Chicago Destination Wedding: Emily and Patrick

Almost half of my wedding clients do not live in Chicago.  Over the past few years I have noticed a growing trend of couples choosing Chicago for their destination wedding.  Centrally located with literally hundreds of gorgeous wedding venues to choose from, Chicago is emerging as a premiere wedding destination for savvy couples.  Emily and Patrick, who reside in San Francisco, have many family and friends who live near the city.  Chicago offers numerous culinary, architectural, and artistic institutions.  Even if you live in the area it is so easy to forget all of the cultural offerings available to residents.  Hosting a wedding here is a wonderful way to treat your family and friends to the best of Chicago. The history and grandeur of Holy Family Church is one if Chicago’s architectural gems and was a beautiful setting for Emily and Patrick’s heartfelt mass.010 Chicago Destination Wedding: Emily and Patrick012 Chicago Destination Wedding: Emily and Patrick013 Chicago Destination Wedding: Emily and Patrick

Chicago is emerging as a national wedding destination because of the many stylish, dedicated, and committed wedding industry professionals who call this city home.  Emily and Patrick hired the some of the best including Vwidon who designed her elegant dress, and Fleur who created the exquisite bouquets.

018 Chicago Destination Wedding: Emily and Patrick023 Chicago Destination Wedding: Emily and Patrick026 Chicago Destination Wedding: Emily and Patrick

I love this photo of the happy groom taken by my amazing second photographer, Brianne.

0281 Chicago Destination Wedding: Emily and Patrick

029 Chicago Destination Wedding: Emily and Patrick

Emily is obviously gorgeous.  Her natural beauty combined with the expertise of makeup artist Rebecca Males (represented by Sonia Roselli Weddings) made creating beautiful portraits effortless.

030 Chicago Destination Wedding: Emily and Patrick

One of my favorite parts of the wedding day was taking portraits near The Wrigley Building.  I walk across the Michigan Avenue a few times a week so to say that I take it for granted is an understatement.  Emily and Patrick wanted a very “Chicago” background for their photos so I suggested this area.  I just assumed they were familiar with it.  However, when I saw the reaction of the couple and the bridal party upon our arrival, I knew it was a new and exciting experience for them.  Everyone was taken by the beauty of the river and the vintage facades.  Adding to the experience was palpable energy of downtown Chicago on a Saturday afternoon.  Everyone gets excited when they see a bride and groom.  Tourists stop to take photos, send well wishes, and kids always think they are looking at royalty.  Simply put, it is a joyful once in a lifetime experience.  This day made me remember how lucky I am that this beautiful city has always been a part of my daily life.0371 Chicago Destination Wedding: Emily and Patrick

This perfect wedding day flawlessly turned into an exuberant evening.  The cuisine at Galleria Marchetti and the music by Toast and Jam combined to create a simply fantastic party.  Emily and Patrick, thank you for allowing us to be a part of your Chicago wedding day.

Spring Weddings: Angel and Joe

I was so excited about photographing Angel and Joe’s wedding for many reasons.  At our consultation Angel casually mentioned that she is a singer and would be performing a song at the reception.  Including elements of your personality or your talents into your wedding day always adds a special touch.  I knew the song Angel would sing for Joe would be beautiful, but I was absolutely blown away by her exquisite gift.

000 Spring Weddings: Angel and Joe0021 Spring Weddings: Angel and Joe0031 Spring Weddings: Angel and Joe

Downtown Long Grove was a gorgeous setting for photographs on a perfect spring afternoon.  Their lovely wedding day continued with an elegant waterfront reception at Kemper Lakes.

0051 Spring Weddings: Angel and Joe0071 Spring Weddings: Angel and Joe0081 Spring Weddings: Angel and Joe0091 Spring Weddings: Angel and Joe010 Spring Weddings: Angel and Joe012 Spring Weddings: Angel and Joe014 Spring Weddings: Angel and Joe015 Spring Weddings: Angel and Joe

Engagement Session Photography: Thi and Cory

If your engagement session includes bubbles and Dairy Queen everyone is going to have a great afternoon.  As you can see from the photos, I had so much fun shooting Thi and Cory’s engagement session.  When it comes to your wedding or engagement photos, the best results come when you are truly enjoying yourself.  Choosing to incorporate elements of personal style, hobbies, and meaningful places will add excitement and individuality to your images.  CLICK HERE if you would like to see their engagement slide show.

000 Engagement Session Photography: Thi and Cory003 Engagement Session Photography: Thi and Cory011 Engagement Session Photography: Thi and Cory015 Engagement Session Photography: Thi and Cory016 Engagement Session Photography: Thi and Cory

I have to admit that I am even more excited about photographing this wedding because Thi and Cory will be having a Dairy Queen ice cream wedding cake.

021 Engagement Session Photography: Thi and Cory022 Engagement Session Photography: Thi and Cory028 Engagement Session Photography: Thi and Cory

I have to thank my amazing friend and photographer Liz for sharing this adorable location with me.

033 Engagement Session Photography: Thi and Cory034 Engagement Session Photography: Thi and Cory036 Engagement Session Photography: Thi and Cory037 Engagement Session Photography: Thi and Cory039 Engagement Session Photography: Thi and Cory

Simply It in Lincoln Park has some of the best Vietnamese food I have ever tasted!  This is a special place for Thi and Cory and they have become close friends with the owner.  He will be doing the catering for their October wedding adding a unique culinary experience for their guests.

042 Engagement Session Photography: Thi and Cory048 Engagement Session Photography: Thi and Cory

Thi and Cory, you are such a loving and sweet couple.  I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to get to know you better and I am really looking forward to your wedding day.

Published: Maylin and Mike in Ellas Magazine

It is always an honor to have a wedding featured in a magazine.  Maylin surprised me with the news that she submitted her photos and they are featured in the current issue of Ellas magazine. This destination wedding is my first feature in an international magazine edition and I am so excited!

Page11 Published: Maylin and Mike in Ellas MagazinePage21 Published: Maylin and Mike in Ellas Magazine

Page32-775x1024 Published: Maylin and Mike in Ellas Magazine

Published: Nicole and Aubrey in Get Married Magazine

I have been dying to blog about this wedding!  Nicole and Aubrey were married in October at The Ritz Carlton in downtown Chicago.  As always, Ali Phillips produced this gorgeous classic Chicago Wedding.  Ali’s  impeccable design sensibilities combined with the elegance of this couple created a truly magnificent event.  I was thrilled when Get Married magazine expressed interest in featuring this wedding.  Get Married magazine is available online and in print, and is wonderful inspiration for savvy brides.

Get-married-cover Published: Nicole and Aubrey in Get Married Magazine

Feature-Nicole_Page_1-768x1024 Published: Nicole and Aubrey in Get Married MagazineFeature-Nicole_Page_21-768x1024 Published: Nicole and Aubrey in Get Married Magazine

Please CLICK HERE to view the entire summer issue online.  Here are a few more images of Nicole and Aubrey’s gorgeous fall Ritz Carlton wedding.

F a c e b o o k