diy weddings

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2016 Wrap Up

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2016 Wrap Up

2016 was year of amazing growth, closeness, emotion, and overall life fullness. From newborns to new marriages and Chicago to Oahu, photography took me to new places, familiar places and amazing hearts. I went through periods of self doubt, questioning my work and its ability to continually push further. I was inspired by so many artists' creativity. I was inspired by the faith of so many of the brides and grooms celebrating their commitment. I worked on sharing my love for photography and helping others take better photos. Here's a glimpse into some of my favorite moments from 2016. 2017 is going to be written in the salt and starts. And I'm looking forward to everyday the new year brings.

Wedding :: Jacqueline + Matt [Prairie Productions, Chicago]

Wedding :: Jacqueline + Matt [Prairie Productions, Chicago]

Summer weddings in Chicago. You take a gamble on weather, but when you win, you win big. With close family and friends, and a beautiful and intimate courtyard ceremony with perfect balance of rustic and pretty details, Jacqueline and Matt tied the knot at the west loop's Prairie Production.

Simply beautiful and full of love.

Wedding :: Brittany + Rick [Backyard Wedding, West Chicago, IL]

Wedding :: Brittany + Rick [Backyard Wedding, West Chicago, IL]

I met Brittany and Rick last year at Stephanie and Richard's wedding.  They are two wonderfully athletic, motivated and overall awesome people. As a past gymnast, Brittany was super detailed oriented. I endearingly call this, the Pinterest wedding. Brittany and her family and friends did SUCH an amazing job prepping her parent's backyard for the wedding.  

Wedding :: Dayna + Jason [Backyard Wedding, Lemont]

I met Dayna and Jason several months ago at The Perfect Cup in Lincoln Square. She was referred by Kelly Cline, partner of very awesome Katie Todd. I knew before meeting them I would probably like them, based on this referral alone. We talked about their plans for the wedding day... very non-traditional. Everything to be used was either recyclable or reusable. There was going to a Quaker style ceremony, bluegrass band, amazing food from Irazu Cafe, a bouncy castle, lawn games, candy table, and a rock concert to cap off the night (courtesy of Jason's band).

Wedding :: Kristin + Doug [Blumen Gardens, Sycamore]

Last August  Colleen and Shawn got married at Bistro One West and Kristin and Doug were guests. Thus a warm introduction was established. It's always really nice working with people who are referrals from clients. I feel much more at ease meeting them knowing that most people have friends who are cut from the same cloth. And I really liked Colleen and Shawn.

Wedding :: Meredith + Nick [Oak Brook Bath & Tennis Club, Oak Brook]

With pretty amazing weather in early May, Nick and Meredith's outdoor ceremony at Oak Brook Bath and Tennis Club was amazing. With beautiful light coming through the windows and awesome vintage styling of the venue, this wedding was a ton of fun. I loved the pops of Tiffany blue and I loved that Nick wore Pumas. :) Looks like the ole Mustang made its way from the engagement pics to the wedding. Congrats Nick and Meredith!

Wedding :: Steph + Brad [Mission Hills Country Club, Northbrook]

Brad and Steph were my first real clients to take me on as their photographer and I will be forever appreciative of their willingness to collaborate with me!

I met with them back in 2010 to discuss their wedding in September 2011 at Mission Hills Country Club in Northbrook, IL. Steph was in grad school and Brad worked for the Chicago Blackhawks (and we discovered he shares office space with one of my friends!). How Steph finished school work and paid attention to the tiniest details of this wedding planning is impressive.