Perfect Day in the Country...

Once in awhile the weather just calls my name. The perfect crisp fall day calls for a Pumpkin Spice Latte, and a walk amongst the changing trees. On a rainy day in spring,curling up on the couch with a soft blanket, a mug of coffee, and a magazine watching the storms roll in is so cozy. Summer? Obvious one right? Hello day at the lake with a BBQ as the sun-sets! Even winter, when there's a big snow storm my man-child of a husband ( I mean that in an endearing way, love that about him) and I will put on our snow pants. Yes... We're adults that own snow pants and walk amongst the snow covered trees. And of course build a snow fort. 

Well today... Today could not have been more perfect weather for a day in the country. Deep blue sky, huge white fluffy clouds, and just enough sun that I quite honestly would have taken a blanket from my car trunk and laid it out for a nap in the field. From rickety old barns, to fields of wildflowers my day with Jason & Kate was a dream. Absolutely loved it! And no doubt now that these two are comfortable with the camera we are going to rock out some killer wedding photos this weekend! 

Here's to hoping for perfect weather. (: 

The Beautiful Anchor of a Legacy...

It's kinda unfair that there were so many beautiful moments, details, & people at this gorgeous wedding at one of my favs Independence Grove in Libertyville. From a dramatic sky rolling over the prairie grasses to a ceremony completely immersed in the gorgeous garden, I was lovin' life. But ya know what was my favorite moment? That Vicki was my bride cuz she's crazy stunning!? Mmmmk. Fair enough. You know what was tied for my favorite moment of this wedding? Outside of the glamour of what was no doubt an absolutely beautiful wedding was in an unassuming hotel room before the hair, before the make-up (thank goodness!), before the day got in full swing this moment was anchor for the day. A time that I'm pretty sure I'll remember for the rest of my career and more importantly one that Vicki will cherish for the rest of her life?

The moment where it was just Vicki, her sister, and her mother, huddled together while the bride opened a little box with one of the most thoughtful gifts I've ever seen. A pocket from Vicki's late-father's favorite Harley Davidson shirt holding notes & well-wishes from her sister & mom. After a few tears we pinned it underneath Vicki's dress. People sometimes say these are sobering moments but I think they're perspective shifters. It can be easy to get caught up in the what-nots of a wedding day and not really end up thinking too much of what is soon-to-be a marriage. I think there's no greater way to honor our loved one's than to love un-circumstantially, to be gracious even when it's undeserved, to be so generous with what has been given to us that it overflows to others, and to live a life that is so undeniably passionate that we ourselves are continuing to be a living-legacy of those who have gone before us. Adam & Vicki... May you be this for each other. 

Thank you for letting me be a part of capturing this beautiful chapter in your life! 

Outshine...

People always say "Like a kid on Christmas day" when referring to excitement but Mindi & Michael are Jewish. There's not a secret Hanukkah term that implies being absolutely ecstatic is there? None the less, there may not be two people more head over heals, holy cow lets get the party started ready to get married than today's bride Mindi & her groom Michael. Some brides shed a tear in anticipation Mindi jigged. Is that a word? Spell check didn't correct it so I'm gonna stick with it! And Michael...Lets just say every girl wants to be adored the way Michael adores his beautiful bride. They are an amazing balance of over the top fun, and an undoubtable sense of genuine love & respect for one another. It's nice to see LOVE outshine all the beautiful details that a wedding brings. 

And for love to outshine details like these is somethin'. Cuz Mindi's accessories were fab and the cool factor of the furniture in the Hotel Sax was ridiculous. From beginning to end we were honored to be a part of your special day. 

Keep having fun...

Keep adoring each other...

And both on good days and ones that are difficult remember this day: 

It was a good one!

So happy for you guys!

Love at Navy Pier...

So back in the day I always kinda dreamt my first kiss would be on the Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier. That didn't happen... (: And no, the smiley face is not secretly implying that it did.... (:

I did however have my first wedding at Navy Pier! Common now, the Chicago skyline, 75 degree weather in August, the Crystal Garden, the ferris wheel & carousel... Photos would dream of days like these.

As much as I've always wanted to shoot here I knew it'd take a special couple to pull it off. You kinda have to have bold personalities to stand up to all that Navy Pier is. Bold is an understatement for these two. Shoot, the groom and groomsmen did a choreographed dance during the reception that I just may remember for life. At first I was like, "oh fun...unique play on the village people" buuuutttt lets just say the village people as far as I know didn't get their costumes from Lovers Lane. Just sayin'...

The bride, Julie, ain't no shy thing either! I call her my "Double Mint" girl because she looks like one of the twins from the Doublemint gum ads (if you're to young to know those commercials you're too young to get married! JK....). Kinda over the top, flirty, and no doubt about it fun! Yep...That's Julie!

Now if I could just get them to be a bit more outgoing and photogenic.... (:

Pshhh...Julie & Victor, you know you guys are awesome! You had a ginormous bridal party to prove it. People just enjoy being around you! Keep that youthful & fun spirit both in these big moments but especially in all the little ones that daily life will surely bring.

Thanks for letting me be a part of your day it was an absolute blast!

Um... Phenomenal

What does

Cookie dough...

Traveling...

Coffee & fireplaces...

The aroma of food baking during the holidays...

The Olympics...

Lounging on the couch eating chinese food...

Cupcakes laden in frosting...

And todays engagement shoot with Ana & Tom have in common?

They're all kinda phenomenal.

If this is where you say you don't like cookie dough you can just unsubscribe to my blog right about now. Too bold of a statement? Fair enough...I can say with confidence however, that Tom & Ana are so flippin' cute together it's absolutely ridiculous. LOVE LOVE LOVED our day together.

What You See?

You may see a wrinkled outdated hairspray laden magazine at the salon. I see the perfect backdrop for a ring shot. (May be my fav. of the day by the way)  You may see that blinding sunlight coming into your car's dashboard as a driving hazard.  I see that as a "golden" opportunity for some of the most romantic light a photog could ask for. You may see Brooke & Tommy and think "They are such a great couple together! I see....Well, I see that too. They'are awesome! Loved being a part of Brooke & Tommy's sun-laden, romantic wedding.  They are a genuine, down-to-earth, and unbelievably kind couple. Thank you for letting me be a part of it! 

Congrats!

The Italian Guarantee...

In shooting weddings nothing is guaranteed. It's the reason most don't stay with it for the long haul of their career but after 7 years is one of the things I like most about this job. From extraorodinary stories, deeply personal speeches (that has even me hiding behind my camera in tears), to crazy timeframes of we literally have 3 minutes to rock out an entire wedding photo session to crazy drunken old people trying to cut a rug on the dancefloor with no regard of me, my camera, or the sense if a personal space. However, anytime I'm shooting in the circle of my favorite Italians there's a few things that are almost guaranteed.

1.) Freakish, the world just may be ending weather. One of the weddings, the electricity went out during the ceremony, the tornado sirens were goin off and we went outside for photos! No joke! Today, hurricane Chicago showed up and a few yards in front of me (while I was in my car) lightning struck the traffic light pole & scared the crap outta me. We survived. (:

2.) Cathedrals that are crazy awesome & magically transport me to Europe. For an hour.

4.) Ridiculously beautiful brides... They're all friends, and all so gorgeous it's kinda unfair. And you can't be made at em cuz they are just so stinkin sweet! Shout out to Jax, Tiny Teen, & today's bride, Shiela!

5.) Fun... These people know how to party!

I married an Italian...They usually are my favorite clients...My love for these people? Guaranteed.

Congrats!!