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    Posts Tagged ‘Jaclyn Simpson Photography’

    Brittany and Reed | Punta Cana, Dominican Republic | Destination Wedding

    Saturday, January 22nd, 2011

    The waves lapped the shore, and resort guests stopped in their tracks to stare as Brittany and Reed confessed their love to one another on the beach of sunny Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.  It was only the beginning of a wild celebration that continued through the night at a beachside restaurant with fabulous food, Dominican rum, and friends and family tearing up the dance floor.  And somehow in the midst of that, we managed to sneak away for a few photos at dusk.  I am tempted to share more than this one image…but you’ll just have to stay tuned to see just how stunning their destination wedding was. ¡Espero que lo disfruten!

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    Posted in Destination Wedding, Travel, Weddings | 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 »

    Jessie & Eric | Warren Woods, Michigan | 5 Year Anniversary & Vow Renewal

    Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010

    Just five years ago on a southern plantation in Alabama, two hearts were joined in unending love under a pecan tree as Jessie and Eric exchanged vows among their friends and family.  Their lives have been a whirlwind of change since that August day, but the journey has brought them closer and made them stronger.

    Jessie and Eric are so much of what I admire.  I can hardly believe I only just met them.  Already I am so grateful for their friendship and their influence in my life. They are both refreshingly witty, hilariously fun, and ceaselessly supportive.  Fellow photographers, Jessie and Eric Stevens (of Simply Jessie Photography) are such an incredible example of what a true partnership is- not only in business, but in their marriage. Their love is deeply inspiring and so very real. And their talent astounds me.  So when I heard they were planning a vow renewal ceremony in the woods of Michigan, I was both excited AND nervous to be shooting with Jaclyn Simpson to capture their special ceremony.

    Mosquitoes swarmed, cicadas buzzed and the air was thick with summer’s humidity, but nothing could detract from the tender moments Jessie and Eric shared. They stood under a canopy of trees, styled by Kelly of Fleur with ribbon, lace and twine, as they renewed the vows they had spoken to one another five years ago.  “I promise to love you, honor you, comfort you…I promise to pray for you and pray with you, to live with you in an understanding way, to grant you honor…” were among some of the powerful words they read from the beautiful stationery created for them by Suzy of Lily Red Design.  Jessie’s bouquet was made with cotton (to remind them of their wedding day), thistle (from the song she walked down the aisle to), rosemary, oak leaf hydrangea, acorns and billy balls and finished delicately with twine, for that’s how Eric had proposed.  Kelly spared nothing in gorgeously crafting their arrangements to be abundant with symbolism…just one of the many reasons I ADORE her work. A few personal touches of their own- the Persian rug that was given as a wedding gift from Jessie’s parents, a basket with their wedding album and mementos from the last five years, and a ceramic jar with thoughtful sayings to one another- added even more significance to their ceremony.  And to work with Jaclyn again? I couldn’t have asked for more! Jaclyn is one of the people I most love shooting with because she is so sensitive to the dynamics of each couple, amazingly creative, and truly just so much fun to be around. She brilliantly captured the essence of their vow renewal and I was thrilled to romp around with her, Jessie, Eric and Kelly through the fields of Michigan.  As much as I love city life, there is something so rejuvenating about the countryside!  After enjoying some of the glowy evening light, Jessie and Eric continued their celebration with a small picnic- their favorite wine and beer, small sandwiches of tomato, basil and mozzarella, and decadent pecan tarts.  Suzy’s menus and a few other paper pieces beautifully accented their treats.

    Jessie looked simply stunning in her slate and silver dress. A friend of hers made a custom hairpiece to suit the occasion.

    And Eric was quite strapping in his rolled khakis with suspenders and a boutonniere of billy balls and cotton, courtesy of Kelly.

    Jessie and Eric, thank you so very much for allowing me to be a part of your anniversary celebration.  I feel so very honored. I have nothing but love and respect for you both, and wish you many more years of love and learning!! It was a blessing to collaborate once again with Jaclyn and Kelly and to photograph Suzy’s work for the first time. We are thrilled that Eric and Jessie’s picnic and vow renewal was recently featured by Ami Price of the inspirational wedding site, Elizabeth Anne Designs. She told their story beautifully and went all out with the photos!  Also be sure to check out the phenomenal posts by the rest of the crew, including Jessie, herself!

    Simply Jessie

    Jaclyn Simpson Photography

    Fleur, Inc.

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    Posted in Engagement, Lifestyle Couple Session, Lifestyle Portraiture, Weddings | 8 Comments »

    Izzi & Seth | Aspen, Colorado | Lifestyle Couple Session | Part I

    Thursday, September 9th, 2010

    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!

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    Posted in Engagement, Lifestyle Portraiture | 6 Comments »

    Brittany & Reed | Galena, Illinois | Engagement Sneak Peak

    Thursday, August 12th, 2010

    What better way to spend a Friday in charming Galena than with a couple as fantastic as Brittany and Reed? A fellow photographer (she co-owns InSite Creatives in Humboldt, Iowa), it was Brittany’s creative vision to do their engagement session in this delightful historic town.  She couldn’t have chosen a better location as the backdrop for a love that began in a small town and that has been going strong since the two were in high school. I was blessed to have my talented friend and colleague, Jaclyn Simpson, join me for the day.  We just loved every moment with Brittany and Reed, and we cannot wait to shoot their January wedding in the Dominican Republic. Here’s a preview of a few images we captured this past Friday. Stay tuned for more!

