Only a few Chicago wedding venues offer discerning couples the best of both worlds.  The Ivy Room is a modern oasis in the heart of downtown Chicago.  The timeless elegance of an ivy enveloped garden was the perfect setting for Diana and Matt’s fall wedding.  The refined asthetic of April Joy Events used white and green floral arrangements to enhance this chic and modern venue.

I am always flattered when a photographer chooses me the photograph their wedding.  Diana’s photography is all about capturing special moments with friends and family.  One of the most exciting wedding day moments is when the bride and groom see each other for the first time.  Being a photographer, Diana knew the importance of making time for this moment and taking advantage of the early afternoon light.  Many wedding professionals prefer that the bride and groom schedule a “first look.” Diana and Matt devoted an hour of their wedding day to simply enjoy one another.

If you would like to see a slide show of this Chicago Wedding please click here. Diana and Matt, thank you for your beautiful smiles, kind spirits, and reminding me why I love my job.

Whitney and Juan hosted an intimate outdoor ceremony for their June 2009 wedding. It was incredibly easy for me to photograph on the day, since it was gorgeous out, but couples who choose to have their wedding outdoors are not always so lucky! As a Chicago wedding photographer, I always advise my clients to make sure they have an indoor photo location, just in case the weather turns foul! Photographing Whitney for her bridal portraits was a very easy experience! This was partly due to her skillfully applied makeup, done by Sana for Sonia Roselli Weddings.  The whole event, hosted at the Eaglewood Resort in Itasca, went incredibly smoothly thanks to the expertise of event planner Ali Philips, coordinator and owner of Engaging Events.

Whitney and Juan brightened their day with fuschia, pink and purple flowers. They created their “aisle” by scattering pink flower petals, and tied their ceremony into their reception by scattering the same petals across their banquet table. With a few creative touches, they made their outdoor wedding really stand out. If you are considering planning an outdoor wedding, check for some great tips here and here. You can also save money on a simple backyard ceremony and reception– if you are a do-it-yourself kind of couple, try throwing a special outdoor wedding for yourself in a setting you are familiar with, like your home or family’s home.

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