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    Posts Tagged ‘Chicago Weddings’

    Nikki & Eric | Downtown Chicago, IL | Chicago Wedding Photography

    Friday, July 22nd, 2011

    I may be a little biased, but I think I have the best clients in the world. No, in fact, I’m sure of it. And every once in awhile I get to meet a couple that I feel like I’ve known for years. That’s what it was like when I first met Nikki and Eric. So much so that before we had even met in person, Nikki and I were chatting like old friends on the phone. To the point where she unabashedly asked me about my dating life…and I indulged! And when I got together with the two of them, I just knew I had to shoot their wedding.

    You may remember when I shared Nikki and Eric’s story from their downtown Chicago engagement session in the spring. And true to form, their wedding day was filled with much more laughter, emotion, and many tears as their loved ones celebrated with them. Here are a few of my favorites.

    I loved Nikki’s Vera Wang shoes and her Enzo Angiolini sash!

    We started in downtown Chicago at the Seneca Hotel before heading to St. Paul’s United Church of Christ for the ceremony and further preparations.

    Huge thanks to Otto for capturing these beautiful moments before the ceremony.

    One of the biggest factors in having spectacular wedding photos is planning enough time in the day to capture the entire bridal party as well as moments between the couple. To truly capture genuine emotion, it’s important to allow things to unfold naturally. While I do some coaching, the real magic happens when people’s true personalities emerge! Nikki and Eric created plenty of margin for this, and even though it had been pouring rain hours before, we ventured to Grant Park and Millennium Park for their photo shoot!

    We ended with some fun quintessential Chicago photos on Michigan Avenue before heading to their reception at Spiaggia downtown.

    I loved that Nikki & Eric provided flip flops for their guests so they could get their dance moves on!

    And Nikki surprised Eric with the ultimate pro football groom’s cake: Green Bay Packers on one side and Wisconsin State on the other!!

    Nikki’s Dad got the laughter and the waterworks going!

    As did her Maid of Honor…

    Nikki and Eric, thank you so very much for inviting me to document your special day. I am so very grateful our paths have crossed and I wish you many years of joy together!

     

     

     

     

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    Posted in Weddings | 3 Comments »

    Bill & Jane | Montrose Harbor | Chicago Lifestyle Couple Session

    Saturday, March 26th, 2011

    It makes me so happy to reflect on the incredible ways people have been brought into my life. It seems like every few weeks I’m meeting someone special through circumstances I never would have expected. It’s one of the things I love most about life. Meeting Bill and Jane was like that. I was on my way back to Chicago from NY around the holidays, scouring Craigslist for a vintage sled. I saw a few good listings, but Bill’s stood out the most because he had a sled AND a toboggan. Pushing it to the wire on my iPhone after boarding a plane, as I usually do, I wrote him an excited email to figure out when we could meet. By the time I landed in my connecting city he had left me a voicemail, and we had set up a time.

    I thought it’d be pretty standard Craigslist protocol. Meet the person selling the goods, have some small talk, buy it if it meets my standards, and wish him luck. But Bill and Jane were different. I met them where they were staying in Lincoln Park, and in their hospitable Texas drawls, they insisted I sit down and chat for awhile.  And I am so glad they did! I totally fell in love with them. We talked on the porch for an hour before even looking at the sleds.  Insisting I try them out for the weekend before I make a purchase, they helped me get them back to my place and we made plans to get together again. We had hoped to take them out one day in the snow, but the weather didn’t cooperate. Instead, they asked me to do a photo session with them!  We spent the chilly afternoon together at Montrose Harbor, talking, laughing and shooting.  It warmed my heart to see how playful they were, and how after so many years of marriage Bill and Jane are still overwhelmingly and unquestionably in love.

    We’ve stayed in touch since their trip back home to Texas, and I am so very thankful for my new friends. I wish them both many more years of love and joy together!

     

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    Posted in Lifestyle Couple Session | 3 Comments »

    Lesley & Matt | Sugar Grove Barn & Naperville River Walk | Chicagoland Engagement Session

    Monday, January 31st, 2011

    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!!

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    Posted in Engagement | 7 Comments »

    Brittany and Reed are Getting Married Today!!

    Monday, January 17th, 2011

    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!

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    Posted in Destination Wedding, Engagement | 2 Comments »

    Laura & Brian | Montrose Harbor | Chicago Autumn Engagement Session

    Tuesday, December 14th, 2010

    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!

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    Posted in Engagement | 8 Comments »

    Dharna & Samir | Naperville, Illinois | Hindu Wedding Ceremony

    Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

    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!

