Room 1520 Chicago Loft West Loop Wedding Photos 21 Jun 2017 4:37 PM (7 years ago)
FEATURED CHICAGO WEST LOOP CHICAGO LOFT WEDDING VENUE
Room 1520
This wedding venue Room 1520 is one of our favorite Chicago loft event spaces. The Chicago West Loop, urban ceremony and reception venue is a restored, historical gear factory loft building located on Fulton Street, just West of downtown Chicago. Inside features numerous aspects of elegance with high ceilings, polished cement floors, portrait windows, exposed brick, white marble restrooms, white walls, elegant lighting, and chic stylish on-site lofty bridal suite. Chicago brides and photographers alike love the loft’s elegant, airy and bright white rooms. The Chicago raw, urban warehouse ballroom space is accented by 17 Italian crystal chandeliers and the main entrance features an artisan metal staircase grand entrance. Adjacent to Room 1520’s Chicago primary ceremony and reception warehouse ballroom space are two smaller event spaces. The private glamorous bridal suite (amazing for a Chicago bride who love the idea of on-site getting ready photos and preparations) and adjoining the warehouse is the elegant, sophisticated and vintage bar lined with a wall of mirrors and crystal chandeliers.
Room 1520 is located in the heart of the artistic West Loop neighborhood of Chicago. The white, urban loft venue and raw warehouse space makes customizing and hosts stunning simplistic wedding easy. It’s blank modern warehouse architecture is unique and simplistic. Like many Chicago wedding photographers, we are always in search for photographic light. The best indoor spaces for photography includes a searching for bright spaces indoors for amazing wedding photography. Room 1520’s warehouse event space is stunningly different from other loft venues in the city offering 4,000 square feet of space. Not only do we love the elegant, airy, bright and accented by Italian crystal chandeliers ballroom, an artisan staircase in the grand entrance, we especially love the natural light the building provides with its abundance of windows and sunlight. Additionally, private clearance is provided for breathtaking rooftop Chicago skyline city views from up top of the West Loop industrial building located just West of the popular Randolph Street, Fulton Market and West Loop areas.
Jason + Papia’s wedding ceremony and reception all occurred at Room 1520. Decor and design courtesy of Art of Imagination. Room 1520 offers a bride’s a city wedding with it’s raw urban space. With a 4,000 square foot open floor plan, the ballroom is customized to meet your needs. The flexibility of the loft allows you to simply use its existing minimalist charm or create an opulent setting for both a ceremony and reception. This elegant loft venue in Chicago is a must see. You will fall in love with the space, the various room for photography, and the white palette… Just like our groom and bride Jason and Papia did.
Room 1520
1520 West Fulton Street
Chicago, Illinois 60607
312-952-1520 www.room1520.com
If you found this blog post, because you are looking for your Chicago wedding photographers for your West Loop wedding at Room 1520 wedding, email us and contact us today to see if your upcoming Chicago wedding date is still open. We can’t wait to talk about photography and photo plans for your day.
Visit our Collections section for additional Chicago wedding photography photo examples.
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Four Seasons Hotel Chicago Wedding 26 May 2017 11:15 AM (7 years ago)
FEATURED CHICAGO WEDDING VENUE
Four Seasons Chicago Hotel
With an address steps from Michigan Avenue and multiple versatile ballrooms, the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago features luxurious spaces for an event, wedding pictures & photos, creating the ultimate setting for an epic wedding in downtown Chicago. Each of the luxury appointed event and ballroom spaces can be customized to a bride + groom’s taste and wedding of their dreams. Elegant and luxurious, we love the Four Seasons Chicago which features a variety of gold & crystal chandeliers and champagne colored lush decor, plus accents of art, sculptures and colorful paintings around the hotel.
Maria + Steve’s intimate wedding reception occurred in the Lakeview ballroom at the Chicago Four Seasons Hotel. The bride’s wedding morning events took place at the bride’s childhood home in Winnetka where her sisters and family celebrated her last day as a Cacciatore. With a wedding day schedule and photos beginning in Winnetka, we couldn’t resist planning for romantic bride and groom photographs, saving time after the ceremony when we arrived at downtown Chicago at the Four Season Hotel. The hotel offers photos in the lobby and Steve and Maria wanted to take advantage of photos by the Four Season lobby’s stairs.
The Lakeview ballroom provides a sophisticated backdrop and luxurious atmosphere with its mahogany, rich dark wooden paneled walls, and spectacular city views. One of Chicago’s most elegant, yet comfortable settings for a luxury Chicago wedding reception. The Grand Ballroom is the largest reception space with spectacular decor featuring champagne-coloured silk wall coverings and crystal chandeliers and pastel floral carpeting. A beautiful space for a wedding ceremony and a reception at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago. We especially love the high-ceilings in the Grand Ballroom and wedding photography on the magnificent grand staircase leading up to the ballroom which provides for the perfect on-site backdrop for extraordinary photos. After dinner, we loved Maria + Steve’s desire to sneak away from dancing for some after dark, night Chicago skyline photos on Michigan Avenue. Take the virtual tour previewing the larger Grand Ballroom at the Four Seasons or the State Room’s virtual tour another popular space. The State Room is adjacent to the Grand Ballroom, and off the eighth-floor landing, creating a sense of privacy and is perfect for both large and small reception functions. This State Room is popular for hosting the cocktail hour.
If you found us because you are looking for your Chicago wedding photographers for your Four Seasons Chicago wedding, we would love to discuss your day!! Email us to check to see if your wedding date is available.
The Four Seasons
120 E Delaware
Chicago, IL 60611
www.fourseasons.com/chicago/
Events on Maria Cacciatore wedding day marrying Steve Vernon consisted of getting ready at a private residence in Winnetka, a 1 o’clock church wedding ceremony at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Glenview, IL and intimate wedding reception, dinner and dancing in the Lakeview Room at The Four Seasons. Maria + Steven planned a sophisticated and elegant fall wedding, but also wanted a fun wedding! The band Greenlight played a huge role in creating a party atmosphere for the reception at The Four Seasons Chicago Hotel.
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A Germania Place Wedding and Photos 8 May 2017 1:57 PM (7 years ago)
FEATURED CHICAGO WEDDING VENUE
Germania Place
Chicago wedding receptions at the historic and heirloom Germania Place and wedding photography inside the Germania venue provide for an elegant, vintage, and old-chicago appeal. The venue Germania Place designed in 1888 offers a stunning historic landmark wedding venue space in Chicago. Built in America’s Gilded Age of the 19th Century and located in the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast near Old Town, Germania Place endures as one of Chicago’s most famous and significant historical landmark buildings to hold weddings. Weddings at Germania Place offer a piece of Chicago’s history to wedding guests when you choose to host your event in a building such as Germania that is listed on the National Registry of Historic Buildings in Chicago.
Germania Place has two palatial ballrooms ready to be filled with your day’s theme whether historic, vintage, elegant or classic. The main ballroom features soaring 50’ ceilings, inset gold domes, original crystal chandeliers, 20 foot arched windows, and an ornate Victorian architecture that offers a mini museum room design with old-world style. This vintage styled Chicago wedding venue also features two built in bars, a separate sun-drenched solarium, a 110 year old antique William Knabe Grand Piano, and a private dressing suite with bathroom.
For Mark + Roseanna’s summer wedding day, the couple added simple classic florals featuring baby’s breath tall centerpieces, calla lilies and roses in shades of purple and blush pink complimenting the warm gold lighting and chandelier surrounding the room. Touches of Chicago-oriented details surrounded the room with the tables design and reception decor. Flowers subtly and elegantly sat along side the Chicago themed and modern decor throughout the venue letting 100 year old fully restored ballroom’s gorgeous and vintage interior rooms at the venue shine. See below for more information about Germania a historic wedding event space in Chicago.
Germania Place
108 W. Germania Place
Chicago, Illinois 60610
Managed by Kenmare Catering & Events
If you are on a search for your Chicago wedding photographers email us to inquire if your wedding date is available. For additional portrait examples, visit our Collections section for a variety of photo examples, portrait photography and our collection of wedding photography images. We love stylistically customizing photos for your wedding day to fit your theme, design or a specific look. Whether your desire is tie in the 19th century, romantic vintage inspired photos, pictures at the historical setting of Chicago’s Germania Place, or if you look forward to traveling to off-site scenic Chicago locations, contact us to discuss your Germania wedding and plans.
Details about Mark + Roseanna’s wedding at Germania Place included wedding day planning by Courtney & Charlene Liang of Sweet Chic Events, wedding theme colors of gold and purple, florals by florist Vale of Enna, and wedding ceremony at Alice Millar Chapel on Northwestern University in Evanston. Pre-ceremony photos at the Palmer House Hilton, hotel Sofitel Chicago, and first look / outdoor city photos in downtown Chicago.
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Ivy Room Chicago Wedding Venue and Photos 25 Apr 2017 4:46 PM (8 years ago)
FEATURED CHICAGO WEDDING VENUE
Ivy Room at Tree Studios
Working as husband and wife Chicago weddings photographers for the past 10 years, we often are asked for advice when choosing wedding photo locations and venues. Without a doubt, to keep your wedding classic and timeless, we love an urban look incorporating the cityscape and always look for naturally beautiful locations to capture timeless and classic wedding photos. Ivy is one of our favorite nods to Chicago with a bonus as it also provides a nature look. We love the Ivy Room wedding venue’s picturesque qualities. The urban elements of a courtyard, brick walkway, firescape ladder stairs, and alleyway is balanced elegantly & softened with the lush green romantic ivy and birch trees providing for an amazing Chicago setting for wedding photography.
The Ivy Room at Tree Studios is an urban garden, greenery wedding venue in Chicago and is truly a hidden secret! 90% of the four story, brick Chicago building is covered in lush, green ivy. The private courtyard is in the middle of the lively, urban bustle of the city, but yet provides the perfect romantic space for memorable weddings, portraits and photography, an outdoor ceremony, and your indoor / outdoor wedding reception events. Located right in the heart of Chicago’s River North neighborhood, spoil your guests with a wedding weekend steps from the Magnificent Mile. The Ivy Room in River North is also ideal for close-by wedding photos locations with several Chicago wedding photography favorite spots on Michigan Avenue, by the Chicago River, or along the Chicago bridges with amazing skyline views just minutes away.
Inside, the Ivy Room’s indoor expansive ballroom located on the second floor is elevated, overlooking the ivy filled brick courtyard below. Open the ballroom’s gorgeous french doors to bring the outdoor breeze and sounds of the city inside. The Ivy Room has stunning high ceilings and is a blank palette – florists and wedding designers love filling the space of the Ivy Room with chandeliers, lighting, florals and bringing inside natural beauty, tall arrangements, or suspended ivy and greenery pieces often complimenting the outdoors and always completely transforming the ballroom space amazingly. We love the idea of tying in the ivy outdoors inside – incorporating a lot of botanical texture inside the ballroom adding flowers or greenery to create warmth and comfort within the space.
Impress your guests with the unexpected… this hidden ivy courtyard is a picturesque space for a memorable wedding day, from an outdoor ceremony to dancing outside and celebrating after dark under the stars or evening sparklers. The Ivy Room is a fabulous urban and romantic wedding location many Chicago brides are searching offering to fulfill her dream of an alfresco wedding ceremony, or breathtaking reception with an outdoor space for a non-traditional ballroom wedding event.
We absolutely love the Ivy Room and we can not wait for our next wedding in this urban, brick and lush green ivy courtyard.
Ivy Room at Tree Studios
12 E Ohio St # 100,
Chicago, IL 60611
www.ivyroomchicago.com 312-645-7760
Dining Room at Tree Studios
4 E Ohio Street,
Chicago, IL 60611
www.treestudios.com 312-762-9300
Searching for a Chicago wedding photographer team to capture your day? We are husband and wife photographers who love capturing all the moments of your day starting with the day’s getting moments. From photos and portraits near the ivy at the Ivy Room, to the ceremony, reception and photographs under the evening city lights, the Ivy Room at Tree Studios in Chicago in amazing venue for it all to unfold.
Contact us by sending to us an email to see if your wedding date is still available on our calendar. We look forward to speaking to you soon and learning about your Ivy Room wedding day plans and discussing Chicago wedding photography ideas.
Glen + Catherine’s August wedding at Ivy Room details:
Wedding Theme: Elegant, Luxury English Garden
Hotel and Photos at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago Hotel & Courtyard
Shoes Bourne England & Fragrance Chanel Chance
Reception Fabric & Chandeliers: Elegant Event Lighting
Catering: J and L Catering
Band: Front of House Band from Arlene Music
Florist: Ryan Turner Stem Line Creative
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A New Leaf Studio & Garden Wedding Venue in Lincoln Park 25 Apr 2017 3:05 PM (8 years ago)
FEATURED LINCOLN PARK CHICAGO WEDDING VENUE
A New Leaf Studio & Garden
A New Leaf Studio & Garden is a flower and plant shop in Lincoln Park that doubles as a lovely, intimate wedding event space. Imagine your outdoor wedding ceremony in a private courtyard surrounded by brick buildings and ivy covered industrial walls and gardens. This location provides for a gardener or nature lovers dream oasis in the heart of Lincoln Park of Chicago’s city location.
We are looking forward to our next visit at A New Leaf hopefully having fabulous weather for an outdoor ceremony and reception. We are obsessed with the West coast style alfresco weddings which have all the wedding events taking place outdoors under the stars. A New Leaf’s courtyard offers the perfect space for an all day outdoor urban alfresco wedding event in Chicago. For Laolu and Teddy’s day, they planned for close group of less than 75 guests to celebrate their marriage and Nigerian and Bulgarian wedding traditions. Unfortunately, with April rain showers and chilly temperatures on the couple’s early April date, the ceremony, cocktail style reception and dancing events were determined to be moved indoors into A New Leaf’s brick studio, a fabulous backup indoor space.
When discussing wedding photography with our clients, commonly many bride and groom’s look to capture the city Chicago skyline as a backdrop, and secondly often choose nature scenery in a park or naturally beautiful setting. We believe both the skyline and nature can provide for timeless looking wedding pictures. When the actual wedding ceremony or reception events feature one of these looks, what a bonus. Lincoln Park offers additional great nearby photo locations and options for bride + groom wedding pictures, as well as bridal party portraits. If you desire to be married outdoors and are in love with nature, gardening or plants, the options at A New Leaf provide for a gardening or nature lovers dream wedding.
No doubt your guests will be impressed with A New Leaf Studio & Garden. Located across from the Lincoln Park Zoo, wedding guests enter the event space through the Well Street flower shop’s front doors. Meander through the store’s freshly cut greens, florals, arrangements, plants and exotic flowers into the hidden garden behind the flower shop’s storefront. Take in the seasonally changing scents of flowers swapped out each season fresh at the flower shop ( scents like tulips in the spring, lilies in the summer, or juniper in the winter ) ahhhh the aroma that abounds due to seasonal flowers freshly changing with each season is advantageous. When it comes to photos deciding on wedding photos locations at the venue, we love the flower studio or the garden, each offering unique photo looks for artistic, visually creative, and naturally colorful backgrounds within wedding photographs.
Cross over Wells Street to Hotel Lincoln excellent for guest’s accommodations and step across Clark Street to the Lincoln Park Zoo. Conveniently, guests can quickly experience the Lincoln Park’s Zoo, rooftop skyline views at J. Parker restaurant from on top of Hotel Lincoln, or walk through Lincoln Park to North Avenue beach. This edge of Old Town / Lincoln Park neighborhood location offers some of the northside zoo and park area’s best qualities, neighborhood restaurants, bars, and more steps from the venue. On Laolu and Teddy’s wedding day, we took advantage of the Hotel Lincoln J Parker rooftop which is a fantastic option for skyline wedding photos.
A New Leaf is an intimate, smaller venue well-equipped for weddings under 100 guests. With various rooms to hold your outdoor or indoor event, customization can be creatively fun at A New Leaf. Searching for an outdoor, garden wedding space in downtown Chicago isn’t easy to find. This is why we love the center of the building’s open air outdoor, courtyard garden. We love unique downtown Chicago venues and especially unique, rare to find spaces which offer outdoor space suitable to host all of the wedding day’s events for the entire day! With an alfresco outdoor ceremony and an outdoor reception to follow on the stone and brick courtyard garden patio, A New Leaf Studio and Garden offers an intimate space for outdoor styled wedding days in Chicago under the stars.
Inside A New Leaf several artistic spaces on varying levels are available to host your event. Choose from a Chicago loft studio look with brick walls and wooden floors, For the more alternative bride, select a more contemporary designed room featuring industrial materials of cement, brick-lined walls, industrial suspended concrete staircases, modern metal work and railings, a catwalk, or mezzanine overlooking guests below.
A New Leaf is one of Chicago’s most artistic and unique event spaces. With a creative home goods shop located downstairs ( offering a large assortment of colorful candles, old twine, ribbons, rocks and glass jars for gardening ) and a lovely floral shop conveniently on-site, custom floral arrangements, candles and bouquets services from the on-site florist means you can check off of your wedding to-do list those tasks when you book a wedding at A New Leaf.
A New Leaf Studio & Garden
1818 North Wells
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 642-8553
www.anewleafchicago.com
We love photographing outdoor ceremonies and garden weddings in Chicago. This venue located in the middle of Lincoln Park – a rare gem. If you haven’t booked your Chicago wedding photographer yet, reach out via email to ensure your wedding date is not already taken. Visit our portfolio and weddings Collections section for examples of recent wedding photography. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Details about Lalou + Theodora “Teddy” Fayanju’s wedding:
Season: Spring ( A Cold Day in Early April )
Wedding Planning: Anthony Navarro Liven It Up Events
Florist: A New Leaf
Hotel Accommodations: Eclectic Boutique Hotel Lincoln, joie de vivre
First Look + Chicago skyline wedding photos at Hotel Lincoln’s Rooftop J. Parker Lounge, Voted Chicago’s Best Rooftop Bar 13th Floor with Skyline Views
Bride’s Gown: Nicole Miller, Shoes: Badgley Mischka, Groom’s Suit: Ralph Lauren
Chocolates (wedding favors): Hand-made in Bride’s hometown Plovdiv Bulgaria by Gaio Chocolate
Invitations & Wrappers Designed by: A. Papelanoff
Catering: J & L Catering
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Hotel Arista Naperville Wedding Venue 12 Apr 2017 11:50 AM (8 years ago)
FEATURED CHICAGO WEST SUBURBS WEDDING VENUE
Hotel Arista Naperville Weddings
Hotel Arista is a boutique hotel in Chicago’s west suburbs City Gate Naperville. This mid, high-rise building and glamorous hotel offers a Chicago style luxury setting for weddings and photography as well. Hotel Arista is a modern styled hotel with an eco, minimalist design and high-end spa appeal. Unique for the suburbs, this chic hotel offers a downtown Chicago look, with the building’s modern design and twelve story high rooftop views. A bride + groom and guests can experience the feeling of being in the heart of the city in this sophisticated, urban location in the suburbs.
We have photographed several weddings at Hotel Arista. Nicki + Matt’s wedding was most recent and first wedding which planned for all the days activities to occur onsite. We loved this idea! When discussing the day with Nicki and Matt, they fell in love with the simplicity of never needing to leave the hotel campus. With numerous spaces for photography both in and outside the hotel, we took advantage of the hotel’s amazing rooms and modern decor planning for wedding photography, portraits and editorial style wedding photos all at venue.
All of the rooms, from the event spaces to the hotel suites at Hotel Arista are beautiful. We love the natural light and large windows during the getting ready photos in the hotel’s bridal suites. The venue’s smaller event space Cypress ballroom has a rooftop view and 12th-floor terrace. Combining Cypress with the adjoining 12th-floor terrace provides an intimate event space which offers floor-to-ceiling windows and the terrace. The hotel’s rooftop 12th floor terrace provides for unique high-rise, panoramic views overlooking Naperville and the west suburbs of Chicago great for unique wedding photographs or a rooftop, outdoor ceremony option.
The grand ballroom is a 4,800-square-foot space draped in luxurious fabric creating a modern & chic romantic space for ceremonies and receptions. The glamorous fabric lined ballrooms feature modern elegant chandelier lighting and tray-style vaulted ceilings. Custom design your wedding day and the modern hotel to fit both modern and traditional styled wedding look.
For Nicki + Matt’s wedding at Hotel Arista, the bride had the ceremony aisle lined with golden chiavari chairs and added glowing candlelight filling the room. The reception celebration included decor like soft ivory blooms with purple and pink accent in the bouquets and flowers hand selected for a Napa style flower centerpiece arrangements and bouquets. Purple hues from the uplighting draped across the ballroom and the tables included ivory with just the right amount of sparkle of gold and metallics. The head table was designed with gold table cloths and the custom chandelier that hung over the altar was added into the reception near the bar adding extra glamour into the room. The bride said the entire day was pure magic.
Hotel Arista
2139 City Gate Ln, Naperville, IL 60563
www.hotelarista.com (630) 579-4100
Looking for a Naperville wedding photographer for your Hotel Arista event? We are familiar with the Western suburbs and have lived in the Naperville area for 30 years! Contact us and send us an email to see if your wedding date is available on our calendar. Look forward to speaking to you about your Naperville Hotel Arista wedding photography plans.
Nicki + Matt’s September wedding at Hotel Arista details:
Hotel & Prep Photos: Hotel Arista
Ceremony + Reception: Hotel Arista with wedding designer Laura Nobel
Gown: Hayley Paige, Shoes: Christian Louboutin, Fragrance: Versace Bright Crystal
Rings: State Street Jewelers Geneva
Bride’s Make-up: Dawn Bliss of Edit Faces
Bridesmaid Dresses: Asos
Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas
Flowers, Candles and Decor: Kio Kreations
Reception: Cake by The Cakery and Slow Motion Booth
Engagement & Wedding Photography: © M+M Wedding Photography
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Mae District Event Venue + Chicago Illuminating Company Weddings 10 Apr 2017 5:13 PM (8 years ago)
FEATURED CHICAGO SOUTH LOOP WEDDING VENUES
Mae District Event Venue (formerly 19 East) & The Chicago Illuminating Company
As photographers experienced photographing weddings in Chicago for over 10 years, it’s exciting to discover new locations for both unique wedding portraits in Chicago, and awesome new venues to host Chicago weddings events. We discovered the 19 East Venue when Julie + Tosh booked us as their photographers for their June wedding.
Looking for an urban space or white loft space to host your on-site ceremony and reception? Mae District Event Venue (formerly 19 East) located in the Chicago South Loop neighborhood is a modern chic, premier wedding event space to consider. This impressive Chicago wedding venue hosts a variety of a special events and wedding festivities – a fit for both large and small groups. The unique building’s expansive space offers diverse and incredible, eclectic rooms totaling 10,000 square feet of event space.
We love the Mae District Event Venue’s urban and Chicago feel location. It’s right next to the Chicago L tracks and has an old brick cobblestone alley courtyard. The gated and private brick courtyard provides for an outdoor mingling space and attached outdoor urban oasis. Inside the rooms are chic, simple and minimalistic; with a subtle artistic and airy feel. Book the entire venue move guests from room to room. Use each of the unique ballrooms for different events of the day. All of the rooms are lofty spaces, with very tall ceiling heights. Artistically interesting rooms, with vertical lines and architectural elements, like beams, mirrors and colorful art. Be inspired with 19 East’s unique rooms and spaces, architecturally and visually unique, letting your creative wedding ideas flow and fill into the large and open white rooms.
The Mae District Event Venue (formerly 19 East) has four unique designed rooms with high ceilings throughout offering a warehouse look, a white art gallery space or elegant ballroom with hardwood floors, steel beams, black and white mosaic tile or built-in marble bars. The Alumina Room, is a white, skylights & windows filled ballroom which offers for daytime events a naturally bright room – amazing option for light & bright ceremony location or one of Chicago’s best kept secret for bright room for winter season wedding ceremonies in Chicago. The Alumina room is a large white art gallery room and open space commonly used for wedding ceremonies (where Julie + Tosh’s June wedding ceremony occurred.) The next, adjoining room is the Bridgestone Room, another open floor plan ready to offer endless possibilities, steps from the brick alley. From there, you’ll enter the Commonwealth Room. The Commonwealth Room features a marble bar and provides for an elegant, urban grand ballroom feel. An iron stairwell provides access to a balcony and entry to the Hideaway, a modern loft space that is perfect for smaller groups or for the bride as a bridal suite. A must see, the various rooms of 19 East offers an open pallet, easy to plan your any bride’s unforgettable wedding day.
The Chicago Illuminating Company is another wedding event space in the South Loop of Downtown Chicago and is located around the corner, bordering 19 East. If your search is for a boutique wedding event space for a smaller, intimate wedding, visit the Chicago Illuminating Company. Today’s wedding obsessions are re-creating a European feel or West coast style alfresco outdoor wedding. With Chicago’s unpredictable weather, many bride’s are naturally hesitant about the idea of hosting all the wedding day’s activities outdoors. We say go for it! If you are in love with alfresco Chicago theme wedding and will plan to host all the wedding events outdoors in Chicago, check out the Chicago Illuminating Company. This gorgeous indoor / outdoor unique event space located in the Chicago urban South Loop neighborhood, is steps from the 19 East Event venue, and has rooms to pull off that look. Imagine adding an abundance of flowers and bouquets inspired by gardens, transforming any part of the Chicago Illuminating Company grounds from the white ballroom, to the cobblestone terrace’s outdoor tented wedding area into your coastal dream wedding – still located in downtown Chicago. This venue is a truly unique space transformable into your European or dream-filled garden wedding styled and designed event.
Mae District Event Venue (formerly 19 East Event Gallery)
19 E 21st Street, Chicago, IL 60616
www.maedistrict.com
Chicago Illuminating Company, 312-326-9500
2110 S Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL 60616
www.chicagoilluminatingcompany.com
Looking for a Chicago wedding photographer? We can’t wait to hear from you. Contact us at 630-373-2411 or email to inquire to ensure your wedding date is available. Let’s talk about Chicago wedding photography and your event hosted at Hotel Allegro, 19 East, or at the Chicago Illuminating Company event spaces. We enjoy discussing your unique wedding’s vision and wedding plans to fully customize our wedding photography plans for photos modern, garden style or city urban, for photos uniquely catered to match your wedding day.
Details about Julie + Tosh’s June wedding pictures featured above:
Hotel & Prep Photos: Kimpton Hotel Allegro Chicago
Silk & Metallic Invitations: Julie Hanan Design
Bride’s Dress & Shoes: Michael Kors
Scent: Lovestruck Vera Wang
Make Up: MAC Cosmetics Michigan Avenue
Ceremony Programs: Julie Hanan Design
Ceremony: Alumina room at 19 East
Cocktail: Bridgestone room & cobblestone attached brick alley @ 19 East
Reception: Commonwealth room at 19 East
Reception Decorative Styling & Design: The bride Julie of Julie Hanan Design + Adriana Amarei of Life Made Pretty
Menus & Table Number Photo Boards: Julie Hanan Design
Cake: Elysia Root Cakes
Flowers: Life Made Pretty
Colors: Mixed Metallics Gold, Rose Gold, Silver and Touches of Blush Pink, Black and White
Wedding Photography: © Miller + Miller Wedding Photography
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The Art Institute of Chicago + Modern Wing Weddings 30 Mar 2017 1:29 PM (8 years ago)
FEATURED CHICAGO WEDDING VENUE
Weddings at The Art Institute of Chicago and Modern Wing
The Art Institute of Chicago, located in the heart of Chicago, is a venue offering diversity with a choice of historic or modern event spaces. Equally impressive, both the new and old sections of the museum are fabulous for wedding photography and fitting for both a modern chic or classic Chicago bride’s wedding event style she desires. Undoubtedly the Art Institute of Chicago is a popular choice for a bride and groom who are art lovers. Share your love of art with your new spouse and guests by enjoying a private art museum gallery walk and viewing famous paintings and art of Degas, Monet, Renoir, and other fine artists on your wedding day.
Established in 1879, the historical section of The Art Institute of Chicago offers a historically classic Chicago wedding look. After all, Chicago’s Art Institute is one of the oldest museums in the United States and the building remains an icon for Chicago’s famous Beaux-Arts classical architecture. In 2009, the Art Institute expansion opened the doors of the Modern Wing with new galleries and various event rooms from smaller intimate weddings to large scale events.
Centrally located, we love The Art Institute as a wedding venue due to its fabulous Chicago location steps from Michigan Avenue, often minimizing transportation needs. With a location offering a variety of wedding photography locations at and new the Art Institute, we love taking advantage of private skyline views from the gorgeous terraces, editorial style wedding photography portraits and option within the two diverse architectural styled sections of the museum, and photos at nearby spots outside at Millennium Park, or the adjoining Art Institute’s lush gardens and fountains. Looking to go more modern or historically classical? Brides are able to choose from several diverse wedding event rooms and spaces at Chicago’s Art Institute fitting to the preference and unique style of their wedding day. After learning which part of the museum our bride’s chooses, we work together to choose photo locations to fit your wedding style. We especially love the museum’s three staircases, a modern or historic staircase. Will you choose the modern glass staircase at Griff Court, or the limestone classical romantic staircase in the Women’s Board Grand Staircase. Or choose to take in Chicago’s impressive views opting for one of the Modern Wing’s ballrooms and or Bluhm terrace overlooking the magnificent Chicago skyline – amazing views, awesome for wedding photos and pictures.
