimo parka when I need it cold.
But truly there's few places that could make you

overlook that so quickly than where we got to take our pics.
Gorgeous isn't even the word.
Although one place that word would fit is in describing Nicole's dress.
I'm kinda obsessed with it.

It's days like these that keep me going.

Return To India...

2011-06-17T05:10:00.000-07:00

Sigh...I cannot tell you the joy that is in my heart!

We're just days away from returning to India!

We work with a girl's orphanage called The Home of Love...

It has literally changed our lives & more importantly the lives of 75 girls in India.

With that, my photo journey will move from weddings to the slums.

From celebrations with fine china to celebrations on banana leaves.

Here's a few snapshots of last year.

Look forward to telling you all about it upon my return!

-Melissa Marie

Time To Party...

2011-06-15T14:45:00.000-07:00

This was a party you wish you were invited to....

Though maybe a little over a hundred people attended I think the energy in the celebration far outshone even the largest of weddings.

Often times DJ's have to have the group cheer several times to get the energy up before announcing the bridal party. I kid you not, it was the loudest first-round cheer I've ever heard and the party only grew from there. But the wedding wasn't without sentiment. With many of the guests coming in from Colombia there were many tearful hugs and a genuine sense of deep appreciation to be re-united.

I truly from the bottom of my heart loved this day.

From laughing at "Grams" whose an absolute riot!

To watching father & son embrace with tears rolling down their faces.

Sigh...What a good day.

Jorge & Danielle...Thank you for letting me be a small part of it!

Today is Their Day...

2011-06-10T08:04:00.000-07:00

Today is their wedding day...

No these aren't their wedding pictures but I don't think I've shot someone's engagement pictures so close to their wedding before. I know I said that a few months back but two days before the wedding!?

I was worried that they'd get burnt out on pictures and we hadn't even made it to the big day.

Luckily that wasn't the case.

Jorge & Danielle are super sweet and their excitement for the wedding makes me all the more excited. Speaking of wedding.

I gotta go shoot theirs!

Like...

Right now.

Timing Is Everything...

2011-06-07T12:08:00.000-07:00

Think back over some of the most life-changing moments & chapters in your life...

I'd bet to say that it was an event occurring at just a time for a rememberable result to take place.
Timing is everything....
A man prepares & ponders when & how is the best way to commit his life to another and an engagement forms. Now of course I'm biased but I think one of the most crucial moments to get the timing right is one's wedding. Are you both ready? Will you be in a spot that will allow you to begin life together on the right foot? The answers to those questions will have a great impact on the final result.
In the same way, the timing of one's wedding events can make or break the experience.
Which is why I always advise more time rather than less.
You may think: "wow, do I really need that much tine in-between or for pictures?
And my answer is yes... Yes you do. Inevitably things will run late.
"But I'm organized" you say...That's awesome! You & I will get along great! (: but I'm tellin' ya a wedding day is a chain reaction of many people's decisions & timing is not just reliant on us who have a minute by minute spreadsheet. Ha...Don't judge me! (:

So... My point is having a great timeline for your wedding just may be the key factor in you having he best experience of your life.

Today's bride Michelle was totally trusting in my timeline (despite some grief from others that there potentially was too much time) and surprise surprise it was exactly what we needed. (Okay I'm not surprised I've done hundreds of weddings, I kinda have this down by now) (:

Having the right time obviously makes my crazy organized personally happy but more than that I know that minute by minute... Memory after memory is being created. And who wouldn't want that on the most meaningful day of their life?

Couldn't be happier for her & Tim.

Congrats guys!

Greek Baptism...

2011-05-26T08:20:00.000-07:00

Sigh....My Greek family. Okay, maybe not MY Greek family but with how much they've taught me about my own culture through the years they could have a run at the title for sure. (:

Being raised by Swedes has it's definite advantages:

Swedish meatballs, pancakes, Swedish accents during the game "Mad Gab" and lots and lots of Coffee! Can I get an Amen!?

Gotta say though, anything I know about my Greek people comes from either: "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" or today's family, Nick, Ketia, & now Alexi.

I've gotten documents on all things Greek Weddings and now I'm well rehearsed in Greek Baptism. Lots of respectful rituals and above all else the focus is on the adorable Alexi. It was merely a year ago I shot their wedding, and now their first child's baptism.

Here's to many more Greek traditions I hope to learn in the future.

Trust...

2011-05-24T07:27:00.000-07:00

It saddens me when a bride says she's had a not so great experience with vendors. But truly, it is music to my ears to hear in the same breath that I'm the one thing that did go right in the planning process or that they knew they didn't have to worry about me. They trusted I'd pull through. I truly want every aspect of one's wedding to be a dream and if I can be the person to help make that happen then the world is right with me. So to hear from my bride Jessica that there had been issues but all is good now that I'm here meant everything to me.

It meant trust.

Trust that despite our less than perfect weather (Don't be fooled by the picture, photoshop & I are friends. It was clouds...Rain...& Cold) she knew that I'd capture her vision.

It meant she could totally emmerse herself in Derrick (and oh my are they cute) and not think through a mental list of pictures.

Trust means eveything to me and it for sure means everything to a bride.

And when I get it, I don't take it for granted.

Thanks for trusting guys...

You're day was absolutely stunning!

Jazz's Baptism...

2011-05-17T06:30:00.000-07:00

Meet my nephew jazz. Known for smiling all the time & never crying. He's pretty much the "perfect baby". So between my nephew the "perfect baby" and my niece the "baby genius" I think Bart & my future (non-existent) children, no mom, this is not an announcement, have a tall order to live up to. Bart & I joke our kid would be the hyper tan baby. Haha... But for now I'm lovin' just being an aunt. Today we got to celebrate little Jazzy's baptism. A lot of prayers have been said for this little guy. Ours is: that he may grow up not just knowing of Christ his savior but that his heart would joyfully testify to what the lord has done for him & through him each day of his life.

Preggo Round Two...

2011-05-11T07:18:00.000-07:00

Meet baby genius. I mean my niece Evelyn.

No lie, auntie bias aside this kid is wicked smart.

And not only that but she's cute too boot.

I don't get to see her all that often so any snuggles and chases around the house I can get I'll take!

I love, love, love being an aunt to little miss Evelyn & I can't wait to meet bambino #2 in about a month!

Random & total brag story...

We were playing Hide & Seek (which first off, let me just say she's not even 2 yet so I thought anything beyond peek-a-boo was impressive) and she counted up to 13 then got confused who was hiding and who was seeking and quickly dropped to middle of the floor with her face to the ground. As if she closed her eyes we couldn't see her in the wide open space of the floor.

Haha... Adorable!

Thanks for indulging my story. (:

So Right...

2011-04-22T10:13:00.000-07:00

Let me start by saying: it's kinda wrong how cute these two are.

The constant inner-monologue in my head (Yes, it's literally constant while shooting) would start to say: "Oh don't do" but would quickly switch to "That's so stinkin' cute" because the things that typically wouldn't or don't work for most people Danielle & Rob not only pulled off but rocked.

Like what? You ask.

Well take this first pic for example...Typically that would quickly turn into "prom" but it was at this point that I started to freak out with excitement about this shoot. Seriously, how cute are they!?

