On days like today all I want to do is cuddle up with a blanket, a warm mug of coffee and my laptop.  And dream about sunshine. In that spirit, I thought I’d share one of my favorite sessions from this past autumn at Chicago Botanic Garden.

It was Match.com that brought Maria and Tim together, but it was their enjoyment of the same amusements, their respect and admiration for each other, and their ardor for life that made them fall in love.  The two share a passion for cooking, dancing and travel- so much so that they decided to spend a romantic vacation together in Italy this past September. They explored the streets of Rome, sipped wine, looked in awe upon illustrious duomos and magnificent sculptures, savored authentic cuisine, shopped in Florence, sampled gelati, and soaked up the sweet melodies of Italian conversation that rolled off people’s tongues.  While in Cinque Terre, they made it a point to stroll along the romantic Via dell’Amore. It was a trail that had been built in the 1920′s to connect the cliffside towns of Riomaggiore and Manarola, which eventually became known as a lover’s lane.  Lined with impassioned graffiti and padlocks placed by lovers in a popular ritual, the Pathway of Love is rich with romantic tradition.  And on that day, a new chapter in their own story began. There on the Via dell’Amore, on a little incline away from the passersby, Tim got down on one knee and asked Maria to spend the rest of her life with him.

And there on the edge of the deep blue Mediterranean Sea, Maria said yes to the man she loved.

It was a little over a year ago that I met Maria, and over coffee last month with our mutual friend Amanda, we marveled at the beauty that has transpired in her life. I remember the first time she spoke of Tim, her voice softened and her smile reached her eyes as she said she had found the man she had always dreamt of.  I could not be happier for them!

The vibrant fall colors, the fresh blossoming flowers and the unique European feel of the lush gardens was the perfect place for Maria and Tim’s engagement session.

I just adore the rose gardens. They are so romantic. And apparently Maria and Tim thought so too…

Maria just takes my breath away in this photo.

There are so many diverse nooks and unique textures at Chicago Botanic Garden! This one section of the English walled garden actually felt so reminiscent of Italy, we had to linger here for quite awhile.

And autumn at Chicago Botanic Garden?! Breathtaking. I am so thrilled Maria and Tim chose to have their engagement session here during the most colorful season of the year.

The evening ended with warm, sultry, glowy light….mmmm, it gets me every time.

Maria and Tim, I so enjoyed our adventures at the Chicago Botanic Garden. I am so very thankful our paths crossed and to have you in my life!!

Oh sweet Valentine’s Day, it’s hard to believe you are already around the corner.  And while steadfast romantics count down the days to this lover’s holiday, many of us find ourselves wondering just what to get that special someone.  We want it to be meaningful, unique, perhaps playful, and certainly something that kindles that spark that drew us together.

Last year I began offering boudoir sessions as a way for women to celebrate their individuality, and if they so desired, to have a tangible gift to give to the man in their lives. And what emerged gave intimate portraiture an entirely new meaning. In boudoir we honor a woman’s sexiness, but it is by disclosing her inner strength in those intimate moments that she truly becomes empowered. While it is very much about her sexual appeal, it goes even further in portraying a deeper aspect of a woman’s exquisite character.  It becomes a way to express her sensuality in a classy and tasteful way rather than being overtly sexual as in pinup photography. It’s a celebration of every one of her beautiful features- both inside and out.

Another essential part of my philosophy as a photographer is to get to know you on a personal level so you are relaxed and comfortable and your photos genuinely reflect who you are.  This is even more important in intimate portraiture where there must be an even greater element of trust and comfort. I am there to coach you so you’re at ease in front of the camera and feel absolutely gorgeous!

What mood do you want to convey? Are you playful and flirty? We’ll focus on bringing out your natural charm. Do you want sultry and glamorous? Get those high heels and pouty lips ready! Are you looking for more simple and understated? A little lace slip and your sweet smile is just perfect.  Do you want to accentuate certain details, or show just a tease? No problem! The session is about YOU and we’ll spend some time talking about what makes you uniquely sexy.