If your recently engaged and haven’t booked your venue yet… a tour of all the event spaces is a must. The Art Institute hosts events of all kinds and sizes whether an indoor seated dinner or an outdoor alfresco affair. Above is a brief photo tour of the spaces and below are a few quick highlights about each of the Art Institute of Chicago’s spaces to choose from when planning your special event and considering wedding photography for your day.
Classical Styled Weddings in the Historical Michigan Avenue Section of the Chicago Art Institute
Women’s Board Grand Staircase is an iconic location for a ceremony at The Art Institute of Chicago. Within the historical section the art museum, the room provides for unforgettable ceremonies where guests stand by to watch a bride and groom exchange vows under a three-story cathedral ceiling with skylight. A room with design influences of Greece and Rome, the grand staircase room showcases Corinthian columns, limestone, and classical Beaux Arts style of Chicago’s architecture.
Chicago Stock Exchange Trading Room is a large ballroom with classical revival style architectural room design featuring ornamental pieces from the original the historical landmark Stock Exchange Chicago which features stenciled decorations, molded plaster capitals, and art glass preserved from the original Trading Room.
We love outdoor wedding venue options in Chicago and if you’re looking for serenity in the city consider McKinlock Court. The Art Institute calls it is a hidden secret. This is an exceptional outdoor courtyard, with fountain and is encircled by museum galleries, creating a completely exclusive and intimate experience. A choice to consider if you want your entire outdoor Chicago wedding events outside, or your romantic ceremony outdoors. McKinlock Court event space is also an option to move your guests outside for an alfresco cocktail reception.
Modern Weddings at The Art Institute of Chicago’s Modern Wing
The Griffin Court was added in 2009 to the Art Institute and offers a contemporary architecturally designed, large and spacious modern room for weddings. Griffin Court is one of the most sought-after special events space within the Art Institute. Metal and glass, clean lines and Guests enter through the art museum’s impressive front doors of Modern Wing. The Prizker Garden is a private oasis adjacent to the Griffin Court separated only by a floor-to-ceiling glass wall. Ceremony, cocktail hour to reception, events are held in all spaces and Chicago weddings and photography can flow from inside into the outdoors into the open terrace and serene garden attached.
Terzo Piano is a clean, modern space of fresh design. With its spectacular location on the third level of the Modern Wing, Terzo Piano offers panoramic views of Lake Michigan and Chicago’s skyline. A light-filled space with floor-to-ceiling windows, Terzo Piano offers a pristine blank canvas for you to create your perfect event. This versatile space may be combined with gallery viewing for flowing receptions into the thousands.
The outdoor Bluhm Family Terrace is on the third level of the Modern Wing just outside Terzo Piano. It also offers stunning views of the Chicago skyline and Millennium Park. The terrace is shaded just enough for guests to experience the event as if you’re outside, but you won’t have to brave the elements. The Bluhm Family Terrace is the perfect complement to Terzo Piano. Combining the two special event spaces creates a magical setting for evening receptions and seated dinners. Take in the skyline views from Bluhm Terrace or choose wedding photos on the Nichols Bridgeway floating walkway pedestrian bridge which offer unobstructed, panoramic views of Chicago’s north facing skyline.
Smaller, intimate gatherings take place on the second floor of the Modern Wing in the Nicholas Board of Trustees suite with its wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows facing Millennium Park, the Frank Gehry Pritzker Pavilion, and Chicago’s northern skyline, it’s a popular choice which offers memorable Chicago’s skyline views of the city lights and greenery of Lurie gardens and Millennium Park below.
Impressive Chicago skyline views are from the Nichols Bridgeway, the pedestrian bridge located off of the museum’s Modern Wing. If you would love to showcase Chicago’s skyline to your guests, many of the Modern Wing’s event spaces feature views of the Chicago skyline. Take in the views through wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows facing Millennium Park, the Frank Gehry Pritzker Pavilion, and Chicago’s northern skyline, with a dazzling view of the Chicago skyline’s city’s lights and greenery of the Millennium parks and gardens below.
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 S Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60603
For more information, visit the venue’s web site:
www.artic.edu/about/event-planning/weddings
Contact M+M Wedding Photography if you’ve chosen the Art Institute of Chicago or the Modern Wing to host your wedding. Send us an email to discuss your wedding and the photography plans for your day. Are you going for a nature and garden inspired wedding day and photography as your preference? Or a Chicago skyline backdrop for your ceremony, reception or wedding photos fits your style? Both are located at the Chicago Art Institute and Modern Wing.
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The Armour House Mansion & Gardens in Lake Forest 22 Mar 2017 12:51 PM (8 years ago)
FEATURED CHICAGO WEDDING VENUE
Weddings at The Armour House Mansion & Gardens in Lake Forest
After two weddings at The Armour House Mansion & Gardens in Lake Forest, we are without a doubt in love with this Chicago area favorite wedding venue. From the mansion’s impressive marble double staircase to a luxurious ceremony on the lawn of the outdoor garden, the Armour House continues to impress us with an amazing combination of the best of historic architecture and nature providing for fairytale-like & glamorous weddings. Above is a preview of photos from two weddings at Chicago’s premier North Shore wedding venue. Both of our bride’s weddings days planned for all the wedding day activities and all the photography occurring at the property. Ideally simplifying the day with everything on-site, from getting ready photos until the evening celebrating with guests – all events proceed at the all encompassing Armour House venue. An unmatched setting by most other all-in-one venues, the historic 1908 Italian villa wedding venue offers breathtaking and picturesque spaces for photographs both indoors and outside. A bride and her photographer’s dream wedding location.
The historical, Chicago North Shore venue The Armour House Mansion & Gardens is located on Lake Forest Academy. Hosting fairytale-like setting weddings, the Armour House is a 1908 built, Italian villa originally designed and built as a luxury, private residence by Jonathan Ogden Armour as a gift for his wife Lolita. Inside all of the manor’s rooms of the Armour House are options for unique and memorable spaces to book for your wedding day. The 29,000 square foot Chicago, multi million dollar mansion is impressive and many of the home’s hundred year old original architectural details still remain including numerous marble mantles & fireplaces imported from Paris, Vienna and London, the historic limestone and marble floors in the ballrooms, vintage lighting, and the grand double marble staircase. We love every room inside the venue the Great Hall, the Garden Room, the Library, the Little Theater, and the Marble Room – all offer breathtaking photo options, old world charm, grandeur and elegance. Outside the villa is equally impressive with the back lawn’s Pagoda garden, pond and nature surround making for an idyllic planned al fresco outdoor ceremony in Chicago. We love the 100-year old towering trees, the Armor House’s Italian luxury architecture, patio, terrace, nature, flowers and rose gardens, pagoda and fountain all provide for an enchanting, picture perfect setting.
For additional reading and historical photos of the Armour House Mansion, visit:
http://halfpuddinghalfsauce.blogspot.com/2012/02/most-beautiful-house-between-new-york.html
The Armour House Mansion & Gardens
1500 West Kennedy Road
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 615-3219
www.armourhouse.com
Send M+M Wedding Photography an email to discuss your wedding day. If you’ve chosen this venue, we would love to become your Armour House wedding photographer.
Thank you to both couple’s talented wedding vendors:
Ashley + Daniel
Wedding Planner Kaitlyn Gomez of A Perfect Event
Flowers Debi Lilly of A Perfect Event
Bridal Gown Alvina Valenta from Bella Bianca
Wedding Rings Kay Jewelers
Invitations William Arthur
Cake Deerfields Bakery
DJ Toast & Jam DJs
Carrie + Stephen
Makeup and Hair Tamara Makeup + Hair Artistry
Florist Yanni Design Studio
Bride’s Gown Essense of Australia
DJ Okyne Medialab, Inc.
Live Music Artistrings Led by Carol Kalvonjian
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Chicago Wedding Photography 26 Feb 2017 12:47 PM (8 years ago)
Chicago Wedding Photography
Chicago’s Miller + Miller Wedding Photography is an award winning Chicago wedding photography husband and wife photographer team located in Chicago. From small intimate weddings to grand scale events, photographers Ryan and Sarah provide over ten years of expertise in wedding photography devoting our photographic artistry to some of the best of the best Chicago weddings. Over the past decade, it has been our privilege to capture Chicago wedding photography for hundreds of amazing bride + grooms and making new friends along the way, many whom share a passion for the art of photography along side of us.
See all the images in our full wedding portfolio collections section.
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Chicago Wedding Photographers 25 Feb 2017 2:44 PM (8 years ago)
Chicago Wedding Photographers
Recognized as one of Chicago’s top Chicago wedding photographers, the duo of photographers behind Miller + Miller Wedding Photography is honored to celebrate 10 years as wedding photographers in Chicago. Our husband & wife bond, with a collaborative shooting & lighting style, focuses on showcasing you, your best angles and photographing your wedding day’s moments, love and romance.
Click here to view our full wedding portfolio of images in our wedding collections section.
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Chicago Wedding Photographer 25 Feb 2017 1:45 PM (8 years ago)
Chicago Wedding Photographer
The Chicago wedding photographer team of Miller + Miller Wedding Photography are a husband and wife photographer team with over ten years of experience photographing weddings from Chicago to many of the best destinations around the world. Limiting our quantity of weddings each year, our boutique photography company affords each couple our time & attention ensuring our personalized dedication to delivering a beautiful portfolio of images showcasing the unique story of each wedding day.
Visit our wedding collections portfolio for additional wedding photographs.
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John + Julie’s Photos Chicago Engagement Photographer 13 Jan 2017 10:31 AM (8 years ago)
It has been great getting to know John + Julie who booked us as their wedding and Chicago engagement photographers. J+J decided on the Fall season and set October dates for both their Chicago engagement photos and the wedding day.
For John + Julie’s downtown fall season engagement session, we narrowed in on two primary focuses of nature and skyline photos along the Chicago Riverwalk. After learning about John’s engagement proposal by the water, we looked to photograph the fall nature portion of the engagement photo shoot at the beach with the colorful leaves changing for the Fall. And later after dark for our Chicago’s skyline engagement photography focus, we headed downtown to the Chicago Riverwalk nearby John and Julie’s riverfront wedding reception venue of River Roast.
Engagement sessions along the newly renovated Chicago riverfront provide an unforgettable backdrop. Surrounded by numerous buildings and downtown hotels, we love capturing evening night photos with the waterfront’s lights bouncing and reflecting off the water along the river. Chicago’s urban cityscape is without a doubt the most romantic after dark and the new riverwalk offers one-of-a-kind Chicago style backdrop especially great for those who want more Chicago night skyline engagement photos and night photographs. Along the riverwalk, Chicago’s best photography views, architecture, and dramatic night lit buildings were 360 degrees around us.
We love personalized engagement photo shoots. Often our clients consider choosing a location that is special to their relationship. The shoot’s location may retell a part of the romantic proposal, preview for wedding guests the location of the upcoming wedding events, or occur in a urban neighborhood frequently visited or creative near their home. For Julie + John, they decided on engagement photos near the Chicago River which is both a favorite part of town for J+J and is also ideal as it’s provided a backdrop location of their wedding day reception venue. Julie provided details about her Chicago skyline proposal and being surprised the day John proposed.
“On the day John proposed, I had a feeling something “special” was happening because he had asked me to take a half-day off of work. When I got home from work, I became very nervous because I couldn’t find our dog anywhere in the apartment. John (looking a little disappointed that part of the surprise had been spoiled) told me our neighbor had picked him up, apparently a little earlier than planned, to pet-sit because we were going to be staying in a hotel downtown that night! We left to go downtown and I still didn’t know where we were going. We arrived at one of the sailboat harbors where he had a captain take us out for a sunset cruise. Right as the sun was setting over the Chicago skyline John proposed! After we got off the boat, he told me we were going to dinner at my favorite Mexican restaurant, and when we arrived I was surprised by our friends and family – even some who had come from out of town! It was a very special and fun night.”
John + Julie’s Chicago wedding ceremony at Immaculate Conception St Joseph Parish Church on Orleans Street and reception near Chicago’s riverwalk at River Roast Chicago on LaSalle Street in the Reid Murdoch Building will occur this Fall. Family and friends will be traveling from the bride’s hometown of Naperville and the Groom’s Indianapolis for the wedding activities.
Our photo style is inspired by locations + our couple’s unique fashion and Fall clothing selections. Julie’s clothing details included:
Off-the-Shoulder Top by Chelsea28
Black Boots by Kensie
White Sweater Dress by We The Free
Brown Boots by Enzo Angiolini
Evening dress by For Love & Lemons
If you’re engaged and looking for a Chicago wedding and engagement photographer, email us via our contact page. We can’t wait to hear about your wedding day plans and engagement photography ideas.
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Sarah + Ozzie Guillen JR Wedding at Patrick Haley Mansion 11 May 2016 4:52 PM (8 years ago)
Want to see more from the Guillen wedding? Watch the video from Ozzie + Sarah’s wedding filmed and edited by Jimmy + Stephanie Wilderman of Captured in Frames.
“We are thrilled to be finished with our web site re-design (well almost) and share more recent photos including Ozzie Guillen JR and Sarah’s wedding day. We met with Sarah + Ozzie Guillen JR awhile back at our house and we were honored to hear they decided to book Miller + Miller to photograph their downtown Chicago engagement photos and wedding photography. Ozzie + Sarah choose a popular elegant Chicago area wedding mansion we have photographed at several times The Patrick C. Haley Mansion. Every visit to the mansion for us is always as great, if not better than the last! Like many of our clients, we adore Chicago weddings at venues with impeccable architectural style. The Haley Mansion has a historic environment and lush gardens which provide a fabulous setting for fashion inspired photographs inside the mansion and beautiful natural photos outside in the backyard gardens around the estate. A private home with three stories and numerous historic rooms, couture magazine and editorial style wedding photographs in our fashion photography lighting style come easy at the Patrick Haley Mansion in Joliet. Almost all of Sarah and Ozzie’s entire wedding day photography occurred at the mansion where we captured the couple’s first looks at one another and wedding photography of the bride+groom by the mansion’s mahogany bar and upstairs in the parlor & music rooms all before the outdoor backyard ceremony began.
Baseball and Chicago sports fans may have already recognized our Chicago celebrity groom Ozzie JR and the famous Chicago Venezuelan Guillen family. Over the past few months, we have enjoyed getting to know you both and photographing each of your families at the mansion. The emotional ceremony was a beautiful testament to your love Sarah + Ozzie. Welcoming one another in Spanish and English into each other’s families, with each of your extended family at your sides, created both an emotional and joyful day for all. We loved photographing your ceremony moments, through the tears of happiness and joyous smiles.
Ozzie + Sarah’s exclusive event was an elegant + classic July midsummer night’s dream wedding beautifully decorated with an abundance of fresh green greens, eucalyptus and rose garden inspired flowers in arrangements, plenty of smiles, occasional sunshine, and even a few rain sprinkles – which thankfully held until just after the kiss so the picturesque outdoor garden ceremony with wedding vows under the hanging crystal chandelier could finish just in time before everyone quickly dashed inside the mansion away from the rain. A full guest list, visitors to the Joliet’s Patrick Haley Mansion to witness the marriage of Sarah + Ozzie included attendees of family from near and far, fellow sports players, and Chicago White Sox baseball sports celebrity guests helping to celebrate and welcome the newly wedded Guillen couple.
Even with Chicago’s unpredictable weather, we always say go for an outdoor wedding. We enjoy how personalized outdoor ceremonies are and hands down we love photographing outdoor Chicago wedding ceremonies. The classic wedding ceremony look at Patrick Haley Mansion under the pergola and lush garden are always memorable. The bride Sarah turned to her hometown florist Flowers Plus Streator who personalized the space and elegantly styled the property from the inside out. The already captivating gold & white wedding mansion conservatory ballroom and outdoor gardens were flooded in gorgeous flowers and fresh floral arrangements. The stunning results were a perfect backdrop for a timeless elegant wedding right out of a dream. The English garden inspired wedding flowers theme included soft shades of blush, dusty pink, ivory, white, light pink, soft purple and greens with several fresh flower varieties of ivory David Austin roses, peonies, sweet pea, dusty Miller, ivory spray roses, rice flower, wax-flower and eucalyptus. Our favorite floral element was the eucalyptus garland lined ceremony aisle and combination with a hanging crystal chandelier over the outdoor ceremony altar.
Typically around the time of selecting a photographer, the bride and groom look at fashion options choosing a tux or suit which is complimentary to the bride’s bridal gown fashion style as she envisioning the two together walking down the aisle and posing for wedding photographs. We loved the straight out of a magazine fashions and clothing styles for the bride and groom with Ozzie’s monogrammed suspenders and custom purchased Miami designer L. Gotti Collection suit and Sarah’s two piece Paloma Blanca dress. While lately some brides select more than one gown, instead of having to buy two dresses, Sarah customized her day wearing a two-in-one dress taking off her belted and detachable English net & tulle train outer skirt after the ceremony to have a whole new reception look without an elaborate changing.
From Ozzie + Sarah’s elaborate flowers, to the lively evening with salsa dancing, two sets of entertainers of an 11 piece wedding band and late night DJ with live drummer, photo booth and a cigar roller, Ozzie + Sarah had the mansion packed inside and out with numerous unique touches to keep the energy of the night flowing for all the guests all with personalized reflections of the bride + groom adding unique touches on classic traditions. Many of our engaged couples we have photographed recently as Chicago wedding photographers say during planning on the top of their wish list is to “make our wedding unique” and in order to get that ultra unique feel, brides and grooms (and their planners and florists and caterers and photographers and even entertainment) are getting more and more creative. We were humbled and thrilled to be selected as your Chicago photographers. Congratulations to you Ozzie + Sarah and thank you for hiring us to photograph your day! Appreciate your extreme hospitality and making us feel like guests and close friends.”
Planning your wedding? Read about all the details from the Guillen’s elegant wedding to inspire ideas for your day.
Theme: English Garden Mansion Wedding
Wedding Colors: White, gold, taupe and hints of soft blush pink and purple
Wedding Theme: Classic Elegance
Ceremony + Reception Venue: The Patrick C. Haley Mansion
Hotel: Harrah’s Joliet Casino & Hotel
Wedding Planner: Bridget Allen, Shannon Gail Weddings & Events
Videographer: Captured in Frames
Mens’ Custom Suits: L. Gotti Collection, Miami, (786) 376-4856
Groom Suspenders: Initial Monogramed
Bridal Dress Designer: Paloma Blanca French Alencon lace and English net wedding dress. Sweetheart lace bodice with lace straps. Modified fit and flare lace skirt. Removable Dupioni silk band with detachable English net train. Flowers and lace appliqué cascading on tulle train. Replaced silk band with rhinestone sash for reception.
Bride’s Dress Shop: Mira Couture Chicago
Bridal Shoes: Badgley Mischka, Christian Louboutin
Bride’s Jewelry: Hand made white gold marquise and round brilliant cut diamond dangle earrings from Pro Gems
Wedding Bands + Rings: Pro Gems
Hair: Bethany Brown, Reveal Salon Streator
Makeup: Frosted Hair & Makeup
Veil: Single layer veil with pearls and crystal beading outlining the edge from Mira Couture Gold Coast bridal boutique.
Bridesmaids Dresses: Jim Hjelm Taupe organza strapless A-line bridesmaid gown with petite train, raw edged tulip bodice, natural waist. Gold beaded trim around the waist was attached separately.
Bridesmaids Jewelry: Dramatic chandelier earrings with matching bracelets from Kate Spade
Bilingual Pastor: Ismael Adames officiated the English/Spanish Ceremony
Chairs: Prestige Chair Rentals
Caterer: Bussean Custom Caterers
Menu: Berries and Hazelnut Salad; Julienne of Garden Batonettes; Piped Duchess Potato; Chicken Pesto or Filet Mignon
Late Night Snack: Chicago Style Pizza and Hot Dogs
Cake & Desserts: Creative Cakes 4 tier butter cream frosting wedding cake with alternating layers of chocolate cake with vanilla bean mousse and vanilla cake with white chocolate mousse. Decorated with fresh floral arrangement.
Flowers: Emilie Overy of Flowers Plus Streator Sarah’s bride bouquet featured ivory David Austin roses, peonies, sweet pea, dusty Miller, and ivory spray roses. For her bridesmaids bouquets they included rice flower, Wax-flower, peonies, roses and eucalyptus. Fresh green eucalyptus garland aligned the ceremony aisle.
Invitations: Anderson Creative Group
Signs & Miscellaneous Prints: Anna Kate Design
Guest Favors: Mini Champagne Bottles with personalized picture label of Sarah + Ozzie’s Chicago skyline engagement photo
Late Night Activities: Cigar Roller CF Dominicana Events and Photo Booth
Cocktail + Ceremony Music: String Quartet by Bradley Young Entertainment
Reception: 11 Piece Band Bradley Young Entertainment until 11pm
DJ: 11:00-12:30am: DJ Sye Young and Live Drummer LED Drum Set from The DJ Firm,
First Dance Song: All of Me – John Legend
Honeymoon: Europe
Transportation: Windy City Limos
Monogrammed Aisle Runner: The Original Runner Co.
It wasn’t long after Ozzie proposed to Sarah when a search for a wedding venue began. The Patrick Haley Mansion set the ideal setting for Sarah + Ozzie Guillen’s elegant + classic wedding to occur. Ozzie+Sarah didn’t restrict their search to only downtown Chicago wedding venues. Actually, Sarah had decided to search West of Chicago for a location in-between Chicago and her hometown in North Central IL where her parents and family members still reside to exchange vows. Ozzie + Sarah said when they found the Haley mansion in Joliet it was perfect. The Patrick C. Haley Mansion is a private historic landmark estate with a renovated Romanesque style. The mansion was built in 1891 features a stone portico, limestone archways and attached ballroom with conservatory overlooking the estate’s lush landscaped backyard was perfect combining history, classic charm, luxury, and character.
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Natalie + Ed Swiderski Tribune Tower Chicago Wedding Photographer 29 Feb 2016 4:14 AM (9 years ago)
Chicago is an incredibly good looking city with its numerous iconic buildings and incredible skyline. Working as a Chicago Wedding Photographer, husband and wife photo team who has lived here most of our lives, we agree with many of the locals who say “the top”, #1, or “the best” part of Chicago are the views. We specifically love Chicago at night and the skyline after dark. Dramatic and breathtaking not only while taking photos, it is simply beautiful to look at when visiting the city with or without a camera. The Chicago buildings after dark with twinkling lights, and reflections of the city off of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River water is personally our absolute favorite thing to see in the city.
Ed + Natalie’s wedding day incorporated a theme of “We love Chicago!”… so choosing an iconic city venue to host their ceremony and wedding reception was a must. Ed and Natalie decided on the Tribune Tower. A one-of-a-kind rooftop ceremony and cocktail space with skyline views, the open air terrace called “The Crown” sits 25 floors above Michigan Avenue and has 360 degree views, overlooking the Chicago River, Lake Michigan, Navy Pier, and 50+ iconic buildings in the Magnificent Mile area. Standing as one of the “Big Four” skyscrapers surrounding the Michigan Avenue bridge at Michigan and Wacker, The Tribune building has unrivaled views of the city’s top notable historic architecture including the Wrigley Building, the new LondonHouse hotel, and down river is Trump Tower, plus 50+ more iconic museums & buildings in the river area.
Married on July 25, 2015 at the top of Chicago’s iconic Tribune Tower, Ed and Natalie’s summer outdoor wedding ceremony was strategically planned to occur during sunset. Arriving a few minutes early, guests viewed sights of the skyline, peered onto the over 50 area building rooftops, and mingled sipping on champagne. As the glimmering sunset lowered, reflections off of the city’s sea of glass, steel skyscrapers, and historic rooftops set the perfect scene. The Tribune Tower’s Crown offers lookout points in all directions and 360 degree views. The unique venue has historic architectural significance and one-of-a-kind appeal with its open-air veranda wedding space where ceremony attendees have memorable opportunities to experience the iconic skyline view from day to sunset and into the night.
If you are a Bachelor or Bachelorette ABC TV show fan, you may have recognized the groom is Ed Swiderski. Ed Swiderski is the CEO of Klever and a digital marketing technologist. Back in 2009, Ed was a contestant and winner on season 5 of the reality TV show The Bachelorette. And later, Ed also competed on season 3 of The Bachelor Pad. A fun ode to the groom’s participation in The Bachelorette, during the ceremony, a Final Rose presentation was planned by Ed + Natalie as a surprise “Final Rose Presentation” for their mothers. Ed presented two red roses to each mom, asking them first “Will you accept this rose?” As hoped, July 25th was a beautiful, summer day with picture perfect weather. Rays of warm sunlight beamed through the tower’s architectural columns of the Crown adding a romantic glow behind the bride and groom. Around the time the couple said “I Do.”, the tower’s majestic spotlights popped on. In the open air space, 25th floors above, we captured photos of the city’s skyline as it peeked out from the Tower’s flying buttresses.
White and elegant. Metallic, glitzy and urban… with a twist of fun, we loved this wedding. Are you loving Natalie’s bridal fashion style as much as we are? Natalie wore metallic pumps designed by Via Spiga and a Monet 2-piece cocktail length, mini gown by Monique Lhuillier. Her eye-catching bridal look was finalized adding a Oscar de la Renta satin, gold & crystal belt and tulle borrowed and custom altered from her mother’s wedding veil. While a wedding is the bride’s time to shine, Natalie planned for the ladies in her wedding party to have a little sparkle too. The five bridesmaids were dressed up wearing shimmering and sequined gold bridesmaid gowns with metallic shoes and accessories adding a dash of glamour and twinkle.
Following the ceremony, Natalie + Ed arranged time to step away before the evening began to capture evening skyline photos after dark at the Tribune Tower’s Crown veranda. After the night wedding photos, the celebrating continued downstairs during Natalie + Ed’s wedding reception at Howells & Hood restaurant located at the base of Chicago’s legendary Tribune Tower building. Howells & Hood is one of kind modern cocktail-style wedding reception venue with its indoor and outdoor amazing space. Steps from the ballroom, through a wall of sliding glass doors, is the ballroom’s outdoor private terrace with captivating views of the Wrigley Building lit up at night. Guests danced, shared light bites, and enjoyed signature cocktails. It was a fun and lively indoor/outdoor casual Chicago-style reception. Guests signed a book featuring photos of their favorite city… Chicago! The modern copper and rose gold ballroom was accented in Chicago themed decor with a metallic cake featuring an adorned, shiny replica of the city skyline, and the word “LOVE” was spelled out in bright, marquee lights, similar to the lights outside the historic Chicago Theater.
Venues:
Chicago Rooftop 25th Floor Outdoor Wedding Ceremony: The Crown of Chicago’s Tribune Tower 435 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago
The Tribune Tower has a one-of-a-kind rooftop, open air terrace call The Crown. 25 floors above Michigan Avenue with 360 degree views, overlooks the Chicago River, Lake Michigan and 50+ iconic buildings in the area. The Crown and Tribune Tower’s historic building is in a Gothic Revival architectural design, with flying buttresses and neo-Gothic architectural arches and openings.
Reception Venue: Howells & Hood at Tribune Tower in the Tribune Tower 435 N. Michigan Avenue
Wedding Theme: We Love Chicago!
Colors: White, Silver and Gold
Wedding Planning: Susan Cordogan of Big City Bride
Groom’s Attire: Suitsupply
Veil: Tulle from the mother of the bride’s veil, cut and designed by Debra Shirley at Ultimate Bride
Bride’s Metallic Heels: Via Spiga
Dress Shop: Ultimate Bride
Bride’s Dress Designer: Monique Lhuillier Monet 2-Piece Gown with a Oscar de la Renta satin, gold & crystal belt
Bride’s Earrings & Headband: Peaches Boutique
Beauty: Hair By Lindsay and Makeup by Tamara of Tamara MakeUp + Hair Artistry
Bridesmaids: Dresses from David’s Bridal and each individually selected shoes and accessories
Caterer: Cocktail Style Food by Howells and Hood
Decor: K.La Designs and Mother of the Bride
Decor Details: The couple stood next to an arbor with strings of crystals constructed by the florist K.La Designs. Candle lit wedding lanterns decorated the the ceremony and later moved onto the outdoor patio of the reception space at Howells & Hood.
Cupcakes + Cake: Mariano’s Grocery Store
Flowers: K.La Designs
Invitations: Designed and Constructed by Bride’s Mother
Music: During the bridal processional, the bride’s aunt sang Etta James’ At Last. A single violin serenaded the bride and her father during their walk down the aisle playing Elvis Presley’s Can’t Help Falling in Love.
DJ: A Groomsman
First Dance Song: All of Me by John Legend
Honeymoon: Thailand
Party Favors: Slate plaques with handwritten romantic quotes
Transportation: Windy City Limousine
Hotel: The wedding party and guests stayed at the Hyatt Regency Downtown Chicago
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue:
Natalie’s something old was her veil. The tulle was cut from her mother’s wedding veil. Something new was a 2-piece Monique Lhuillier Monet gown. Something borrowed, was a lucky sixpence coin, that Natalie put in her shoe. For Natalie’s beautiful blue, Natalie wore an antique, sapphire and diamond ring given to her by her Aunt.