Second example of what most people can't do but they totally can pull off: The football prop.

I should just say props in general.

Before I get misunderstood let me say that I LOVE props! But a rare couple can pull them off. You can't second guess what you're doing you just gotta go for it. You obviously brought something with you because it has meaning for you so don't be embarrassed go for it! And that these two did. Passing the ball back in forth, tackling each other in the sand, all the while being aware where my camera is. Sure most people will pass the ball around but they're literally facing the wrong way!

My point is this couple is too gorgeous, ridiculously photogenic, and so fun to shoot.

Great day!

My Families Second Family...

2011-04-21T07:32:00.000-07:00

Growing up this was our second family...

The mom, Catherine was the person to introduce my parents into taking in foster kids. I literally would not be where I am today, adopted into the most wonderful family I could have possibly have hoped for if it were not for her. She also was a key factor in the role soccer has had in my life. She When I was 6 she snook me onto my first U-8 travel soccer team. (Which of course just happened to be hers) (: She later housed our european soccer trainer who no doubt got my mind thinking about college ball.

Most of all Catherine is known as "Momma Deam" for a reason. You can be a stranger to her but you won't be one for long.

The eldest daughter took my favorite baby photo during one of the times I was staying with their family and now I'm a photographer....

Her sister Erica was my sister's closest friend growing up and really she was like another big sister to me. She took me to the zoo, the movies, got me birthday presents and would walk through our front door calling for "mom" holding a batch of cookies.

We owe much to this family. This vibrant, life-changing, generous family.

Today...We had a party to celebrate the living legend that is:

"Momma Deam."

It was an honor to be a part of it.

Little Emma's Here!

2011-04-19T06:55:00.000-07:00

Just weeks ago I was taking pictures of the cute little belly that was holding this sweet-pea. How adorable is she!? Newborns typically don't have much expression but Emma had me crackin' up all day she already has so much personality. Look at this little smirk!?

Does she not look like she's just having the grandest dream?

What a cutie!!

Season 6...

2011-04-14T10:01:00.000-07:00

You ever have those moments where someone asks you how old you are and you say the wrong age? Not even on purpose, you genuinely forgot the number? Well...That's me. Except it's not how old I am, rather, how many years I've been doing this. Melissa Marie Photography is starting it's 6th season. That's just crazy. Seems like yesterday I was panicking whether I could pull off starting a business. I am so grateful to be where I am in life and to work the way that I do. So first off...Thanks for hanging in there and traveling this journey with me!

The thing that keeps my business thriving for this long are referrals...Telling friends and family that you know of a photographer that'd be a great fit for them is everything. Potentially, no one does that more than today's couple and my dear friends Josh & Danielle. I should probably just hand them my pay check already. (:

I say that jokingly but for real, before our shoot I was filled with gratefulness for last year's progress and was especially thankful for Josh & Danielle's role in it. So here I am sitting with the warm & fuzzies when they get out of the car holding a gift. A gift for me. Are you kidding? This is so backwards! It was one of those gifts that you knew someone was listening and picking up on something that no doubt you would love. And I did...I LOVED it! To me, presents are tangible ways for someone to say: "I've thought of you, and I care enough to go above and beyond to to express it by taking the time to get this for you." I felt so loved. Thank you guys...Thank you for our awesome engagement shoot...Thank you for picking the one day out of every freezing (literally) one that it was miraculously 85 degrees out...Thank you for passing my name out to so many friends & co-workers last year...Thank you for my present (I love it)...Thank you for being my friends.

It's A Close Call...

2011-03-25T16:14:00.000-07:00

This by far was the closest I've shot to some one's due date...Lets just say Kim was "due" 4 days ago and considering I haven't gotten an e-mail back from them I'm hoping it's because little Emma has arrived! (:

I tell ya there's something in the water because I've been shooting preggo pics like none other lately. But what makes me excited well I should say one of the reasons I'm excited about this is that hopefully means I'll soon have a line-up of newborn pics! And after joining in on the anticipation with the parents to be it makes taking a little one's first images all the more precious for me.

Here's to hoping my camera and Emma get to meet soon. (:

What A Gift...

2011-03-18T06:48:00.000-07:00

I love shooting preggo pics when someone is expecting their first child. Maybe they're just playing it cool but I feel like often times I get even more excited then they are! I'm sure that can't actually be true but if I have butterflies with anticipation I can't imagine how they're feeling! Perhaps it's because more of my own friends are attempting to have children and for some haven't yet been able to that I have this sense of gratefulness for the new parents to be. What a gift. And in today's case we mean that literally. This little bundle of joy will join the world soon. (:

Who Ordered The Wind Machine?

2011-03-14T11:11:00.000-07:00

First let me just say I love these two! Jeff & Lindsey are as laid back and fun as I could ever ask for. Being those two adjectives in weather like we had the day of this shoot is just amazing!

Really...We should have had a video of this day's weather; it was just awful! Horizontal blizzardy sleet with a wicked wind to boot. People have no idea what some of these couples go through to get these pictures. In the end, I know I'll be able to get some shots that don't show the chaos that mother nature is enforcing on us but in all honesty... I don't know how people who aren't used to doing this everyday like I am are able to do it. Or at least how they're able to do it with such a positive attitude and trust that I'm not completely crazy. (:

I am so grateful for the couples I work with!! Winter Tundra and all, I'll gladly shoot with you any day!

Custom...

2011-03-03T16:06:00.000-08:00

So there comes a rare pocket of time where the shoots slow down a bit and I try to fit in everything that I'm typically not as able to get to during the rest of the year.

The past couple of weeks I've been cooking, (Doubling the recipe & freezing it so when wedding season kicks back in we can have something other than canned soup on the dinner table) reading, (My favorite right now is "Pleasures Evermore" by Sam Storms, and ultimately bringing the creative visions I have on endless amounts of sticky notes to life. Last year you may remember I made Baby Boards, where I can in essence bring a studio to your home. Which was pretty epic. And now this year: With some help of other creative geniuses like my dear friend Karen I've decided to go custom. After what can easily be considered an excessive amount of time sketching, creating, re-creating, editing, proofing, crafting, and printing, I'm finally launching my new custom bridal packets & packaging and I'm pretty stoked about it!

The Best...

2011-01-25T11:22:00.000-08:00

I obviously go to well... a TON of weddings. I've had theme weddings, color coordination weddings, barefoot, high-heeled, outdoor, indoor, you name it I've done it. Not much really shocks me or takes me by surprise these days no matter how bizarre. However...When I heard how David proposed to Maggie I was taken back.

Maggie was coming home from a trip in Paris and had a lay-over in New York before coming back home to Chicago. Well, little did she know the full-force plan that was stirring to action. David had arranged with the TSA ( I think that's what they're called, the airport security people) to let him through the security process to go meet her next flight. Not only that but he had actually spoken to the pilot of Maggie's plane to grant him the privilege of doing what I didn't even think could happen outside of a movie. So Maggie is sitting on her flight hearing the flight attendants go through their schpeel when all of a sudden she hears a familiar voice...David had flown from Chicago, got through security, spoke to the pilot, and now was speaking sweet nothings to Maggie over the intercom of the Plane. Like the scene from "The Wedding Singer" he approached maggie...Got on one knee...and proposed.