So you walk away from this experience feeling fabulous about yourself- what’s in it for your guy? How much would he love an 8×8 nightstand album of your most smouldering images? Or a fine art book designed like a magazine spread that features you? There’s no doubt he’d linger over every delicious page…and come back often.  You can even purchase a miniature 4×4 keepsake version if he wants to bring your sexy little self with him on his next trip.  Not only is it a physical memento of your hotness (!), but it can be a powerful reminder of your sacred connection or a visual cue to rekindle some romance.

And guys, it’s pretty clear how you’ll benefit from this sexy little session, but what if you gave this entire experience as a gift to your girl?  She can bring a friend with her and she’ll get to sip champagne, have her makeup done and feel completely pampered in an hour long photo session all about her.  And we promise, you’ll love the end results too! So really, you both win.

So how do we move forward? Collections begin at $350 and each level includes an online gallery, a select number of high resolution digital images, and an album. Prints, album upgrades, additional digital images, and makeup sessions are included in subsequent collections. And if you book your session before February 14th, you’ll get the Valentine’s Day special of $50 off any collection! (If you do not need the images by V Day, you can still book at this rate and we can get your appointment on the calendar for a later date.) Turnaround for Valentine’s Day sessions is 2 days for digital images and 3-4 days for gifts, so make sure you plan accordingly.  Wanna make it a party? Book with a friend and you’ll both get $100 off any collection! (Additional friends over 2 will get $75 off.)  Please feel free to give me a call for more details! 773.789.8706.

Make your Valentine’s Day extra special this year…turn up the heat and add some passion!

(Many thanks to Lillian Toma of Starlight Makeup and Diem Angie Nguyen for makeup artistry in these images.)

They weaved their way over the bridges along the river walk as the air grew chillier and their stomachs began to rumble.  ”Why in the world are we still walking?” Lesley wondered.  They were on their way to dinner and Matt had suggested they go for a quick walk. It had sounded like a great idea, but now she was growing suspicious.  She knew Matt was hungry, and this had been a particularly long walk.  But before she could further analyze it, Matt groaned as he rolled his ankle and collapsed to the ground.  Lesley helped him hobble over to a bench to nurse his ankle.  Or so she thought.  When they got to the bench, Matt was suddenly on one knee asking, “Lesley, will you be my buddy forever?”  Completely shocked by his ankle hoax, she could barely answer!  But in the next breath, she found herself saying yes. A self-proclaimed smart ass, Matt had pulled off the proposal with the wit and humor for which she fell in love with him.

Lesley and Matt had an on-again off-again relationship that first began in high school. He broke her heart.  She broke his.  And then one day finally decided they couldn’t live without one another.  Because when it came down to it, not only were they madly in love with one another, but they had an unshakeable friendship that could weather any storm. The stuff real life love stories are made of.

For their engagement session, we decided to head to an abandoned barn in Sugar Grove (huge thanks to Melissa Diep for showing me this awesome location last year) for a rustic sassy look.  We ended on an outrageously playful note at the beloved Naperville River Walk.  I am so glad to have had Alaina Bos with me on this shoot- she outdid herself!

I cannot get enough of Lesley’s Anthropologie coat with her hot pink pumps & scarf, paired with Matt’s plaid and jeans.

Alaina’s shot on the left, mine on the right.

Right after I captured this…

Alaina caught this. Love the sunflare!

Classic Lesley and Matt.

I adore Lesley’s exceptional sense of style, head to toe. And Matt’s looking pretty charming as well!

One of my favorite photos of Les and Matt, below.

Lesley and Matt really are the perfect match! Rarely serious, always fun-loving, and right on the ball with spontaneous dance moves and playful banter, they kept us laughing all day.

These guys are total goofballs….and I love it!!!!!