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    Posted in Weddings | 11 Comments »

    Second Shooter Seminar with Veronica Hinojosa | Chicago Wedding Photography

    Monday, April 5th, 2010

    Veronica is one of those people that is kind of quiet when you first meet her.  She listens with a smile on her face as people carry on around her. It’s not that she isn’t engaging in the conversation; in fact, it’s that she’s so in tune with what’s going on that she waits for the right moment to share what she has to say.  And when she does open her mouth, you know it’s gonna be good. Whether it’s the perfect quip, a word of encouragement or one of her many pearls of wisdom, she is someone that always leaves a conversation better than it was before she spoke. She exudes a warmth and humility that is disarming, but delivers with a conviction that leaves an impression.

    When Veronica speaks, I listen.  And the joy of those that spend time getting to know V, as we call her, get to experience her laughter, radiance, and insights on a regular basis. Not only has she become a dear friend, but a resourceful voice in the photography community here in Chicago.  Tomorrow night (Wednesday) she will be giving the first session of her two-part Second Shooter Seminar. It is geared towards photographers who are interested in developing and contributing their skills to primary photographers during weddings and portrait sessions.  Whether you want to build your career as a freelancer or gain more experience to eventually start your own business, Veronica will share many of the perks and guidelines of being a Second Shooter.  Veronica has built Hinojosa Photography into a successful and wedding and portrait business over the past five years and credits much of her growth to her years of experience as a second photographer.

    In my own journey as a photographer, I can attest to having gained priceless experience and knowledge from the primary photographers who had the patience to pour into me over the past few years in developing my skill. Not only was I able to hone my craft while working with talented photographers such as Brody Wheeler, Daryn Backal, and Kenny Kim, but I had the opportunity to see how a business works from the inside before I took the plunge myself.  They spent time teaching me how to best help them, but I can only imagine how much more value I’d have had to offer from square one had I attended a seminar like this to prepare me how to be the biggest possible asset to the primary photographer. I am so excited to attend tomorrow’s informational meeting, and looking forward to the educational seminar Wednesday, April 14th at 6:30pm.  It’s not too late to register. Come to Calumet Photographic (1111 N. Cherry) in downtown Chicago tomorrow night at 7pm for the  411 and see what it’s all about! Cannot wait to see everyone there!

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    Posted in Workshops | 2 Comments »

    Diem and Maryam | Chicago Fashion Photography | The James Hotel

    Friday, February 19th, 2010

    I juggled my camera and lighting equipment as I walked into The James Hotel from the brisk Chicago air.  Being new to the city and having the most fabulous sense of direction(!), I drove around the block twice before pulling up in front of The James. The valet gave me a comforting smile as I approached him, and I knew my little red car was in good hands. I entered the lobby of the boutique hotel and instantly loved it- from the large windows, the modern decor and the friendly staff. I was talking to the gentleman at the front desk and had barely gotten the words out my mouth, when Melissa descended the stairs and greeted me with her warm, beautiful smile. Her energy was contagious.

    Melissa Diep had asked me a few weeks ago if I’d like to join her for a fashion shoot at the James Hotel, and I was thrilled!  While I’ve dabbled in fashion, my emphasis has been primarily families and couples- weddings, engagement sessions, lifestyle shoots. So I was amped to have an opportunity for a different kind of creativity.

    We walked into the luxurious bathroom-turned-dressing-room. Beautiful Horacio Nieto pieces were delicately hanging everywhere.  The models were a vision to behold, and were laughing and primping playfully. Diem wore a flirty white chiffon dress that could easily have been a beach wedding gown, and she was zipping up Maryam’s stunning olive taffeta dress. Typically working behind the scenes as one of Chicago’s up and coming talented hair and makeup artists, Diem Angie Nguyen, is as radiant inside as she is on the outside. She was such a natural in front of the camera and could change her expression on cue from to sultry, playful or serious. Maryam Subhani originally joined our session as Diem’s hair and makeup artist, but she was glowing with such sheer beauty herself that we had to kidnap her for our shoot. Maryam’s passion is her art but she has stepped into some opportunities lately to shine in the spotlight herself. And we are so glad to have had such a gorgeous and gracious addition to our day! Melissa whisked Maryam away while Diem and I went off to create some photographic magic ourselves. We switched half way through the session and I was amazed at how both girls brought such unique styles to the camera. It was also so interesting to see the difference in Melissa’s artistry and my own, and the models even commented on how differently we worked.  That is the thing that continually inspires me in my field, and most creative industries- the ability of an artist to interpret an experience and express it in a remarkably unique way. Every shoot is an opportunity to tap into one’s personal style and continue to discover it, to reinvent it, and to create beauty.  I am truly blessed to do what I love.  Thanks to Diem and Maryam for being incredible to work with, and Melissa for having me along. Check out these stunning women!

    I tend to prefer a more authentic, natural look when it comes to my post-production. But in the vein of reinventing, it seemed appropriate to play with some color a bit for the fashion shoot at The James Hotel. LOVE this one of Diem!

    This girl knows how to work the camera! I adore her sexy and then sultry glances below.