Unique DIY wedding details:
DIY items courtesy of Sally Jo, the Mother of the Bride: Small clear votives and petite vases in varying sizes and styles were coated in silver paint, placed in clusters on the guest tables and filled with a variety of white, fresh flowers. Mom made a pennant banner that read Just Married and Bride and Groom signs for the couple’s sweetheart table and chairs. The room incorporated a combination of white and sequin table cloths and an eye-catching silver marquee letters spelled out “LOVE” sign with large circular bulbs was hand-made by the bride’s parents.
The bride admits the cake was the best bargain of the day! For a 3-tiered cake and 4 dozen cupcakes the grand total was $250!! The mother of the bride stylized the deserts and purchased glittery paper from the craft store, cut it into the shape of the Chicago skyline and added pearls and a rhinestone ribbon. All of the supplies were taken to a local grocery store baker, who baked and constructed the cake. Dressing up and in finalizing the cupcakes, gold wrappers and special Michigan State university Spartan mascot toppers were added.
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Ray + Samantha’s Waldorf Astoria Chicago Wedding 10 Aug 2015 2:09 PM (9 years ago)
“We love great architecture and fabulous interior decorated rooms and on Ray + Samantha’s wedding day the reception and ceremony venues had the best of both! Ray and Samantha’s wedding reception and editorial style wedding photos took place at Chicago’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel. A luxury, high-rise hotel featuring a stunning and glamorous vibe, the Waldorf Astoria in Chicago is one-of-a-kind. The lobby features a stunning sunburst-shaped crystal chandelier overhead modeled after a brooch by Coco Chanel. The hotel’s Hemingway Salon and Sinclair Ballroom also feature breathtaking silver chandeliers lining the Parisian decorated ballrooms. Truly every room within the Waldorf is even more elegant than the last. The Sinclair Ballroom is the ballroom where Ray and Samantha’s reception proceeded. An intimate room, the ballroom is full of elegant details with mercury glass mirrored or covered in silk walls, coffered ceilings, a private outdoor terrace, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering sunlight and gorgeous Chicago city views while overlooking the Gold Coast neighborhood, Oak Street, Rush Street and Walton below. One of our favorite Chicago hotel ballrooms to celebrate and photograph within, for Ray and Samantha’s day it was decorated to perfection with tables dressed-up in lush white flowers with silver and hanging crystal accents by Natural Beauties Floral and assistance with planning and set-up by Ashley Carpenter of Oliveaire making the room look nothing but pure fabulous.
Ever since first hearing about Ray + Samantha’s plans for their June date, we have been looking forward to their Summer in Chicago wedding date to arrive. Chicago is home to one of the most famous Catholic Cathedrals in the United States. This was our second visit to the stunning cathedral and photographing a wedding ceremony at Holy Name. With each and every visit to the church and on Ray + Samantha’s day, we are always captivated by the architectural magnitude and intricate ceiling details within the Holy Name Cathedral Church. We photographed Ray + Samantha’s roman catholic ceremony under the cathedral of the historic and famous State Street Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago.
Prior to the ceremony, pictures began on the wedding day morning with the bride’s preparations + getting ready photos at the luxury boutique Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Chicago. Meanwhile the groom was preparing at a nearby private residence. Two modern chic spaces, both competing to be better decorated in rich shades of grey and both with Carrera marble accents. Ryan and Sarah separated to photograph the bride + groom with their closest while they each finalized getting dressed in a lux fashionable style. With designer bridal wedding dress fashions by Oscar de la Renta and a sleek suit by Tom Ford, Samantha + Ray envisioned each element from the fashion, to photography, to a choice of venues all an important choice for their day keeping the ultimate in luxury in mind. Unique to most of our photo mornings, Samantha requested prior to the wedding to allocate in extra time to photograph a few surprise pictures for her new husband. The surprise photos included photographs of the bride with her son in a celebrity style. Supermodel beauty, wife of Tom Brady, Gisele Bundchen had posted on Instagram a photo with positive words about breastfeeding and mothers who are #multitaskers. Samantha asked to photograph a similar glam photo to pay homage and honor celebrity Gisele agreeing that multitasking as mother and a bride is possible even awhile multiple stylists are on hand on a wedding day morning. After finishing with hair and make up, we set a side a few moments to capture boudoir lingerie bride photos of Samantha prior to getting into her wedding gown.
Ray + Samantha we enjoyed being alongside you both for the day and absolutely everything about it. We felt spoiled having such a glamorous group to photograph, and the fantastic energy + events during the reception. From traveling around the city in the trolley, to photographing editorial style photos with your great group of family of friends, thank you for choosing us and Miller + Miller Photography to be your Chicago wedding photographers. Hope to see you again soon + best wishes!” Love,
Unique additional moments from Samantha + Ray’s celebrity style Chicago wedding reception:
For the bridal party introductions each couple entered into the ballroom with props and a choreographed dance. For an extra memorable first entrance by bride + groom, they entered and used CO2 smoke for the couple’s lively introduction courtesy of DJ Sye Young of the DJ firm. DJ Sye kept the group dancing and a packed dance floor especially with another day surprise incorporating light up LED foam sticks glowing and circulating the room. Every guests was dancing with a glowing LED foamstick in their hands.
Wedding Theme + Colors: Black Tie, Parisian Glamour, Black and White with Glass & Crystals
Historic Chicago Church Ceremony: Holy Name Cathedral, 735 N State Street
Luxury Hotel Reception: Sinclair Ballroom Waldorf Astoria Chicago, 11 E Walton with Christine Lo
Groom’s Bowtie, Shoes and Suit Designer: Tom Ford, 66 E Oak Street
Bridal Dress Designer: Oscar de la Renta
Dress Shop: Utimate Bride, 106 E Oak Street
Ceremony Bridal Shoes: Valentino Crystal Coated Embellished Lace Pumps
Reception Bride Pumps: Christian Louboutin White Leather Pumps
Wedding Bands + Rings: New York Jewelers 11 N Wabash
Bride’s Gift from the Groom: Diamond Chandelier Earrings from New York Jewelers
Groom’s Cufflinks Gift From the Bride: Hermes Paris
Hair & Bridal Makeup: Deco Adamo with Kayla Consolo
Centerpiece Flowers: Hydrangea, Garden Roses, Spray Roses, Spirea, Tulips, Dendrobium Orchids by Natural Beauties Floral
Bouquets: Garden Roses, Sweet Peas, Peonies, Ranunculus, Stock, Lisianthus by Natural Beauties Floral 212 N Sangamon
Wedding Planning: Oliveaire with Ashley Carpenter
Waldorf Reception Menu: Blue cheese encrusted filet and halibut with forbidden rice
Cake: Red velvet with cream cheese frosting, chocolate cake cream cheese frosting and raspberry preserves from Alliance Bakery
Party Favors: Vanilla and rose macaroons from Alliance Bakery
Decor: Grey Goose monogrammed ice luge by Nadeau Ice Sculptures
Lighting: Luxe Production
Cocktail Hour: Waldorf’s Hemingway Salon with Music by Three String Trio
DJ: Sye Young from the Dj firm
Transportation: Chicago Trolley
The post Ray + Samantha’s Waldorf Astoria Chicago Wedding appeared first on Chicago Wedding Photographers.
Jimmy + Stephanie – Chicago to Lake Powell Destination Wedding Photographer 9 Dec 2014 10:30 AM (10 years ago)
The bride and groom Jimmy + Stephanie are fearless film-makers who head their own wedding videography company called Captured in Frames. Jimmy + Steph are such a power couple of talent, not to mention they are just all around awesome people, we have been recommending CIF to our Chicago clients ever since we watched one of their Same Day Edit videos played during a reception three years ago! After 10+ weddings working together, we have become good friends. We couldn’t have dreamed of a better trip, nor two more fantastic people and truly a perfect match between Steph + Jimmy to be married! Thank you for the unforgettable experience traveling out West with you J+S, your family + friends! If you’re a new guest to our blog and liked our photos… Next watch the video below and experience even more moments from Jimmy + Stephanie Wilderman’s wedding and the incredible trip in beautiful Lake Powell. Filming by Jimmy, Steph, Josh and Jon. Edited by Jimmy + Steph of Captured in Frames.
“This isn’t a typical Miller + Miller Chicago area wedding. We are thrilled to blog photos from Jimmy + Stephanie Wilderman’s destination in Lake Powell. A destination with hiking, exploring, scenic rocky vistas, sunsets, canyons and mountain tops picturesque for capturing wedding photography. Every inch of the 186 mile long Lake Powell bordering the Arizona and Utah state lines, provides for an unforgettable golden sunset at the end of every day.
Our travels took us from Chicago to the Southwest covering 1,600 miles passing over the mountains of Colorado through the yellow aspen trees, through sunshine and deserts of Utah and Zion National Park eventually arriving at the shores of Lake Powell in Page Arizona. Exploring and hiking National Parks with our cameras is one of our favorite vacation activities… as well as Jimmy + Stephanie’s. When J+S asked us about photographing their wedding day in Lake Powell, of course without hesitation a few months later we were packing our gear and heading West for the fabulous destination wedding celebration in the desert. Why choose a destination wedding? Some say skipping town and deciding on a dream destination out of the way allows for the bride + groom to just focus on how much fun they are going to have. Ryan and I choose a destination in the mountains of Nevada outside of Las Vegas for ourselves for that very reason! For this “wanderlust” and adventurous couple, the Southwest holds some of the best memories with each other exploring, camping and hiking in Utah; not to mention Jimmy’s surprise proposal to Steph occurring near Lake Powell, at the summit of Angel’s Landing at Zion National Park. So how did Jimmy + Steph find Lake Powell and decide it was a fit for their destination’s location?
“We actually found Lake Powell by accident. Jimmy and I had a week long shoot get cancelled at the last minute (we’re film-makers in St Louis) and we decided to use our spare time to travel. We didn’t know where to go so we flipped a coin: heads north, tails south. As the coin was in the air we both shouted WEST! The next morning we packed a tent, a case of redbull, some extra clothes, and hit the road. We drove all day and into the night. Neither one of us had ever been out west so we really had no idea what we were driving into. It was about 2am when we finally decided that we were too tired to go any further, so we pulled off the road and slept in the car. When we woke up, we were in Moab, Utah. That was a moment that we’ll never forget. It was like waking up on Mars! Surrounded by red rock and towering buttes, we continued on our journey. We spent the day hiking in Arches National Park and driving the scenic UT 12 highway, which is now our favorite road. We arrived at Lake Powell at sunset. It was like something straight out of a movie. We were driving up a slight slope in the road with two enormous buttes on both sides, and it was the most beautiful sunset that I’d ever seen. Then we reached the crest, and sprawled out before us was the bluest lake. Even in the fading sunset, you could see the blue of the water. The next day we found a quiet cove and spent the day swimming and soaking up the sun. It was incredible! That was our first experience with Lake Powell.
Lake Powell was the ‘dream’ destination location that we both wanted but couldn’t imagine as a reality. Eventually we decided to dive in headfirst and make it happen. Having a small, intimate celebration was always a priority for us so a destination worked out great. None of our guests had even heard of Lake Powell so we saw our wedding as an opportunity to share it with them. It was very exciting and rewarding to road-trip with everyone and watch them experience our favorite places for the first time. The week spent out on the lake was very laid-back and relaxing. Some of us hiked, some guests swam, others simply pulled up a chair and turned on the radio, and every night ended around the fire, even the wedding! :) – Steph”
The Wilderman wedding journey in Lake Powell began by launching houseboats from The Point at Antelope Point Marina in Page Arizona. “Glamping” (glamorized camping) guests bunked within two houseboats with 6 bedrooms, 3 baths each (which really were glamorous!) Explorative Jimmy + Steph navigated the waterways towards Lake Powell’s Padre Bay in search for the best desolate sandy peninsula or an island to anchor the boats and set up camp for the week. This impromptu waterfront spot was to determine not only our sandy home for the week, it would host a few activities including a night of festivities for the bachelor and bachelorette parties, the waterfront ceremony and outdoor reception all taking place under the night stars. The area’s preservation of a “dark sky” brought an abundance of stars for star gazing (and for many of us, we saw the jaw-dropping milky way set on a dark sky for the first time.)
An outdoor beach wedding reception with a travel theme, Stephanie antiqued before the trip thrifting for vintage grey suitcases, antique cameras, and reception decor that would pack easily and be brought aboard the houseboat. A 15 mile boat ride from the nearest town and harbor, a number of modern conveniences such as hiring a florist were not an option due to choosing the most desolate of beach locations on the Arizona Utah border. With a dry desert climate, Stephanie opted to substitute fresh flowers for paper decor and unique paper bouquets. Creatively handcrafting the long reception table’s burlap runner and paper centerpieces, two bridesmaids and the bride’s paper wedding bouquet, Steph DIY constructed all the florals from atlas map pages and colored paper rich in shades of tan, rust, orange and grey. The rehearsal evening was a set-up day, where friends and family helped to put another DIY project together: a romantic vision of dancing under hanging, stringed lights, criss crossing over the outdoor reception’s sandy dance floor. Symbolic cairn stacked rocks, travel themed items, coupled with elegant touches of white lace, burlap, and pearls surrounded the outdoor reception space. The sun and day shined with vintage elegance, simple decor and colors which blended into the golden rocks. Vintage and bohemian fashion choices, from the bride’s romantic long gown and vine & pearls hairpiece crown, to the groom’s gingham grey and orange colored tie and fashions, J+S’s day was everything that is fabulous about a destination celebration that is 100% about the bride + groom’s personality. We felt honored to be there and a apart of the trip + celebration. Congrats Jimmy + Steph!”
Jimmy + Stephanie’s Destination Planning Details:
Wedding Theme: Travel with Vintage Suitcases
Flowers: DIY Map and Paper Wedding Bouquets and Boutonnieres by the Bride
Colors: Tan, Orange and Shades of Grey
Waterfront Ceremony and Outdoor Reception: A Desolate Desert Beach on Lake Powell Utah / Arizona
Chicago Destination Wedding Photographers: Miller + Miller
Videographers: Captured In Frames
Houseboat Details: Fully equipped 75′ XTreme HouseBoat 2.5 stories, 6 staterooms, 2.5 baths with slide, rooftop hot tub and much more
Accommodations: Forever Resorts with a harbor launch at Antelope Point Marina in Page Arizona
Bridal Dress Designer: Allure
Bridals
Dress Shop: Elegant Brides
Bride Flower Crown Hair Accessory: ArsiArt
Bride’s Sandals: Glare by Matisse from Nordstrom
Non-Traditional Groom Attire: Gingham Vintage Fabric, Grey & White Plaid Checkered Express Button Up Shirt and Suspenders
Groom’s Handmade Tie: Orange and Grey Checkered Knotty Tie Co.
Rings: Shane Co.
Caterer: Antelope Point Marina
Page, AZ
Desserts: S’mores instead of Cake
Marshmallows: Wondermade
First Dance Song: Live Forever by Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors
Destination Location: Lake Powell
Lake Powell is without a doubt visually “unique” combining scenic nature providing sandy beaches with a contrasting dry desert climate. A one-of-a-kind United States destination, boating through rock canyons carved by the Colorado River navigating the 2,000 miles of shoreline make the lake a popular vacationing spot. 4 hours from Las Vegas Nevada, 3 hours from Sedona Arizona, 4.5 hours from Phoenix / Scottsdale, 2 hours from Zion National Park, 21 hours from St. Louis, 24 hours from Chicago.
Have you decided on your destination wedding is perfect for you? We love traveling and destination weddings. Whether your destination includes a ceremony in the mountains, on the coast, a sandy beach, a desolate island or in the desert, we’d love to capture not only your unique day & your celebrating moments, but photos of you as a newly married couple in the picturesque location’s natural environment. Considering a mountain reception, perhaps look into venues in places such as Napa, Lake Tahoe, Arizona’s Sedona or Lake Powell, Wyoming’s Jackson Hole, Lake Tahoe, Colorado’s Maroon Bells, Pikes Peak, or Aspen. If you’re planning a waterfront or beach ceremony, you may enjoy browsing through our beach weddings blog images postings too. Whether you decide on a desolate and picturesque island location, or within a popular bustling city location, contact us with more information about your travel plans! We’d love to start planning and travel along with you.
The post Jimmy + Stephanie – Chicago to Lake Powell Destination Wedding Photographer appeared first on Chicago Wedding Photographers.
Victor + Kristin’s Ambassador Hotel + Chicago Cultural Center Wedding Photography 13 Jun 2014 1:06 PM (10 years ago)
“Victor + Kristin’s chic and elegant wedding affair was all dressed up in an elegant city style. From a grand arrival in a 1954 classic wedding Bentley car touring the town, to private access to capture skyline photos op top of the PUBLIC Hotel rooftop, V+K’s spring wedding was a grand event we were honored to be selected to photograph.
When we first met with Victor and Kristin, we fell in love with their day’s plans to include exchanging wedding vows under the famous Tiffany Dome at the Chicago Cultural Center and photos at the PUBLIC Hotel, two of the city’s most fascinating historical and architectural landmarks. As these photos reveal from morning prep through evening festivities, it was clear that this classy couple was ready to make a little history of their own.
The day began at the Ambassador Chicago Hotel (formerly PUBLC Chicago Hotel) where the bride and groom prepared in individual suites decorated in a crisp, clean and simple white motif. As a premier Chicago Gold Coast establishment (it was adapted from the old Ambassador East Hotel and famous Pump Room Restaurant), the Ambassador Hotel spared no expense in its approach to ultra contemporary décor that carried from the lobby up to the open-air rooftop. After a reveal of the dazzling bride to the groom, the couple exchanged first looks of one another outside the State Street hotel neighborhood’s classic brownstone residences. It was up on the top of this classic landmark building’s rooftop that we captured some glamorous photos of Victor and Kristin, and their bridal party who were outfitted in blush pink bridesmaid dresses and classic black tuxes. With the dramatic Chicago city skyline behind them and the rest of their lives in front of them, it was as if they were on top of the world.
Our day lead us from one incredible venue to another. Upon leaving the Ambassador Chicago Hotel rooftop wedding photo session, we stopped next at the lakefront for bridal party photos in front of the skyline, followed by next a drive South to prepare for the couple’s elegant and sophisticated wedding ceremony at the Chicago Cultural Center’s Preston Bradley Hall. The Preston Bradley Hall Ballroom was personalized from floor to ceiling in a palette of the bride’s white, ivory, black and blush pink color theme, and delicate arrangements of French anemones hung from the aisle seating. A white organza-draped altar anchored the room in simplicity and femininity; a stark contrast to the stunning blue, green and gold Tiffany Dome that lie overhead. With all of this grandeur and grace, it’s no wonder that presidents, royalty, diplomats and community leaders are often welcomed in these palatial halls of the Chicago Cultural Center
At the close of the ceremony, the Preston Bradley Hall combined with the neighboring G.A.R. Rotunda room to host what would become a classic city reception mixed with a little of the groom’s Spanish heritage. From the cutting of the five-tier wedding cake to the couple’s first dance, every moment was enhanced by the Chicago Cultural Center’s overhead, stained glass dome and surrounding, extravagant gold adornments. It was an ultimate expression of modern romance that hasn’t forgotten its roots in old Chicago culture and history.”
Victor + Kristin’s day of details:
Wedding Colors: White, Ivory, Black, and Blush Pink
Theme: Chic Elegance, Modern Vintage Glamour, Spanish Romance
Venue: Chicago Cultural Center ceremony in the Preston Bradley Hall, cocktail reception in G.A.R. Rotunda + evening dinner, dancing reception in Preston Bradley Hall under the Tiffany dome
Hotel Prep Location: Ambassador Chicago Hotel (formerly PUBLC Chicago Hotel)
Suits: Men’s Warehouse
Bridal Dress Designer: Brides by Demetrios, Young Sophisticates Collection Style 2854
Dress Shop: Brides by Demetrios, Streets of Woodfield, Schaumburg
Veil: Cathedral length with rhinestone details by Brides by Demetrios
Bridal Shoes: Menbur “Rea” Shoe
Bride’s Jewelry: Swarovski
Hair: Korena Robinson from Sonia Roselli
Makeup: Sonia Roselli from Sonia Roselli Make Up Studio
Bridesmaids Shoes: Nude peep toe pumps selected by each bridesmaid
Bridesmaids Dress: Abby Bridal, sweetheart organza bridesmaid gowns in pearl pink
Ceremony / Cocktail Hour Musicians: Flamenco Guitarists Gypsy Influence, Alberto Álvarez and David Chiriboga
Caterer: Blue Plate
Menu: Hors d’oeuvres: Sope with Braised Chicken, Beef Carpaccio Bruschetta, Bacon Wrapped Date Stuffed with Chorizo, Sweet Corn Blini with Smoked Salmon, Mini Maryland Crab Cake, Moussaka Cup. First Course: Baby Arugula Salad with Avocado, Parmigiano Reggiano, Tomato Focaccia Croutons, Easter Egg Radish, Cherry Tomatoes, Lemon Vinaigrette. Entrée: Filet of Beef and Tilapia with Spring Garlic Marmalade or Phyllo Purse of Braised Artichokes, Wild Mushrooms, and Leeks.
Cake: Lovely A Bake Shop, 5-Tier French Anemone Red Velvet and Carrot Cake
Desserts: Hand dipped chocolate strawberries, chocolate dipped coconut macaroons, bite sized cheesecakes with chocolate petals, miniature cupcakes by Lovely A Bake Shop
Flowers: Natural Beauties Floral, romantically chic bouquets of white French anemones with black centers, white peonies, blush la perla roses, white tulips, white stock, blush astilbe, white hydrangeas, porcelina spray roses, and white ranunculus
Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas
Decor: BBJ Linen, Ivory lamour linens, black chiavari chairs, and champagne pink lamour napkins from
Guest Gifts: Hand painted, individually wrapped Handcock skyline sugar cookies Lovely A Bake Shop
DJ: Andrés Baños from Windy City Mix
First Dance Song: Stand by Me (Bachata) by Prince Royce
Transportation: 1954 Bentley R Type Sedan, Classic Wedding Car Chicago
Limo Bus: Limo Envy
Cinematographer: I Do Films
The post Victor + Kristin’s Ambassador Hotel + Chicago Cultural Center Wedding Photography appeared first on Chicago Wedding Photographers.
Billy + Amanda’s Oswego Emerson Creek Barn Wedding 27 Feb 2013 8:36 AM (12 years ago)
We love photographing beautifully decorated weddings with tons of fabulous style. Whether it be a modern city event with glitz, tuxedos and the downtown Chicago skyline atmosphere, or an elegant shabby chic wedding with lace and linen in a picturesque country setting, we find a bride’s vision an inspiration for our photography.
Billy + Amanda’s vintage and charming, outdoor ceremony and reception were celebrated at a location very familiar to Miller + Miller. Located in Oswego Illinois, and the town we both grew up in, the wedding barn venue of Emerson Creek Pottery and Tearoom is perched high up top of a hill and surrounded by hundreds of beautiful rolling open fields. A meandering, narrow gravel road entrance leads you to the property. You’ll drive past a grassy meadow on one side of the driveway, cornfields on the other, and rows of vineyard wooden posts with vines suspended by wire. Emerson Creek states it offers “a pleasant return to simple days and simple ways” and we agree. And bride’s tell us after one visit they quickly fall in love with the Emerson venue too! Between the lush scenery of rows of corn and a vineyard setting, to the elegant antique and rustic farm appeal, Emerson Creek Pottery and Tearoom one of the best places for barn weddings just outside of Chicago. The location is a photographers dream! With unique and vintage structures on-site such as a century old farmhouse, barn, bridal suite in a chicken coop, renovated old horse stables, tea room, antiques, a western style wood porch complete with rockers for relaxing, a stone patio with fire pits to get cozy at, and an over abundance of Illinois nature, we found numerous of spots to photograph the bride, groom, bridal party and guests all enjoying the day. The perfect mix of country and romance, the fairytale like setting of Emerson offers to a bride and groom a first dance in a barn dancing under antique chandeliers, and to open barn doors to watch as the golden evening sun sets to the West. For Amanda + Billy’s day, the sunset occurred at the perfect time during dinner. I asked Amanda to send to us a few of her and Billy’s favorite parts of the rustic Emerson venue. Billy + Amanda embraced a vibe of shabby chic and vintage charm. And she couldn’t resist adding in a tad of classic elegance into her fashion selections, and for some of the details tying in a few fun twists of their own personalities.
“We love Emerson for it’s vast property that allows guest a night to relax and take it all in under the country stars. Inside the bar they have 200 year church pews that guests can view the dance floor and mingle at. We loved the gorgeous white chandeliers and permanent Emerson accents placed throughout the barn, like a 1950’s fridge that we stored the kid’s drinks in. Not to mention, we love their bridal suite which was converted from an old chicken coop, and the tearoom ( where the groom had gotten ready ) was an old horse barn! Inspired by the nature, location and venue we created hay-bail seating areas throughout the property with custom burlap pillows and lace overlay. Along the cornfield, we created a “firefly” tree featuring mason jar lanterns filled with tiny twinkle lights. For our guest’s who were looking to unwind on the patio and cozy by the fire pits, we provided a “S’mores & Snuggles” station complete with over 20 different marshmallow flavors ranging from original, to bacon, maple, toffee, endless chocolate candy bar options, and an assortment of graham crackers and cookie flavors to sandwich the s’mores. The “snuggle” portion was a large metal bin overflowing with with pashminas for the guests to cozy up for the evening and take home as a memory. We are big on themes, uniqueness, down right quirkiness, and all about shabby chic and vintage charm.”
Billy + Amanda’s reception was definitely nothing short on vintage details nor rustic decor! After the excitement of the wedding day passes, we sometimes hear how our brides miss the search for the perfect decor and the entire planning process. Well Amanda has kept in touch, and admitted she is one of those brides. She is now planning to take on more event planning in the near future. With obvious creative talent and passion, we look forward to seeing her work again now as founder and event planner Amanda Morris of Luxe Ones Events and Wedding Planning. Beyond putting together every intricate detail of the day, Amanda hand selected each piece of decor around the barn, and created three stations. The first two stations she mentioned above being a whimsical “firefly” tree, and the a late night “S’mores & Snuggles” station. Amanda’s third concept was a re-salvaged wooden fence line. We asked Amanda to share the story behind the salvaged wooden fence concept:
“Shortly after Billy and I had gotten engaged my childhood home had flooded and was destroyed. While remodeling we ended up selling our house and it was purchased by the city who decided to convert our property into a park, named in memory of my brother. Before the property was destroyed, I always dreamed of having my wedding at my childhood home where so many wonderful memories had occurred. Before the city tore down the house, my father and I salvaged the wooden fence that surround our backyard’s fenced in area and playhouse. I recycled my childhood fence and gated latch door to hold all of our guest seating arrangements on. To keep with the vintage postcard card theme, each guest had their name printed on a shipping tag printed up as a vintage postcard that was thread through on stained twine with a skeleton key that was also a bottle opener. We hung each arrangement across the fence on nails. Throughout the fence we attached cast-iron decor, hooks and larger nails to hang chicken-wire glass-holders with floral arrangements and mason jars wrapped with lace ribbon and pearl buttons, inside they held lit tea lights. Flowers and hanging green amaranthus really made everything pop. Behind the fence we wanted to create a unique entrance outline, so we used the planter stands and filled with flowers, hanging amaranthus and had curly willow branches draped with crystal garland draping in a free forming arch. Emerson Creek loved the fence so much, they kept it and it’s a permanent staple at their venue and barn entrance. We also used another panel of our fence during the ceremony and decorated the same with a giant ‘M’ resting in the front of it. Our childhood fence will now continue live on and Billy and I plan on taking our picture by it on every anniversary!”
Billy + Amanda we loved being selected as your photographers for your day at Emerson. It has been great getting to know you over the last year, discovering a new friendship with you, and without a doubt your day was so memorable + eventful. With all the decor, vintage finds, numerous details, and what your mom’s stated “Amanda’s glamourous version of a backyard party”, as the stars came out at the end of the day, it was easy for us to determine your day was one of our personally favorite events to photography in all of 2012.
Enjoy B+A!
Looking for a unique location for your reception or ceremony? Consider researching locations like country antique shops, airplane hangars, salvage yards, vineyards, orchards, wineries, garden centers, historic settlements, farms, barns, horse equestrian centers, private estates, or perhaps a countryside bed and breakfast. Hop online, search and use your creative juices to find a unique and perfect venue.