Reenacting the rolled ankle right where it happened…

I seriously can’t decide who has the better smile….and those EYES!!!! Fierce.

Couldn’t help but share some BLING. What incredible taste!

For better or for worse??

And seriously, Lesley, STOP with those eyes… Clearly Matt never stood a chance!

Thanks for braving the cold and spending a fun winter afternoon with us!  It’s so refreshing to see your unabashedly silly and adventurous love. I cannot wait for your wedding. I’m especially excited to see the loveliness put together by Heather of Greatest Expectations and Kelly Marie of Fleur. September just can’t come fast enough!!

Some of you may remember the preview from a sweet little session with Brittany and Reed in Galena, Illinois this past summer. Today in a beautiful beachside ceremony in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic they will tie the knot with those closest to them. I have the privilege of documenting their special day, and I’m so grateful to have Jaclyn Simpson here with me. Cannot wait to share this one!!!

Reed is a mechanic, so when we saw this classic car on the side of the road, we just HAD to stop. These are definitely some of my favorite from the day.

Brittany is an avid reader and Reed an active hunter, so we thought we’d put a little cutesy twist in the session!

It’s becoming the modern love story.  Boy meets girl…on match.com. He winks. She winks back. They email. They talk. They text. They flirt. They finally go out on their first date, and (fingers crossed) sparks fly, and so begins the equally thrilling and terrifying roller coaster ride of dating.  Although usually, it involves scrolling through pages upon pages of online profiles, fielding numerous random emails and chats, and going on several dates before making a meaningful connection with someone.  But Laura and Brian?  Their story is different. Boy noticed girl, girl noticed boy. And then girl emailed boy. Go Laura!! After a week of talking (which may have involved some playful banter over middle names and some flower sending : ) they decided to meet out for sushi.  Laura smiled slyly as she slid into her seat across him, and that very night Brian knew he had found the girl he was going to marry.  Three dates later Laura said they became inseparable.  And less than two years and many unforgettable memories after they first caught each other’s eye, Brian proposed in front of the same sushi restaurant where they had their first date.  Laura could not stop saying yes as Brian slid the custom-designed ring on her slender finger.

Laura & Brian’s favorite season is autumn, and the vibrant berry trees, golden fall foliage, and the colorful blanket of leaves set the perfect scene for their session.  I am constantly surrounded by people in love, but there is something in the simple beauty and spirited playfulness of their relationship that struck a chord with me.  Laura and Brian’s joy is contagious, in the kind of way they make you smile so hard your cheeks hurt. But you don’t get tired of it because you can’t help but be swept up in their energy. Whether they are traveling, cooking together, cuddling, dancing, or trying new things, Laura and Brian share a remarkable enthusiasm for life.  Their sense of teamwork is a keystone in their relationship and the strong foundation on which they are building their marriage.  I have nothing but admiration and happiness in my heart for you two!

Once again, I was fortunate to have one of my closest friends and colleagues, Jaclyn Simpson, shooting with me. Without fail, she brings something unique to each shoot, and I always feel like I am at my best when we work together.  Thanks, J!

All these rich colors make me giddy!!! Chicago is so beautiful in autumn.

While I was capturing the one on the left, Jaclyn got this awesome shot of Laura and Brian laughing, on the right.

This field of tall prairie grass just took my breath away.

Laura’s kind-hearted smile and sparkling blue eyes are just some of the qualities Brian adores in her…and I can see why.

I had the chance to get together with Laura and Brian a few different times before their session, and as we sipped coffee and chatted about ideas, Laura’s eyes lit up when she mentioned they love flying their dragon kite together. I knew it was something we had to include in the shoot because it was so uniquely theirs!  The wind was a bit of a challenge that day, but we had a blast and were able to get a few of them in action.

Laura and Brian have a sweet tradition of leaving each other notes in a fortune cookie. They certainly are a perfect match!