Okay you can pick up your jaw off the ground now...Pretty crazy right? Although for David & Maggie it's not crazy at all it's well...normal. I thought I've heard and seen it all but there's a God given love these two have that you can't help but take notice.

It was by far the best engagement story I've ever heard....
The best (or I should say my favorite) engagement photo shoot of the year...
The best dancing hands down that I've seen in years at the reception...
And as trivial as it is the best wedding food I've had in ages...

I know this couple would be the first to say it that God totally and completely wants to bless those who follow Him with the best. With those things little or grand that you can't help but look back and say "Wow...God was all over that." So sure...David & Maggie have an over-the-top romance but they love and serve an over the top giving God.

May each blessing you have be a reminder of God's hand on your marriage. Congrats guys!

Moment By Moment...He Leads me

2011-01-19T08:07:00.000-08:00

One of the coolest part about pictures is it's kind of a mini time-capsule. Moment by moment, memory by memory passes by and often times it's not until you look back at a singular picture that reminds you of the whole journey.

As I sat down to edit little Lauryn's first baby pictures I saw an image on good ol facebook that was a blast from the past. It was an old soccer picture where us girls were with our assistant coach Kelvin. It was a really cool irony for me because I was just sitting down to edit his second child's first baby images. Back before Kelvin & Anne were a couple our team prayed for Kelvin & his future family a lot. And now here I am taking pictures of his beautiful wife and kids.

I think it's easy to think that in life we're the one's creating moments but it's not until you find the root of the blessing that you see the journey. Kelvin didn't choose Anne, the Lord did. Anne didn't choose her kids, the Lord blessed her with them. Whether you're in the moment or looking back on times past remember whose leading your journey. I'm just grateful that once in awhile my camera gets to capture that.

2011-01-07T12:55:00.000-08:00

You've heard it on the Men's Wear House commercials, the movie "27 Dresses", and probably around any dinner table you've sat at for a wedding. "When the music starts and everyone turns to look at the bride, I turn to look at the groom"

There was never a better time to do that than at this wedding. I haven't seen a groom's eye's filled with with so much anticipation, tears, and love in well...I don't even know how long. It's more often pegged to be the bride's day but what could a girl want more than her groom to look at her like that? It was a beautiful moment. I hope you guys remember it as you grow deeper in your love for one another each day.

Congrats!

First Snow...

2010-12-19T19:17:00.000-08:00

Like a kid waiting for Christmas morning, I often times don't sleep well the night before a wedding. With all the anticipation & ideas I find myself counting away the hours. Somewhere around 4AM I'm laying in bed in and out of sleep when I hear a noise. My ears perk up...I lean over and pull on my blinds to find one dedicated shoveler (Seriously? 4AM? You're hard core) and more importantly snow!! The very first snow! I seriously, laid back in bed with a huge grin. My bride Amy got her ultimate wish, the first-snow being on her wedding day. For one I was excited for her because I knew that was something she really was hoping for but also I knew she, more than any other bride I've had was ready to battle the elements & off-road it dress and all in full-fledge winter boots. And that she did. With her cute little red pea coat and hidden boots we walked, slid and skidded our way through the winter-wonderland and had a ball taking some pretty amazing wedding pics. (:

Old World Charm...

2010-12-06T13:07:00.000-08:00

Stone archways, lead-glass windows, old chapel doors, breweries from the 1800's, the oldest hotel in Milwaukee and a bride & groom that could care less that it's like five degrees out, I love everything about this wedding! For real...Not every couple is up for the cold and potentially more than any other shoot if I were to walk past these locations and not have been able to stop and just immerse ourselves in it's ridiculous gorgeousness I could have cried. Okay, maybe that's a bit too far but the disappointment would have been just too much! All that to say, I am SO glad that we got to linger from location to location and get swept up in the beauty of our location and the magnitude of the moment.

Matt...This one of yours is head-over heels for you! And she is an absolute gem! (Which you already know that.) ( :

And Laura...I think this man would walk from coast to coast if he knew it'd make you happy.

I couldn't be happier for you both. Thanks for having me on this special day!

Funny Fam

2010-11-29T20:13:00.000-08:00

I'll start off by saying I love this family! Seriously....They're top notch all around. After shooting their daughter's wedding and capturing their hilarious dance moves at several since I've just fallen for them. I think in part because they remind me of my family in some ways. A bit more adventurous, goofy, and most of all they like to laugh. A lot. You just want to be around them. Plus, they have a streak of sarcasm in 'em so we always bypass the awkward hello's and pick up where we left off last as friends.

You guys should probably become wedding crashers because I and my camera need to see you more often. (:

Got A Spare?

2010-11-29T05:52:00.000-08:00

A couple posts back I mentioned "the last of the season" meaning this photo season was wrapping up. Well, that was a month ago and this may have been one of the busiest months of the year. So on this particular weekend I had shoots back, to back, to back and needless to say timing wise the following event couldn't have happened at a more worst-best time. Yep, that's right I made up that word. (:
But here I am at shoot number two pulling out of the drive-way when I realize I have a flat. Are you kidding me!? I'm all about not panicking or stressing out over something as it won't get done, fixed, or accomplished any sooner so I sat in the drivers seat pondering my next move. Funny enough, my husband was out of town, and any guys that I know that would help are well over an hour away. It just wasn't good timing. But in a way, it was perfect timing. I got out of the car and went back up and knocked on the door of Steve & Amy's house. In no time steve is sitting on the pavement and not only putting on my spare but explaining to me step by step how to change a tire. It's been explained to me before but I was a little bit more willing to learn now that I had to fend for myself. (: In no time, I was back on the road. I can only imagine that I'd still be on the side of 355 if I had made it to the high-way. And that just shows what type of kind-hearted generous, self-less people I work with. I'm so grateful for you guys!

Cold Day...Warm Heart

2010-11-23T17:31:00.000-08:00

The quickest way to get a couple you haven't yet met in person to get immediately comfortable enough to cling to each other without me saying something is... the cold. The desperate need for body heat can do wonders for breaking the ice. No pun intended. (:

Sure it was a bit chilly but these two have and still currently do live in two different countries on two different continents and to know their time together before the wedding is limited and yet they still wanted to spend some time with me and my camera is really endearing.

A warming of the heart if you will. (:

Northwest...

2010-11-21T13:57:00.000-08:00

Down the most unassuming street possible is a little piece of the northwest. Rolling blackened hills with pine trees cascading the horizon. Winding fields of prairie with little islands of sweeping yellow willow trees. Now by northwest I mean a northwest suburb of IL. but this place could have just as easily been oregon. I love surprises like this. I had no idea this place was going to be so beautiful! Now don't let my couple's outfits fool you. It was cold. Like really cold. But without a complaint they embraced each spot we journeyed to. They're hoping for snow on their wedding day and ya know what? So am I. (:

New Perspective...