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    Posted in Engagement | 5 Comments »

    Pip & Brian | Videnovich Farms – Bridgeman, Michigan | Engagement Session Feature

    Monday, August 9th, 2010


    Her laughter filled the air as she teased him, and his smile betrayed how much he adored her even in his witty retort.  Within moments, it was evident Pip’s spunk was an endearing complement to Brian’s sweetness and humor and that the two could not be more perfect for one another.  Combined with the flawless planning and floral styling of Kelly from Fleur, Inc. at Vera’s beautifully eclectic Videnovich Farms, we could not have asked for a more charming shoot.  Jaclyn Simpson and I were euphoric over Kelly’s vintage-inspired tulips, billy balls, ranunculus and garden roses, and we almost swooned over the antique cars, farm equipment, vineyards and gardens. There were even sheep! I loved collaborating with Jaclyn to photograph every aspect of Pip and Brian’s sassy engagement session.  We are thrilled to share that we have been featured on Style Me Pretty, a gorgeously chic wedding resource and one of my favorite blogs for inspiration! It is such an honor to be highlighted along some of the industry’s most talented artists, and I am so very thankful for this opportunity. Take a peek at SMP’s post for a teaser and stay tuned for more images here!

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    Posted in Engagement | 5 Comments »

    WITS Chicago Blackboard Affair | Chicago South Loop | Chicago Illuminating Company

    Wednesday, May 19th, 2010

    WITS Blackboard Affair

    There are so many reasons I love what I do for a living, among which is the opportunity to give back to the community. A few months ago my friends, Carolyn and Steve Goldhaber, put me in touch with Kristen Berlacher, deputy director of Chicago’s Working in the Schools (WITS) regarding their upcoming Blackboard Affair fundraiser. WITS is a charitable organization whose primary focus is promoting literacy in the school systems. By developing relationships with students, volunteers help cultivate a love of reading and a greater enthusiasm for learning through one-on-one tutoring and student mentoring.. When Carolyn told me WITS was looking for a photographer to cover the Blackboard Affair, I was delighted to get involved. From as early as I can remember…well…knowing HOW to read, I was curled up with a book every chance I had. Whether it was risking car sickness on a road trip to finish a story, sitting in the front pew of church with my latest paperback purchase (hey, I was there!), or lying in bed at night with a flashlight and a novel, sheets forming a tent over my head so my parents wouldn’t catch me, I have always loved to read. It was because I had parents and teachers who cared enough to invest in me, and so it is very dear to my heart to help support an organization that devotes its time and resources to making a similar impact in children’s lives.

    WITS Chicago held their annual Blackboard Affair this year at the Chicago Illuminating Company in the south loop area. Jaclyn and I walked through the doors of the spacious CIC, thrilled to be shooting in this former warehouse converted into one of Chicago’s trendiest wedding and event venues. There was a bar in the front registration room usually reserved for cocktail hour, and on the wall opposite the entrance was a magnificent framed floor to ceiling panting. We wandered into the next few rooms taking in the massive paintings, large framed mirrors, arched windows and marble bars. Self described as “renovated, modern architectual highlights,” blending “with an urbane loft aesthetic for a sophisticated, state-of the-art feel,” Chicago Illuminating Company was a sight to behold. Three large tables were lined with top notch prizes from local businesses for the silent auction. Bidders had the chance to win items such as a boat excursion, a custom Oxford Clothes suit valued at $3,200, tickets to a Chicago Cubs game, a wagon full of enough liquor to stock any personal bar, engagement or lifestyle sessions from several Chicago photographers, pampering for the day at a spa, and many other exciting services. Complete with lighting by Sound Investment and floral artistry by the Revel Group, the decor at the Blackboard Affair was breathtaking.

    WITS Blackboard Affair

    WITS Blackboard Affair

    Food for Thought kept guests satisfied all evening with their delightful and creative hors d’ouvres, while DJ Kid Color spun the music throughout the event. Glitter Guts added to the excitement with fun sparkled background photobooth in the lobby! The night’s festivities concluded with an iPad raffle, drawn from halves of large playing cards participant wore during the event.

    WITS Blackboard Affair

    Two of my favorite images from the night were captured by Jaclyn, below. Chicago Illuminating Company has an expansive display of Grey Goose behind its back bar, and GG was, very appropriately, one of the Blackboard Affair’s official sponsors

    WITS Blackboard Affair

    WITS Blackboard Affair

    I am incredibly grateful to have had Jaclyn Simpson shooting with me at Chicago Illuminating Company. It was a blast to spend time with her at the WITS Blackboard Affair, and she truly captured some amazing images!  I am so glad to be able to support Working in the Schools, and I look forward to seeing what they accomplish in the future.

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    Posted in Events | 7 Comments »