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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

The above photo is a fashion image I shot ten years ago.  It was featured on the Eliza Magazine Blog over a year ago.  Every month I continue to receive emails from brides wanting to know who the designer is and where they can buy it.  The “dress” in this photo is actually the combination of a vintage top and 1/2 of a 1980’s prom dress from the thrift store.  The “bride” is my friend Meredith who is sitting in an abandoned city lot.  Her hair style is made from $1.00 pack of synthetic hair from one of the wig stores on Milwaukee Ave.  This photo resonates with people because so much of Meredith’s spirit comes through in this image.  If you express your personal style and enjoy your day the photographs will be amazing. Regardless if you are wearing a $10,000 dress or a $10 dress your enegry is the most important element of your day.  Remember that it is not the dress that makes the woman, but the woman who makes the dress.

Megan chose my favorite flowers for her wedding bouquet.  Peonies are only available in the spring making their rare beauty even more spectacular.

Peonies are a gorgeous choice for wedding bouquets and are also a pretty and fresh option for spring wedding showers.

The reception flowed flawlessly thanks to one of my favorite Chicago wedding DJ’s, Okyne Media Lab .You cannot ask for a better backdrop for your Chicago wedding photos. I love this view, and I am so excited for another Chicago summer.

Thank you Megan and Tom for a wonderful day and a great start to the season.

Ultimately, we decided not shoot here on the wedding day.  With crumbling staircases and holes in the floors, there were too many safety concerns to make it an appropriate venue for wedding photos.  I loved the locations we did use, and I am so glad I had the opportunity to explore El Club Union.

Not only did Maylin and Michael choose stunning locations to host their wedding, but they really know how to throw a great party!  The cocktail hour on the roof top of The Intercontinental allowed guests to enjoy the breathtaking skyline of Panama City.  The bride and groom joined the party by entering into their first dance with confetti, sparklers, and a fireworks display.

After a classic and refined meal the dancing began with a carnival of dancers and musicians.  This was the point in the night where I smiled at my amazing second shooter, Laura Meyer, and said “are we lucky or what?”  This feeling was not only because we had the opportunity to photograph such a great wedding.  Maylin, Michael, their family and friends welcomed us with open hearts and generous spirits.  We were included in all of the meals, celebrations, and even some dancing.  My sincerest gratitude goes to this couple for allowing me to experience Panama, and to enjoy a wonderful weekend with new friends.

I recommend that couples consider seeing each other before the wedding.  This allows plenty of time for photographs and gives you a few special moments alone before the day begins.

Cathedral Metropolitan was an ideal setting for a few photos of this gorgeous couple.

CLICK HERE if you would like to see a slide show of this unique destination wedding.