This was pretty much one of the most beautiful fall days for Stephanie and Richard's wedding at A New Leaf in Old Town. Days like this remind me how great Chicago is. A New Leaf did an AMAZING job on the floral designs. The succulent on the front of Stephanie's bouquet was perfect. After prepping at Hotel Lincoln we traipsed through Old Town and Lincoln Park, even stopping for ice cream along the way. In lieu of a cake, the couple created an ice cream bar . . . a shared love for
Wedding :: Alyssa + Michael [Promontory Point, Chicago]
Planning an outdoor wedding in Chicago definitely takes some bravery and a little bit of luck. I definitely thought we were going to get rained on (which would've made the 4th outdoor wedding in a row to get rained on!). BUT the weather held! A sprinkle here and there, but the ceremony happened outdoor as planned. Promontory Point is a really beautifully rustic place, perfect for a quaint wedding. And actually cloudy days on Promontory Point are quite beautiful.
One of the things about this wedding I thought was super cool was that Alyssa wore her mom's wedding dress. Her sister got married earlier this summer and also wore the same dress. Kind of a warm sentiment and family tradition to carry on!
Here are a few of my favorite images...
Wedding :: Erin + John [Holy Family Church, St. Ignatius, Chicago]
![Wedding :: Erin + John [Holy Family Church, St. Ignatius, Chicago]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/502d2a69c4aa89aa716ef8c3/1346516640088-W3L52W8ELAEY1ZQ531MV/dudley5.png)
So this was a fun one and a little reunion of sorts. I know Erin from when we were young (like 8, 9, 10 years old young) and did gymnastics together at the Oak Lawn Park District. We got back in touch via Facebook as adults and she approached me about her recent engagement to John. I met with them up in Lincoln Square back in 2011 and Erin and I chatted and took some time to catch up. It had been YEARS since I've seen her. No, not years. Almost two decades?!! Erin looked EXACTLY the same. Just taller. :)
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 :: Torie + Andy [Cafe Brauer, Chicago]
It rained! It was Friday the 13th! But what a grand day! Torie and Andy prepared for the day at Amalfi Hotel before getting married at Lincoln Park Zoo's Cafe Brauer. Cafe Brauer is such a beautiful space that its architectural detail provides a classic backdrop. I'm so fortunate to have been able to work with these two WONDERFUL people. Best to you both... See you on Twitter! :)
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.
Wedding :: Colleen + Shawn [Bistro One West, St. Charles]
Colleen and Shawn's down to earth personality was perfect for Bistro One West (St. Charles, Illinois) in late August. The venue has an intimate and classic feel to it, with an amazing deck overlooking the Fox River.
The toasts were awesome. Who knew Colleen loved milk so much?Wedding :: Trisha + Phil [Rosemont Convention Center]
Trisha and Phil's attention to detail made their wedding at the Stephenson Convention Center feel beautiful and intimate, with a little bit of an edge. Phil is a bit a of a techie and created a way for guests to text well wishes to the bride and groom, which displayed on a giant screen throughout the reception. The couple not only danced their first dance to Yellow Card's 'Only One', they rocked out on vocals and guitar pretty hard. And it was awesome. :)