Billy + Amanda’s vendors, fashions and planning details:
Theme: A vibe of shabby chic, vintage charm and classic elegance
Ceremony Venue: Emerson Creek Pottery & Tearoom, Oswego
Wedding Planner: Amanda Morris, Event Planner at Luxe Ones ( The bride! )
Officiant: Pastor Rich Rubietta, Grayslake
Caterer: Chef By Request, Lisle
Florist: Arrangements in soft shades of pinks and greens with hanging green amaranthus by Floral Expressions And Gifts Inc., Oswego
Invites, Programs, Menus + Favor Tags: Smitten Boutique
Gown + Veil: Oleg Cassini
Reception Dress: Custom designed and created by Elda de la Rosa of Elda de la Rosa Couture, Chicago
Pink Heels: Audrey Brooke Taylor Satin Pump from DSW
Jewelry: Rodrigo Otazu “Freedom Earrings” purchased from Sweet Williams, Hinsdale
Bands + Rings: Bailey Banks and Biddle + Bella Cosa Jewelers
Hair: Mirabella’s Salon
Make-Up: Juana from Allure by Bautista 123 Washington St., Suite 107, Oswego, allurebybautista {at} yahoo.com
Bridesmaid Shoes: Audrey Brooke Sarah Pump from DSW
Bridesmaid Dresses: Green custom designed and created by Elda de la Rosa Couture
Suits: Men’s Warehouse
Cinematography: Well Spun Weddings
DJ: Toast & Jam
Trolley: Naperville Trolley & Tours
Photobooth: Shutterbox
Donations: Huntington’s Disease Society of American and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Bride’s Gift to Groom: Boudoir Book featuring Photography and Book Design by Miller + Miller Photography
Groom Gift to Bride: Eternity Band from Bella Cosa Jewelers
Daddy Daughter Songs: “Sweet Memories” written and performed by father of bride Gerry Whiting and “Such a Night” by Elvis Presley
First Dance Song: “Memories Are Made of This” by Dean Martin
Extra Decor Details by Amanda of Luxe Ones www.luxeones.com:
– Ceremony Refreshments: Lemon water or arnold palmer beverages served in over-sized mason jar drink dispensers from Pottery Barn
– Ceremony Fan Programs: Keeping guests cool and entertained the back of our program had a crossword puzzle about the bride + groom, and short mad-libs, attached to the handle were golf pencils on ribbon strings with floral accents
– Fence Decor + Table Numbers: Scattered between flowers and mason jars, guest’s names appeared on postcards tags tied to vintage skeleton key bottle openers
Fence Floral: Light blush pink and green floral arrangements by Floral Expressions
– Firefly Tree: Floral Expressions, burlap pillows and Whimsybags by Lesley Hornbeck on Etsy, hay provided by Emerson Creek
– Decor inside the Emerson Barn: Hand selected shabby chic items such as pillows, candles, ornate picture frames featuring vintage family member photographs, burlap wrapped wine bottles, centerpieces featuring mason jars wrapped in cream lace ribbon and with pearl buttons seams, vintage trunk for gifts and cards, and various decor items from Hobby Lobby, Joann’s, Michael’s, Fab.com, Etsy.com, Amazon.com, Sav-on-Crafts and Fashion Unic.
– Something Borrowed: Family heirlooms from the bride’s great Grandmother a prayer book, mismatched vintage champagne glasses, and grandma’s antique cake cutter
– Reception Specialty His + Her Drinks: “Sweetheart Sparkler” vodka, club soda, splash of cranberry, lemon and lime served with pink striped paper straws in mason jars wrapped with lace ribbon, and “Giddy up Groom” Jack and Coke served with lime green paper straws in mason jars. For beer drinkers a mason jar labeled “Grow a Stache” offered rubber mustaches with bands to fit on the top of the beer bottles.
– Bridal Party Gifts: “Ultimate Groomsmen Survival Bag” from Whimsybags monogrammed saddle leather coolies from Pottery Barn included hot sauce, lighter, Listerine strips, Big Red, and more Bridesmaid’s monogrammed burlap bags from Whimsybags, jewelry by Premier Designs, and “Ultimate Bridesmaid Survival Bag” included plastic heel stoppers for the on the farm venue from Solemates, bandaids, travel-size perfume from Victoria Secret, and more
– Late Night Snacks + Guest Favors: “Welcome Wedding Survival Sack” with BAM “Billy + Amanda Morris” allowed guests to fill and take with them on the trolley ride home choosing from flip-flops, pashminas, s’mores, “grow a stache” drink charms and reception late night munchies + snacks of slim-jims, cotton candy, ring pops, cheese balls, combo’s, cheesecake pops, etc and vintage soda bottles!
– Patio bonfire S’mores Station: Artisan marshmallows from Sweet240 Columbus, Indiana
The post Billy + Amanda’s Oswego Emerson Creek Barn Wedding appeared first on Chicago Wedding Photographers.
Valentine’s Day Themed Engagement Photo Shoot 14 Feb 2013 10:21 AM (12 years ago)
A few photos to give you some Valentine’s Day spirit!
Click here to see more photos from our Fall 2011 engagement photography session with Arty + Cynthia.
Happy Valentines Day!
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Jamison + Jamie’s Chicago InterContinental Hotel Wedding Photography 7 Feb 2013 3:52 PM (12 years ago)
“Jamison + Jamie’s day was filled with an abundance of love and romance. With an amazing couple, beautiful locations and great weather, it was our pleasure photographing this wedding. As the day went on, we noticed how everyone including the bridesmaids and groomsmen were being extra attentive to take photos. Soon we realized why… and that was because the bride Jamie was so psyched to work with us! Months prior to the big day, she was telling everyone she knew about her and Jamison’s Miller + Miller engagement photos and saying wonderful things about the pictures, our photo blog, and about us. So we’d like to personally thank you Jamie, your enthusiasm, and influence on others was obviously contagious. And your kind words are much appreciated!
Jamie had visions for a classic Chicago, city-style wedding celebration. With guests traveling from local suburbs and Jamie’s hometown of Wheaton, while others from further away states of Minnesota and Indiana, the convenience of nearby locations were important part of their planning. When Jamie + Jamison’s found what has been noted a “hidden jewel” concealed between various shops along Chestnut and Rush streets, St. James Chapel agreed is one of Chicago’s prettiest historic chapels for a Roman Catholic ceremony. Both great in it’s Gold Coast location and historical appeal, the chapel was a short trolley ride from our first stop along Michigan Avenue to Rush Street. The recently restored, the architectural French gothic style church and Caen stone chapel is undeniably one of the city’s most beautiful of historic church ceremony locations. Inspired by San Chapelle in Paris France, the intimate chapel setting, with rows after rows of pew seating, colorful stained glass windows, and stone sanctuary, painted a picturesque fairytale like location for Jamison + Jamie’s exchanging of vows.
When asking about their day, Jamie + Jamison say, “There were many favorite memories we will never forget from our day, but two specific memories stand out more than others. One memory we remember vividly was the first moment we saw on another for the first time, as Jamie was walking down the aisle with her father. For an entire year, we kept it a secret of how the other would look on the day of. Jamison did not share with Jamie what he was planning on wearing ( tuxedos, bow ties, etc. ) and Jamie kept the same secret not revealing with Jamison her bridal gown and all the bride’s accessories that went along with it. We both remember how handsome and beautiful each other looked at first sight.”
Out of 50+ reception venues Jamison + Jamie toured all while living in Indianapolis, Jamie said they were sold on The InterContinental Hotel. After visits to some modern venues in the Michigan Avenue and Riverfront areas, one being their rehearsal dinner space of Fulton’s on the River and neighboring venues of the Trump Hotel Chicago, ultimately the InterContinental hotel fit their vision. Jamie said: “Not only did we appreciate the history behind it and the striking architectural elements of the building, but every time we visited we were greeted with such hospitality.” The InterContinental Hotel first originated in 1928 as the Medinah Athletic Club and eventually became a hotel in 1944 operating for Sheraton and Radisson hotel chains. It became known as the InterContinental in 1988 and opened to the public in 1990. Today, the InterContinental Hotel offers more than it’s famous gold plated and historic Grand Ballroom. Each of the hotel’s four ballrooms and event spaces are equally, if not more stunning from one to the next. The Renaissance and King Arthur Court ballrooms are another couple favorite spaces with majestic backdrops, one-of-a-kind lavish chandeliers, ornate carved details, walls and windows featuring original stained glass, and rich dark colored wood beams, walls and ceilings, as the names imply the rooms have historical royalty and luxury qualities.
Another reason Jamison + Jamie loved the InterContinental was because of the hotel’s location. With a location right on Michigan Avenue, just minutes away and walking distance from great shopping, museums, restaurants, Lake Michigan, Navy Pier, the riverfront, and more, J+J loved the idea of guests being able to tour around Chicago’s main attractions in between the ceremony and reception and even into the next day if they wished. After touring the inside of the hotel and seeing the ballroom as a place to hold the reception, Jamie said “many other venue options afterward just could not compare. I was sold from the moment we walked into the Grand Ballroom. The Ballroom’s size was perfect for our number of guests and its balcony and chandelier added a bit of romance to room which made it unique from other venues.” As Jamie had dreamed, her and Jamison’s celebration unfolded as a series of unforgettable events. The evening even included one additional surprise for guests, Jamie’s personally choreographed a surprise dad and daughter dance, turning into a huge flash mob dance. “Our second favorite memory was when we performed a flash mob dance during the reception with our parents and entire bridal party. We had practiced this dance over and over for weeks, and it was so much fun to finally be able to surprise everyone with our moves to Black Eyed Peas’ “Dirty Bit”. Our parents and bridal party performed amazing! The excitement really set the tone for the rest of the night and it turned out to be an unforgettable time for all of our guests.”
What an amazing celebration! Congrats, keep in touch, and thanks for letting us be a part of your memories!”
Jamison + Jamie’s day consisted of these details and amazing vendors:
Theme: Classic + Formal Chicago City Wedding
Ceremony Venue: St. James Chapel located in the Archbishop Quigley Center, the former minor seminary of the Archdiocese of Chicago, 835 N. Rush Street
Priest: Father Robert Tuzik, Notre Dame De Chicago Parish
Reception Venue: Grand Ballroom of The InterContinental Hotel, 505 North Michigan Avenue
Catering Manager and Day of Coordinator: Chris Schmidt of The InterContinental Hotel
Planner: Missy Peterson of Bee Social Events, 630-484-7609
Sunday Brunch Venue: Grand Lux Café, 600 N. Michigan Ave
Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Fulton’s on the River, 315 N. LaSalle
Cake: Cake Chicago, formerly Take the Cake
Cake Filling: Banana cake, crème brulee and salty carmel filling, buttercreme icing served with swirled sauces and mint garnish
Flowers: All Flowers By Marisa, Wheaton
Invitations: Style on Budget, Naperville
DJ: Phil Szaflarski Manna Music
Video: Jeff Rovik Video Creations Wheaton
Glamour + Fashion Info:
Groom + Groomsmen: Vera Wang Tuxedos Men’s Wearhouse
Bridal Dress Designer: Ilissa
Veil + Dress Shop: Brides By Demetrios
Cobalt Blue Bridal Heels: Badgley Mischka
Bride’s Jewelry & Accessories: The Left Bank ( gift from mother of the bride )
Bands + Rings: Distinctive Diamonds
Hair: Charles Ifergan, 106 East Oak Street
Makeup: Charles Ifergan ( air brush services)
Silver Bridesmaids Heels: each girl choose her own designer
Magenta Bridesmaid Dresses: Impression magenta dresses from Nancy’s Bridal Boutique
Garter: Camouflage Garter ( representing Jamison’s love for hunting ) from Alfred Angelo
Gifts + Decor:
Chicago Themed Table Numbers and Place Cards: Style on Budget
Blue Reception Up Lighting: Manna Music
Groomsmen Gifts: Groomsmen personalized man cave signs
Bridesmaids Gift Jewelry: Matching earrings, necklaces and wristlets from Charming Charlie
Groom’s Gift: Oakley polarized sunglasses for the honeymoon
Bride’s Gift: Dog tag with the name Josie engraved ( future labrador retriever puppy )
Reception Favors: Garrett’s Popcorn individual customized take home bags
Guestbook: Custom wine bottles for guests to leave messages from Etsy ( on each milestone anniversary J+J will be able enjoy a new bottle of wine and read guest’s well wishes )
First Dance Song: “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz
Honeymoon: Riviera Maya, Mexico, Secrets Maroma Resort and Spa
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Kevin + Brittany’s Urban Style Chicago Engagement Photography 5 Feb 2013 7:33 AM (12 years ago)
For Kevin + Brittany’s urban Chicago engagement photography session, we combined Brittany’s love of colors, with a few great downtown, urban locations. Currently living in the vivacious and vibrant City of New Orleans, these two planned a trip to Chicago to include a visit with Kevin’s family in the Skokie area and an engagement photo session with us.
With recent memories of our own past vacation sightseeing in New Orleans, we enjoyed during our drive to and from photo locations plus over dinner later, hearing stories from Brittany + Kevin what living in the South is like. We were intrigued by the everyday lifestyle in such a unique and fascinating city. ( During our visit to New Orleans we explored the city’s seeing first hand seeing what they call a city with “a melting pot of culture, food and music!” ) With just a few similarities to Chicago, one distinctive difference are those warmer winter weather temps. We’d trade our several days of January and February chilly weather, for 70 degree temps any day. Kevin + Brittany admitted how much they love living in along the Gulf in Louisiana, spending time in the French Quarter, and the Orleans’s active lifestyle. And in recently news whereas Kevin and Brittany were celebrating passing the State’s board exams ( congrats! to you both ) it’s now official that these two have decided to make New Orleans permanently their home state. Ending up nearly a thousand miles away from Chicago, curiosity had us asking what brought Kevin to the South, and how these two first met. Below Brittany recalls that meeting and falling in love story:
“Kevin and I both attended Emory University for undergrad but we did not actually meet until the beginning of our senior year. Every Tuesday night the Emory students would get together at an area in Atlanta called the Highlands and the Tuesday we met was no exception. Kevin’s good friend (and groomsman), Kerry, was visiting him and they decided to go to Noche, a restaurant in the Highlands. I was also there and while walking through the crowds, I heard a voice ask me about being a member of a Facebook group from a few years ago — a DDR Facebook group, to be specific. I turned around and met Kevin (he apparently was the group’s creator) and after a few minutes we discovered we lived across the hall from each other in the Emory apartments. While I’ll still never let him live it down for that gem of a pick-up line, after that, we became really close friends and we each had our share of senior year dates and romances — except with each other. It wasn’t until right after graduation in May 2008 did Kevin come visit me in my hometown of Coral Springs, Florida, did the sparks really start to fly. I then visited him that August in his hometown of Skokie, Illinois and after that trip we knew we had something special. Unfortunately, as life will often have it, this was realized after all those years we had lived minutes from each other and came at a time when we would be living states apart. We took the plunge anyway, starting out our relationship as long distance and racking up frequent flyer miles along the way. After eight months of long distance, I moved to New Orleans where Kevin was already a student at Tulane Law School and I then started my first year there. Although it could be considered a risky move by me, it really was the best decision I have ever made : ).”
Fast forward a few years ( and a couple bowls of gumbo later ), Kevin planned for a surprise engagement wedding proposal during a trip to the Caribbean. “We decided to go to Puerto Rico during Brittany’s fall break. We stayed in beautiful Old Town in San Juan, and before we set foot on our adventure to El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the United States, I had made the decision. This was the day. Upon arrival at the rainforest base, we ascended up a beautiful, winding road for several miles before we reached the El Yunque trail, one of the rainforest’s more difficult pathways to the peak. Despite Brittany’s fear of heights and trails and nature in general, she good spiritedly began the ascent. As older couples and dogs ran past our snails pace, when we were close to the peak I bent down on one knee and asked for her hand in marriage. We took in the stunning sights and began our trek back down, locked hand in hand.”
Soon after sharing with friends and family stories from their trip and details of the proposal, next began the process of browsing for wed planning ideas on the web. Research quickly found a perfect venue for their warm weather loving personalities, not in the South but rather in Chicago. With only a small list of a few locations in Chicago that offer a tropical-like setting, Pazzo’s at 311 we agree was a great choice. Brittany, before attending undergrad school in Atlanta, grew up where palm trees grow, in the sun, and near the beach. So while researching, she instantly fell in love with the one-of-a-kind and grand indoor atrium with palm trees that tower overhead inside Pazzo’s. We can’t wait to see you again Kevin + Brittany later this Summer. Looking forward to capturing smiles, moments and surely more stunning images of them both glowing on their wedding day.
Enjoy Kevin + Brittany!
We are always inspired by our couple’s unique and highly personalized fashion choices! Especially colorful fashions in a modern or gritty urban landscape setting. For this shoot, K+B’s brought along some of their own hometown influences straight from N’awlins. Get all the fashion details here: Kevin’s outfits are all from Express. Brittany’s coral dress from Wish a boutique in the French Quarter New Orleans. Silver heels from Shoe Be Do also located in the French Quarter. Yellow cocktail dress from Victoria’s Secret, paired with magenta HOT pink heels from ALDO. Evening black and pink dress from Bebe, paired with black heels by Madden Girl.
Brittany’s hair color, cut and style for this photo shoot completed at Sam Martirano Salon and Spa Glenview, and make-up by Cynde Cosmetics at the Sam Martirano Salon in Glenview. For more info, visit: www.smsalonandspa.com and www.cyndecosmetics.com.
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Leo + Kia’s Rockefeller Chapel and Hotel Chicago Downtown Autograph Wedding 21 Nov 2012 7:54 AM (12 years ago)
“From a Christian wedding ceremony at the University of Chicago’s Rockefeller Chapel in Hyde Park to the super chic downtown reception at the eclectic Hotel Chicago Downtown Autograph Collection, every part of Leo + Tekia’s wedding day emanated romance, elegance and vintage. The day began with photographs of the bride and groom in separate hotel suites, where they got prepped and pampered. In the bridal suite, mothers and grandmothers and lifelong friends helped Kia slip into a gorgeous sequin and lace, tulip-style dress. Meanwhile on another floor of the hotel, the groom’s family and friends helped Leo put together his formal black and white attire. A favorite image from the morning is without a doubt of JJ, the couple’s son, brushing his teeth. Hiding from our camera a good majority of the day, JJ made it tricky for us to sneak a quick picture. What a priceless photographic moment; little JJ and dad getting ready together. Family was a big part of Leo + Kia’s wedding; you could just feel the love and support from the family and friends that were there to make it a memorable and completely personal occasion. A personalized touch, Kia’s mom who officiated the ceremony, left us speechless with her heartfelt oration. Together, literally every element reflected the bond of family and Leo + Kia’s new bond going forward in marriage.
The ceremony took place across town, just south on Lake Shore Drive in the historic Hyde Park neighborhood, at the Rockefeller Memorial Chapel on the University of Chicago campus. This was not our first visit to the captivating church, but it was the first time being there to photograph a ceremony. The golden afternoon sun lit the cathedral and Kia’s beautiful smile intently glowed for Leo. A massive sanctuary, the Rockefeller chapel carried the couple’s recited vows and voices out into the pews where family and friends listened intently. Steps from where the couple exchanged their first kiss, we found some beautiful ivy, and captured romantic nature photos outside the chapel. Majestic church architecture, and specifically the limestone and gothic elements of the historic Rockefeller church built in the early 20th century, is always a favorite of ours and a simple backdrop for romantic and modern wedding photography in Chicago.
As the mid-Summer wedding went from sunny skies to starry night in a flash, we couldn’t help but think how gorgeous the day truly was. From the choice in selecting a vogue hotel, to the task of hand selecting pink and romantic details, Kia’s months of planning became a huge inspiration for our photos. Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of the bride Kia Marie Jenkin who owns her own wedding event company called Kia Marie Events and her incredibly talented wedding coordinator friend Anika of Anika Kai Events who helped tie everything together, the two put together a fabulous event. In Kia’s own words about Anika, “I’m so glad we hired her. Anika gives the best advice and she is great at what she does.” While the bridal party was busy capturing photographs, meanwhile Anika was completing an elegant transformation of the hotel’s reception room. With the doors closed off to guests who were mingling in the nearby sci-fi and distinctive Hotel Sax rotunda cocktail hour space, both the bride + groom and later guests, were happily surprised when the doors opened to reveal Anika’s efforts behind the flowing curtains of the reception room.
Leo + Kia booked Hotel Sax Chicago (now named Hotel Chicago Downtown Autograph Collection) to host the reception and it is one fabulous modern hotel reception choice. Located adjacent to the House of Blues in the heart of the River North neighborhood, and within close proximity to the nearby river walk and hustle bustle of Michigan Avenue, the Hotel Chicago Downtown Autograph Collection hotel mirrors the artsy vibe and décor of the famed rock venue and urban location. A trendy, cosmopolitan inspired lobby and hotel suites, the hotel mixes worldly textures, modern visually stimulating spaces with vintage styling. The suite and the building’s steel and glass city style architecture allowed tons of sunlight to rush through floor-to-ceiling, metal windows. The room mixed in a classic touch and vintage feeling of “being at home in good old-fashioned Chicago” with a checkered, black-and-white tile floors, reminiscent of classic flooring in Chicago-style brownstones or row houses. Downstairs, the hotels’ globally-inspired and intriguing Crimson Lounge bar featured dark walnut woods, plush velvet lounge seating, royal fabrics and wild candlelit wall sconces, which provided a perfect palette for some edgy, high chemistry photos of the bride + groom. Leo + Kia looked fabulous and we liked how the artsy atmosphere, worked well their stylish fashions. The luxury hotel provided us with an eclectic editorial setting for intimate photos of the couple and high-fashion wedding photography.
We can’t say thank you enough to Leo + Kia in allowing us to capture your love, and thank you for choosing us to be your photographers for the day. We hope you enjoy reliving some of the our favorite photographic moments and captured events from the memorable day. We wish you both and your family the very best. Congratulations!”
Vendors and details that made it all possible:
Theme: Romantic, Classic Vintage
Colors: Classic black & white with a touch of blush pink
Ceremony Venue: University of Chicago Rockefeller Memorial Chapel
Reception Venue: Marriott Hotel Chicago Downtown Autograph Collection (formerly Hotel Sax Chicago)
Cocktail Hour: Hotel Sax’s Hub and Rotunda
Wedding Planner: Kia Marie Jenkins (the Bride!) Kia Marie Events
Day of Coordinator: Anika Jackson of Anika Kai Events
Ceremony Officiant: Mother of the Bride
Pink Bridal Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Hair: Farrah Bledsoe of Remedy Salon
Bridal Makeup: Stacy Kelly Mitchell of Stacy Faces
Cake: Take the Cake
Flowers: Grace of Vale of Enna
Invitations and Programs: DIY by the Bride
Decor, Chuppah, Fabrics and Black Dance Floor: Precision Sound and Lighting
Music: DJ Vince Adams
Kia’s Favorite Moment + Advice: My favorite moment was the first glance and seeing my husband right before the ceremony. It was so exciting and it calmed my nerves a bit. To future brides, DON’T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF! Things will happen and you will NOT have any control over them. Just stay on the dance floor and be happy!
Click this link to take a peek at Kia + Leo’s Miller + Miller engagement session.
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Sean + Emily’s Elegant Engagement Photography Pictures 11 Nov 2012 10:34 AM (12 years ago)
Just like each of our couples are unique, so is every shoot location’s personality. We headed to the North Shore area of Chicago with Sean + Emily to capture editorial style engagement photography along the rocky shoreline of the lake, at a secluded location beyond a wooded forest bluff, and later at a historic architectural setting. For Sean + Emily’s photo session, despite chilly weather and shortened daylight conditions, our three locations all came together perfectly, matching well to the couple’s personalities, as well as close in similarities to the spot where Sean proposed to Emily at, in Stockholm. S+E’s personal interests are without a doubt strong in their enjoyment of traveling. Frequently spending time at destinations overseas, Sean told us “we travel abroad really whenever possible.” Emily was one to admit, life is pretty busy for the two of them, and they both work a lot “we are pretty much work alcoholics” she said ( which us at Miller + Miller could relate easily to. ) But when they are able to travel, Sean and Emily enjoy taking in each destination and learning of the local history of the location, as well as the local culture. When emailing each other about their session, the couple proposed a few new to M+M spots rich in their distinctive interests of history and culture. Which we loved and were very impressed, thanks Sean! One of our favorite moments during their engagement session photography shoot was when Emily told us about Sean’s proposal that took place in June. It was one of the most beautiful of stories and what an unbelievably elegant location for it to occur at too. One of the best stories we have heard in our years of being wedding photographers yet, Sean’s romantic proposal took place while vacationing together and visiting his family abroad in Sweden…
“Sean decided to take me on a trip to Stockholm Sweden to visit his grandparents. It was somewhat of a routine trip as Sean goes back to Sweden quite often to visit them, but different this time, as I had only been with him to Sweden in the Winter months. This vacation was in June and Sean said that I had to see the other side of Sweden, and enjoy their long Summer nights. ( During the month of June, in Stockholm the sun brightens the sky the entire night, never getting fully dark. ) We packed our bags and got ready for a fun week of sightseeing and family outings. From the beginning of the trip until the end, we were running around sightseeing and visiting his relatives. On the last night Sean, told me that the two of us were going to spend the night out, and that I should dress up. I wondered what surprises were in store… but with him, I never could really know for sure what was going to happen. Well I got ready for the night and Sean called a cab and we were whisked into the city. When we arrived to our destination, I opened the door of the taxi and my eyes were filled with the view of Stockholm’s old town harbor. It was about 9pm and I could still see the sun closing in on the horizon. The sea was calm, the winds had died down and the water walk ways were busy with people enjoy an evening stroll. As I turned to Sean I saw him standing in front of a hotel called The Grand Hotel. It was a lavish hotel, from a different time. Men with long tailed tuxes, top hats and white gloves greet you as you enter through the gold and glass doors. A marble staircase gives way to a lobby filled with red velvet chairs, ornate chandeliers, marble statues and a smell of an old log cabin. Sean grabbed my hand and guided me to a small door on the side. As we made our way we passed a small library filled with books that seemed to be as old as the country, Sean opened the door and we were greeted by another man in a tux. It was a restaurant. It was a narrow restaurant, but on one side the walls were floor to ceiling glass. The view was of the beautiful harbor. We were seated at a table beside the glass wall. As we enjoyed a long dinner, Sean seemed relaxed, but as if his mind was somewhere else. After we ate the last spoon of our dessert, Sean next asked if I wanted to go for a walk by the water. The sun had passed the horizon, but there was still a faint glow in the sky. We walked towards the water and began to cross a small bridge that connected two small islands. Sean stopped me halfway through the bridge. He told me that we should just enjoy the moment and take everything in. The walkway was still quiet as most people had gone home from their walks. Sean asked me if I was chilly. I responded yes and he said, “ok you can have my jacket in a bit.” I though this was strange but didn’t think too much into it. Sean then took hold of my hands ask started telling me how much he loved me, and how much I meant to him. He asked me if I would love him forever. As he was saying this he put his hand into the inside pocket of his jacket and pulled out a small square box. I caught a glimpse of it and a million things ran through my mind. It wasn’t a typical ring box, so I really didn’t know if I was about to get a ring or some other sort of jewelry. He said he loved me and then opened the box. We both went silent. And then both began to tear up. He picked up the ring and gently slid it onto my finger. The first thing that came out of my mouth was “don’t drop it in the water.” We had just been resting our arms on the railing of the bridge. Sean just smiled and we both embraced. I quickly realized that he hadn’t actually asked me the question yet. As we pulled out of our embrace, I said with a chuckle you haven’t asked me anything yet? He just smiled and said: Emily will you marry me.”
Thanks Sean + Emily in sharing such an amazing story! You are two fabulous people, who are without a doubt madly in love with each other. Sean the proposal location sounds utterly breathtaking. We can’t but help to want to visit Stockholm now for ourselves. And Emily your engagement ring is simply gorgeous and quite unique, featuring a beautiful turquoise stone. We couldn’t help but ask about it’s significance… Sean’s selection of the round turquoise stone was him providing a part of his family legacy to her. The stone is an old family heirloom of the other side of his family, which is from Iran. Sean’s grandmother had come from the Persian Qajar dynasty in Iran and the stone has been passed down from her. Sean had the turquoise set and surrounded by diamonds… unbelievably stunning. Sean and Emily we hope you love seeing these preview photos and they remind you a bit of the proposal day in Sweden. We are looking forward to your upcoming wedding day and it being our first in 2012, only a few days away. Enjoy!
Sean + Emily’s ceremony is set to take place at Saint Thomas More Church and the reception will follow at the Palmer House Hilton Hotel in Chicago. The iconic and legendary Palmer House hotel is a perfect hotel selection for Sean + Emily’s personalized taste. The venue offers impressive rooms with modern luxurious renovations all historically kept to the hotel’s original Beaux Arts architecture. The Palmer House is a landmark hotel and a member of the Historic Hotels of America.
Emily’s visited Zazu Salon in Hinsdale on the morning of this engagement session. Hair stylist Andrew and make-up by an independent artist Morghan.