2010-11-12T12:00:00.000-08:00

Whether they've seen it in a magazine, my website, or in this case because it's that unique & beautiful, there's places myself and I presume other photographers end up shooting at all the time. The great part about that is I know that spot inside and out. I know what time the light will hit that window, I know when we should avoid it because that's people's lunch break spot. Knowing the details of my frequented locations is freeing in the sense that you can give me pretty much little to no time and I know we can get the shots. On the other hand, it can be tricky or sometimes tempting to go with what I know. And why wouldn't I? Well...each couple's different...I don't want to just shoot something because it's beautiful I want it to mean something. So here I am at one of my all time favorite spots, a little short on time, and I tried all sorts of new things. And afterwards it leaves me wondering how I had never thought to do that in the first place, it's gorgeous! Thanks to Todd & Valerie for so quickly jumping on board with all my crazy ideas and trusting me. (:

Wonderful Two's Can Come in Three...

2010-11-10T06:15:00.000-08:00

Terrible Two's.... A phrase that can tire even the best of parents at even just the thought of it but family after family I find myself falling in love with this age more and more. For me, it's the fine balance of a booming personality with an endearing shyness that I and seemingly my camera just love. A close second is the 4-5 year old. They go about their business but are they ever so aware that not too far away my camera is watching them color. Which means there's less chasing and more capturing which what I'm all about. Let your kids be kids. Let them color, get cake on their face, attempt to do a head-stand on your couch. Those are real moments for your family. Those are the memories that are in your head and that's what I want to preserve for a life-time.

Today I got the best of all worlds. Got to shoot a family with both a 2 and 5 year old as well as their newest little sister Julia. An absolutely adorable family and a true pleasure to be around.

Leaving A Legacy...

2010-11-04T13:17:00.000-07:00

Some of the most highlighted times in my life were the days of being a collegiate soccer player for Trinity International University. It was there that some of the most formative lessons were taught, challenged, and put into practice. Our coaches always said:
It's not about wins or loses...
It's not about national championships...
It's not even about soccer...
It's the daily or even momentary decisions where your true character is made and your legacy is left.

Though our competitive playing years are over (Though my old person-co-ed league ain't half bad) (:
The goal was always to develop our character. The things that we as sisters, daughters, wives, co-workers, aspire to do even when no one is watching.

I can honestly accredit much of who I am, the way I run my business, and my strive in life to those lessons that were taught to me while wearing cleats on a field of grass. One of my coaches, Kelvin, was one of the front-runners of this philosophy and he lives it. And his wife, Anne, is someone whose character & wisdom has been something that people that I really admire seek out.

So here I am...In there adorable apartment watching them interact with their son, and their baby girl yet to be and I smile. I smile because these two have had such an impact on who knows how many (hundreds? If not more) people. Not just a "oh I remember when so and so did or said that kind of way." But a real...transforming way. And they are passing that along now to their next generation. Who I'm sure, God willing, will be and do the same as Kelvin & Anne have. May this household and family reap many smiles, memories, and blessings from this little girl who we will meet in December!

Grand Finale...

2010-10-30T09:06:00.000-07:00

This was the last shoot of the 2010 Wedding season! Now don't get me wrong We have plenty more weddings, prego pics, and little one's to shoot before the year is up but it just won't be quite as crazy. The old carpel tunnel arm has held out for another season and we've ended on what I think is a great note. People often ask: "When is wedding season?" In a sense the answer is all year but the shooting five days a week won't kick back up till the snow (Which thank God hasn't come yet) has melted.

Now ironically the last shoot of the "season" was on the beach. Not your normal place to shoot the tip of November engagement pics but I think the off-time is just when you want to take pics at a place like that. I joke that it's in that time of year you won't have old men jelly bellies lingering in the back of your pics. There's only so much I can edit out people! (:

For real though, an almost abandoned beach is surreal. And without the distractions and chaos of thousands of people the city and my couple really pop.

Lovin' the beach...Lovin' my couple.

What's "UP"...?

2010-10-25T13:48:00.000-07:00

What's "Up?" Well, for one, it's the Disney movie that has deep meaning for today's couple David & Maggie; but it also was our inspiration for our photoshoot. Considering I can't remember what I had for lunch yesterday I knew I had to brush up on our movie inspiration. After hours of research, many post-it notes of ideas, and prop hunting we were ready. Well...So I thought. I don't think I could have every prepared for how crazy-awesome this shoot turned out to be. I dream of days like these. Pretty sure my couple is hiding their secret modeling career because there really wasn't a bad shot in the bunch. Even more beautiful than the weather that day, or even my couple, was and is Dave & Maggie's hearts. After my first few pictures Maggie started to tear up. She told me that David was telling her scripture of how he knows he loves her. This couple is obviously captivated with one another but even more so with the Lord. Which in the end, is both this couple and my inspiration.

So I've have had this idea/vision in my head for what type of retro/vintage look I've been wanting to capture for probably a year now and I finally just sat down with photoshop to figure it out. Granted it took me 6 hours to finally get what I was after but it was worth every second because I think it made our pics all the more fun.

After The Fact...

2010-10-21T06:16:00.000-07:00

Let me start off by saying I love taking pictures...But even more than that I love the process afterwards. As I begin to work on the thousands of images from the greatest day in someone's life I notice so many things that I hadn't the day of the wedding, probably because I was so immersed in the moment. And if that's happening to me, I know it's happening to my bride and groom. So as I work on the pictures after the wedding I get excited. For one, I just know there's going to be moments that the bride & groom couldn't have fully grasped and I'm in a very real sense bringing that time back to life. This may sound funny, but I didn't realize the bride Angela teared up coming down the aisle until I was editing. That moment took on a whole new meaning for me. And I'm just the photographer! (: Just imagine all the little moments of the wedding that they might not have fully gotten to see or participate in that will have new meaning upon seeing the pictures. Very cool thought. The other reason I get so excited after the wedding is I often times don't realize till after the fact is just how much I care for my bride & groom. I have spent hours and hours both in the little and in the big moments with Jay & Angela and I genuinely care for them. I can only hope that these little tangible reminders we call pictures will bring them great joy.

They deserve it.

Congrats guys.

Have a Roll in The Hay.

2010-10-14T06:30:00.000-07:00

I first met the future bride Lindsay just steps from this very spot. I was her youth group leader ever since she was what? 13 or 14? at a church that literally bumps up ironically to my favorite photo spot. So considering I've spent years trying to keep the boys away from her (Not too successfully she's cute as a button) it was a bit weird at first for me to encourage her to be so...so...well... Lindsay. Linds has always been super affectionate, bubbly, and boy-crazy if you will, buuuuuuuuut I got over it pretty quick because those things were finally with the right guy. It still was a bit weird to ask for them to go have a roll in the hay. (:

And by hay I mean the sharpest, most painful spot ever. And what do they do? Curl up...act adorable...laugh...and rock out pictures like this. Truly though, because I have such a history with the bride I could feel comfortable saying: "Now don't hate me buutttt I have an idea." It also helps that the future groom, Mike, is an absolute sweet-heart and got into the pics just as much as us girls did.

This wedding is going to be a piece of cake! (:

Ha, sorry I had to! But for real, it's going to be sweet!! Okay, I'm done with puns.

Thankfully, I'm not done with the wedding yet because it gives me something to look forward to for the next year. So happy for you Linds!

Yesterday Europe Today Brazil...