    Diem humored me on this one! Beyond the lobby of the James Hotel there is a foyer that leads to the elevators and the spa downstairs. There is a strange and interesting mural on the wall that shows a woman’s hand, and a tree sort of doubles as her mid-section. I’m still wrapping my mind around it, but thought we’d play a little bit with Diem mirroring the mural. It’s kind of odd, but there’s a part of me that likes it!

    It was so fun playing with the window light and still using some fill in addition. I love Maryam’s expression in the second one as she basks in the glow of the light- something about it really moves me.

    Nothing sexier than a woman on a pool table, right?  Especially when she’s as gorgeous as Maryam.

    Many thanks to the wonderful staff at The James Hotel for hosting us.  I stopped by The James again last night to check out the Bridal Lounge by Chicago Social Brides and was blown away. The Modern Event Space and James Club were decked out by the city’s top designers and stylists and I had the chance to meet some truly exceptional wedding vendors.  Several stood out in particular and I’m so thrilled to have met Courtney of Courtney Callahan Paper, Natalie and her staff at Hello Darling floral and event styling, Rebecca with Dilly Lily floral, and the refreshing Mary Nisi of Toast and Jam Disc Jockey. Looking forward to connecting with them more in the future!

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    Posted in Personal | 9 Comments »

    Chicago Trash the Dress | Winter Shoot in Sugar Grove

    Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

    It was a chilly Chicago day, but that didn’t stop 9 photographers, three models, two make-up artists and a troupe of assistants from venturing out to Sugar Grove, Illinois on Sunday for a Winter Trash the Dress Session. Trash the Dress? What’s that all about? Among the shifts that wedding photography has made over the past few years is an emphasis on bridal portraiture as a means of celebrating a bride’s beauty through a session dedicated solely to her in her wedding dress.  Trash the Dress takes that a step further! A bride’s wedding dress is, arguably, the most important detail of her day. She’s spent months looking through bridal magazines, traipsing across town with her friends, and shopping at boutiques, and when the decision is made, this is the one thing on which she spares no expense. To wear it for one day. Albeit the most important day of her life. Hopefully she has hired a photographer who is every bit as passionate about her gown as she is, and who will dedicate plenty of time to capturing her in her radiance, alone and with her groom. Even still, I have so many brides who are just dying to push the envelope and go down to the beach or out to the barn, but are concerned about getting their dresses dirty before the reception. This is why I love Trash the Dress. We schedule a secondary session after her wedding, and then we have some real fun! The stress of keeping things running smoothly at the wedding has passed. The bride can get all dolled up again if she wishes, or opt for a more casual hairstyle as well. Sometimes her man joins in (I love when they do!), and we have a Day After Session that focuses on the couple.  And this is where it’s time to let loose!  It’s another opportunity to capture the essence of who the bride (or couple) truly is, in an environment that most suits her. It can be a carefree, spontaneous time of silliness, or it can be a glam high-fashion shoot.  From jumping in the leaves, to going to the beach, to horse-back riding, to walking around in an urban area, the possibilities are endless.  And while we do say “trash” the dress, we don’t (necessarily) mean ripping it to shreds or destroying it completely. But the bride can rest assured if she gets it muddy or wet- thank goodness for dry cleaning!  When all is said and done, it’s an opportunity for artist and client to continue building their relationship and to create some truly powerful images to celebrate a couple’s commitment.

    Chicago’s Melissa Diep has a vision to give all photographers an opportunity to start offering this to their clients. Last summer she started organizing Trash the Dress sessions at killer venues across Chicago as an outlet for photographers to connect, practice lighting and posing, and build their portfolios.  She hires stunning models and talented hair and make-up artists for each shoot.  But even more noteworthy is Melissa’s dedication to finding exquisite dresses for each shoot. She almost never uses a dress more than once, and gets them custom made from various places in Chicago and even internationally.

    This was my first Trash the Dress with Melissa, and it did not disappoint! We arrived at the venue in Sugar Grove, a beaten path just off the main highway leading to an old house, a barn, a silo, and boundless ideas.  The dresses were flawless, the models were stunning, and their hair and makeup was meticulously styled by the artists to match the mood each model portrayed. Melissa even collaborated with The Left Bank to acquire some ravishing jewelry and headpieces. Amidst the winter chill, the models were gracious and fun while we, as photographers, feasted in this playground of textures and light.  Not only did I take away some incredible images, but I left with a unique experience that allowed me to play with lighting and posing to a degree I’m not always at liberty to on a shoot.  It was empowering to construct and compose my own shots as well as learn from the other photographers present. We even collaborated on a few concepts with impressive results. I am so thrilled to have been a part of the Chicago Winter Trash the Dress.

    Thank you Melissa for organizing another successful event!  And many thanks to our gorgeous models Jennifer, Nicole, and Adrianna and our brilliant make-up artists Diem Angie-Nguyen and Maryam Subhani.

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    Posted in Fashion, Weddings, Workshops | 5 Comments »