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Tim + Morgan’s Crystal Gardens Chicago Navy Pier Wedding 2 Nov 2012 11:49 AM (12 years ago)
Just when we thought we had seen it all, a wedding comes along that redefines modern elegance. As soon as we began planning the photos for Tim + Morgan’s big day at Navy Pier’s Crystal Gardens, we were beyond excited for that mid-summer afternoon to arrive. For starters, we were going to be working with one of our favorite Chicago wedding planners, Anthony Navarro, from Liven It Up Events. Hired by Morgan for a full day of event planning, Anthony and the bride-to-be put together a team of stellar and amazing Chicago wedding vendors. Together, they transformed the Crystal Garden reception venue at Navy Pier from a popular public attraction to something completely awe-inspiring and unforgettable. As photographers, we truly appreciated the superior level of talent everyone provided and how that dedication works so well in helping us create with ease, show-stopping photos for the bride and groom. With a dynamic group of vendors, Tim + Morgan simply had nothing to worry about other than reciting vows and enjoying the events of the day. We were thrilled to be a part their team. Thanks!
At the very core of Tim + Morgan’s modern elegance theme was a neutral palette of pure white, crystal clear and deep grey, which made appearances everywhere from the venue décor to the bridal party (and even into photographs of the bride’s sparkly and glamorous high-heeled shoes). Grounded by a whimsical altar design of sheer, flowing fabrics and stark white chandeliers frosted in crystal, the ceremony space was a thoughtful demonstration of how the calming natural elements of palm trees, water and the open sky can be glamorized with a little glitz and a little glow. Fashionable, yet funky, arc-armed lamps punctuated the aisle along with understated freshwater flowers, blending the masculine feel of cool metal with an innocent, feminine lining. Crystal clear seating awaited guests and set the stage for a most memorable exchange of “I do” (as evidenced in these super romantic photos) along with a night that promised to be just as spectacular.
A magical transformation followed the ceremony when the Crystal Gardens’ light and airy environment was transformed and suddenly became a hip, upbeat party that made you want to get up and dance the night away. Visually, the room exuded a simplistic extravagance through subtle lighting effects and glowing chandeliers suspended from vaulted ceilings. The modern and elegant tablescapes mimicked the fresh, clean look from earlier in the day with radiant white flowers, crystal centerpieces and floating candles atop shimmery grey linens. During the cocktail hour, violinist Katarina (of Vip Violin) livened up the scene while guests mingled and noshed on light hors d’oeuvres. For the first dance, Tim + Morgan glided along under golden twinkling lights that gave a feeling of dancing under the stars (one of our favorite captured photographs). Additionally, the altar became a stage where one of the couple’s favorite bands, Maggie Speaks, put on “a get up and dance” live performance in front of what could possibly be the most elegant backdrop ever provided to a rock band. Just as they had hoped, the dance floor remained packed and the couple closed the night singing and dancing on stage. The Navy Pier Saturday night fireworks signaled the end of what had just been the most amazing wedding day in Chicago.
In keeping with their love for modern spaces, the bride + groom selected the Dana Hotel in downtown Chicago. Steps from Michigan Avenue, the hotel hosted their guests for the evening as well as the morning-after activities. With its modern, loft-style architecture, Dana Hotel offers clean lines, a trendy rooftop, and contemporary designed rooms. Like T+M, we too love loft venues and this hotel captivates those unique qualities.
Over this past year, we have gotten to know Morgan and Tim more and more, and we really enjoy their personalities and style. We were so thrilled to be there on such an important day in their lives and to help them capture all of those moments from the other side of the lens. Thanks to T+M for choosing M+M to capture photographs from the incredible wedding day.
This summer event in Chicago brought to you by:
Planning Theme: Fresh Modern Vintage
Ceremony + Reception Venue: Crystal Gardens at Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago
Prep-Locations: Dana Hotel, 660 North State Street
Wedding Planner: Consultant Anthony Navarro Liven It Up Events
Suits: Hugo Boss
Couture Bridal Gown Designer: Justina McCaffrey
Dress Shop: Belle Vie Bridal
Bridal Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Bride’s Jewelry: Ceremony mother’s earrings + vintage earrings for reception
Engagement Ring + Bands: LaRon Jewelers
Make-Up: Joshua Graham of Facade Make-Up Artistry
Hair: Stylist Marek Hartwig of Marek Bridal
Veil: Dress Doctor
Bridesmaids Dress: Jenny Yoo
Cocktail Hour: South Terrace of Navy Pier
Cocktail Hour Musician: Classical Violinist, Katarina Visnevska, of Vip Violin
Caterer: Phil Stefani’s
Menu: Sea Bass & Braised Short Rib with Burrata & Tomato salad
Décor: Jesse Deckard of Event Creative
Rentals: Tablescapes
Flowers: Event Creative
Invitations: Smitten Boutique
Transportation: Windy City Limos
Band: Maggie Speaks
First Dance Song: Home by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
Honeymoon: Thailand & Hong Kong
Late Night Snacks: Hot dogs + French fries complete with a vintage hotdog cart
Extras: View our second set of images with T+M. Click here to visit Tim + Morgan’s Chicago engagement pictures blog post. See Tim and Morgan’s Chicago wedding featured on the wedding blog “What Junebug Loves!” as a Chicago real wedding featured story.
The post Tim + Morgan’s Crystal Gardens Chicago Navy Pier Wedding appeared first on Chicago Wedding Photographers.
Jonathan + Vera’s Museum of Science and Industry Wedding Photography 29 Oct 2012 6:12 PM (12 years ago)
If you are researching a historic wedding reception venue that offers an on-site outdoor ceremony space, we suggest taking a peek at the Museum of Science and Industry. Jonathan + Vera’s choice in selecting the museum offered a perfect combination of the old and the new (plus something borrowed and something blue!). With its architectural origins dating back to the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair (at the time, it was called the Palace of Fine Arts), the museum is of great historical importance to both the city and the world. Combining picturesque vantage points, historic architecture, and spectacular modern-day science and technology exhibits, the Museum of Science and Industry was a perfect and ideal location for J+V. If you are searching for an eye-catching space, MSI offers just that. Guests are able to experience captivating, non-traditional wedding visuals extending from floor to ceiling. Inside the venue are vivid colors, earthly elements of tornados, waves and water, lights, and the added activity of guests being able to enjoy the exhibits after dinner via private tours just steps away from their tables. The action packed evening made the night and our shooting spaces unlike any other ceremony and reception we have been to. With a first dance under suspended full-sized aircraft, and Jon and Vera closing the evening with a walk through a tornado, what a unique series of photos and memorable events. According to Vera, the couple had a few special reasons for choosing the venue:
“The Museum of Science and Industry is our favorite museum in Chicago (and one of our top favorites out of the world). We love the exhibits at MSI, and the subject matter pertains to our lives more so than any other museum in the city. Jon is an optometrist and I am a microbiologist. We considered the Art Institute but while we appreciate art, it doesn’t define us as clearly as MSI does. Also, Jon and I had many dates at MSI.”
When working with Jonathan + Vera to plan their day, we set aside time for photographs in a few modern and timeless historic settings to capture a variety of innovative wedding photographs. As already mentioned, the inside of the museum was captivating. In contrast, the outside of the museum was a classical setting where rows of massive ionic columns surrounded the building. Just beyond a grand staircase was an amazing waterfront terrace. The couple’s evening ceremony took place waterside and was breathtaking! J+V exchanged vows outside on the Museum of Science and Industry’s South Portico. The outdoor ceremony on the South Portico occurred on a sunny June day, surrounded by lush landscaping, tranquil scenery, columns, and all of their friends and family. Brilliant pink, purple and white floral arrangements accented the black-and-white outfitted bridal party, as well as the crisp white altar and seating areas, making for a breathtaking color exclamation next to the neutral waters. While inside, we stopped at a few exhibits in the Museum of Science and Industry, photographing the couple in editorial style wedding photography setups. A few favorite stops of ours included the sleek, modern and eco-friendly Smart Home, as well as the futuristic Science Storms showcase, and the interactive You! The Experience exhibit. All provided a unique look that Jon and Vera desired in either an eye-catching or a modern photography setting. From the moment we first met, Jon + Vera talked with excitement about us capturing unique photos in the museum’s dramatic spaces. When the big day arrived, we found J+V naturally fit into the photos. They were glowing with enthusiasm and excitement for the day.
From the romantic, scenic outdoor ceremony where guests were seated between towering pillars and the calming lagoon, to the elegantly-appointed reception space under the dramatic rotunda and purple-hued lighting, every detail of Jonathan + Vera’s early summer wedding was carefully planned and executed… even down to the handmade wedding invitations and pyramid guest gifts lovingly designed and assembled by Jon’s mother. From the bride getting into her Vera Wang gown to the very last dance of the evening, it was easy to see that the couple was so at home at the Museum of Science and Industry, which made for an abundance of stunning wedding photography opportunities. We had so much fun with you, Jon + Vera. We can’t thank you enough in deciding to book us to capture your photos at the museum. As for our wedding photography experience at the Museum of Science and Industry, we had so much fun with J + V that we can’t wait to go back to the site and shoot more photos. Cheers to Jonathan + Vera on a beautiful and amazing city event!”
In closing this blog post, we would like to share a few of Vera’s memories, key moments, and favorite parts from the day:
“Jonathan says his favorite memory was the first look, which is ironic because we didn’t even know what a first look was from the start. So first advice for brides and grooms? Trust and listen to your wedding photographers! We agreed a first reveal was right for us, and we are very glad we did it. My favorite moment of the day is when I got to eat my dinner with Jonathan at our sweetheart table…best decision of the wedding planning aside from booking Miller + Miller. Dinner was the only time during the day we had some time to ourselves to just be ourselves together. That’s my second piece of advice for brides and grooms: plan some time for yourselves to reconnect and take in the wedding day because it goes by in a blur. There’s so much activity that there is no time for your brain to absorb what is truly happening. I don’t remember much of my wedding aside from the time in the Smart Home and dinner at the sweetheart table. Last piece of advice is really for the wedding day itself. Whatever happens — just go with it because a solution will present itself and the wedding will still be everything you dreamed it would be. Jonathan and I both agree that our best memory associated with the wedding is that it’s finally over and we got to go on our 3-week honeymoon to Europe. The trip of a lifetime to start our lifetime together.”
This summer wedding day in Chicago brought to you by:
Outdoor Ceremony Venue: South Portico at the Museum of Science and Industry
Reception Venue: The Rotunda in the Museum of Science and Industry
Suits: Groom Hugo Boss and Groomsmen and Dads Perry Ellis from Formally Modern Tuxedos
Bridal Dress Designer: Vera Wang
Veil + Dress Shop: Vera Wang, 945 North Rush Street, Chicago
Bridal Shoes: Guess
Bride’s Jewelry: The necklace, ring, and bracelets are from Hong Kong. The earrings are a wedding day gift from Jonathan. : )
Bridesmaids and Groomsmen Gifts: Black Wayfarer Ray Ban Sunglasses
Wedding Bands + Rings: Viachi is the designer, purchased through Monique of Switzerland Jewelers in Minnesota
Beauty Services: Hair by Becky and Make-up by Maris of Blend Beauty
Bridesmaids Shoes + Dresses: Black dresses and either red, cream or black heels. Vera let them choose the designers
Caterer: Sodexo at the Museum of Science and Industry
Menu: Goat cheese salad, rosemary and goat cheese stuffed chicken breast, and zinfandel braised boneless short rib
Cake + Desserts: Dessert station consisting of different flavored cupcakes, creme brulee, pot de creme, fresh fruits, tea, and coffee.
Flowers: Kloeckner Preferred Flowers
Invitations: Handmade by Jonathan’s mom
Reception Up Lighting: Chicago Lighting Design
Guest Gifts: Personalized fortune cookies within pyramid boxes made by Jonathan’s mom
DJ: Corey Sanford from MME
Honeymoon: Italy and Greece
Engagement Photography Session: Fall of 2011 by Miller + Miller at MSI and the Loop
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Austin + Erica’s Patrick Haley Mansion Wedding 8 Oct 2012 9:20 PM (12 years ago)
“When we first met with Erica + Austin it was the end of Winter. Our meeting was at one of our personally favorite local martini bar & restaurants in historic downtown Ottawa. ( After learning the couple lived a few hours South of Chicago near Peoria in Washington Illinois we decided Ottawa would be the perfect place to meet. ) Although E+A’s wedding date was over 15 months away, it was and is never too soon to inquire about a date with us. For Erica, since photography was a very important and exciting part of their day, they were anxious to start their search early, in order to narrow down their search to a perfect styled photographer exclusively for them. During our meeting, it wasn’t long before we found out they are not only fans of photography, but also a number of the arts. They enjoy music, art, and local culture.
We always enjoy photographing a wedding at Austin + Erica’s chosen venue Patrick C. Haley Mansion in Joliet. The historic Chicago venue hosted both their reception and outdoor ceremony. At our meeting most of our initial conversations were spent discussing their favorite images from our portfolio of photos, and creating a plan for their day to fit their personality and style. Erica was especially interested in us working together to create magazine style wedding photography. She loved our editorial style, shooting in off-beat locations, and our fashion inspired wedding photographs. In deciding to keep their wedding day schedule more simplistic, Erica proposed to us her interest in adding a bridal session ( an increasingly popular plan to re-wear the dress again for more pictures. ) So A+E decided to book us for a bridal session where Austin put on his suit, and Erica her vintage wedding dress for a second time. We love it when couple’s add on the second day of bride and groom photos, it’s much more of a relaxed setting, and for E+A we were able to extend their wedding portfolio of images to include photos from not only the Joliet area, but to downtown Chicago too.
The couple’s venue Patrick Haley Mansion is a short drive from the home Erica grew up at, and her parent’s Naperville home. The unforgettable mansion offered for Erica and Austin the perfect setting, a venue with a flair of vintage, and historic style. Always a beautiful wedding mansion to shoot inside, we enjoyed for Austin + Erica’s day and decision on an outdoor ceremony location under the pergola at the Patrick Haley Mansion’s garden. If your a frequent visitor to our photo blog, you know we absolutely adore outdoor ceremonies! Erica + Austin’s evening ceremony did not disappoint; it was breathtaking, personalized, and consisted of Jewish ceremony traditions. A beautiful early evening and overcast sky blanketed the couple as they stood under a chuppah. The ceremony consisted of vows, readings from scripture, seven guests recited blessings and Austin shattering enthusiastically glass. Concluding the ceremony, following the kiss and exit, a few drops started falling from those clouds lingering in the sky. Luckily the evening’s strong storms held off until a mer 15 seconds after the couple’s exit from the aisle. The rain’s timing was perfect, dramatic and truly like a scene from a fairy tale.
One distinctive element to Erica’s meticulous details, was her selection of her gorgeous lace, 1950’s vintage couture wedding dress. Before the ceremony, smiles and tissues were close by, and tears we captured as mom and grandma both helped Erica put on her gown. For us, it was one of the most emotional set of putting on the dress photographs we have ever photographed. Erica’s dress held a extra special meaning. The gown was originally made couture for Erica’s grandmother in 1952. And then it was worn a second time by her mother. On Erica’s day, this was the third time the gown had been worn. Below are details Erica provided about the three generations wearing the same dress:
“My grandmother had a seamstress in New York create a couture gown for her in 1952. She picked out the satin and lace herself and had the wedding dress made for around $12.00. My mother wanted to wear the dress again for her wedding in 1982 but my aunt had to remake the skirt (she bought matching fabric from the original store in NY!) because it had been made into Barbie clothes when my mother was little. I too had always dreamed of wearing the dress but wanted the bodice to be altered slightly into a more modern shape. I had the raglan sleeves and high back removed so that it was a scoop-back halter dress instead. My mother wore it without a hoop skirt, but I had a detachable tulle skirt made for the dress because I preferred the full ballgown look. Every 30 years the dress is worn and altered. It is our favorite family heirloom!”
Throughout the night, we heard several people asking to hear Erica’s dress story. The vintage wedding fashion was one inspirational element behind the decor selections for the event. But when finalizing and completing her bridal appearance from head to toe, she mentioned beyond find the task of choosing a seamstress to fit the dress perfect to her, she put a few hours of searching into finding some amazing heels to strut down the aisle in. Her choice was deciding on some impressive Jimmy Choo “Surf” suede and Swarovski crystal platform sandals. The shimmering Swarovski encrusted heels were a perfect choice to complete Erica’s evening glamour. Erica added a bold punch of colors to the event in dark hues, and jewel tone shades inspired by a peacock theme. We enjoyed the couple’s style, personalities and to Austin + Erica it was a pleasure working with you. We hope to see you again soon, wether it being in the future should our travels bring us out by your new home in Tucson Arizona, or if you’re back in the Naperville area visiting family. Hope you enjoy our selection of favorites images from our two days together. It was great getting to know you. Good luck to you both!
A few of Austin + Erica’s planning details:
Theme: Vintage Peacock Glamour
Outdoor Ceremony Location: Patrick C. Haley Mansion Joliet
Reception Venue: Patrick Haley Mansion Ballroom
Dancing: The Conservatory inside the Mansion
Suits: Wilke Rodriguez from Men’s Warehouse
Bride’s Prep Location: The bride’s parents residence in Naperville
Bridal Dress Designer: Made couture for my grandmother in 1952
Dress Seamstress: Sew Special
Bridal Shoes: “Surf” by Jimmy Choo with heels featuring Swarovski Crystals
Bride’s Jewelry: Vintage
Wedding Bands + Rings: Custom by Jones Bros. Jewelry
Hair: Bree from Corpo Bello Salon
Makeup: Acacia Douglas at Chanel
Birdcage Veil + Fascinator: DIY by bride
Bridesmaids Dress: Gown #363 Liz Fields
Cake: Eat Moore Cakes
Flowers: ZuZu’s Petals
Photo Booth: Traveling Photo Booth
Invitations: Created by the bride and Erica Cronk
Decor: DIY by bride
First Dance Song: “Hurry” by Sleeping at Last
Wedding Night Accommodations: The Ruby Room Inn Wicker Park
Bridal Session Beauty Services: The Ruby Room Spa + Salon
Honeymoon: Santorini, Greece
Bride DIY Items: Erica’s says she pretty much made everything including: the unity candle, invitations, ceremony chair decor, chuppah, guest bags, reader/grandma corsages and reader/grandpa boutonnieres, window decor/candles, card holder, veil and fascinator, escort cards, cake stand, programs, etc.
Favorite Memories of the Day: “Both Austin and my favorite memory of the whole day was seeing each other for the first time, walking down the aisle: we felt like we were the only people in the world. And it was sweet to see how emotional Austin was! The ceremony was so special to us; we couldn’t stop smiling at each other…”
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Alex + Olya’s Spring Romance | Cuneo Mansion and Gardens Wedding Photography 5 Sep 2012 5:25 PM (12 years ago)
Immediately upon our arrival, we fell in love with the Cuneo Mansion and Gardens as a wedding ceremony and reception venue. Without hesitation, we can say that Cuneo Mansion has been our favorite place to photograph in all of Illinois. Just as elegant as the historic estate itself was Alexander + Olya’s day, an early spring romance influenced by the couple’s Russian and European background. It was a beautiful commemoration of a longtime friendship transitioning to a lifetime as husband and wife.
The day started out with the bride and groom getting ready inside the mansion; Olya in the intimate, second-level bridal suite with just her mother, maid of honor, and delicate sequin-and-chiffon Vera Wang bridal dress. As she finished her look with a simple, sparkling headband and gorgeous jewels, Olya was not only glowing from the outside but also from within. It was easy to see that she was really looking forward to finally seeing her groom down the aisle.
While a small gathering of guests watched Alexander walk down the rose petal-lined aisle to wait for his bride, Olya exited the mansion and traveled down the stone-tiled walkway to meet her groom. She recalls that special moment:
As part of their private estate wedding at the historic Cuneo Mansion, the two planned an exquisite outdoor garden ceremony among the infamous landscaped grounds. With the original landscaping developed by Jens Jensen, a world-renowned landscape architect of the early 20th century, the lush gardens and mature trees are an important part of the property’s significance. Framed by towering marble columns and a tranquil, turquoise reflection pool, the grounds are a true representation of an Italian countryside villa. So unique and elaborate is the property that the outdoor gardens, along with the reception hall, were both used in the 1997 film, My Best Friend’s Wedding.
While Alex + Olya viewed a number of venues, one of the main reasons why they selected Cuneo Mansion was the ability to use multiple rooms during the event. Following the ceremony, they held a formal and sophisticated Russian wedding reception initiated by a cocktail hour on the exquisite outdoor terrace and within the luxurious, gilded-in-gold music room. As the couple crossed the threshold of the estate and into the grand entrance, their family and friends showered them with gifts and then proceeded outside to the terrace for a ceremonial Russian loaf of karavay bread and wine. As the tradition goes, the bride and groom each take a bite of the bread, a drink of the wine, and then break the glasses from which they drank. The magical evening continued with dinner and dancing in the mansion’s illustrious Great Hall, a hallmark of the estate defined by 30-foot ceilings, retractable roof, stunning arcaded balconies, marble columns, and a vast collection of fine European artwork. Indoors and out, there were so many picturesque locations from which to capture the young, married couple. And even though A+O’s early spring celebration included a mix of sun and clouds, the rain held off until just after dinner began inside the Grand Ballroom… the lingering clouds gave us some dramatic photo opportunities while on the stairs outside of the pastel pink colored picturesque Cuneo Mansion. Mixing together the couple embracing and obvious passion for one another, with our intense lighting style, the gray moody clouds nicely set the mood for some luxurious, fashion inspired photographs.
Thank you Alex + Olya in booking us as your wedding photographers. It has been a pleasure getting to know you. Without a doubt, this was a long-awaited day for you both. With your story beginning long ago in Russia and well before Alexander’s educational plans brought him to the University of Chicago. From Alex, we’ll close this post with a recollection of their first meeting up until the engagement proposal:
Alex + Olya’s planning details:
Outdoor Ceremony: On the Mansion Gardens Lawn at Cuneo Mansion & Gardens
Reception: The Great Hall at Cuneo Mansion
Cocktail Hour: The Music Room inside Cuneo Mansion
Suits: Dolce & Gabbana + Zara
Bridal Dress Designer: Vera Wang
Bridal Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Bride’s Jewelry: Nadri + Swarowski
Bride’s Accessories (Sash): Vera Wang
Bands + Rings: Tiffany & Co.
Groom’s Cufflinks: Tiffany & Co.
Bridesmaid Dress: BCBGMaxAzria
Caterer: Bauer’s Catering
Cake: Oak Mill Bakery
Flowers: Petal Peddlers
Invitations: Papyrus
Decor: Bauer’s Catering
Honeymoon: Dominican Republic
DIY Projects: Ring pillow made by mother of the groom
About Cuneo: Cuneo Mansion & Gardens are located in Chicago’s northwest suburb of Vernon Hills, a short drive from Chicago and just an hour from Milwaukee. Originally built in 1918 for Commonwealth Edison founder, Samuel Insull, the historic estate was later purchased by John Cuneo, Sr., a wealthy Chicago entrepreneur operating a successful printing company, dairy farm, and other organizations. Cuneo Mansion is a prestigious, well-preserved home that keeps company with some of the area’s finest event venues. Some of our favorite venues include mansions, museums, stately houses, cultural centers, country clubs, estates, villas, wineries, and vineyards.
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Matt + Justine’s Spring Modern Vintage Wedding Photography Illinois 16 Aug 2012 12:24 PM (12 years ago)
A gorgeous spring wedding day, Matt + Justine’s modern vintage wedding is our next set of featured photographs we are blog posting. Their day was complete with laughter, sunshine, smiles, and sparkle. Justine and her family are from Naperville, and Matt’s side is from Western Springs. M+J first met while living downtown Chicago, and decided that planning a west suburbs of Chicago event and wedding at La Grange Country Club was perfect for them. In discussing the picturesque archways, columns and courtyard of Matt + Justine’s vintage Illinois church, we decided on photographing the bride and groom at the church instead of traveling around town on their day. Immediately after their first kiss and soon after they had become officially wedded, our bridal photo session began right outside the chapel in the church’s garden. The setting was perfect for Matt and Justine’s requested nature and vintage setting for photos.
On the day of our first meeting, Justine + Matt arrived at our photography studio on their motorcycle. We quickly learned that we had quite a bit in common with them, other than the fact of biking. For instance, Matt has an entrepreneurial spirit and is highly active in a number of different online media and creative industries. In the evenings and on weekends, you can typically find Matt and Justine at one of the popular music venues around Chicago. Usually on stage, Matt is the drummer of the Chicago-based rock band, Pet Lions www.petlions.com. If you enjoy discovering new music, we suggest listening to Pet Lions or attending an upcoming show. (Attending a concert and seeing a band is one of our very own memories from when we first started dating, too.)
Matt + Justine’s wedding day unfolded just as we had predicted: an eventful evening reflecting the roar and excitement of a live show. Matt’s dad is Steve Dahl. It was an honor meeting Mr. Dahl at the wedding. An inspirational life story, we have an appreciation for Steve Dahl’s rising career, and as business owners ourselves couldn’t help but to be inspired by his career successes and life story. Steve is a local on-air broadcasting and television celebrity in Chicago. Last summer when Matt first mentioned this info about who his dad was, we were intrigued to learn more about him; so we hopped online, visited the Steve Dahl Podcast Network at www.dahl.com, , and also found a Wikipedia bio about Mr. Dahl. With so much information on the web, it was a great way to get to know the family before the big day. After all, the experiences of the Dahl family are a popular subject Steve talks about throughout his commentary; he’s commonly known to talk openly about his personal life and family experiences on-air. Enlivening Chicago airwaves since 1978, Steve is considered “a pioneer in talk radio.” Steve Dahl began his career in the Midwest in the 1970s, served as a columnist for the Chicago Tribune, worked for a number of Chicago stations including WLS, and has been “recognized as a highly successful American radio personality and humorist for more than 30 years.” On the wedding day, we enjoyed not only meeting Matt’s dad, but also had a great time photographing the numerous smiles and stories during each of the reception speeches, the endless moments of laughter, and later the dance floor packed shoulder-to-shoulder with guests surrounding the bride and groom!
Beyond being an extra eventful reception, it was also a well-designed day. From the reception décor, to the elegant fashions of each sparkly bridesmaid necklace and earrings, to the individual rhinestones on the bridal bouquet, each jewel was placed by hand for the ultimate in DIY brilliance. We arrived at the country club in time for the beautiful golden afternoon daylight to fill the reception room. The room’s tables were set complete with pretty sparkling and handmade items assembled by the bride and the couple’s mothers. The purple and silver room plus décor was exuded a refreshing spring elegance. The silver and purple theme was displayed throughout the room and even introduced as guests reached for their reception’s silver beaded place cards. While ushered to their tables, guests were greeted by table numbers in flashy frames, each displaying a different picture of the couple’s dog, Walter. Everything about M+J’s modern vintage wedding was totally personalized…right down to the couple’s donation to PAWS Chicago (where they adopted Walter) in lieu of favors. With so many exquisite details we captured in photos throughout the day, many of them coordinated by the family’s wedding planner, Bambi Caicedo Rogers of BCR Events, we could easily feature more favorites for our photography web site’s blog posting. Bambi was great and her expertise allowed the day to flourish without flaw.
Thank you Matt, Justine, and to each of your families in hiring us as your photographer – it was incredible working with you and we enjoyed capturing some amazing photo memories on your beautiful spring wedding day. We hope you enjoy our selection of favorite images above reflecting the passion you have for life, love, and family. Congratulations on your new marriage and all the best to you!
Matt + Justine’s details:
Wedding Theme: Modern Vintage
Ceremony Venue: First Congregational Church of Western Springs
Reception Venue: La Grange Country Club
Prep Location: Residence in Western Springs
Bride’s Lace Dress Designer: Modern Trousseau
Dress Shop: The Bridal Boutique of Naperville Consignment Shop
Bridal Shoes: Ivanka Trump
Bride’s Jewelry / Accessories: Sorrelli
Wedding Bands + Rings: Gregg Helfer
Makeup + Hair: Jennifer Soger of Chicago Spa Parties
Bridesmaids Shoes / Accessories: Homemade
Bridesmaids Dress: Banana Republic
Transportation: Windy City Limos
Caterer: The Country Club
Menu: BLT salad, filet, shrimp, carrots, mashed potatoes
Cake: Toni’s Patisserie of Hinsdale
Cake Topper: Groom and Bride on a motorcycle
Flowers: Shamrock Gardens of Riverside
Invitations: Rachel Coulter
Decor: Our mom’s Janet Dahl, Nancy Higgins
DJ: Paul Jerosimic from Go2Guys
Video: Leap Weddings
Wedding Planner: Bambi Caicedo Rogers of BCR Events
Ceremony Music: Ten Strings Guitar + Violin Duet by Gaudete Brass
First Dance Song: “Take Care’ by Beach House
Honeymoon: Maui
Special DIY projects and notes from Justine about their day:
It was all about finding the sparkle and including our dog Walter. Favors including a donation to PAWS the shelter we got our dog at. Table numbers and cards were bedazzled with jewels and picture frames of Walter. Janet Dahl and I beaded all the bridesmaids jewelry (earrings and bracelets). I even had sparkling rhinestones placed on the flowers of my bouquet. Out of town guests were surprised with gift coolers at hotel created by Janet Dahl. The coolers were gray with 2 love owls with the date of our wedding and stuffed lots of fun snacks, and mini Vodka’s + Tequilas.