2010-10-10T08:35:00.000-07:00

I love how yesterday I felt like I was in europe with ivy covered walls and today I felt like I was in Brazil. Okay...Maybe not quite brazil but at least Tennessee. (:

I shot at this location just a couple months ago but it didn't capture me till this second time around. Though gorgeous, I think...actually...I know it had everything to do with my couple. From lounging under trees kissed with red & yellow leaves to literally jumping the safety fences to sit inches away from waterfalls. I got more and more excited to shoot. For those who've shot with me before you know I have bazaar lingo and I talk to myself quite a lot; but with a huge waterfall you wouldn't have been able to hear what I was saying anyhow (Even if it was just to myself). So to enlighten you on what you missed here it is. "This is sick...Ridiculous....I am not in Illinois right now... So freaking glad they jumped that fence...and I'm so stinkin' stoked to look at this set...This is awesome!"

Now you're informed of my crazy ways. (:

Can't wait for the wedding.

Black & Blue...

2010-10-07T08:45:00.000-07:00

When I dream about the day I finally get to shoot a wedding in Europe I always envision hidden nooks with colorful doors or stone walls covered in ivy. I haven't had the opportunity to shoot an event in europe yet but a close second for me is the Botanic Garden. With the english walled garden, the rose garden, shoot they even have a japanese garden it's hard to not feel like you were transported to a different place. So though it was not much more than an hour I felt even for a moment an eternity away from reality. Who wouldn't want to capture that? Isn't that why we take pictures on vacation?

Tim & Michelle- Thanks for whisking me away on our european tour of Illinois. (:

Little Blessings Big God...

2010-10-04T08:40:00.000-07:00

Considering I could probably count the Saturdays (per year) I don't shoot an event on one hand, to have a day without the camera was, well...Refreshing. Don't get me wrong, I love my job, but most people work during the week and get the weekend off. I work during the week...The weekend...And most nights. So to have one complete day without a lingering To-Do list was not only unheard of in my typical routine but is something that I needed. I was actually supposed to shoot that day but God knew better for me. From the very beginning of my day till the very end little blessings of friendship, gifts, naps(!), and laughter filled me with joy.

The day started off with a beautiful fall walk around an adorable town with a dear friend. We then both got to attend another friend's baby shower which was so creative & Chill. Just what I needed. I hadn't been to the host's house before but from the moment I walked in I thought to myself: "She could just open a shop right here in her house because everything is so dang cute!" It wasn't until later that I found out she does sell things...Wonderful...Gorgeous...Hand-made things. She has a whole shop down-stairs and it was their that I spotted the holy-grail of what is my obsession. I could and probably will wear this item everyday. So what is it!? Well...Most girls have a shoe or hand-bag fetish. Not me...Mine is a bit more random than that. I have bins and bins of scarves. I wear them year round. She had a whole shop downstairs of all the hand-made goodness she does. I saw a hat rack full of cowl scarves and I knew I just had to have one. Seriously...Out of the ridiculous amount of scarves I have this one tops them all. It's super unique, really well-made, and well... it's just awesome! So as I go to buy it from her she decides to gift it to me. It may seem like an insignificant thing but really it meant a lot. I could just be overly tired and sensitive but I really think it was more than that. At the end of the day she's trying to start/run a business and I've been and am there myself. It's not easy to balance all of life's agendas and I know this gift was a true act of generosity. I don't usually "promote" businesses and I for sure typically don't post pictures of myself but for real this item is sweeet and it's maker is just as great. You should check out her work at: (There's lots more styles & colors just contact her)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/abbyclark?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=App_Seller&utm_content=shops&utm_campaign=fb_seller_shop2

(It's funny how I take thousands of pics a week but am so stinkin' awkward in a picture so don't judge me but it helps to see one on)

So I was already feeling super blessed and decide to continue the fall perfect day with a Pumpkin Spice Latte with my dear friend and again out of the blue the cashier goes: "Don't worry about it, it's on my today." ARE YOU KIDDING ME!? Again, I know it's a little thing but for how hard I've been working I just feel like God is just blessing me with the little things that bring me such joy.

I then got some time to hang out with the Hub (Which we don't really get to do since I work weekends), took a glorious nap, grilled some bacon wrapped Filets, and went to get a treat with Barto. Funny story about that...Everytime we go to get a treat our true colors shine through. Bart grabbed a peach & avacado for his dessert. (Weird, I know) I tell him to get an organic peach b/c it doesn't have pesticides on it. He then reminds me that I'm holding 6 cupcakes. Don't judge me. (:

Sigh...I have been so refreshed and blessed by this day. Thank you God.

2010-10-03T17:56:00.000-07:00

So... How cute are they?? Yeah...I thought so too. (:

They have pretty fantastic personalities to match. Before we really got started I asked them in a nut-shell describe who they were and now having spent a lovely fall evening with them I think I could easily add to the list: Matt & Laura are down-to-earth, joyful, and genuine people who share so much laugher and love. Considering I only got about an hour with them before the sun went down I still feel like I got to know them pretty well. They just have that infectious personality.

We even discovered we both have the same new show concept for the Food Network based on using food you already have in your pantry. Give it a catchy title like "Out of the Pantry" or "From Pantry to Pan" and you gots yourself a show. I mean you give me some tortillas and I can tell you at least 5 different meal ideas from it. Buuut I'm shy in front of the camera (Ironic...I know) so the show should probably hire Laura. (: The evening went too fast and I look forward to their big day where I get the privilege of spending some more time with these two behind the lens.

Home is Where The Heart Is...

2010-10-01T16:18:00.000-07:00

I've taken planes, trains, automobiles, tractors, four-wheelers, golf-carts pretty much any and every mode of transportation to get to engagement shoots but today...I parked my car where I do every Sunday. (Just outside of my favorite Thai place) and walked around a little neighborhood we both call home. I don't know if it's nostalgia walking the familiar streets or that I love to see couples finally just let go during a shoot but there was and is something about being here...walking these roads...with this awesome couple that is just great.

What a refreshing day behind the lens.

You're Who...?

2010-09-30T06:48:00.000-07:00

One thing I'm super intentional about is really getting to know my couple before the big day. After meetings, an engagement shoot, e-mails, phone calls, the whole nine-yards I'd say I genuinely know my couple. (Which from a photography standpoint allows for wonderfully intimate & personal images which is completely my goal) This is more true than what I expected when I showed up the day of the wedding. That sounded kinda bad but where I'm going with this (keep tracking with me here!) is I walk in to find my worlds totally crossed. You ever see a face that's out of context? You know that you know someone but you can't figure out where or how based on where you're at? It happens to me all the time. I've shot hundreds and hundreds of times and all of a sudden I see someone at a Starbucks, a soccer game, even the airport (True story!) and my brain starts reeling..."How do I know this face!?" Despite the many hours I've talked, met, and shot with this bride and groom it didn't click that I know the groom from outside of the photo world till I saw some of his groomsmen. (Again, the mind reeling) And then it dawned on me....I went to high school with this guy! Now to be fair our high school was massive and we had nearly 1,000 per grade but still, it all made sense now. So do I really know my couples!? Of course I do. I may not know (or in this case remember) where the couple went to high school, what their favorite movie is, or any in the end random trival facts about my couples. But at the end of the day, what I do know, makes all the difference in the world. I know that Jessica & James are deeply in love and for even just a day trusted me with some really personal moments. And that is why I do what I do.

