Elopements hold a special place in my heart, as my husband and I eloped a little over a year ago. When Brittany asked if I could document her and Tony's elopement at Chicago's City Hall, I was thrilled! We ended up adventuring and taking pictures all around downtown. It was fun to hear the many "congratulations" from passerbys. Brittany and Tony even got to hop in a firetruck and honk the horn! Check out this city filled elopement!
Maggie & Em. Where to begin? I am so honored to be photographing the wedding of these two stellar women, next month. Let's just say the world is a better place with this power couple. We took these engagement photos on a chilly, Spring day around Montrose Harbor. Take a look and try not to fall in love.
May 11, 2018 EDIT:
The original contents of this post have been removed so they can be added to a zine I'm creating! The zine will cover our 9 day adventure through China & Thailand. It will include long prose and a multitude of photographs. If you would like a copy of the zine comment with your email address below. Until then, here are a few photos taken on our Asian adventure.
Last month, I went to Eugene, Oregon, to see my one and only sister graduate from University of Oregon with TWO master's degrees. It was a very immersive experience as I followed Lindsay everywhere. We partied non-stop in true Eugene fashion. My parents were there, you'll see several pictures of them in this post. Take a look at a week in Eugene, Oregon!
I recently held my first ever mini session, which I'm happy to report was a success! There was a hiccup, however. Due to the excessive rain in Chicago, our shoot had to be rescheduled, TWICE. I offered an indoor lifestyle shoot in lieu of the outdoor photo, but the family had their heart set on an outdoor shoot. When the day of the photoshoot finally arrived, it was a breeze. The family was super laid back, and baby Oscar was an excellent participant! Take a look at our long anticipated, first ever mini session!
Tessa is one of my favorite people to photograph. She is always willing to try something new and brings constant enthusiasm towards each project we tackle. Her style is unique and refreshing (notice the Four Loco tank). Take a look at the shoot we did last week!
I took 4 photos the day I got engaged. The photos on their own may seem insignificant- a picture of Brian, a photo of a bridge, another of a creek. But when I go through these photos I see the story of my engagement. A day so special, I couldn’t help but share.
It was Christmas day, 2016. We were making our way to Brian’s parent’s house in Elgin, talking about what a photogenic town Elgin was and how we wanted to take more pictures there. When we got off the highway, into said town, I noticed we were not on our typical route.
"Weren't we supposed to turn there?" I asked.
"I want to show you something," he casually replied.
A few minutes later, we arrived at the Tyler Creek forest preserve. Brian said this was a place he used to come visit when he was living in Elgin- that there was a bridge in the woods he wanted me to see. I assumed the purpose of this detour was to take pictures, so I grabbed my camera and hopped out of the car. Brian took my hand and we walked toward the bridge.
As I was walking and looking at the snow covered ground I got the feeling I was going to come back to this place someday. That I would have the opportunity to see these woods again in their full green glory.
When we reached our destination, I saw the bridge with a creek flowing underneath. I knew exactly the photograph I wanted to create. I was dreaming of one of those shots where the landscape is completely still, but the water looks blurry from its movement.
Apparently, I was really into creating this photograph, because I completely lost track of where Brian was or what he was doing. Then I heard him say, “hey baby,” only to turn around and see him on one knee, in the snow. He was holding his grandmother’s engagement ring and said the words every person dreams of hearing, “will you marry me?”
It was a complete surprise. I wish I could say I immediately screamed yes and we embraced for all the world to see, but I’m pretty sure the way it happened was a little different. I was in shock. I couldn’t believe it. We had talked about getting married, but I had no idea he was going to ask me on that day, let alone that winter. Eventually, I got around to muttering the word, yes- and there we were. In one of the most life changing moments of our lives.
Last weekend, I made my way to Carpentersville to do a lifestyle session with one of my favorite families. Take a look at this lifestyle shoot with the Bowmans, their daughter Wrenna and baby Dexter.
Recently, I put together a series of photos for a cafe. These photos feature some of my favorite parts of Chicago, so I thought I would share them with you all. Enjoy!
Photographs from the women's march on Chicago.
Read MoreAs a wedding photographer, I couldn't ask for a better couple than Erika & Jackson. Logistically the day was a breeze thanks to the notoriously organized Erika. My favorite part about shooting this wedding was the recreating of photographs. The bride had pictures from her mother's wedding she wanted to emulate and we did just that. Check out this beautiful couple and our modern take on family tradition.
Last night, Jake & Michael made history as the first same sex couple to get engaged at the United Center and the 2nd same sex couple to get engaged at an NBA game. Jake planned the entire evening for his now fiance Michael, a huge Chicago Bulls fan. Normally, proposals are not allowed at these games; however, Jake caught the attention of the Bulls administrators with a compelling telling of he and Michael's love story, so they made an exception.
Friends and family of the couple were at the game, hidden in the stands, as well as a photographer hired to capture the evening.
During the 3rd time out of the 2nd quarter, the moment we were all waiting for arrived. Benny the Bull pulled an unsuspecting Michael to center court where Jake popped the question. Check out the photos below to see how the night unfolded!
Spent last week in gorgeous Cabo San Lucas with the family. I had the opportunity to shoot some stellar landscapes and night shots. Check it out!
This happy couple was married in an intimate ceremony last month. It was an evening full of joy and love. Take a look!
Location: Bernie's Book Bank // Flowers: Simply Flowers // Jewelry: NLS Jewelry
You can view Mikey & Molly's engagement session here.
In honor of their upcoming nuptials, Erika & Jackson are on the blog this week! The photos below were shot in Evanston last fall.
Recently, I've been inspired to do unique/colorful product shoots. Luckily, my best friend Nicole Salerno makes incredible jewelry that flourishes my daily wardrobe (you can see/shop her gorgeous jewelry here). I used these jewels and props from around the house to create some pretty unique shots. Check them out!
A majority of the photos I took around the city last week were flowers. Usually, my photos have few major edits; to mix things up I experimented with lightroom filters. Take a look!
There is nothing better than a great photoshoot with great people! I was lucky enough to have a shoot like that this summer. Take a look at Noah, Amber and their beautiful family.
Location: Chicago River Walk, Trump Plaza, Wrigley Building
Brian and Beth Blankenship are the talented duo behind Tank & the Beez. Their music has an americana roots sound with an old fashioned, soulful feel. Do yourself a favor and check them out here. Our shoot was inspired by Allister Ann and shot in Humboldt Park. Take a look!