Check out Steve Dahl’s current venture, the Steve Dahl Podcast Network at www.dahl.com. Dahl.com is an online network featuring the legend himself and fellow Midwestern and Chicago-area radio personalities. Following in the footsteps of his father, Matt is also creating his own podcasts and a presence within the broadcasting world at www.mattdahl.com. For music and upcoming show schedule for the Pet Lions, visit www.petlions.com.
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Ernie + Sarah = Engaged! Modern Downtown Chicago Engagement Photographer 1 Aug 2012 8:33 PM (12 years ago)
After meeting Ernie + Sarah over a cup of coffee to discuss booking us as their wedding and modern engagement photographers, we decided on a downtown Chicago engagement photography session and an urban styled photo shoot with some rock-n-roll inspired portraits. Modern photos, offbeat locations, and a “rock-n-roll” theme were perfect for these two, due to their extreme musical and lifestyle interests. For starters, this adventurous couple loves motorcycle rides downtown in the summer. Not only does Ernie operate a small, custom vehicle business in his spare time, but he is also the former lead singer and guitarist for the band, Ordinary Outcast. Similar interests, as well as creating music and attending live shows (sometimes with Ernie on-stage), was a huge start for E+S’s relationship.
That’s why shooting engagement photos among the musical details, décor and theme at Chicago’s Hard Rock Hotel made so much sense. While Sarah loves the glitz, glamour and Michigan Avenue location, Ernie admires the modern spaces and musical influence. Even though the couple will host their October wedding day at the venue later this year, Ernie said the downtown hotel is personally a very memorable location for them. It was a place they often stayed during long weekends in the city, and they would love more photos to illustrate these memories. ( Update: The Hard Rock Hotel was purchased by Oxford Hotels & Resorts and renovated into Chicago’s Hotel Julian Chicago, 168 Michigan Avenue, opened in 2018. )
With special permission from the Hard Rock Hotel, we stopped in for a private engagement photo session with the stunning couple. Outfitted in modern, black and white fashion, E+S were a natural fixture among the lobby’s sleek metal and glass structure, luxurious décor, and unique light bulb displays. Once inside the hotel’s in-house lounge, Angels and Kings, they both had fun flirting with the camera among a dramatic layout of velvety couches, vintage chandeliers, and jewel-toned illuminations. Finally, upstairs on the hotel’s small balcony and skyline terrace, we captured a breathtaking collection of intimate photos overlooking Michigan Avenue, sweeping city views, and the pulse of downtown action.
All in all, this downtown Chicago shoot was a perfect fit, and right away we could tell there was every reason this edgy couple fit right in with the hard-styled, rock-profiled venue. As we moved from the cool, contemporary personality of the Hard Rock Hotel on Michigan Avenue, to the vibrant, gritty scene of graffiti murals, and underneath the famous ‘el’ tracks, E+S were in complete harmony at every urban destination. Easy to photograph, Sarah lights up when Ernie is around, and they are simply cute together…totally in love.
But Ernie confesses it wasn’t always this easy for the two to connect. Here’s how he describes their unique “labor of love”:
“Sarah and I first met about six years ago through a mutual friend, but it wasn’t until several years later that we finally got together. The few years prior, we had both been in serious relationships that didn’t allow us to be our happy selves. It wasn’t until I was on stage playing a show with my band on St. Patrick’s Day that we confronted one another about these troubles; we laughed about how we should take our own advice and get out of the relationships that we were in. A few months went by and we kept in touch with one another. We started spending lots of time together and found that we loved being with each other. After only six months of dating, I surprised Sarah by proposing to her while walking along the Chicago River, one of our favorite city spots. I am the happiest I have ever been with anyone, and look forward to spending the rest of my life with her!”
To E+S, it was an honor to get to know you both, and to be your modern Chicago engagement photographer. We look forward to possibly riding together this summer and, of course, shooting your big day this fall at the Hard Rock!
Rock the look:
Makeup by Rochelle at ZaZa Salon in Vernon Hills
Jewelry from Burdeen’s Jewelry in Buffalo Grove
Clothing from: Caché, Akira, Macy’s, H & M
For more about wedding receptions and special events at the Hard Rock Hotel visit the modern downtown hotel venue located on Michigan Avenue or online at www.hardrockhotelchicago.com. In 2018, the renovated hotel is now www.hoteljulianchicago.com. If you love luxury and modern downtown hotels, within walking distance of the Hard Rock are numerous other Chicago venues such as theWit hotel, Trump Hotel or the new Radisson Blu Aqua hotel.
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Joy District Wedding | Chris + Sarah’s Engagement Photography inside the Restaurant & Rooftop Chicago 24 Jul 2012 6:19 AM (12 years ago)
“When Chris + Sarah came into our lives, Chris had not yet proposed (more on that below), but that did not stop these two from officially setting a wedding date, and committing to booking their ceremony + reception venues. Soon after our first meeting together, we were scheduling their engagement photography session’s shoot date. We were joking that Chris better propose soon, so that Sarah could wear her ring for our photos! At that point, likely Sarah was assuming Chris would soon be popping the question, but “when” was still uncertain. Below is Chris’s retelling of the proposal day, which occurred a few weeks later on 10-27-11:
“Sarah and I are both huge Cubs fans, and it was her idea to take a tour of the famous Wrigley Field ballpark. So I invited our friends on the tour, asked them to bring their cameras (so that Sarah wouldn’t suspect anything), and prepared to pop the question. When we got to the field, we stood on the Cubs on-deck circle and I pointed to the scoreboard, which read, “SARAH WILL YOU MARRY ME?” She thought it was a joke at first because we had attended a live Cubs game before where someone proposed, and had the same exact sign lit up. But when I got down on one knee, she started crying, and I proposed to her in front of our friends and the entire tour group. After she said yes, the scoreboard lit up with “SHE SAID YES!” and we were officially engaged.”
When discussing and planning for C + S’s engagement photo shoot, we decided to capture photography at one of Chicago’s hottest restaurants and cocktail wedding reception venues, Joy District Chicago (formerly named EPIC Restaurant in River North. Chris is the resident DJ at EPIC, so he got us VIP access to their swanky lounge and upscale outdoor rooftop.) We can’t thank him enough for arranging the photo shoot at this trendy Clark and Hubbard Street hot restaurant location, where we photographed some romantic scenes combining the sophisticated, industrial-chic décor and the urban couple’s classy, put-together styling.
It was our first time at the downtown Joy District restaurant, so C + S showed us around the new modern venue’s space. We were ecstatic to learn that Joy District Restaurant & Bar offers not only partial or full rental of their restaurant for private events and receptions, but also offers the option for an outdoor rooftop ceremony at Joy District complete with incredible skyline view. We love new modern wedding venue spaces, and secondly love outdoor ceremony locations. We were super impressed, and can’t wait to go to Joy District Restaurant again soon.
The fresh, contemporary design of the spacious Joy District Restaurant’s lounge, anchored by a backlit bar and accented with modern lighting and furniture, was the perfect introduction to fashion-inspired engagement photos within the dramatic, multi-level dining and entertainment space. The eye-catching glass and metal staircase is a primary focal point of the restaurant, and served as one of our favorite spots to capture modern portraits of the newly engaged. Thanks to C + S for preparing some sultry fashions, and allowing us to capture the obvious passion you have for one another.
That passion carried over when we moved the engagement photography at Joy District Restaurant in Chicago upstairs and outside onto the outdoor terrace. The 3,000-square foot rooftop deck, featuring rustic wooden benches and exposed brick walls, was punctuated by sheer flowing curtains for a look straight out of South Beach. The Joy District’s roof is an amazing rooftop space for a Joy District rooftop wedding ceremony, reception, and also this engagement session. With the sounds of the hustling city below, high-rises surrounding us, the late afternoon’s golden sunshine, and the third floor’s vibrant colorful mural’s hues, & cocktail bar, there was no greater inspiration for C + S’s photos, which mirrored a true city cocktail party theme. Judging by the sexy factor in these photos, there is no doubt that C + S felt right at home in this environment.
In between shooting, the couple sipped on two of their favorite cocktails, and graciously treated us to a taste of some of the food from Joy District’s delicious menu. Thank you, C + S, for introducing us to Joy District Restaurant & Bar, and for spending the day with us in the city. We can’t wait to see you guys again for what we know will be an eventful October wedding day. There are going to be more deejays in one location, and at your wedding, than working in town.”
This shoot featured:
Makeup by Sonia Roselli
Lounge and Sky Bar at Joy District Restaurant Chicago
Check out Chris’s DJ company and beats by CAS Music Group and CAS Music Group on Facebook
Chris + Sarah will exchange vows at First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights
Their reception will occur at the Marriott Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center hotel
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Michael + Emily’s Modern Chicago Engagement Photography 1 Jun 2012 9:03 AM (12 years ago)
For some couples, the beauty of a Chicago modern engagement photography session is definitely in the details. In the case of Michael + Emily, this was no exception, and their couture fashion-styled photo shoot was nothing short of detail-oriented. From the gritty landscape underneath the Chicago L to the iron train tracks stacked on urban graffiti, M + E’s engagement session contrasted the couple’s high-fashion wardrobe with less-traveled areas of their hometown. At night, the flirty twosome mirrored the vibrant city skyline in a polished, contemporary photographic style. (Thanks for gathering together some amazing fashions for the shoot, Michael and Emily.) From our first meeting last fall, we were eager to work with these two. We enjoyed their awesome personalities, chemistry for each other, enthusiasm for our photography, and unique wedding day plans. After our engagement session ended, Michael and Emily treated us to a bite to eat (thanks, guys!), where we enjoyed getting to know them better, and talked about their relaxing recent vacation. With so many great photos and the memories of our time around town with our new friends, naturally we just couldn’t wait to share the results of this romantic couple’s shoot as well as the proposal story that made it all possible in the first place. Emily provided these details describing the night Michael proposed:
On the 4th of every month, Michael and I try to do something fun because our anniversary is April 4th. On August 4th, 2011, we made reservations at Dinotto, an amazing Old Town Italian restaurant, and then went to see Sebastian Maniscalco at Zanies Comedy Club right around the corner. When we got back to our place, I was pretty tired and laid down on the couch to watch TV. Michael got up to “go check something outside”, but after 15 minutes he hadn’t returned and I yelled down the hall to see what he was doing. When he didn’t answer, I got worried and walked outside to our back deck. Waiting for me was Michael and the words, “Will you marry me?” spelled out in tea light candles. As soon as I saw this, I began to cry and Michael got down on one knee to propose. Of course, I answered, “Yes!” without hesitation. After making hundreds of phone calls, we realized we had forgotten to blow out all the candles. By the time we remembered, a few had burned holes through our new deck. Now every time we go out there, we’re reminded of that amazing night!
M + E’s modern engagement photography adventure around Chicago included stops near the couple’s Wicker Park home, south of the Chicago Loop, Millennium Park walkway, and nearby Trump Tower. Emily’s coral dress and aquamarine jewelry, both gifts from her parents, lent a more personal feel to the photos showcasing mural graffiti and sophisticated city architecture. True to their tradition, the couple will marry on August 4th, exactly one year after their late summer proposal. Michael + Emily, we had such a great time capturing your engagement portraits and chatting over margaritas at dinner. We can’t wait to all meet again on the wedding day. A huge thanks to M + E for choosing us as your modern engagement photographer and for letting us help you tell your love story.
Get Emily’s looks! Coral Dress: BCBGMAXAZRIA anouck square-neck dress is a nod to the couple’s coral-colored wedding. When Emily was little, her mother loved to buy her pretty girly dresses, and mom saw this one she knew Emily had to have it. Blue jewelry in the ‘Chicago mural’ shots: aquamarine flower earrings and necklace were a gift from Emily’s father, who loves to buy her jewelry any chance he gets.
Emily’s Hair + Makeup provided by: Magen (hair) and Moe (makeup) from The Circle Salon, located on Division in Chicago’s Bucktown Wicker Park neighborhood.
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Daniel + Janice’s Rockefeller Chapel Engagement Photography 13 Apr 2012 2:32 PM (13 years ago)
“When Daniel + Janice contacted us from California about engagement photography in Chicago, they mentioned a few urban settings they like and the Rockefeller Memorial Chapel at the University of Chicago campus. Since architectural photography is one of Daniel’s hobbies, it’s no wonder they had personal interest in capturing photos on the historic university campus and inside once we saw the grandeur of this famous chapel. The Gothic vaulted ceilings and ornate church pews provided a dramatic backdrop for the photogenic couple, and the photos taken by the limestone and ivy-covered exterior walls made for some naturally beautiful, early in the Spring time photo opportunities. This awe-inspiring engagement portrait session and incredible ceremony space gave us a sneak peek so we could gather ideas to use at our upcoming Rockefeller Chapel wedding we’ll be shooting this July.
Aside from Chicago architecture and wanting tons of after dark night skyline photos, engagement photos along railroad tracks were also on Daniel + Janice’s wish list. The abandoned train tracks were a perfect juxtaposition to the magnificence of the chapel, and presented a unique setting for the modern, artistic photos our couples often desire. Speaking of desires, one of D+J’s is waterfronts, and what better way to capture that passion than with night engagement photos at the Chicago Harbor and skyline. Janice’s long evening gown and Daniel’s high-fashion menswear set the tone for sexy, show-stopping and strikingly colorful engagement photos.
Inspired by their love for water, Daniel + Janice have selected a private yacht in Newport Beach, California, to charter their wedding reception on November 3, 2012. The couple are both originally from Fresno, but currently D+J are managing a long-distance relationship (and wedding planning!) while Daniel finishes his residency at a Chicago hospital and Janice pursues a career back in California in Huntington Beach. In the words of Janice, November 3rd is an “all-day event” including a ceremony in Irvine and the Newport Beach yacht cruise on the water reception. Unfortunately, M+M had already booked another couple’s wedding on their date, so we won’t be on board to shoot the big day. Upon meeting and discussing the details more in person, we were super bummed about not being able to be their photographers; we love boating, yachts, and just being on the water. In fact, our dream is to shoot a wedding aboard a private sailboat, boat or yacht, either on a destination or locally at places such as a reception at the Chicago Yacht Club, aboard the famous Anita Dee Yacht on a wedding cruise, or on one of the amazing vessels out of Burnham, Chicago or Wilmette Harbor.
Thanks, Daniel + Janice, for the photo adventures around the city and for inviting us into your lives. We wish you both the very best for your future!”
Inspired by Janice’s glamourous fashions featured in this session? The green dress pictured in the evening photos was an online purchase of Janice’s and the accompanying shoes are from Macy’s. The cream, long-sleeved dress is from Victoria’s Secret. Thanks Janice for bringing along your great fashion sense and sharing your purchasing locations. We still can’t get over the amazing weather and 70 degrees in March day for this session! Janice’s hair styling and make-up provided by Laura Black.
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Sean + Emily’s Palmer House Hotel Wedding 28 Mar 2012 11:15 AM (13 years ago)
We can’t believe Spring is here and how fast the recent months have flown by. It feels like just yesterday when we were outside in the chilly December weather photographing Sean and Emily’s Chicago Winter engagement photography session and now… these two are happily married! Sean + Emily planned an early in March wedding day. It was a formal event, with classic details, style and utter sophistication. A mix of cultures and traditions from both the bride and groom’s families were tied into the day, including an Irish bagpiper during their exiting down the aisle at the ceremony, photos at the father of the Groom’s alma mater the University of Chicago, and later Persian music and gifts at the reception. The lavish Empire Room ballroom hosted the couple’s reception dinner and dancing. The Empire ballroom is located inside one of the most famous of hotels in Chicago The Palmer House Hilton Hotel. When planning the decor and florals for the room, S+E hired a florist located nearby their Hinsdale home where they could work closely with and refine the details of the space. What stunning results and we believe it was exactly what they sought out to achieve, a jaw dropping room and presentation to their guests.
“For the ballroom, we wanted the decor to reflect the beauty in our church and the Palmer House. We saw the hotel and room as regal, with romantic touches, so we spent a lot of time with Sadie Belman our florist at The English Garden Flower Shop creating the centerpieces. We wanted people to gasp when they walked into the Empire Room. We were not looking for something conventional such as flowers low on the table. Because the room is so special, we wanted to add height with a grand, mystical feel.”
Chicago’s Palmer House Hilton hotel offers a number of historically stunning rooms and grand ballroom spaces. Photographically, we found the hotel to have an abundance of amazing photo settings around every corner. ( And great for couple’s who enjoy romantic and magazine style Chicago editorial wedding photography as Sean + Emily love, where we incorporate the room. ) If your searching for a stylish venue with historic and architectural details, the Palmer house is a excellent downtown hotel venue. Sean + Emily choose the hotel’s Empire Room, and the room defines the word luxury and grandeur. With it’s rich tapestries, painted molding and metallic embellishments, a centered in the room stage where historically celebrity performers took that same stage, and balconies on the sides, The Empire Room is one of the most captivating atmospheric settings we have photographed a reception within. Undeniably the most memorable of of element in the ballroom is its gold, ornate ceiling details. The rich elegance of the room, gold and brilliantly gleaming chandeliers offers an unmatched feeling for the bride + groom to feel truly like a celebrity and royalty for the day.
With recent renovations in 2009, the Palmer House has undergone a complete restoration back to the hotel’s architecture from its 1920’s era glamour. Historically the hotel has been re-constructed a few times, from it’s original and first construction dating to 1871. The original building was a casualty of the Great Chicago Fire, rebuilt in the 20’s, and today stands as the second largest hotel and acclaimed the fanciest post-fire in all of the City. It’s a legendary space and the perfect setting which defined Emily + Sean’s classic and formal wedding theme. We decided to not only photograph the couple inside at the hotel before dinner began, but also at the University of Chicago’s Rockefeller Chapel. Another architectural significant building, the Rockefeller’s cathedral with it’s circular drive, Porte Cochere “covered doorway” entrances, and towering limestone and concrete walls presented another amazing setting for incorporating historical architecture and wedding photography together in pictures.
Thank you Emily + Sean in choosing us as your engagement and Chicago wedding photographers. What an amazing day it was, truly a memorable fairytale event. We can’t help but to feel like we’ve become close friends. We enjoyed the entire day, our photo shoot outside at the University, catching smiles as the cold March wind provided the perfect excuse for you two to get closer and warm up, the day’s Irish and Persian elements, and spending the day with you documenting all the celebrating. We hope you, family and friends enjoy seeing the photos. More will be coming soon.
Sean + Emily’s Vendor Details:
Theme: Classic + Formal Wedding
Ceremony: St. Thomas More and Photography at Rockefeller Chapel University of Chicago
Reception: Empire Room at the Palmer House Hilton
Bridal Dress: Badgley Mischka
Bridal Dress Shop: Ultimate Bride, 106 E Oak Street, Chicago
Bridal Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Jewelry: Family Heirlooms
Bands: Custom from Browning and Sons Fine Jewelry, Hinsdale
Engagement Ring: Family Heirloom Reset
Hair: TJ from Zazu Salon, Hinsdale
Make-Up: Morgan Byrnes
Bride’s Veil + Lace Bolero: Custom by Ultimate Bride
Bridesmaid Dresses: Jim Hjelm
Catering + Day of Coordination: Jane S. Himmel of Palmer House Hilton
Dinner Details: Soup: asparagus and green pea; Salad: champagne and saffron poached baby pear, ripe brie cheese, dried cranberries and candied walnuts, with balsamic vinaigrette; Entree: grass fed filet of beef encrusted with blue cheese and a pinot noir reduction-or-phyllo pouch stuffed with sauteed spinach, mushrooms, onions, and sundried tomatoes, with a red pepper reduction
Cake Dessert: Red Velvet, Yellow Cake, Layer with Buttercream and Chocolate Fudge Frosting by Take the Cake
Flowers: The English Garden Flower Shop, Clarendon Hills
Invitations: Sass n Class, Hinsdale
Church Exit: Red Rose Petals + Irish Bagpiper
DJ: James Traut from Big Fish Productions
First Dance: Tu Recuerdo, Chambao
Transportation: White Vintage Rolls Royce from Chicago Trolley Rental
Videography: Keith Jorgenson of Poetic Productions
Favorite Memory: Emily said the entire day was so perfect. But she said Sean had the most perfect of all answers. Simply he said and Emily says “I have to agree seeing him at the church and promising our life together was by far the best memory I have of that day. :)”
Honeymoon: With a love of traveling Sean and Emily are hoping to spend 3 weeks in Switzerland and Italy exploring. Honeymoon plans include starting in Geneva, Switzerland and then driving through the Alps to Milan. On Emily’s “bucket list in life” ( that Emily says Sean has promised her they will complete together ) they plan to attend a horse race ‘the Palio’ in the center square in Sienna, Italy. After leaving Sienna, they plan to drive down the breathtaking Amalfi Coast and end the trip in the Island of Sardinia, and do nothing but swim, sail and drink wine in the Mediterranean.
Check out our recent photo blog photos post of Sean + Emily’s elegant Lake Forest and downtown Chicago engagement photography shoot session.
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Maggie + Dave = Engaged! Chicago Engagement Photographer 20 Mar 2012 2:55 PM (13 years ago)
“Just about anyone would say long distance relationships can be tough. But we were wondering if planning a wedding long distance is even harder? Well Maggie + Dave have experience in both! The couple met while on vacation and traveling out of the country. At that time, Maggie lived in Illinois and Dave in Minnesota, but the distances between them didn’t stop them from writing a few letters and texting notes to each other after the trip ended. After all Dave knew he’d be traveling to Chicago once in awhile for his job and perhaps he’d be able to stop by and see Maggie again. Then on one unplanned weekend day, an unexpected text turned into the day they would reunite. Here’s Maggie’s details of that story:
“Dave and I’s story began in Acapulco, Mexico, during college Spring Break. We knew we had a connection the minute we saw each other, but there was little we could do about it because I lived in Chicago and he lived in Minneapolis, so we decided to stay “pen pals” after the trip. A year later, Dave came to Chicago with some friends and randomly gave me a call to say hi. As it turned out, he was at the bar LITERALLY right next to where I was with my friends. We met up for a drink and then pretty much immediatly decided to give this long distance thing a shot. This quickly turned into one of us getting on a plane almost every weekend to see the other. In fact, we even had a few “date nights” where Dave flew to Chicago on a weeknight after work, and took a 6AM flight so he was back at work in MN the next morning. Luckily it’s only a 50 minute flight! I paid him back by finally moving to MN after two and a half years of the flying back and forth!” Thanks for sharing this story Maggie. And thank you also in you both taking that same 50 min flight home after this photo session.
Dave + Maggie were a fun couple to photograph, we had a great time downtown with them. Instantly we felt like we were hanging out with two of our best friends. To those who already know Dave, you likely already know he’s a pretty hilarious guy. He definitely has a humorous side to his personality and additionally he’s absolutely in love with his stunning fiancé Maggie. Maggie’s incredibly smart, sweet, and as you can see a gorgeous blonde beauty. As a couple together, there’s a lot of chemistry and they are a perfect match for each other. While out on the couple’s downtown Chicago engagement photography session, we were all laughing nearly the entire day. Especially because of Dave’s welcoming and inviting sense of humor ( and at one point he even started dancing an Irish jig. ) Thanks Dave in keeping us the photographers laughing, and in keeping Maggie also smiling.
These two booked us as their wedding and engagement photographers from out of state and from Minnesota. So before this engagement session, we actually never spoke nor met in person. :) We corresponded prior to each other all via email. So when brainstorming the couple’s fashions and engagement photography stops for the day, we emailed about a few ideas. As soon as Maggie mentioned her and Dave would be staying downtown at one of their regular and favorite choices in city hotels, we decided why not plan for some time to shoot inside at that hotel? The venue fit the couple’s preferred look for a unique and modern photo backdrop. We loved inside the drama and pink uplighting adding to a fashion and edgy style. And in D+M flying in, having only the one single day in town, we in turn needed regardless of warm and dry weather a place to capture the photos. The hotel was a perfect solution. With some decent weather, we were luckily able to shoot outside of the hotel photographing in a few of our favorite outdoor spots, capturing engagement photography under the Chicago L train tracks, along the lake shore where the Lake Michigan water was so still and beautiful, and in front of the night skyline last. We always love mixing in of a number of photographic styles, some fashion inspired, some artistic, and some urban and dramatic. Thanks Maggie + Dave in being so open to all of our photo ideas. Looking forward to your September wedding! We know it’s going to be a fabulous celebration. Can’t wait to see you two again, in the gown and tux this time.”
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Jimmy + Athena’s Engagement Photography Session 8 Mar 2012 9:16 AM (13 years ago)
“Athena loves pink and the plans for her and Jimmy’s wedding day is to incorporate a few pink details. For J+A’s engagement session, I was in love with her pink pumps! Well… we were basically a fan with all their purchased fashionable pieces they wore. ( Thanks Athena + Jimmy in putting together such great looks for your session. ) We loved the two’s fashion sense and the gorgeousness they brought to the photo shoot. Jimmy arrived prepped for the pictures and was looking stylish in his indigo tie and rocking few of his favorite pairs of sneakers. We learned another early wedding day detail, not only are we to expect pink, but Jimmy will be wearing one of his favorite pairs of shoes along with his suit. He admitted he has a sincere love for shoes.
The weather unfortunately wasn’t being very cooperative for photography. Although, luckily we had already planned for a unique indoor location which Jimmy had provided us special access to. ( Jimmy works for a leading catering and restaurant company in the city. ) So having a warm and dry location previously arranged, helped us in proceeding with the engagement photo session as planned. But when the time came to shoot outdoors, we hid the best we could from some amazing wind gusts and even away from a few light rain sprinkles. Later however, there was no way of shielding ourselves from the blustering “windy” city when it came time to capture the skyline photo. It was bitterly cold!! J+A were so determined to fight the wind and below freezing cold temps, all to capture the perfect shot. ( The skyline was their must have for their save the date announcement. So that factor, provided them with some real determination. ) The water’s river edge and skyline was a favorite location of Jimmy + Athena’s because their Chicago River’s waterfront wedding is set to take place near this exact spot. Dinner, dancing and festivities will take place along the water and at Fulton’s on the River. Jimmy works in the restaurant industry, so naturally we’re excepting some spectacular food. Beyond a great food selection, we’re also in love with the Fulton’s location as their venue choice. It offers a outdoor terrace, the Chicago river venue location, a and contemporary inside cement and glass modern room. Paired with amazing food, all this make for fantastic choice in a downtown wedding restaurant reception venue. On the night Jimmy proposed, he also hand selected a perfect and one of the most romantic spots in Chicago of locations to propose. Here’s Athena’s memories from that day.
“It was a cold Saturday in March and Jimmy had just returned from Omaha, Nebraska, where he had spent over a month opening up a new restaurant. It had been rough being away from each other for so long and he promised me that we would go out for a nice dinner when he got back. He even told me to get all dolled up! He didn’t tell me where we were going though, but I figured it was one of our favorite spots and considering he always loves surprising me I didn’t think anything of it. We arrived at Vivo , a small, cozy rustic Italian restaurant located in the Randolph Street restaurant district. When we arrived, the restaurant was absolutely packed, and as the hostess walked us to our table I couldn’t see an open table in sight that she would be able to seat us at. As we approached the back of the dining room, she directed us to walk up a narrow spiral staircase that I had never noticed being there before. As we approached the top, we arrived to a table that was hidden in a room behind a thick set of velvet curtains. This was the famous hidden Table 70 perched inside an old elevator shaft. It has been the secret table amongst the likes of Oprah, Michael Jordan, Bruce Springsteen, U2 and the Grateful Dead, it’s absolutely impossible to get a reservation for! We were seated at this secret table overlooking the whole dining room 20 feet in the air. The view was stunning. Awaiting us was a beautiful arrangement of flowers that had been delivered to the table with all my favorites, orchids, roses, hydrangea, it was gorgeous! Knowing that I am champagne fanatic, Jimmy ordered a bottle of my favorite Ruinart, Brut Vintage Rosé. It was delicious! We chatted the evening away, about how we have both changed each other’s lives and how we couldn’t possibly imagine life without each other. Jimmy talked about the future and how much he loved me more than anything in the world, and how he couldn’t believe that he had found his soul mate. Our secret elevator shaft had two thick velvet curtains adorning it and Jimmy stood up and shut the curtains leaving us in total silence away from the dining room below. As he stood up, he looked down at me and told me that I was the most beautiful person in the world and that he wanted to spend the rest of his life loving me. He then motioned for me to get up and give him a kiss… as I did, he dropped down to his left knee and held out a box with a stunning diamond ring… The surprises weren’t done for the evening though… uncharacteristically, Jimmy didn’t order dessert which I thought was strange considering I LOVE everything chocolate. He said we could go for coffee and sweets somewhere else to spice things up. We arrived in Greek Town to one of our favorite coffee shops, Artopolis – where Jimmy had secretly invited our family and friends to come and share in our happiness. I was in heaven, I couldn’t of asked for anything more – it was PERFECT!”
The Table 70 and private room at Vivo sounds and looks breathtaking. What an amazing story, thanks for sharing! We can’t wait to be a part of your wedding day story. Look forward to seeing you both again in a few months for the big day. Hope you enjoy our favorites we included in this engagement photography blog post. Talk to you soon.”