Genuine Love In Iowa...

2010-09-27T11:57:00.000-07:00

I would hope that anyone that's getting married is in love but I don't know if I've ever seen such a genuine gratefulness to have someone in their life than the bride, Andrea, for her groom, Greg. She didn't cry putting on her dress, seeing her dad, or the other iconic moments. Rather, the tears rolled off her cheeks as she privately gushed to me what a wonderful man she has. To this day I could tear up just thinking about how blessed I am to have Bart in my life. (And we've been married for almost 5 years) To be honest, I feel like a love like that is rare. And I see lots of weddings!

Greg- This woman of yours respects you beyond what you can possibly know. Andrea- In both the good and the hard times remember what a wonderful man you have. Keep the Lord the center and that rare love of yours will only grow deeper each day. I can promise you that.

St. Loius Arch...

2010-09-20T11:57:00.000-07:00

So I headed out to St. Loius for the day and spent some time in an amazing city with pretty great people.

I often say referrals are not only how I stay in business but it's how I get to love my clients so much. Because if my client likes the person I'm sure to as well. A good friend of ours passed along this couple to me and I'm so glad he did! We found ourselves under archway after archway (Whatta we in St. Louis or something?), finding gem after gem, exploring the city one picture at a time. I loved it! Dan & Jaclyn are great! So much so that I'm sad they live in St. Louis. (Though I can't blame them the city is sweet!)

Dan- Thanks for being my historic tour guide and making me fall in love with St. Louis.

Jac- Happy Birthday darlin'... Hope it was great!

Joe & Erin...

2010-09-17T10:52:00.000-07:00

It's a rare occasion for me to shoot a rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding but if I were to ever frequent them more I hope they are just like Joe & Erin's. Held at a vintage Jewish deli (Manny's) the walls are lined with headlines and celebrities (Including Obama) that swear by it. And you know what? I'm sold. They hands down have the best roast beef I've ever had in my life.

It's an unpretentious hidden gem.

Kind of like Joe & Erin. (:

Lovin' The Cuddles...

2010-09-02T11:25:00.000-07:00

Derek & Tatum are one of the first in our crew to start havin' the bambinos. About a year ago they had Miss Ava and in celebration of her 1st birthday we did a mini-shoot. Between the endless smiles and oh so adorable cuddles Ava stole the show.

Awesome Hotness...

2010-08-26T06:09:00.000-07:00

I kid you not every time I shoot here two things are guaranteed: First, it's no doubt going to be the hottest day of the year. There's only two spots i've been where my camera instantly fogs up because it's so blamin' hot. India....And the Danada House in Wheaton IL. No joke. Secondly, I know I'm going to absolutely LOVE the shoot! Sure the grounds here are stunning and there's endless opportunities for ridiculously beautiful pics but what really did it for me was this group of people. High heels...Suits...didn't matter it was triple digits and they were up for anything. Weddings this fun are as rare as the fog on my camera lens. (:

Baby Boards!

2010-08-25T17:22:00.000-07:00

Me and post-it notes get along really well. Primarily because I can jot down all my random ideas no matter where I'm at. So I have notes in my purse, by my bed, my briefcase, coffee table, car, bathroom, just kidding wanted to see how well you guys actually read this thing. (: Since I don't have a studio space I came up with an alternative. Bring a studio to you. Thus, my creation of what I call baby boards! Not the catchiest of names but I love that my idea is no longer mearly on a post-it note it's reality and I finally got to use it on my nephew Jazz. I have quite a few of these things and am pretty stoked to use em. ( :

Cute Couple...Check. Cute Wedding...Check.

2010-08-23T05:46:00.000-07:00

Yes...I am that girl. The one with an ever updated to-do list and color coordinated calendar. the one that will purposely add something to the list just so she can scratch it off. Yeah...me. I'm not ashamed. And neither is my bride Robin. We're organized...Detail oriented...And proud of it! (:

If there's ever a time that this will work to our favor it's with weddings. Robin had everything just right. From an unbelievable time frame to her personalized touches done at just the right moment. This couple makes my overly-organized heart happy. Congrats guys!!

Goodbye Trolly...Hello Beautiful...

2010-08-17T15:46:00.000-07:00

I'd first like to give a shout out to the trolly driver who took forever coming back to pick up my bride & groom. No, seriously...Thank you. Your delay enabled me to have time to play with ideas and have my mind blown with how crazy beautiful my bride and groom are. Can't say much else than Ridiculous...Gorgeous...Love.

My Sister Had a Baby!!

2010-08-16T16:27:00.000-07:00

So... You may say we cut it a little close... Considering my previous post was my sister's preggo pics and the next post is of the baby, "Jazz!" I like to call him (yes! I finally know the gender!) "baby Jazz" that may not work out so well when he's 15 but I can't help it, he's so cute! Again, I don't know if it's because it's my sister or what, but I feel a special thrill with this aunt-ship. They live not too far and I won't have to wait for the milestones to get my nephew cuddle time. Sigh...Love this kid!

My husband Bart & I with Baby Jazz...

I love this kid...

My Sister's Having a Baaaby....

2010-08-05T09:27:00.000-07:00

My sister's having a baaaaaby!

With under a month to go we spent a little time last week taking some fun preggo pics. I don't know if it's just more fun because we can do more funky stuff because I obviously know my sister or if it's more fun because it's Liz. She cracks me up! We did a sequence of I don't even know how many pictures and she busted out the craziest of poses. One being the one below.

(Hope she doesn't mind I posted it) (:

She's going to be such a fun mom!

Can't wait to meet baby "O!"

You Are What's Beautiful...

2010-07-29T22:12:00.000-07:00

The phrase I probably say most while shooting is: "Just Be Yourself." When you shrug off the fact that you're breaking every PDA (Public Display of Affection) rule known to man and can ignore the hundreds of people watching you kiss in the middle of the street or in today's case the floor of Borders Book Store you're finally able to be yourself. You aren't robotic when spooning on the couch are you? No...You're in your comfort zone, you're with the one person you can be totally yourself around. And that's my goal right there. Take away all the obvious distractions and just be.

No acting...No posing...Just be. You are what's most beautiful.

I love that they both had the idea of stopping in at a book store. Their wedding is in a library, and many of their dates are over books and a cup of coffee. It's them. It's beautiful.

Inside & Out...

2010-07-27T11:20:00.000-07:00

For as different as each wedding is sadly one commonality that all to often occurs is the bride and groom are out for themselves. Obsessed with looking good and feeling good they miss the whole point of the day. Not Dan & Vicki... I haven't seen a couple so madly in love not only with the other but with serving each other in a really long time. It's a selfless love. One that with the chaos of a wedding day can be all to hard to find. They're beautiful people inside and out. It was my privilege to be a small part of their big day.

Staying True...

2010-07-14T13:41:00.000-07:00

You know when you're looking at a bridal magazine (Yes, I've been married almost 5 years and still look at bridal magazines! Don't judge me.) (: and you see something that's unbelievably thoughtful or cute and under the picture it says that it was hand-made by the bride. And you think to yourself...There's no way she made that, it's too cute. I pretty much said that with every step and story of Jonathan & Leslie's wedding. If something wasn't hand made it had the most incredible story behind it.