And the hazy Chicago sky made for some beautifully moody skyline shots.

I am so thankful to Brian’s brother Erwin for connecting us.  He is also a professional photographer, and a talented colleague and friend of mine.  I feel so lucky to have met Laura and Brian, and even more blessed to be a part of capturing their story!

Blogging regularly has not been my strong suit these days- an issue I am trying very much to remedy!  It certainly hasn’t been for lack of material or recent adventures, I assure you…I’ve been bursting at the seams to share it all!  This sweet little session with Seth and Izzi in Aspen, Colorado is one that has been simmering for quite awhile now, and I’m thrilled to finally be posting it. Back in June, my dear friend and incredibly talented colleague, Jaclyn Simpson and I spent a week in beautiful Colorado. We traveled from Denver to Boulder, through the breathtaking Independence Pass out to Aspen.  We were fortunate to meet Seth and Izzi through Jaclyn’s brother, and we spent a few hours with this fun-loving couple during our trip. Seth and Izzi held nothing back in silliness and affection as they cruised the streets of Aspen in their scooter, played at the ski chalet and soaked up the summer sun in the mountains.  They were an absolute riot and had us in tears we were laughing so hard!! Aspen is wildly popular for its ski resorts and amazing winters, but experiencing the town in the heart of summer was just as magical.  Here’s the first peak at some of the fun we had.  And be sure to check out Jaclyn’s gorgeous blog post for more artistic yumminess!

Sun flare isn’t something I’ve used much in the past, but I have been LOVING it lately. The warm glowy light has such a beautiful effect- perfect for Seth and Izzi’s playfulness!

The Skier’s Chalet used to be a popular lodge and steakhouse that has since relocated.  The heart details of the old worn building gave it such a romantic feel, and I envisioned generations of couples that had come here in years past, cozied up with one another, sipping hot chocolate and snuggling under warm blankets in the winter.

We were pretty excited to discover Aspen’s first single chair ski lift just behind the chalet. It was built in 1946 by Heron Engineering, the longest chairlift in the world at the time, and it was fully operational until the early 70′s.  Although parts of it showed signs of decay, it was sturdy enough to risk getting a few shots here! These are some of my favorite images of Izzi and Seth together.

Seth and Izzi, thanks so much for a fabulous afternoon in the sun. I cannot wait to share more from this session!

I simply adore Indian weddings. The colorful saris and ceremonial details, the smells of masala, curry, and turmeric wafting through the air, the hypnotic sounds of the drums and unique Indian melodies and the ladies voices singing in unison- everything about it evokes within me such a deep awe and appreciation for their rich cultural celebration.  As a photographer, it is a visual feast of colors and textures. As an artist who is moved deeply by emotion, it is one of the most fulfilling events to witness.  For in every aspect of the elaborate ceremonies, relationships are honored.  It is every much a celebration of the joining of two families as it is the union of the couple entering marriage. There is such an emphasis on relationships between parents and child, siblings, and in-laws and there is significant time spent observing these individuals.

I have the tremendous honor of having been invited to India to photograph a wedding tomorrow.  Spending time with Sarah and Chris’s family the last few days here in Kerala has been incredible, and after being a part of their prayer ceremony this evening, I am even more excited to see how their day unfolds.  As I spend time in my sweet little hotel room in Trivandrum preparing for tomorrow, I thought it appropriate to share an Indian wedding I assisted on at the end of May.