We loved J+A’s fashion style. Athena’s outfits were purchased at Akira Chicago, Bebe and Neiman Marcus Her shoes were all purchased from Nordstrom. Jimmy’s outfits and his sneakers ( which Athena says he owns too many to remember ) were purchased at Nordstrom as well. Athena’s make-up completed at the MAC store in Oak Brook. Although Athena says she has a hair stylist she goes to religiously, she styled her own hair for this session.
Looking for a romantic location to propose? This venue is a former fruit market and is located in the Randolph Street restaurant district in Chicago’s West Loop. Check out Vivo. The restaurant also offers a unique space for ceremonies and wedding receptions. To view a photo of the most romantic restaurant table for a proposal and read about the infamous Table 70, check out this article published by Michigan Ave Magazine.
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Tim + Morgan’s Editorial Style Engagement Photography 28 Feb 2012 8:40 AM (13 years ago)
“Introducing Tim + Morgan. We enjoyed working with these two. Over a cup of coffee during and our first meeting, we were only able to meet with Morgan. Tim was traveling out of town for work. So during the couple’s engagement session in Chicago, this was our first time meeting Tim. It’s always fun to see a second half of a relationship and how cute a couple is once the two of them are together. Tim makes for a perfect match to Morgan! Instantly identifiable is Morgan’s stunning beauty, her intelligence and warm personality… and for Tim, he is an identical match to those same traits. During the photo shoot, we stopped for a quick bite and chatted over a beer, guacamole and lunch in the West Loop during a late lunch break. T+M we’re telling us of their interesting “first time meeting” story. It’s one we had to share with the readers on our blog. On a night out, Morgan saw past the fact that Tim was dressed with a much less of fashionable efforts, and the opposite than he was dressed in these photos on our engagement session and his stylish of clothing selection. Little did Morgan know, Tim’s less than stellar outfit was actually a planned set of clothing after all… Tim is a very cunning kind of guy. Read on below for the funny story below.
“Tim and Morgan met unexpectedly at Stanley’s, a dive bar in Chicago, on September 26, 2009. At approximately midnight, Morgan told her best friend that she was going to leave and head home. Her best friend wanted her to stay so she pushed Morgan hard from behind and said “Talk to him, he is cute.” Morgan went flying into Tim. After Morgan apologized for her friend’s behavior, both Tim and Morgan laughed and sat down together. They were definitely an unlikely match, as Morgan was dressed up from her high school reunion (at a dive bar) and Tim was wearing the worst outfit imaginable… Ripped jeans, skateboarding shoes, a red flannel shirt, red puffy vest and a trucker hat (Hello 1990). Despite the terrible outfit, Morgan was drawn to his funny personality and accepted his invitation for dinner. The next week, Morgan and Tim met for dinner and low and behold, there Tim was, wearing the same outfit as the night they met! Morgan tried to tell herself that he must have forgotten what he wore just a few days before and accepted a second date. The second date was like déjà vu, Tim showing up again in the same outfit. Morgan was wondering at this point whether this great guy had any other clothes. The third date came and when Tim showed up in the same outfit, but a variation of green, she couldn’t hold it in any longer. She bluntly asked him, “Do you not have any other clothes? Why do you keep wearing the same outfit?” Tim responded simply, “I thought you may be stuck up and I was just testing you.” The rest was basically history and those clothes have never made an appearance since! Tim asked Morgan to marry him less than a year and a half later.” Thanks for sharing this story. LOL
Although our shooting day was predicting rain, we received the opposite and even amazing light and sun. Luckily we were able to complete all our stops including our arranged outdoor terrace rooftop photo shoot location, as well as shooting in the indoor luxury and stylish bar, around in the city’s loft warehouse district, and lastly the skyline at night. Incorporating an editorial style engagement photography look to the session was perfect for these two. After talking about the couple living downtown in the River North neighborhood, how they met, and their plans for a downtown Summer wedding, some sophisticated, luxurious and Chicago-esque would be perfect. The wedding day of plans and vibe are for a festive party style reception with live music and entertainment. Morgan’s career allows her to attend a number of parties from small soiree to grand galas around the City regularly. So she mentioned she is excited to coordinate her own personal event bringing everyone her and Tim know altogether. Morgan has hired one of our favorite wedding vendors Anthony and his event planning company Liven It Up to help out with the festivities. Looking forward to the day wedding. Hope you both enjoy the engagement photos Morgan and Tim. Thank you in treating us to lunch; we enjoyed getting to know the two of you more. Talk to you soon.”
Tim + Morgan have planned for an evening ceremony + reception to take place in June in Chicago at Navy Pier inside the Crystal Gardens Ballroom. Morgan’s make up for this session was provided by M for Makeup and hair by Frankie at Solo Salon. Fashion details: Morgan gathered together a few already purchased and in her closet fashionable items. Her suede peep toe emerald green pumps were a new purchase from Go Jane. Tim’s clothing for the session was from Nordstrom department store.
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Mike + Jane Are Engaged! South Loop Engagement Photography 15 Feb 2012 3:17 PM (13 years ago)
“Both Mike + Jane live in the City of Chicago. Mike lives in the Bucktown Wicker Park area and Jane in the South Loop. After a bit of peeking around on Facebook by Mike, mutual friends introduced these two to each other, and their first meeting face-to-face was at a get together at Mike’s condo. Little did Jane know, Mike had already been asking his friends about her. After that first night of meeting, this lead to a friend request, followed by months of dating, and eventually… falling in love. When we first met with these two at our studio, we soon noticed Jane has one of the most beautiful of smiles. Even more noticeable during their Chicago engagement session, she was smiling often and especially because Mike’s the type of guy who is always making her laugh. Together, they are a perfect match with an abundance of chemistry. Jane repeatedly mentioned how much of an awkward couple they are in photos, but we couldn’t tell and didn’t see that whatsoever. : ) Both Mike + Jane were very comfortable around each other, they were excited about our locations, enjoyed our untraditional fashion shooting style, modern photo ideas, and capturing their love in photography was very easy. A number of Mike + Jane’s dinner dates often take place downtown Chicago. They enjoy the urban excitement of the Loop, Riverwalk and Michigan Avenue areas; plus it’s an ideal in-between meeting spot between their two homes. On the night of Mike proposal, during that date they were in the Magnificent Mile section of the city…
“It was Friday, June 17, 2011 when Mike spontaneously decided to take the day off work so we could hang out. Our usual day dates occur downtown, so no red flags went up when he suggested walking down Michigan Avenue and having dinner there. We walked by the same bridge on Michigan Ave where we watched the fireworks on our 1st date (flag #1), and then Mike started talking about how great it’s been getting to know each other. It was around the bridge, and right before dinner, that Mike complained of a cramp in his foot (flag #2) and stalled while making our way to the restaurant. He said he just needed to rest for a while and, again, brought up our 3 year relationship. Then abruptly, his phone rang. He decided his foot was better and said we should get to dinner (Later he revealed he was actually going to propose at the bridge, but chickened out.) We ate dinner at Lawry’s Prime Rib – we always enjoy their food, especially the creamed corn and dessert. Dinner turned out being as similar to our normal ordinary dinner dates. Afterwards, we couldn’t decide what to do with the rest of our night. I suggested listening to a live band and a little dancing, he came up with no good options. We finally decided to head back to his place and decide there. While at his condo, we were talking about how it’s always great to spend random weekdays together, how great dinner was, and then Mike mentioned having a gift for me (flag #3). Playing 20 Questions is a pastime of ours, so I tried to guess… chocolate, stuffed bear, any type of food. I was grasping at guessing nearly anything I could think of. Since I was nowhere close and running out of chances, he held up his hand and, sitting on his finger was a ring (flag #4)! He placed it on my finger, mumbling about something or other (on any other day he has no problems in speech), and thought it best if he got down on his knee to ask the inevitable question. After all was said and done, he told me we had a party to get to! Apparently he arranged a get together with some of our close friends and family to celebrate. Alas, we did not get to see a live band that night. But it was a great time, nonetheless.”
Thanks so much Mike + Jane in sharing your personal memories and moments from the proposal day. We loved spending the day with you, were glad to have been so lucky with such beautiful late Fall weather, and able to capture a few colorful fall tree leaves + ivy changing in color. While near the aquarium and planetarium, it what an amazing sight seeing how surreal + still the Lake Michigan harbor water can be. We are looking forward to being your photographers on the wedding day, meeting your friends and family, and excited to see what props and added fun you’ll be bring along for our Miller + Miller Rock the Drop… our reception photo booth and backdrop. ( Always an awesome addition to liven up the reception events. ) Enjoy the e-session photos, the rest of your planning, and the difficult task in narrowing down which of these are your favorites… ”
Mike + Jane have planned all of their events including dinner, dancing, their reception and outdoor ceremony ( weather permitting ) to take place in early May. Jane’s make up for this session was provided by Soak Spa in Bucktown. Jane’s fashion and clothing details include: pink dress and jeans Abercrombie & Fitch, wedge sandals Franco Sarto, oatmeal top Forever21, heels Steve Madden, and bone white + purple dress from BCBG,
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Jamison + Jamie’s Lakefront Engagement Photography Session 6 Feb 2012 1:39 PM (13 years ago)
Jamison + Jamie’s engagement session was inspired by the couple’s love of the city, boating, the water, and Jamison’s proposal to Jamie which was on the beach. The proposal occurred with their toes in the sand, at the bride’s family lake house in Michigan. We considered an on-location engagement session and us meeting the couple in Michigan. But later we decided, because of the timing of the late in the fall session and the season not being quite right for boating, to alternately chose to capture photos downtown.
On the wedding day, a number of guests will be traveling into Chicago from Indiana. So, we decided on locations and photos in the city’s Gold Coast neighborhood. Jamie grew up in the Chicago Western suburb of Wheaton and Jamison is from Carmel near Indianapolis. The two met while attending Purdue University and during Jamison’s final year of school. After graduation, sadly Jamison was offered a job moving him to Ohio and therefore he had to move away from Jamie. After a few months and another job offer later, fate and determination brought the couple back together again in Indianapolis. Next Jamison planned his proposal to Jamie. That proposal took place last Summer and Jamie said nearly her entire family who were all visiting for a reunion were able to watch as it all happened from afar.
“In July, Jamison and I traveled to my parents’ lake house in Michigan. I went a few days earlier in the week to spend additional time with my aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandmother, and on Friday Jamison arrived to spend the rest of the weekend with everyone. On Saturday, we spent the day swimming, hanging out on the beach, and cruising around on the jet-ski. Before dinner, my grandma insisted on taking the family on a pontoon boat ride. I found it odd that Jamison decided to stay back and help clean with my dad and uncle. Little did I know, Jamison was in the process of asking my dad for his blessing while I was on the boat. Later that evening and after dinner, I was about to eat a piece of cake when Jamison asked if I would help him train our Labrador Retriever, Jaxon. I agreed to help as the sun was beginning to set. We went down to the lake (piece of cake still in-hand) and Jamison threw a dummy into the water for Jax to retrieve. Jamison then had Jax bring it back to me, so I could throw it for a second time. As I set my piece of cake down on the beach chair and took the dummy from Jax I noticed there was something written in black marker. I read the dummy, and in big bold letters it said, “WILL U B MY MOMMY 4-EVER?” I was confused, shocked, and excited all at the same time! I turned around to find Jamison on one knee. He then proposed while the rest of my family was watching from the deck. I immediately started crying and hugging him. When I finally composed myself, he put the ring on my finger and we turned around to find everyone cheering ( including the neighbors who unexpectedly witnessed the entire proposal from their beach. ) We were extremely fortunate to have my brother and his girlfriend capture the entire moment on camera. It was the perfect beginning to our vacation and a wonderful ending to my family reunion!”
Congrats Jamie and Jamison. Can’t tell you both enough how much we enjoyed spending the day with you. It was great getting to know you two, meeting you both finaly for the first time, talking about boating, wakeboarding, the wedding, and thanks for letting us capture the love between the two of you. You two have so much chemistry… thanks for making our jobs so simple! Hope you enjoy our favorites from the shoot.
Jamie provided the details of her clothing selections and nautical styled fashions. Her black dress with gold button embellishments was from Bebe and the second red and black outfit was from White House Black Market ( red heels from Charlotte Russe. )
Jamison and Jamie’s ceremony will take place in July at Saint James Chapel ( Archbishop Quigley Center ) in Chicago, Illinois. Located at the corner of Rush and Pearson Streets in downtown Chicago, St. James Chapel is steps from the “Magnificent Mile” and The InterContinental Hotel where the couple’s reception will be taking place. J+J say they fell in love with the chapel from the minute they walked inside. Quigley’s Saint James Chapel is a replica of Paris’ Sainte-Chapell and was completed in 1919. Its French Gothic Revival design, arched windows and soaring vertical buttresses, and exterior walls surrounded and guarded by statues of saints, has described the church as “a hidden jewel” in the midst of a bustling commercial and residential neighborhood on Chicago’s Gold Coast.
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Matt + Andria’s Engagement Photos 13 Jan 2012 5:55 PM (13 years ago)
“Above are a few of our favorites from our beautiful day outside capturing engagement photos with Matt + Andria. When discussing plans for this couple’s photo session, we decided on an awesome abandoned barn setting which had some amazing daylight seeping through the falling down, old plank wooden walls. And ultimately, we decided to focus on mostly outdoor in nature settings. Andria mentioned that they aren’t necessarily “city” people ( where as the only exception they would head downtown is for a sports game ( where Matt would be rooting for the Sox and Andria alternately the Cubs ). She mentioned alternately “we are more small town people.” As a couple, Matt and Andria said they enjoy attending ballgames and spending time outdoors, riding their bikes and going for walks. Andria, although she now resides in the Chicago West suburbs, she mentioned how her and Matt are still “small town people”. These two grew up in North Central Illinois in the towns of Rock Falls and Dixon which are about 10 miles apart from each other. On the wedding day, we will be heading with them back home, to the small town of Deer Grove, to document their wedding day.
Often when we talk with many couple’s, they say with so many emotions overcoming each other during the moments of the proposal, it becomes difficult to remember exactly who said what and the exact sequences of the big proposal. On the day Matt proposed, Andria said after Matt presented to her the ring, she was so excited, she was left literally speechless. Matt proposed to Andria while in the Caribbean…
“In September 2010, Matt and I traveled to St Thomas for a long weekend getaway. Upon arrival, we decided to take a walk along the beach as sunset was near. Matt appeared to be awfully quiet on our walk, and we eventually came across a few chairs, so we sat down to take in the sunset and fresh ocean breeze. We sat talking for a while, when Matt leaned over to open his backpack and out came our scrapbook ( 6 months earlier Matt had made a scrapbook of pictures and ticket stubs from all the sporting events we attended along with creative rhymes referencing memorable moments from each event. ) I was so excited, I quickly began flipping through the pages to see all the new pictures, and sweet commentary he wrote recalling each event. Then, as I turned to the last page, I began to read the sweetest note describing our love and our future. Suddenly, I was nervous and forgot how to read. I looked up and there it was the most amazing ring! Matt was so anxious that he pulled out the ring before I could read the final sentence in the book, which stated, “I promise to love you for the rest of my life, will do you do me the honor and be my wife?” We sat there looking at each other and looking at the ring for what felt like an eternity; both of us kept waiting for the other to say something. Matt was waiting to hear “Yes” and I was waiting for him to ask ( remember, I stopped reading the second I saw the ring and never saw the final sentence in the book. ) Finally, Matt asked me to be his wife and of course I said YES!!! It was the perfect start to our St Thomas trip and the perfect way to begin the next chapter in our lives together.”
The couple met in 2009 at wedding of Matt’s cousin and Andria’s childhood friend. While at the wedding, Matt’s other cousin Dave (the groom’s brother) and his friends (including Andria’s best friend) were scheming to get the two of them together. Late during the reception, Dave confronted Matt about a gorgeous girl on the dance floor he just had to meet. Matt’s says his inability to dance well and a newly poured drink of his choice lead him to decline Dave’s invitation to meet Andria on the dance floor… and this was without even witnessing to whom Dave was referring to. In insisting he must meet her and Matt stubbornly refusing, instead insisting that his “drink was too good too pass up”, Dave next picks up his drink and proceeds to drink the entire glass. And afterwards Dave then proclaimed “Now what is your excuse?”. Having run out of excuses, Matt then mades his way to the dance floor and towards Andria… the woman with whom he would fall in love with. It was at that time that Matt says he realized “he was an idiot for not going out there initially because he definitely needed to go meet this gorgeous girl.” After having successfully dancing together for a song, another man at the wedding decided that Andria’s good looks and dancing ability was too good to pass up as well and proceeded to cut in. Being a gentleman, Matt proceeded to let him dance with Andria and then went back to his table. After that one song Andria, made her way over to Matt’s table, pointed at him and told him to get back on the dance floor with her. At that point, Matt knew he had just met someone special. Living a few hours apart from each other, it took some time before they had their first date. Andria, a life-long Chicago Cubs fan, decided to surprise Matt, a life-long Chicago White Sox fan, with tickets to that night’s Chicago White Sox game for that first date. After a White Sox win and some great conversation, Matt knew he had just been on a date with the woman of his dreams. After a few years of dating and a few baseball games later, Matt says “I can’t believe that first night he almost let his future wife slip out of his hands because of a jack and coke and a fear of dancing. Thankfully, Andria came back to the table.”
Matt + Andria thank you to you both in sharing your love stories and the details of your relationship with us. We enjoyed spending the day with you exploring the vintage barn, spending time around town, and walking around the forest preserve. Looking forward to seeing you both again in a few months at the wedding. Congrats!”
Matt + Andria are planning for an outdoor wedding ceremony in Deer Grove Illinois at Deer Valley Golf Club. Dinner, dancing and the couple’s reception will also take place at the golf club.
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Ryan + Dionna’s Chicago Engagement Photographs 9 Jan 2012 2:02 PM (13 years ago)
“Trying to set a date for this session was a tad bit tricky with all the wet weather and especially excessive winds we received during the Fall months. But upon some patience, we found a better day to shoot, and thankfully some warm sun which was a bonus. When discussing Ryan + Dionna’s personalities, they mentioned they were in love with our more urban styled photos in off-beat locations. Dionna mentioned she was up for a railroad location, possibly some colorful graffiti, and would be open to any other unique and new Chicago spots we had in mind. Well, Chicago does have a few great graffiti spots! This location we photographed R+D at was a new shooting spot for us; and with it being nearby their home we decided to check it out. The colors were amazing and we were excited about our find when we arrived. The ivy growing on the wall in front of the graffiti was also an unexpected and awesome added element.
While out and about around the City getting to know Dionna and Ryan a little more, we talked about the wedding day and their mentioned longer than expected search for a venue. R+D researched many hotels downtown looking at primarily hotels extending along Michigan Avenue from the South Loop to Water Tower Place. They mentioned, however that they really wanted to choose a hotel located on the River, as the river area is one of their favorite sections of all the City. They choose the Chicago Westin River North Hotel and they said they loved the terrace option which overlooks the blu water and the nearby Chicago River Bridges on Clark, Lasalle Street and Dearborn St. The hotel’s setting also offers some of the best views of the Loop’s high-rises and nearby urban architecture. The River North area also is where some of Ryan’s family lives, as well as many memories of D+R’s years dating. One event includes the couple’s engagement day. Here’s more details from their big proposal day:
“Something we wouldn’t typically do, Ryan and I decided to take the day off for my birthday. I woke up that morning to my birthday present sitting on the counter and Ryan making breakfast. I opened my gift, which was a watch that I had been asking for; I was super excited! We then did some walking around the Merchandise Mart to get some ideas for our new place and ended up at Bull and Bear, having more drinks than lunch! :-) We went back home to get ready for dinner, as Ryan had a reservation for us at Smith & Wollensky, one of our favorite places. After dinner, we came back home and Ryan told me he had another gift for me! I walked into the office and he handed me an envelope, which was the most thoughtful and heartfelt letter! When I was done reading it, he was down on one knee and asked me to marry him! I was so surprised and excited! It was perfect!”
Thanks Ryan + Dionna in spending the afternoon around town with us. Look forward to hearing which image is your favorites and sharing the wedding day with you both next Fall. Enjoy!”
The Westin Chicago River North is the venue hosting the couple’s October 2012 ceremony and reception. The downtown Westin is located on Dearborn Street situated on the Riverwalk providing Chicago River views.
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Jonathan + Vera’s Engagement Photo Session 6 Jan 2012 5:15 PM (13 years ago)
Jonathan + Vera are getting married in a few months… their ceremony and reception are set to take place this Summer at the Museum of Science and Industry. Their venue selection is perfect for their personalities. As both J+V work within the science and medical fields. Jon and Vera mentioned they are looking forward to their guest’s enjoying the museum’s exhibits which will be on display nearby the ballroom. And for some of their portraits, we are going to have the opportunity to shoot in some of those spaces too, which is awesome. But back to the day we photographed their engagement session… we started out the shoot first picking them up from their home. Upon arriving, we were anxiously greeted by a cute English bulldog, who is the couple’s pet dog named Boba Fett. : ) And while driving to one of the couple’s special location requests, a nearby Japanese garden, Vera was telling us how Boba was actually the only one there to witness Jonathan’s proposal to her. The proposal happened at the couple’s home in the kitchen. Vera said “he got down on one knee and said some stuff that I don’t remember. I just remember agreeing! The dog sat still for the entire thing until I agreed. Then he walked away. I’m not sure if the dog was really aware of what was happening.” The couple met 5 years ago while in college. It wasn’t until the very last day of school that things started to get more serious. Their last day of school was the start of their lifetime together! Here’s a little more from Vera about that day:
“It wasn’t until the very last day of the semester, like the last day of finals, did anything really happen. I had gone out with my girls to celebrate and later in the evening, he met up with us. That night, I had THE perfect kiss of my entire life. We both agree that it was the absolute best and perfect kiss either of us have ever had. I certainly wasn’t expecting anything to happen between us so that was a nice surprise. The next night, he called me and from that night on, there was never a time when he didn’t call to say good night. : ) Well except now because we live together.”
Jonathan + Vera we can’t wait to document one more memorable kiss, and the many kisses you’ll have on your wedding day. The outdoor ceremony taking place at the Museum of Science and Industry on the South portico of the Chicago architectural landmark is definitely going to be one of the best places to exchange the first we are married kiss. The location alone is one of the best spots to be married outdoors in all of the City – being amidst a combination of famous architecture, trees and a sparkling waterway lagoon, it will be a romantic setting. And afterwards, surely your celebration indoors within the rotunda room at the Museum will also be equally amazing. Hope you both enjoy the remaining months of your engagement.”
Vera’s make-up for this session was provided by Sonia Roselli. Vera admitted she did a little shopping for our urban in Chicago engagement photos shoot together. She wanted looked stunning for their photos around Chicago, under the Chicago L tracks, and engagement photos in the evening in-front of the Chicago skyline at night after dark. Vera purchased a plum one shoulder dress from ASOS by French Connection Dreaming found online. The black dress was purchased from another favorite spot she enjoys shopping at AKIRA in Bucktown Wicker Park Chicago.
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A Classic + Elegant Blackstone Hotel Wedding 7 Dec 2011 12:34 PM (13 years ago)
View more Miller + Miller’s photos and details from Mark and Vanessa’s wedding published in CS Brides Magazine 2012 Summer issue, page 176. Or read online M+V’s “Cycle of Romance” love story at: http://www.modernluxury.com/brides-chicago/story/cycle-of-romance
This was our second visit and wedding at The Blackstone Hotel this Summer, and we absolutely could not wait to shoot there again. Although the two event dates were set only a few months apart, we often find because every couple plans their ceremony + reception uniquely adding in their individualized style, even if the two events are in the same ballroom and season, the results are always such different photographs. Tons of personalized style was the case for Mark + Vanessa’s day. M+V put together one of the best days with a set of amazing Chicago vendors. With plenty of online research, adding in a number of DIY items, along with ideas from Tara Moser of LOLA Event Productions, the day seamlessly unveiled Vanessa’s dream wedding day. The groom is English, and the bride a southern girl. The couple incorporated ties to those upbringings, paired with a classic Chicago ambiance and good old fashion Southern wedding charm.
There were so many additional things we loved about M+V’s day. The smaller intimate gathering of guests ( with many attendees traveling from a number of miles away including family & Mark’s parents who reside in England and Vanessa’s family residing in the the Southern states. ) We also loved all the paper items including the weekend’s guests welcome box, watercolor maps, invitations and printed information which was provided to guests outlining the downtown area and the perks of the Michigan Avenue hotel. When deciding on a venue, M+V decided upon the Blackstone which they say offered: amazing food prepared by the amazing Chef Eric from Mercat a la Planxa, and the perfect, hands down favorite of both the Groom + Bride for venue ambiance both being fans of history and architecture. Vanessa made a stunning bride, radiantly glowing ( a special thanks to the beauty talents of Erin + Kristen ) and all complete in her beautiful Lazaro couture gown. Later during dinner, Vanessa tied back her curled tendrils and accessorized her dress adding a sheer black bow accent. Both the ceremony and reception incorporated anything from the ordinary activities including the Jewish wedding celebratory hora dance with the couple on chairs over the dance floor guests, the hilarious entrances on surprised motorized carts, a competition pingpong table, and games for the children guests. The behind the scenes and pre-day efforts Vanessa brought along were personally constructed or designed by herself ( which we enjoyed photographing so well that we added in more than we usually post of detail photos within this blog post. ) She created the CHICAGO save-the-dates, ceremony hard bound “love story” book programs, the welcome gable boxes and welcome information, the escort cards, dinner place cards, menus, kid’s activity packs, and initials photo props – everything was just exquisite. And the esthetic of the “southern charm” decorated reception room WOW it was breathtaking. Decor included flickering candles, candelabras, an amazing array of fresh flowers, peonies, and perfectly shaped peaches on each place setting. Vanessa’s selected florist Cornelia McNamara did an impeccable job with the flowers. The room was inviting + warm, and matching nearly identical to Vanessa + Mark’s also warm + inviting personalities.
It was wonderful getting to know your kind and fun friends and families Mark + Vanessa! Thank you so much for allowing us to be a part of your wonderful day. We enjoyed being with you for nearly the entire day, documenting the celebration taking place inside the classically elegant ballroom, seeing the two of you in wedded bliss, and all dressed up, looking so glamorous. As you can see, in this blog post… we had SOOO many top favorite photos from your day… and many more photos will be ready for your viewing also soon. Enjoy + Congrats.
Vanessa + Mark’s Bridal Details:
Wedding Theme: Classic Elegance Colors: Grey, Peach + Antique White
Planner: Tara Moser from LOLA Event Productions
Bride’s Prep-Room: The Presidential Suite Smoke Filled Room
Bridal Dress Designer: Lazaro
Dress Shop: Volle’s Bridal & Boutique
Bridal Shoes: Christian Louboutin, Nordstrom
Hair: Erin Graham, 312.560.7890, skinpact {at} gmail.com
Makeup: Artistry by Kristen Repta of www.rachelreiman.com or Artists by Timothy Priano / Stewart Talent Agency, www.kristenrepta.com
Bridesmaids Dress: Jenny Yoo
Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse
Officiant: Reverend Jim Rehnberg
String Quartet: Parkwest Strings
Flowers: Cornelia McNamara Flowers
Invitations: Betsy White Stationery Boutique
Map + Guest Signing Scroll: Hand Lettered Calligraphy + Watercolor Illustration by Elizabeth Danae Elizabeth Danae on Etsy
DIY and various paper products by Vanessa the bride
Caterer: Mercat a la Planxa inside the Blackstone
Cake: Take the Cake
DJs: Kate Bilinski and Rachel Hinsdale of Toast & Jam
The Couple’s First Dance Song: L.O.V.E. by Nat King Cole
Ceremony + Reception Venue: The Blackstone Chicago Hotel, Autograph Collection
The Blackstone venue’s ballroom overlooks Michigan Avenue, Grant Park and the Lake. A unique mix of both historic and a modern space, the crystal ballroom is painted with ornate details, colors of grey and white, elegant vintage chandelier lighting, and a carpeted floor featuring a massive, colorful and bold chrysanthemum flower design. Other distinctive and unique rooms are the Art Hall, Barber Shop, English Board room and the Presidential Suite also called the Smoke Filled Room. But none are as uniquely designed and breathtaking as the hotel’s lobby with it’s colorful flooring pattern, marble, columns, ceiling, fabrics and the furniture ( including the gold couch ) just amazing to photograph within. The hotel is absolutely stunning and on a list of our favorite indoor places to shoot at within the City of Chicago. Quite legendary, the Blackstone has been the choice hotel for over 100 years as a venue for a numerous notable historical events of Chicago’s finest celebrities, sports starts, royalty and Presidents including Hollywood’s greatest such as Katherine Hepburn and other famous celebs coming into the City.