The bride's engagement ring was the groom's grandmother's from the 1920's....

The incredible house and land the wedding was at was bought & built by her grandparents in the 50's...

The opal neckless Leslie wore was her grandmother's...

They had her great great grandmother's wedding dress on a mannequin to have guests pin well wishes...

Leslie's mom built the Chuppah out of the trees from the back yard...

She also made her dress, the favors, flower girl dress, and the wedding cake!

The groom, Jonathan, is a wonderful artist and he sketched their Wedding programs with all the bride & Groom's history on it.

Wow! There is so much legacy and honor in this place it's absolutely incredible. As was their wedding!

My Big Italian Wedding...

2010-07-10T06:36:00.000-07:00

I love Italians! Shoot, I even married one! They're loud, fun, love life, and can eat with the best of em. While these traits are true of my bride and groom Jackie & Vinnie if I could describe them in one word it'd be adaptable. Here we are in the middle of their traditional mass ceremony and a crack of thunder later we find ourselves in the dark. Literally. All electricity went out. With a mild pause of silence the ceremony just kept going even in the dark. Ha, that's awesome! The lights would find themselves on and off quite a bit from that point on but they didn't skip a beat. To top it off at the very end of the ceremony everyone was rushed down to the basement as there was a tornado warning! And what'd they do? Panic because we were missing out on picture time? Cry because it was raining on their wedding day? No....They laugh. That's awesome. There's going to be so many moments in life where they may be tempted to say: "What the heck just happened?" but instead of thinking the worst they're the kind of couple that will instead think the best. It's a rare trait and it will be a big blessing in their marriage.

It's worth it...

2010-06-20T20:35:00.000-07:00

One of the blessings of getting to work from home is more often than not you'll find me with a cup of coffee and in my pj's. One of the hidden difficulties is the fact that I don't leave work. Here I've been putting in 18 hour work days and when it seems like I couldn't possibly fit anything else in I manage to do so. Let me say this is was however you want to put it the best "squeeze me in" session ever. From the first click of the shutter I knew the day was going to be sweet! This couple just naturally has it. They don't even know how cute they are. Worth every second away from my "to-do" list. (:

Time To Celebrate...

2010-06-20T19:17:00.000-07:00

I think this picture sums up the wedding. Fun. Are you kidding?? Considering we haven't won a Stanley Cup in nearly 50 years, anyone that's going to party to the Blackhawk's theme song while throwing some championship memorabilia is cool in my book. (: For real though, it's actually quite rare to have weddings with a really specific interest of the couple represented . You'd think people's hobbies were flowers or collecting votive candles. Sure those are beautiful and obviously have a big part in any wedding but to me....After literally seeing hundreds of weddings the moments I remember are moments like this. The Hawks taking the Stanley and the bride and groom taking a the opportunity to celebrate. (:

Here's another one of my favorites of the day...

"O Baby"...

2010-06-15T00:06:00.000-07:00

My first attempt at a diaper cake. 210 diapers & a sonogram later we have a present that in the near future

will be a pile of poop. (:

O my O my... My sister's havin' a baaaabbyyy!

Me and a few other partner's in crime had the privilege of hosting a baby shower for one of the best mom's of the future (Make that the near future!) aka my sister! Now I can say that with full confidence because she had a big role in raising me so she must have some skills. (:

For real though...

It's hard to even list the ways that she'll be an incredible mom but if I could pin point what made her a great sister I think it will help explain it. Many years back (I was maybe 10?) someone challenged her to be intentional about relationships. From that point on we had a once a week "sister's night". Whether it was cooking up a new recipe, her attempting to teach me Spanish, playing a game of skip-0, or talking for hours over a cup of coffee she chose to live intentionally with me and that's no small feat: it's love. What a lucky kid...This little one is going to be celebrated, encouraged, and never left with a doubt of how much their mom wants to be in their life every little step of the way. It's what has made her a great sister and it's what will make her a great mom.

*What's with the O's? Her last name begins with the letter "O" and the gender of the baby is a big O surprise. So she refers to the little one as "Baby O" (:

Banana Bread/ Cream Cheese Frosted Cupcakes. (:

Full Circle...

2010-06-14T06:38:00.000-07:00

When you're little the slightest difference in age can make all the difference. "No! I'm two and a haaaaalllllfffff." Now take that slight difference and make it big...Typically, a sibling that's ten years older than you wouldn't know your middle name from your first. It's not a personal thing, it's just those paths don't have too many commonalities. I've mentioned before that I'm so blessed to have siblings that despite all the odds have taken an interest in my life. No, scratch that...Are deeply deeply invested in my life. (For which I couldn't be more grateful) Now here's where I'm going with this. Okay sure, my siblings are unique in that despite age we're really close. That doesn't speak for one's friends though. Really...Think about it. Your friend has a little sister that while most high schoolers are out driving around with their friends yours is hanging out with a five year old. Most people wouldn't get it and would probably distance themselves of that friendship. Not Erica....

My sister's best friend all growing up is someone who completely took me under her wing. I remember going to the zoo, the movies, the mall, getting finger paint for my birthday. I remember having another person that had all the right to reject but chose love. So time has obviously passed and I'm no longer five but something that's been really sweet is getting to know Erica all over again not only as my sister's friend but as a friend of my own.

Erica came into town last weekend to help host a baby shower for my sister and we took a little time to capture a few shots of her little one Lina. How cute is she?? (:

Chris & Carrie's Wisconsin Wedding...

2010-06-08T09:09:00.000-07:00

Obviously I'm a bit biased but I love when couples stop me from trying to get them to their reception and rather take more time pictures. One, they inevitable are my favorite images of the day, and two, it just shows they get what the day is about. Though lovely, the reception, the flowers, the cake, all the little details that would signify "Wedding" aren't what the day is about. Too often the wedding day passes and the bride and groom really haven't embraced the day together. Not Chris & Carrie... You can completely tell that they were soaking in every moment of the wedding together and that was the most beautiful detail of all.

Cemetery Lovin'...

2010-05-24T07:02:00.000-07:00

When I first heard that they wanted their wedding portraits in a local cemetery I must admit I was a tad apprehesive. Don't get me wrong, we've made old school locker rooms look like the hilton and dirty alleys look one step off the run-way but still...A cemetery? Uh YES a cemetery! It was awesome! It's as if we took a detour past the headstones and walked straight into an english garden. To top it off the bride and groom couldn't be cuter. After knowing the groom for many years I'm so glad to see he's found a bride that so obviously adores him. (:

Improv & Improve...

2010-05-20T14:40:00.000-07:00

I probably couldn't count how many times I've shot at Millennium Park. There's a novelty to that in I know what will and won't work, where my light will be, technical, technical, technical. But then came this fun and spontaneous couple Joe & Erin... From dance parties, hot dog carts, to one improve scenario to the next they brought life back into the spot and it inspired me. So much so that even when I edited the pics I wanted to try something new. I've been wanting to make a film-type reel for quite some time but I finally sat down and figured it out. And I'm glad I did! From the photoshoot to the editing a little improve and be a great improvement.

Milestones...

