Jillian and Jon started our Chicago engagement photography session with the baking of their favorite goodies. These two met each other early in their years of law school and grew to be best friends. Their sense of humor really made this time enjoyable for me as we made our way to the Grant Park ice skating rink, a location dear to Jillian and Jon as they had a few of their first dates there back in the day. Decidedly, this winter has been full of inconsistencies, so what we thought might be a mild winter day turned out to be pretty cold, even for a winter engagement photography session. Still, the couple was good natured and had fun which you can tell by looking at the photographs. I can’t wait to document their wedding in the spring!
Heritage Prairie Farm charmed us yet again with its first winter wedding, offering unique opportunities in its rustic barn and cozy greenhouse for a creative wedding photographer. While I had expected a blanket of snow, characteristic of most December weddings in Chicago, the weather felt more like a rainy, foggy day in March.
Early in the morning, busy worker bees had begun preparation on the farm for Zac and Joy’s celebration: artful flower arrangements in the farm house kitchen, ceremony set-up in the back of the barn, table setting in the greenhouse (complete with miniature honey gifts), and dinner preparation in Chef Jeremy’s kitchen.
The couple was such a pleasure to work with, very friendly and free-spirited. Zac and Joy had traveled from Alaska to share their wedding day with close family and friends. When I learned that their plan for a honeymoon was to begin at the southernmost tip of the continent, drive up the coast, and eventually make their home in a favorite location, I wanted to meet them.
By the way, Chef Jeremy out-did himself again. I even heard one guest murmur to himself in delight, “I want to bathe in this sauce!” And, the unthinkable, someone asking for more Brussels sprouts. To check out pictures of his organic natural foods, visit our behind-the-scenes blog post. Warning: this is guaranteed to make your mouth water.
Picture perfect Galena, IL set the scene for an unforgettable wedding, and this justifies my excitement days before the wedding. Hannah and Gator’s love was felt in the air, and so was the affection of their families and friends who had crossed the country for the event. As a matter of fact, the morning was cold and the rain seemed unstoppable. But by some miracle, everything changed by the time the celebration started at the Oak Hill Farm. The cooperation of the weather was just Divine and they all knew it. Congratulations Hannah & Gator; it was truly an honor to celebrate with you.
Vendors:
Location: Oak Hill Farm
Flowers: Stockton Floral & Gifts
Hair: Special Touch Salon
Kirk and Lisa’s Geneva wedding was filled with laughter, family, and fond remembrance. Their two families became one in a thoughtful blended family wedding ceremony, little children presented perfect opportunities for candid wedding photography, and guests had fun on the dance floor. I enjoyed being at two of the most well-known wedding locations in Geneva, IL, the Herrington Inn with its sweeping staircase perfect for a “first look” and Riverside Receptions with its cozy ambiance and panoramic window views. The bride stopped traffic several times during the day, but the best moment for me was when the family crossed together before the ceremony, a symbolic beginning to their new life together which I hope will be truly blessed. Congratulations to you Kirk and Lisa, It was truly an honor to celebrate these moments with you.
Although, as I said in my last post, big churches have been good to me lately, I was ready for a chance to mix-it-up with an outdoor venue. Ken and Sara’s wedding at the Del Webb community in Huntley, IL. was a breath of fresh air, literally. Sara had contacted me a few months ago inquiring specifically about outdoor weddings. She mentioned that she had seen my work as she searched for a Chicagoland wedding photographer and admired the various weddings featured on my site. I’m always flattered when my work makes such a good introduction for me.
Outdoor weddings are fabulous, especially when the weather allows for it. They allow me to capture nature, beautiful landscapes, and incorporate those settings into the ceremony and reception, using them to highlight the celebration. Truly, every couple looks stunning against nature’s backdrop.
I love the vibrancy of this wedding. The strong, vivid tones of the flowers, the lush foliage, the variety of expressions worn on the bride’s face, the emotions displayed by the groom after the ceremony, the small and intimate reception where all guests were interconnected. There was so much for me to explore. I enjoyed playing spy through the trees during the ceremony, something I try to do when the venue allows for it.
As I was working on these images, I couldn’t help but keep a smile on my face because of the good vibes and emotions coming out of every single image. This was not just my own perception, but it is actually how these two individuals are in real life. As I met with them, I was able to experience firsthand their genuineness toward each other and their down-to-earth temperaments. I challenge you to go through these images without having a smile on your face, as well.
Best to you, Ken and Sara, as you begin this journey together.