When Liesl of Liesl Diesel Photo asked me to join her in photographing Dharna & Samir’s wedding in Naperville, I was thrilled. I often marvel over how one small connection leads to another and precipitates an entire chain of events. Like the way Samir’s uncle wandered into the brokerage where Dharna worked, and was so captivated by her that he insisted she must meet his nephew.  Neither of them suspected the priceless relationship that would blossom out of taking a simple risk.  As I chatted with Dharna and her bridesmaids- girls she met through Samir that have since become her two closest friends, I was even struck by the the circumstances that transpired to allow me to be a part of their day. Years ago while still in college in Rochester, my love for photography was reawakened- and little did I know that down the road I’d meet Liesl, daughter of one of my professors at the time. So many random acquaintances have linked us since then, but it wasn’t until a few months back that we connected again in Chicago, where both of our paths have led us.  Liesl’s talent is inspiring and her humor contagious, and I enjoyed every moment working with her!! I feel so very fortunate to have joined her in capturing Dharna and Samir’s celebration in Naperville.

Dharna, of course, was absolutely breathtaking. Perhaps one of my favorite Indian wedding traditions is the art of Mehendi, the adorning of hands and feet with henna.  Within the intricately designed patterns, Samir’s name is hidden. It is said that the groom must find his name in the bride’s decorated hands before the wedding to symbolize the strength of their commitment.

Dharna and Samir opted for doing a “first look,” to spend some time together before the ceremony and have a few pictures taken. It is always so moving to witness their first interaction when a couple starts their wedding day by setting aside a few moments to be together and reflect on the significance of their union. Afterwards, Samir met up with his friends and family for the Baraat. This is a time of celebration and blessings.  Samir could not stop smiling in anticipation to meet Dharna again for the mandap ceremony!

Dharna’s mother was so overcome with emotion, that I was almost moved to tears. The Indian Vidaai is the symbolic wishing farewell to the new couple, and there were many more tears, hugs, and laughter following the ceremony.

After the vidaai, Dharna and Samir changed to get ready for the party!!

Liesl and I had a blast at their lively and rowdy Bollywood style reception! (We may have even danced a little.) We also had the pleasure of working with Rogie Cruz from RAC Visual Imaging. Thanks so much Dharna and Samir for allowing us to share your day!

When my good friend Todd called me a few weeks ago and asked if I’d like to join him for a Chicago engagement session, I didn’t hesitate for a moment.  I’m fortunate to have a close circle of fellow photographers as my friends, and we often shoot together on assignments.  This level of collaboration makes every session an adventure, and I honestly feel it provides an even more remarkable experience for each client.  Todd is an incredibly talented wedding photographer in the Wheaton and Naperville area who also shoots frequently in the city, and we had yet to work together.  So naturally I was thrilled to have the opportunity to shoot with him.  I was even more stoked when he mentioned Keelah and Eric would be bringing some props along.  What I didn’t anticipate was how perfectly each item would complement their fun-loving personalities and spunk! I had such a great time hanging out with Keelah and Eric as we photographed their Old Town and Oak Street Beach engagement session.  I’m so thankful to have spent the afternoon shooting with Todd, and meeting two new friends.  My images are only a glimpse of the fun we had that day, but for a full post, check out Todd’s artistry.  Best wishes to both of you!

There are two types of people when it comes to a certain haunted October holiday: those that pour their creative energies into coming up with the funniest, sexiest, or most innovative costumes…and those that just don’t care. Matt and Tonya are definitely the costume type. All the way. Which makes their meeting even more ironic. Tonya’s friends invited her out to a party a few days before Halloween. And so she came straight from work and showed up sans costume to the midweek party. Turns out she was the only one who wasn’t decked out that night. Well…except for Matt and the handful of friends he arrived with.  So when he spotted the beautiful blonde across the room, he had the perfect opening.  Soon they were laughing over drinks at their humorous faux pas, and the flames of a new relationship were sparked.  The thing I love most about Matt and Tonya is that, while incredibly polished and completely gorgeous (Tonya actually models part-time), they truly know how to have fun….and above all, laugh at themselves.  It’s this spunk and light-heartedness that will undoubtedly continue to keep their love fresh and alive for many years to come.  We spent the afternoon a couple of weeks ago in River North and downtown photographing the joy of their engagement.