2010-05-14T16:28:00.000-07:00

Coming from a girl that plans birthday's nearly 6 months in advance you could say I'm a fan of celebrations. Even more than that I love celebrating milestones in peoples lives. Most recently a huge milestone for Jason & Nicole is the birth of their first little one, Julia. I got to be there merely hours after she was born to capture her first moments. Pretty amazing...And just this past week during mother's day (Nicole's first as a momma, que milestone) I got to take pictures of Julia and the family just after her Christening. (Again, que milestone) It's a really sweet thought to think that I got to be a small part of some really big days in this families life. Can't wait for the next celebration of something great for them.

Pssttt.... Your clothes can talk. (:

2010-04-21T12:55:00.000-07:00

More often than not, after I've asked: "So what would you say your style is?" I get a "Umm... I don't know?" This may sound funny but I kinda feel like I should stop asking that and just look at what the future bride wore to the shoot. (: Really though, you know tank top, dress, jean combos are all over her room from trying to find the perfect outfit and out of every option this is the one she likes best. And why does she like it? Cuz it's her style! And there ya go. The answer to my question.

I had this mini epiphany while shooting Robin this past week. Before I could even get the question out of my mouth I was thinking the very thing her response was; she's classic. All american, beautiful, timeless type of girl. Her outfit was cute and that only reflected her great personality as well. Notice I didn't mention anything about reading guys by what they wear? Let's be honest...The fiance more than likely picked out their clothes.

(Not saying that Robin did) (:

A Happy Semi-Accident...

2010-04-19T07:13:00.000-07:00

At some point during a photo shoot I'll say something like: "Now, if you have any ideas, I'm all about it, just let me know." and 9 out of 10 times whether they see something they want or not they don't say anything. Well...Jerry & Amy did. and it ending up being my favorites of the day. They asked if they could sit in the grass with the purple flowers. Which even at that stage was awesome. But then, I don't know if they in relief that the shoot was over or what, they fall back on the grass. I just remember calling out: "Don't you move!" Many clicks later the best images of the day (to me) were complete. So glad they spoke up!

Baby Julia...

2010-04-15T06:32:00.000-07:00

I've always known that being a photographer has allowed me almost a back-stage pass if you will on some of people's most life changing events but it's definitely hitting me afresh today. Here I am, before all friends and grandparents even get to see little Julia and I'm there with my camera during her first hours. I don't know....That's really heavy stuff for me. What a privilege! And it's not even like this is their third kid, and it's old hat by now, no...It's their first. There first moments and memories as a family for them and I'm asked to encapsulate it into a lifetime of images. Wow...

Anticipation...

2010-04-03T21:54:00.000-07:00

Considering this is the first shoot I've had recently in the city where my hands were legitimately frost bitten to say I was excited may be a little bit of an understatement. Like the first day where there's no more snow in sight or the first opportunity to sit outside in a hoodie rather than a parka there's little signs of change and I couldn't be more ready for it.

I've had an unusually busy winter and though I love winter shoots I also love flip flops...And I'm ready for the change. (:

Today's shoot was pivotal. Not only is the weather changing but also the type of photo season. We're now hitting engagement season and I'm pretty stoked about it. Are you kidding me? I get to hang out with awesome couples like these guys. (: Super cute, great fun, really looking forward to their big day

Little Snow Lot of Fun...

2010-03-10T17:09:00.001-08:00

So we're winding up the winter season here and I gotta say this was a good one to end on. The moment we started it began to snow and it was just gorgeous. Chilly? Yes. But worth it none the less. The couple was even willing to off road it through paths of a half foot of un-trekked snow to get the perfect shot. Unfortunately, I'll have to pass the baton to another lucky photog for their actual wedding as I'm not available that day and it truly is my loss. They are so easy going and obviously adorable together. Though for just a day glad I got to experience it with them.

Ryan & Emily...

2010-03-08T12:36:00.000-08:00

The beauty of my job is I get to meet so many great people. And every once in awhile I meet someone that I'm actually quite alike and think "I could probably be friends with them in the outside world." From crafts, baking, and the love of all things outdoor vintage the bride Emily and I could very well cross paths again. Despite not meeting prior to all things wedding we actually attend the same church which is where the wedding was held. (The Orchard in Arlington Heights, it's pretty fantastic and you should check it out) (:

So yeah... From the little acorns in the flower bouquets, the groomsman (including the pastor!) wearing sweet adidas shoes, to the hand made cake topper this wedding was full of creative and personal touches . You could tell that the bride Emily had spent countless hours making this wedding all that it was but yet she and her groom Ryan had the right perspective throughout the day. Sure all the details are gorgeous but in the end it's about family, friends, and most importantly uniting as one. I can only imagine how cute their first home will be.

Finally, My EL Shoot...

2010-03-02T09:53:00.000-08:00

Every now and again I get these spurts of all sorts of photo ideas. After endless post it notes, scribbles on scraps of paper, and sketches of what could be I have to wait for the "right" couple to make it all that I had hoped.

I really have been striving to push myself this year. Learn more...Create unique moments...Flirt with the line of "I don't know if this is going to work but if it does I'll freak." Thoughts of being thigh high in swampy waters as the mist rolls over the reeds or in todays case spending this unique photo day walking in the familiar footsteps of the everyday with this couple. It may not sound unique but really, when you have a conductor stop, move, and let your couple drive the El train they've had so many memories on it is.

What's funny about it less than 24 hours before we set up the time to do this I was telling my husband: " I really want to do pictures on the El. But it has to be the right couple or it won't look right." The very next day I wake to find an e-mail from Jenn hoping to do their engagement pics on the train as it has special meaning for them. Um...yes please.

So here are a few delights of our day together...

Thank You Marshall Fields

2010-02-08T08:14:00.000-08:00

(This is random but I feel like this pictures looks like it's the cover of "Once." If you haven't seen the movie or heard the soundtrack finish reading this blog then go and rent it, it's amazing.)

I LOVE LOVE LOVE photo surprises! I was already gushing over my couple Jess and James and to my wonderful surprise I look a little closer to my hustling and bustling city background to find hearts and wedding dresses in my background. I'd now like to give a shout out to Marshall Fields for rocking my world on Sunday. (:

Keepin' it short and sweet because really this couple, and the pictures really speak for themselves. Loved it!

Melissa...Missy...Ditto.

2010-02-03T11:07:00.001-08:00

Her name is Melissa...My name is Melissa...To break the confusion she says: "You can call me Missy." Are you kidding? Outside of the work world people have called me that for as long as I can remember. Besides sharing every consonant possible in our names we share a love for this shedding paint, one slat from falling, yet ridiculously gorgeous red barn.

I kid you not...I drive past places i.e. barns, houses, etc. and I think: "I wonder if I give them $20 if they'll let me shoot there for a little. Well here I am with a location that I would for sure have at the top of my "pay em to be there" list and it's free. How great is that?

So It was a new spot for me, and definitely a first with my new camera and it was wonderful.

2010-01-29T14:35:00.000-08:00

Who knew that a frosted window and a bridal veil could get my heart racing? No, we weren't short on time thus having to run around. And no, I'm not THAT out of shape. I was literally out of breath from being so dang excited. (: Are you kidding? Look at her! She stepped out of Vogue and entered my camera. No one would ever guess that we're in a ladies locker room, in a basement, surrounded by lockers. I love this couple and I love my job. (: