Instinct...

Our relationship started across a tiny table in a Starbucks near the location of a photoshoot I had just moments before. The future bride, Raquel & I casually asked questions to start to get to know each other. There was a slight pause when she leaned in on the small table, and almost said in a whisper: "Are you a Christian?"Before I could even finish "Ye..." she calls out "I knew it! I knew it! And after hearing she grew up in South America I figured she must be a MK (Missionary kid) which she was! 

Guess both of our instincts were right. (: 

Some of the best photos of a day are the ones where we follow our gut. You'd presume that thinking things through would make you prepared... Make one more confident...But the best days are ones where we pick a spot and just go on instincts from there. 

Today, we started where they first met. For them both not really thinking they were on a date to have it end with a kiss under a Chicago lamp post, to four months later being engaged, and will be married before the new year I'd say that was one gut-feeling they were glad they acted on. 

Excited to shoot their big day in December!

BEST PARTY EVER!

What do you get when you have a wedding with 400 people, the mascot of University of Wisconsin , as well as their marching band? One of the best moments of my career!!! It was a surprise to the former mascot (AKA the groom) and I for sure did not see what all was about to go down comin'...

Do not be fooled by the band's cardigans.... Holy base drums batman! My insides were thumpin' harder then when a thuggin' low rider drives past my house.  There were dudes playing trombones on their heads....Bucky the badger was full on breakdancing. And for anyone that's ever been a Bulls fan they played the entrance song so loud that when the crowd of 400 yelled "HEY!" the place full on RUMBLED!  I was officially freaking out with giddyness at this point. I felt like I was battling the crowd that rushes the field after the last tick of the timer during the championship game. For me to get the shots I just had to hold the cameras as high as I could and just push! At one point we had the entire "Village People" crew in full garb. I mean, they cut their wedding cake with a 3ft sword for goodness sakes! This was a party!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVED it!! 

"Na Na Na Na Na... HEY! Na Na Na Na Na....Na Na Na Na Na...HEY! 

Best party EVER! Thank you Troy (aka best Bucky the badger of all time!) and Grace for having me be a part of your day. It truly will be one that I will never forget! And now that we know we're neighbors we'll have to grill out when the weather gets nice. (: 

Fun...What a Concept.

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. (: