Weekly Wedding Inspiration: Vera Wang

I usually don’t make a post like this, but my sister is getting married this fall, and as her maid of honor I am having fun looking for ideas and inspiration for her wedding. I love these dresses by Vera Wang. The combination of structure and femininity come together perfectly in her gorgeous collection. To all my future brides–check her out!

Portrait Session: Catherine//Geneva Portrait Photographer//Senior Portraits

Last Saturday I photographed Catherine. She is a senior at Wheaton Academy, planning on doing a nursing program for college. I really enjoyed our session–we discussed shared interests (Anthropologie being one of them!) and we enjoyed exploring a bit of downtown Geneva after stopping along the way for a few shots in a field. I really got excited about these images! She seemed so natural and comfortable in front of the camera and conveyed a maturity beyond her years. I think we came away with some beautiful images and I couldn’t have done it without her rock star performance! Thanks Catherine!

Craving the Sun: A Family Vacation Remembered//Michigan Beach

I have been lately craving the sun, which I am sure is a common feeling among my fellow Chicagoans. As I work on selecting photos for the galleries on my new website (set to launch soon!) I come across many personal images of my family and friends. It is crazy to look back on life– especially the development of my 3 year old son. I almost forgot that he was once a chubby little baby just like my 11 month old son is right now! I traveled with my husband, two kids, and my husband’s family to a beach house in Michigan for a short family vacation last August. The sunset was beautiful and the kids loved the sand! These photos posted below warmed my heart and satisfied a tiny part of that need for spring and summer.

Deb + Steve: Evanston Wedding//Schram Memorial Chapel//Pete Miller’s

Deb and Steve tied the knot on a blustery day this March. The ceremony was held at the Schram Memorial Chapel in Glenview which has a cool history to it– “Originally built at the Glenview Naval Air Station during World War II and named after Captain Richard A. Schram, a renowned Navy flier, this historic nondenominational chapel served as a house of worship for thousands of servicemen and women passing through this military base. After the Naval Air Station closed, the building was moved from its original location and painstakingly restored by the Village of Glenview and Kimball Hill Builders.”  I absolutely LOVED Deb’s bouquet–it was such a breath of fresh air because the colors reminded me that Spring is coming (although it can’t get here soon enough!)–and the candles that lit the chapel were so simple yet romantic. The reception was held at Pete Miller’s in Evanston, a swanky seafood and prime steaks restaurant that features live jazz. The food was phenomenal. The settings were intimate and this party of 60-70 people truly had a wonderful evening together. It is apparent through the images that these two families were truly celebrating the joining of their loved ones. Congratulations Deb and Steve!

Miles Kingston: Baby Session//Chicago Infant Portrait Session

How beautiful is this little boy?! My heart was melting during my recent session with a friend and her newborn. He was such a precious little thing–my two boys were both over 8.5lbs when they were born, so Miles felt soooo tiny in my arms compared to what I remember when I had babies this young (mine are now 3 years and 9.5 months old). He behaved as perfectly as an infant of his age could. I loved the hats, blanket, and diaper cover that his gorgeous mommy, Chellena, knitted for him! Thank you also to Chellena’s parents for opening their wonderful home for the session!

Tara + Brad//Elmhurst Wedding//Wilder Mansion

Tara and Brad had an intimate wedding at the beautiful Wilder Mansion in Elmhurst. Their choices for the wedding–from their attire to the colors for the decor–were really gorgeous against the style of the mansion. I was so impressed to learn that Tara designed the “paper suite” and did all the calligraphy for it! There was joy apparent on both Tara and Brad’s faces the entire evening and everyone had a wonderful time.

Coming Soon: Tara + Brad at the Wilder Mansion

I couldn’t help but post a couple teaser images for Tara and Brad’s wedding before the official blog post! The Wilder Mansion was a perfect venue for this intimate wedding. I loved the whole event design–from the florals and centerpieces to the paper goods made by the bride! Look for the rest of their wedding soon!

Sarah + Robert: Cuneo Mansion Engagement//Vernon Hills

Robert is a long-time friend of mine. I couldn’t be happier that he is engaged to Sarah, a beautiful woman who keeps Robert in check (insert wink here). I am thrilled to be shooting their wedding in July at the Cuneo Mansion in Vernon Hills. The Cuneo is a GORGEOUS mansion that was built a long time ago in the style of an Italian villa with an open-air court in the middle of the mansion. Much of the original furniture and family possessions remains in the mansion–stunning antiques and artwork–which make for a dream venue for me. They are currently doing construction on a brand-new event space to be added onto the side of the mansion which I am excited about. We will be one of the first weddings to take place there once construction is finished! Another side note about the mansion is that this is where the wedding in the movie My Best Friend’s Wedding (starring Julia Roberts, Cameron Diaz, and others) was shot. How fun! After touring the Cuneo with Robert and Sarah a couple weekends ago we did a quick engagement session in and around the grounds.

Courtney + Rob at Salvage One in Chicago: Part II

Here is part two of Courtney and Rob’s wedding at Salvage One in Chicago. Courtney’s mom did all the event decor and I think she did a great job of combining ecclectic elegance in the table settings with a funky color scheme–it fit perfectly for the venue! The ceremony was sweet, the toasts during dinner were beautiful, the dance floor was hot, and everyone had a wonderful evening.

Courtney + Rob at Salvage One in Chicago: Part I

Courtney and Rob chose such a unique and beautiful location for their January wedding. Salvage One was a joy to shoot at because of all the vintage pieces that were integrated into the decor of the wedding…one of my other loves besides photography is vintage and antiques for my home! Thank you Courtney and Rob for such an amazing day–I had so much fun with you guys and everything was just gorgeous. I have had a hard time narrowing down which images to share on the blog, so I am going to make it two posts.

More to come in the next post….