I kind of have this thing for bridges. I’m borderline obsessed with them.  I get this euphoric kid-in-a-candy-store type of excitement, whether a structure as humble as my beloved Rochester bridge or as majestic as the Golden Gate bridge. And photographing such rugged aged beauty…..mmmm.   Throw in a gorgeous, fun couple, and I am in photo heaven.  Chicago certainly has no shortage of unique bridges. So when we made out way towards Wacker Drive after shooting various places on Chicago Avenue, I could hardly contain myself.  Tonya and Matt were fabulous! As a model, Tonya has a bit of flair for the dramatic…and she knew how to work it. Always the perfect balance, Matt played along, and we were also able to catch some more candid moments between them.

Along the riverwalk, we caught one of the boat tours passing by in front of Merchandise Mart.

Another thing I just LOVE about Chicago is that in the midst of magnificent architecture, one can always find a pretty park and some greenery!

I feel so fortunate to have spent the afternoon in River North with Matt and Tonya, walking around the streets of Chicago, reveling in how wrapped up they were in one another.  Thank you for allowing me a small glimpse into your lives for the day. Here’s to many more years of love, playfulness, and Halloween costumes!

Angel smiled shyly as Achint gently put his hand on the small of her back and led her to the rear of Ipsento Coffee.  Suzy and I greeted them enthusiastically, and they introduced us to Angel’s mother and sisters who had made the trip with them from Champaign to Chicago to take advantage of some city shopping. It had actually been Angel’s sister, Sarah, that first got in touch with me about the engagement session in Wicker Park, and we chatted excitedly while waiting for our coffee. Talent runs deep in the Scarbrough family, and I was thrilled to meet three of the five girls in their indie eclectic rock band, Seventeen Sisters.

We sipped coffee with Angel and Achint in the back of Ipsento getting to know them better and listening to the story of how they met. Every time I hear the events that conspired to bring a couple together I am moved, and their version of how a Mississippi girl and an Indian boy found love in Champaign, Illinois was no exception. In fact, it was beautiful. It is always my desire to reflect the authenticity of a couple’s relationship in my images, and the better I get to know them, the more intuitive this becomes. As we prepared for our shoot, Angel shared that while fun and adventurous, she and Achint are a private couple, conservative with public affection. It meant so much that they were trusting Suzy and me to capture such precious moments between them in light of this. There was a purity and simplicity to their strong, quiet love, and it was very moving.

As we were getting ready to leave Ipsento, I grabbed this shot of Angel and Achint. I just ADORE the decor here, especially the antique windows on the walls and doors as accents.

Armed with warm coffee and pastries, we ventured out into an unexpected blustery Chicago day to capture Angel and Achint’s celebration of their engagement.

Suzy captured some fantastic moments between them here in the alley too!

There is something about the grittiness and vibrant colors of the blue line stop at Damen that I just love! We spent some time shooting outside and then went up on the platform. While I was photographing this,

Suzy captured this view:

I really enjoy shooting as a team, not only because it makes the session more fun, but because there are two creative minds working together who see the same scene with such different eyes and catch details the other didn’t.

Here’s a shot directed and captured by Suzy, that so very well expresses the sweet, quiet affection between Angel and Achint:

While walking down the street to our next destination, I caught this, but no matter how hard we tried, we COULD NOT lose that guy next to them! So alas, here is his moment of fame.

Nancy, owner of Una Mae’s in Chicago was so gracious to allow us to spend some time in her boutique on Milwaukee. I have a weakness for this place and have already made several purchases here, including a pair of red fingerless gloves the day of the shoot after losing mine on the El!!

The warmth inside Una Mae’s after braving the elements lent us to more playfulness!

In spite of the cold, we had such a blast with Angel and Achint, and I’m so thankful to have gotten a small peak into their world. Huge thanks also goes to Suzy Rohan of Lily Red Design who was a fabulous second shooter and also played the roles of driver, mitten chaser, Starbucks scout and keeping me sane.

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