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Arty + Cynthia’s Vintage and Love Inspired Engagement Session 30 Nov 2011 8:19 AM (13 years ago)
“With our busy photography season and the 2011 wedding year coming to a close, we are now diving head first into lots of editing. We are excited about all of the amazing people that we’ve met and photographed over the past few months. With the huge pile of editing in front of us and work ahead, we are excited to take a break from the early holiday orders and are looking forward to this next featured blog post. We loved spending the day with Arty + Cynthia. An amazing couple, these two are truly an ideal match and perfect for one another. It’s always nice + inviting to photograph couples who are overly illuminating with love for each other as A+C were.
When we left our studio for this photo session, with heavy rain clouds lingering, the four of us all were figuring we had missed out on receiving any sun that day… which brought along disappointment as clouds were going to be spoiling our plans to capture the sunset, and our warm and dreamy end of the shooting day plans for Arty + Cynthia’s vintage in the country photo shoot. But to our surprise we were graced with some glowing sun. Always interested in hearing what makes our couple’s unique, when getting to know these two, we discovered not only are A+C are two wonderful people, Cynthia is so sincere, gorgeous, but Arty is nearly identical another sincere person and he’s definitely head over heels in love and into Cynthia. We had a great time getting to know the two of them better during our first meet up and out on the session. But before first meeting in person, when Cynthia first emailed us, it was through Facebook. And to our surprise, Arty had that day popped the big question to her. That put a smile on our faces… she was super excited and messaging us all the way from China! Here’s their beautiful “will you marry me” story and a few trip details from Cynthia:
“Arty and I love to travel. One of our goals as a couple is to see all the Wonders of the World. Earlier this year, we received the opportunity of a lifetime and a trip together to China. Among the many things was saw during our trip, we were amazed in seeing the Great Wall. We visited 4 different cities with Beijing being the last stop before heading back to Chicago. Standing in front of the Great Wall was breathtaking, but being able to share the experience together was much more amazing. We explored the Wall for a few hours and on our way back down, Arty wanted to stop for a picture. He asked a gentleman to take our photo, which he did, but it was really quick. Arty looked disappointed, so I told him not to worry and I suggested we take another picture. He responded, “Yeah, but you don’t understand. I wanted to get a picture of this.” As he said that, he started to get down on one knee and pulled a box out of his coat pocket and revealed a beautiful ring inside. Besides ending with “Will you marry me?”, I don’t remember what he said. I was so overwhelmed and excited! However, I’ll never forget how I felt. I had always told Arty I wanted to be completely surprised when he proposed, and I was absolutely shocked. I couldn’t have picked a better place or time. Getting engaged at one of the greatest Wonders of the World was amazing!”
When discussing their engagement session, Cynthia messaged us saying she’d like to incorporate a few props for the session as well as a bit of 1920s-esque fashion inspiration into part of her and Arty’s photo session. Cynthia said she not only loved our classy, elegant and magazine like high-fashion portraits style, but she also enjoyed the idea of using fun and creative props. After Cynthia searched the web, she found a few props including paper hearts, a cupid bow and arrow, and since her and Arty LOVE the old “Love is” comic strip, she mentioned she had made a sign that says “Love Is” and would like to incorporate that somehow. One final personalized request was to stop by Cynthia’s office building where the couple first met ( during her and Arty’s internship ) “as a nod to where we met.” In Cynthia still working at the same company, she was able to receive special clearance for us to shoot there.
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Starved Rock Wedding Photographer | Alexis + Marisa = Married! 21 Nov 2011 1:49 PM (13 years ago)
The bride Marisa is originally from the western burbs of Illinois, but currently lives near the sandy coast of California, just outside if Los Angeles in Marina del Rey. Marisa works within the advertising industry for In Touch Weekly Magazine, and Alexis is in a band as a lead guitarist. Marisa was looking for love in LA and about a year and half ago through a friend, her and Alexis crossed paths.
“We met when a friend of mine, Stefano dragged me out to meet a few new guys because I was complaining it’s so hard to find good guys in LA. I was reluctant and had been heading out to see a band somewhere else, but I said fine Stefano, just for a minute. Well, it looks like that ‘minute’ has turned into a lifetime. : ) Alexis and I definitely had a special connection from the start… the fact that he was French and played the guitar didn’t hurt either. On the first night we met, we spoke closely for about 30 minutes or so and then had to part ways due to other plans. Alexis text me a little later and wanted my email, so he could send me some of his music, since we had been talking about our musical interests. I’m sure that was half the reason he sent me his music. We started emailing about music and texting back and forth, planning to go out in a couple days. That turned into meeting him out after a Tool concert on Monday, we went on our first date on Tuesday, saw each other again on Wednesday, he came down to visit me in San Diego on Thursday, on Saturday I went to his show, and by Sunday we were in love and practically moved in together! I truly feel like we have known each other for years, even though on the books its only been since July 17th! There was so much honesty and expression of feelings and thoughts between us, we just cut right through the BS. Thanks Stefano, I owe ya one.”
When Marisa contacted us, she mention how technically her and Alexis were already married. But, they were planning for a cocktail reception with Alexis family at Chateau de l’Isle in Civray France, and a traditional ceremony and reception in Chicago. Alexis + Marisa had an intimate outdoor ceremony. The couple each recited personally written vows in both French and English. Starved Rock Lodge and State Park hosted both the ceremony, dinner and dancing. A national historic site and Ottawa Illinois river area natural landmark, Starved Rock is known mostly for its amazing location and the extensive display of naturally formed rock canyons throughout the property. It truly is one of the most gorgeous places to be married outside in nature within Illinois – the wooded ceremony vista is high on a bluff overlooking the nearby river valley. With humid and hot temperatures and rain forecasted for nearly the entire weekend, as you can imagine everyone was a little nervous about the day’s plans being rained out. But with drier weather, the outdoor ceremony proceed. However our original intention of hiking into a canyon at the park had to be changed. We proposed a few alternate locations for the bridal party pictures and Marisa said secretly she loved even more our alternate dry locations. She especially loved the offbeat and abandoned train car shooting spot. She said it fit her and Alexis’s personalities perfectly. We were in love with the locations too… the ivy wall, train tracks, inside the messy box car, and graffiti, it was an awesome find. Alexis + Marisa said it was so “us”. When she was explaining her and Alexis had already been married, we were curious to hear more. Both being huge music fans, naturally that was a memorable and big part of the day. Marisa told us more about their first ceremony:
Marisa writes: “We initially got married on stage at a Steel Panther show at the Key Club in West Hollywood. Alexis is French so we needed to get the immigration paperwork over with before our July wedding and a civil ceremony at the Beverly Hills courthouse was taking too long! When we initially went to file for our marriage license, it just so happened to be one of Lindsey Lohan’s neverending court dates and there were swarms of paparazzi and reporters everywhere, yelling ‘congrats’ as we made our way out of the courthouse. We ran into an acquaintance, Sean, we often see out and about on the scene and he told us he was a Reverend with a 100% success rate. :) ( He was also wearing a Lucky Charms costume as it was Halloween weekend. ) He asked where we would like to get married and on Stage during a Steel Panther show was the first thing that popped into mind. Sean knew the singer and made it happen through the management. Because this is LA, I didn’t exactly plan on Sean’s follow through. Well one day I was home sick and he called and said we were all set to go on stage. It was Monday, November 1st. I thought Monday?, I’m sick, plus being the day after Halloween? What a perfect day for a wedding right?! :) I popped up and grabbed some Sudafed and Alexis and I met him out at The Rainbow to discuss the schematics for the show. We called some of our closest friends last minute and we went out to celebrate! It was fun and crazy and very ‘us’.”
It was extremely important to Alexis and Marisa that they selected an AMAZING band to keep guests on the dance floor. The Libido Funk Circus was their chosen band and rocking the room was just what they did. If you are looking for a band that is other than an average, ordinary band, look no further. Libido Funk Circus has an awesome and commanding stage presence and as they describe their style, they do truly “set an electrifying pace for your event.” The band says they pride themselves on being “the band that party-goers rave about well after the event is over!” So true, we even stayed until the end of the night to watch the rest of their show. The bride, groom, and guests were seriously having so much fun! Marisa + Alexis your entire day was truly a celebration of what you are all about… we had a rocking time working with you, thanks Marisa + Alexis in selecting us as your photographers – we enjoyed spending the day with you! Hope you enjoy pictures from the beautiful wedding day – you are a stunning couple together + we wish to you all the best.
Marisa + Alexis day of details:
Theme: Rock in Roll Glamour meets Nature
Los Angeles California Vows: On stage at the Key Club in West Hollywood
Outdoor Ceremony: Sunrise Shelter at Starved Rock Lodge
Harpist: Devon Haupt The Classic Harpist
Intro Music Selection: “Canon in D / Bridal Chorus”
Sand Ceremony: “Come Sail Away” Styx
Processional: “Sweet Child O’ Mine” Guns ‘N’ Roses
Bridal Shoes: Guess
Bride’s Jewelry: Vintage Jewelry
Hair Master Stylist: Jerry Monjes of J Alison Salon in Naperville or Tomas West Salon in Chicago
Makeup: Marissa Govedarica, 630-890-1872
Reception Venue: Starved Rock Lodge
Coordinator: The bride Marisa : )
Flowers: Mary’s Special Touch Floral
First Dance: “Starlight” Slash featuring Myles Kennedy
Band: Libido Funk Circus
Honeymoon: Sandals Grande Riviera Ocho Rios, Jamaica
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Jeremi + Lianne’s Halloween Themed Engagement Photography 27 Oct 2011 8:07 PM (13 years ago)
“Jeremi + Lianne are getting married! But before taking off to get hitched in Los Cabos Mexico next year, Lianne emailed our photography studio to capture engagement photos. Sometimes our couples look into incorporating a theme for their sessions, this concept was a theme Lianne proposed to us and unlike any other shoots we have ever photographed before. ( And it’s a perfect photo post for the current Halloween season. ) We photographed Jeremi and Lianne in an editorial and lifestyle inspired engagement photography style with a dramatic, trash the dress theme.
Before Lianne first contacted us, she said she had researched online for various photo session themes and admitted she was a little nervous mentioning her discovered scandalous photo concept, her idea for props, and the unique trash-the-dress photo concept to us. ( She said she didn’t know if we’d think she was a crazy woman. : ) LOL The idea did admittedly catch us off guard, as we thought initially we were going to be completing a typical portrait session. But after seeing her inspirational photos, and getting to know her a bit more, we soon were excited about the idea, and we were up for the challenge in creating some edgy, stylish and dramatic photography. Upon setting a shoot date, we suggested one of our favorite photo shooting locations to pull the prop and Halloween themed photography session altogether. We left to Lianne the task of organizing both their outfits and the challenge in finding & experimenting with some fake, but realistic looking blood. The results? Well we had captured so many great unique photos, we decided to blog a few more photos than normal, blogging two photo posts from our day’s photo session. Click here to view Jeremi + Lianne’s night engagement photography pictures.
Jeremi + Lianne looked stunning and did fabulous in bringing to the session some fantastic and stylish clothing along with on the engagement session. Thanks J+L in investing a little extra into your wardrobe, makeup, and hair which we feel is one of the biggest keys to outstanding engagement pictures. ( We always love how our couples arrive for the portrait sessions with such a great fashion sense. ) You guys looked edgy, sexy + sophisticated. A special thanks to you J+L.
Jeremi proposed to Lianne this summer after being together for 12 years. They are high school sweethearts who met on the football field. Jeremi was a football player and Lianne a cheerleader. Lianne mentioned “since we love to travel, we decided that we wanted to have a destination wedding. We had been to Cabo San Lucas before and loved it there so we figured that would be a good place to get married.” During the session, we learned about the couple’s adventurous travels around the world and got to know in person more about them. Lianne was raving about her recent trip to Brazil and hang gliding adventures over Rio de Janeiro. And her past visits to places like Rome and The Giza Pyramids in Egypt. We definitely couldn’t help but to be jealous of their recent world travels.
Jeremi + Lianne, we are looking forward to traveling along with you to Mexico for your wedding day. On the day after, J+L would like to try trashing the wedding dress again, however in the sand and ocean waters this time. J+L we hope you are excited about the results of the pictures above! We loved the combination of modern fashion inspired photos and tying it together with a dramatic and devious storytelling style. You two were amazing to work with. Both your love for each other and enthusiasm in the photo shoot was like no other couple yet we have photographed. Thank you. Check back soon for more of our favorite photos captured during the night portion of our shoot, coming up next!! ( Lianne incorporated a birthday present she said she bought herself for these photos. ) Looking forward to showing off your second, and even more dramatic photography post. Enjoy!”
Wait, there’s more! View a few of our favorite images from our photos with guns night engagement photography part of shoot with Jeremi + Lianne.
Shoot details:
Lianne’s make-up artistry by Sonia Roselli www.soniaroselli.com
Hairstylist Brandy Chrismon from Intoxicating Styles in Oak Forest 708-535-2020
Photography session props included:
Motorcycle: Harley Davidson Sportster 883 Iron motorcycle
Knife: handcrafted custom bowie knife by Gil Hibben originating outside of Louisville Kentucky www.hibbenknives.com
The post Jeremi + Lianne’s Halloween Themed Engagement Photography appeared first on Chicago Wedding Photographers.
Bonus Photos Jeremi + Lianne’s Engagement Photography with Guns! 27 Oct 2011 8:00 PM (13 years ago)
“Above is part two from our dramatic and prop engagement photography session with Jeremi + Lianne. In capturing too many amazing photos with Jeremi + Lianne, we decided on a second bonus photos blog post. With three props during our single photo session, first a motorcycle, second a knife, and third guns, we decided to differentiate the time later to capture ultra modern editorial style photos photographing J+L at night in an edgy photographic style using dramatic lighting. Lianne looked stunning, and Jeremi well he was very nicely dressed too. They brought along to the shoot, a couple of their toys and weaponry accessories for this part of the photo session. Another first for us, we loved the edginess, incorporating television and movie inspired poses and photography concepts, dramatic lighting techniques, and wow it was fantastic how the variety of night photos turned out. J+L, you two were simply amazing client’s to work with, looking like two celebrities. Hope you both enjoy seeing the completed photos. Thanks Lianne + Jeremi in looking absolutely fabulous. Looking forward to the wedding day! Vayamos a México.”
Don’t miss our first blog post! See photos from the J+L’s Halloween themed engagement photography session which included more edgy photo props and a trash-the-dress theme.
Movie + Television Posing Inspiration: Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Sons of Guns and American Guns on Discovery
Rifle: Rock River Arms Operator Ar-15 223 by Rock River Arms a family owned, gun manufacturer out of Colona, Illinois
Handgun: XD 40 Caliber Sub Compact by Springfield Armory, family owned gun manufacturer out of Geneseo, Illinois
Destination Wedding Plans: Dreams Resorts & Spa, Los Cabos, Mexico, August 2012
Engagement Make-Up by: Sonia Roselli, Chicago
Engagement Hairstyling by: Brandy Chrismon of Intoxicating Styles, Oak Forest, 708-535-2020
The post Bonus Photos Jeremi + Lianne’s Engagement Photography with Guns! appeared first on Chicago Wedding Photographers.
Ross + Charmagne’s Hard Rock Hotel Chicago Wedding 20 Oct 2011 12:08 PM (13 years ago)
“We had the pleasure in spending the day and shooting photography for Ross + Charmagne’s modern Chicago wedding ceremony and reception at the contemporary Michigan Avenue Hard Rock Hotel Chicago. The day was a festive celebration and party celebrated in a “rock n roll” urban wedding style. Ross + Charmagne kept surprising us with more and more personalized details, which began at the start of the day and proceeded all the way to the end. Many brides say they feel their dress selection helps to define their wedding’s style. Charmagne’s dress was an absolutely stunning choice with beautiful layers of feminine organza, and an incredible petal embellishment along the length of the dress… just gorgeous. And Ross he was styled in all class, cool and ready to marry the love of his life. Yellow bold florals and the ladies wearing sapphire blue, floor length dresses tied the bridal party as a group altogether.
This was personally our first visit to The Hard Rock Hotel, and yes we loved it as much as Ross + Charmagne had described it to us upon our first meeting. The edgy hotel resides in the iconic Carbide & Carbon building offering a few unique party spaces and Michigan Ave address where everyone including guests can enjoy it’s centralized right in heart of downtown Chicago location. The hotel, often frequented by rock & roll musicians, fans and celebrities, boasts a similar upbeat ambiance, buzz and a feeling that the paparazzi is peeking around the corner vibe, and features stylish music playing. A perfect modern venue to celebrate the vibrant city, while mixing in an upbeat cultural ambiance. Ross + Charmagne said they were instantly drawn to the venue too because of it’s musically inspired atmosphere and the interior’s decorated Art Deco aspects blended with contemporary style.
The ceremony proceeded in the Gibson Room which was a elegant space, flooded with an abundance of natural window light, tall bold yellow bouquets, live music harmonizing elegant sounds of a classic guitar and cello together, and smiles exchanged during personalized vows recited by the bride and groom. The lobby level hosts the Angels & Kings nightclub where they say “there’s no need to act like an angel to feel like rock and roll royalty”. We decided to go with the royalty theme while composing a few fashionable bridal party group photos. During the later evening festivities, guests enjoyed cocktails in style within a city view room featuring a terrace and balcony with views of Michigan Avenue. Later, events of dinner, dancing and fun were experienced in the hotel’s Fender Ballroom. Leaving not even the tiniest of stylistic details unplanned, Ross and Charmagne incorporated hundreds of personalized touches, including incorporating an urban + yellow + lovebird theme, handmade printed menus, signs, place cards and DIY items included placecard holders, photo sleeves, welcome bags, wedding favor boxes, and the couple’s birdcage card box.
Ross + Charmagne you are both as sweet, thoughtful and genuine as they come. Capturing the love between you two was super easy. Your choice of bright and cheery yellow color was a perfect fit for your amazing personalities. The wedding was a true reflection of you from head to toe. Nothing but best wishes to you as you start your futures together now as husband + wife. Hope you enjoy our preview of your day, within the photos above.”
Ross + Charmagne’s Planning Advice to Couples Who Are Engaged “Don’t be afraid to be creative and think outside the box!”
Theme: Lovebirds
Colors: Yellow and gray color combo
Modern Chicago Hotel Wedding Venue: Hard Rock Hotel Chicago, Event Services Manager Erica McMillen
Ceremony: Hard Rock’s Gibson Room
Reception: The Hard Rock Fender Ballroom
Cocktails: The Hamer Room with Outdoor Terrace Overlooking Michigan Avenue
Dress + Veil Shop: Mori Lee by Madeline Gardner from Here Comes The Bride
Bridal Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Bride’s Jewelry: Nordstrom Collection and Crislu
Wedding Rings: Gale Diamonds
Hair: Mario Tricoci Downtown Chicago
Makeup: Sephora at The Shops at North Bridge
Bridesmaids Dresses: Mori Lee
Tuxedos: Savvi Formalwear
Bridal Party Gifts: Coach and Kate Spade
Officiant: Bruce Otto from Spirited Weddings
Ceremony Musicians: Moeller Music
Sand Frame Set: Say Anything Design
Cake + Sweet Table: Luscious Layers Bakery
Love Angels Cake Topper: Kikuike Studio on Etsy
Flowers + Ceremony Decor: Kehoe Designs
DJ: Aris Enterprises
Linens: Chair Couture
Custom Invitations ( using Miller + Miller photos ): Keepsake Designs with DIY envelopes and inserts
Custom Ceremony Minibooks ( using Miller + Miller pictures ): Minted
Guest Book: Featured M+M engagement photos
Guest Favors: Frango Mint Chocolates
Honeymoon: Spain
The post Ross + Charmagne’s Hard Rock Hotel Chicago Wedding appeared first on Chicago Wedding Photographers.
Joel + Erin’s Lasalle Peru Wedding Photography 19 Oct 2011 9:19 PM (13 years ago)
“Erin + Joel’s rustic styled wedding took place in the LaSalle Peru area of Illinois. Throughout our shooting season often we are traveling into the City of Chicago one weekend, and then come the next weekend we are out in the ‘burbs. We enjoy both settings of a modern city venue and location, but we also love the simplistic beauty found in country settings, desolate nature photos, and outdoor ceremonies in unique places and surrounded by nature. Ottawa, LaSalle Peru and even further West into the Illinois River Valley and the Starved Rock areas, we definitely include all of these spots as some of our favorite regions for nature.
Erin + Joel’s smiles and love for each other was very easy to capture on this day. E+J’s day started off in us meeting each of them as they were getting ready in separate rustic cabins at Grizzly Jack’s Grand Bear Resort & Lodge in Utica Illinois. Grand Bear was also the couple’s venue where dinner, dancing and their reception took place later in the day. We first met with Erin + Joel over a year before their wedding day. They mentioned that in the earlier part of their relationship, often they enjoyed spend time outdoors, either biking along the river or hiking at the parks in and around Starved Rock State Park. Instantly the four of us bonded on that subject, as we also enjoy hiking in the Starved Rock region too. So when discussing the couple’s ceremony and reception plans, deciding to incorporate photos in nature was definitely a must. Erin + Joel decided to see one another before their outdoor ceremony took place, so we’d have plenty of time for a little, light hiking into a forest preserve followed by some bridal photography.
E+J chose a historic ceremony venue where their vows were exchanged outside, in the rain, and on the step of the Lasalle Illinois Hegeler Carus Mansion. The rain held off for the first part of the day up until about 5 minutes before the ceremony began. Continuing on, the bridal party stood alongside the couple as the rain drops steadily fell… guest watched down below with umbrellas in hand. The rain Joel and Erin had made their day one of our most memorable exchanging of vows this year. The light rain was actually quite beautiful. Details we enjoyed about Erin + Joel’s planning was the overall in the woods and outdoors style incorporated to all the locations, selections of details, and decor. Erin’s vintage inspired lace dress tied in a touch vintage elegance. Erin worked closely with her florist in choosing florals to complement their outdoor day’s activities and woodsy venues. Floral bouquets and centerpieces included chopped wood, wood branches, moss, and an earthy color palette. A bright shade of orange found accented in her bouquet and within the bridesmaid’s dresses brought in a lively burst of color. Erin said inspiration for her theme of was also derived from the mansion’s own family history, the story of the mansion and the Hegeler Carus mansion’s historic story of togetherness. Erin decided to carry that over creating a family-togetherness aura while having their ceremony at the mansion.
“In addition to the story behind the family that lived at he Hegeler Carus Mansion, we really wanted it to be a day about love and family….and we wanted it to be a personal experience for everyone. Every one of our guests really have played an important role throughout our lives, so for the reception we created a wedding wall with photos honoring those guests and the commitment they made to each other… just the same as Joel and I had that day.” Erin and Joel mentioned they didn’t know at first have any ideas what to do for their guest’s favors. She said “we didn’t want to just throw some M&M’s in a paper box and say thanks for coming! I have a green thumb. I thought it would be cool for the place card succulent plants to double as a little gift guests could take home. Personalizing the day even more, we incorporated a unique recipe concept since we both love to cook. ( Erin said cooking is frequently a weekend date night activity. ) On date nights, we choose a couple of recipes, turn the music up really loud, make some drinks and cook all night long.” So when considering personalizing the reception, Erin + Joel thought it would be a special personal touch in sharing their favorite recipes for everyone to have their own date night at home. Rather than gifting a generic favors… Erin said “we wanted everyone to have a piece of us. If Joel and I had any advice to give anyone getting married, it would be take the time to research and find GREAT VENDORS who know what they are doing. I think the biggest reason the two of us didn’t get stressed is because we made a point to choose vendors who were very professional and experienced and all we had to do was let them do their jobs. Also, don’t sweat the small stuff or the big stuff for that matter. Everything always has a way of working out and at the end of the day, you honestly won’t remember what you were so worried about. I think both Joel and I agree that our favorite memory is when my dad gave me away to Joel in the rain. You just can’t recreate moments like that.”
Erin and Joel, we thank you again in hiring us to share the beauty of the day with you. We were honored to be chosen as one of your vendors – we enjoyed capturing the many moments in the official start of your lives together. Sending out a congratulations again to the two of you, and best wishes! Hope seeing photos bring back more smiles for you and fond memories from the day.”
Joel + Erin’s vendors included:
Theme: Vintage Rustic
Mansion Outdoor Ceremony: Hegeler Carus Mansion, LaSalle, IL
Reception Venue: Grizzly Jack’s Grand Bear Resort & Lodge, Utlca
Getting Ready Locations: In a Cabin and Villa at Grizzly Jack’s Grand Bear Resort & Lodge
Bridal Dress Designer: Paloma Blanca from Bridal Elegance, Ottawa, IL
Bridal Shoes: Martinez Valero
Hair: Lauri Vancil and Stevi Fox of Colorific Salon, Normal, IL
Makeup: Anne Frances Salon & Spa, LaSalle
Bridesmaids Dress: Mori Lee from Bridal Elegance
Tuxedos: Jim’s Formal Wear by Marien Mae Bridal
Cake: Kelsey’s Kakes
Flowers: Jennifer Hunt of Countryside Flower Shop, Crystal Lake
Guest Favors: Small potted succulent plants
DJ: Tone Productions DJ Service
Honeymoon: Secrets Capri in the Riviera Maya
Travel Agent: The bride Erin from Travel Connections, Peru, Illinois
Looking to book a destination, honeymoon or vacation? Erin the bride is an owner and partner in a local travel company called Travel Connections. We recommend contacting Travel Connections when planning a destination, honeymoon or another travel event. Visit Erin’s company’s web site by clicking the preview image below, use this link Travel Connections or call them at 815.780.8581.
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Kia + Leo’s Elegant + Dramatic Engagement Photography 5 Oct 2011 2:45 PM (13 years ago)
“We had a great time getting to know Kia + Leo and capturing the love between these two madly in love people. On our day out roaming the more industrial part of the urban city, we had a number of varying weather conditions ( and in turn photographic lighting situations. ) Working with a variety of sources of light and improvising with this couple was fun. The day started out with some beautiful summer sun, but soon clouds started rolling over the buildings in Chicago. While the four of us chatted and waited for the strong winds and darkest storm clouds to pass, Ryan was quietly composing a dramatic lighting scenario. With the winds and rain starting to slow down, we found ourselves inspired by the rainy situation, the location, Kia + Leo looking absolutely stunning together, and the wind lightly blowing… it was a perfect and unplanned scenario for some dramatic styled engagement photography images. We loved the impromptu location we found, with decaying buildings in the foreground and further in the distance the faint skyline. ( Without a doubt our careers in being wedding and engagement photographers, always brings fresh and new inspirations for us every day. We find ourselves improvising quickly and surprisingly on this shoot when the fierce monsoon rainstorm rolled into downtown Chicago, it was an unexpected and creative shooting situation sitting right in front of us. )
While awaiting the raindrops to stop falling, we had a little extra time to chat. We talked about both Kia + Leo’s fascinating careers working within the medical fields, their upcoming next Summer wedding, and we learned the little details of how the couple first met. Kia + Leo met each other in the Summer of 2007 and soon found themselves seeing each other almost every day after their first date. Kia admitted before that first date happened, she was not really looking to settle down. Soon what she call the “dating game” with Leo, was soon occupying her lifestyle as a relationship. She said everything happened so fast. With the couple’s spending so much time together, after a few years friends + family ( and especially Kia ) were getting anxious for Leo’s proposal to come about. Kia was expecting a Christmas engagement, but Leo wanted to make the proposal a real surprise, less cliché, and catch Kia off guard. Christmas day passed so when Kia was least expecting it, Leo put his plans into action. Kia sent me a little story about her unexpected proposal:
“As I went to lay down there “IT” was. A ring was shining bright on my pillow. All I could say was “no you didn’t.” I was so surprised! Leo asked to marry me and of course I said “YES”. The best part is that he had asked both of my fathers if he could have their blessings.”
It wasn’t soon after the proposal took place, that Kia + Leo were searching a number of reception venues around the City of Chicago. The conclusion was on a stylish and modern hotel location located in the heart of River North which had the couple’s preferred modern look. The location provided wedding guests the opportunity enjoy the downtown event space and also the proximity of being steps from Michigan Avenue and the Chicago River areas. We are excited photographing Kia + Leo’s wedding and festivities at the Hotel Sax Chicago. Hotel Sax is another one of our FAVORITE venues with awesome decor and amazing distinctive style. We can’t wait for their wedding day! The 4th floor ballroom has clean lines and tons of modernism. Plus the Sax Hotel’s Crimson Lounge with its rich colors and bohemian furniture style, we think it’s going to offer some amazing photographic ambiance. Kia + Leo, we are looking forward to the wedding day and shooting in your stylish hotel venue’s spaces. We hope you love the outcome from our engagement session. Enjoy the excitement of the rest of your engagement, until the big celebration next year. Talk to you soon.”
We are looking forward to both the couple’s venues, but especially shooting inside the Sax Hotel’s modern Crimson Lounge. We love the look of entire hotel and as so do Kia + Leo … it’s going to be a perfect fit for our editorial style photography. Visit the venue’s web site www.hotelsaxchicago.com for more information this urban hotel, described as “traditionally elegant yet bohemian” jewel of the Marina City’s River North Chicago neighborhood area.
Kia’s make-up for this engagement photo session provided by Stacy Kelly Makeup Artistry.
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