Jennifer Kathryn Photography Blog

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

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!!

Tags: Alaina Bos, Barn Engagement Session, Chicago Engagement Session, Chicago Lifestyle Photography, Chicago Lifestyle Wedding Photographer, Chicago Lifestyle Wedding Photography, Chicago Photographer, Chicago Photography, Chicago Wedding Photographer, Chicago Wedding Photographers, Chicago Wedding Photography, Chicago Weddings, Jennifer Kathryn Gaudreau, Jennifer Kathryn Photography, Midwest Lifestyle Wedding, Midwest Wedding Photography, Naperville Engagement Photography, Naperville Engagement Session, Red Boots, River Walk Engagement Session, Sugar Grove Engagement Session
Posted in Engagement | 7 Comments »

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

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!

Tags: Beach Wedding, Chicago Wedding Photographer, Destination Wedding, Dominican Republic Wedding Photography, Jaclyn Simpson Photography, Jennifer Kathryn Gaudreau, Jennifer Kathryn Photography, Punta Cana Wedding Photography
Posted in Destination Wedding, Travel, Weddings | 7 Comments »

Brittany and Reed are Getting Married Today!!

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!

Tags: Chicago Engagement Session, Chicago Lifestyle Photography, Chicago Lifestyle Wedding Photographer, Chicago Lifestyle Wedding Photography, Chicago Photographer, Chicago Photography, Chicago Wedding Photographer, Chicago Wedding Photographers, Chicago Wedding Photography, Chicago Weddings, classic car engagement session, Destination Wedding, Dominican Republic Wedding, engagement session with rifle, Farm Engagement Session, Field Engagement Session, fire department, Galena Engagement Session, hay bales, hunting engagement session, Jaclyn Simpson Photography, Jennifer Kathryn Gaudreau, Jennifer Kathryn Photography, Midwest Lifestyle Weddings, Midwest Wedding Photography, sun flare
Posted in Destination Wedding, Engagement | 2 Comments »

Laura & Brian | Montrose Harbor | Chicago Autumn Engagement 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!

Tags: Autumn Engagement Session, Chicago Engagement Session, Chicago Lifestyle Photography, Chicago Lifestyle Wedding Photographer, Chicago Lifestyle Wedding Photography, Chicago Photographer, Chicago Photography, Chicago Weddings, Field Engagement Session, Jaclyn Simpson Photography, Jennifer Kathryn Gaudreau, Jennifer Kathryn Photography, Kites Engagement Session, Match.com Engagement, Midwest Lifestyle Weddings, Midwest Wedding Photography, Montrose Harbor Engagement Session
Posted in Engagement | 8 Comments »

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

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.

Tags: Chicago Anniversary Shoot, Chicago Couple Session, Chicago Engagement Session, Chicago Lifestyle Photography, Chicago Lifestyle Wedding Photographer, Chicago Lifestyle Wedding Photography, Chicago Wedding Photography, Fleur Chicago, Fleur Inc., Jaclyn Simpson Photography, Jennifer Kathryn Gaudreau, Jennifer Kathryn Photography, Lily Red Design, Michigan Anniversary Shoot, Michigan Couple Session, Michigan Engagement Session, Michigan Wedding Photography, Midwest Lifestyle Weddings, Midwest Wedding Photography, Simply Jessie Photography, vow renewal, Warren Woods
Posted in Engagement, Lifestyle Couple Session, Lifestyle Portraiture, Weddings | 8 Comments »

Michelle & Mark | Hickory Ridge Country Club | Rochester, NY Wedding

When Mark and Michelle invited me to be a part of their wedding day, I was thrilled.  It was just over a year ago that I met Mark while photographing Craig and Stephanie Rapp‘s Glen Iris wedding, who have since become dear friends. As we all sat talking over a campfire after the reception, I’ll never forget how Mark beamed when he mentioned Michelle’s name and spoke of their future together. I couldn’t wait to meet the woman who had had such a profound effect on him. Michelle and I finally met months later, and she was everything Mark had described. Petite, kind, beautiful, and bubbling with cheerfulness. She is one of those people that you meet and instantly feel like you’ve known her for much longer. For Mark, he had known her for a large portion of his life, and as the years passed, he could not get her out of his mind. The two had become friends in 6th grade and even dated briefly in high school. They went their separate ways in college, but kept in touch during that time. I can’t help but wonder how many times their junior prom song played over again in their heads as they both reminisced of holding each other tight on the dance floor. That love that had blossomed so young had taken root in their hearts, and only a week after Michelle finished college, the two started dating again. They have been together ever since. As Michelle told their story, she could not stop smiling as she gushed about Mark.

It was no different when I returned to Rochester, NY to photograph their wedding in July.  Even when I asked Michelle for a serious face for one picture, she couldn’t keep that radiant smile off her pretty face.  And after all, why should she?  It was finally their day.  It was such a delight to be back in Rochester for a few days to catch up with friends and shoot the Steiner’s wedding.   From pre-service beers in the garage to reception champagne on the dance floor, every moment with the bridal party was a blast.  I am especially thankful to have had my good friend, Michael Hanlon, shooting with me. He is one of the most talented photographers I have worked with in Rochester, and it was such an honor to shoot side by side with him. Here are just a few of the many images we captured this weekend.

Two of my favorite images, below, were taken by Mike. Love the expressions on Mark’s parents faces as the ring bearer runs down the aisle!

Couldn’t resist posting these snapshots of some of my favorite people looking fabulous!!

Pat & Jessie, Steph & Craig, and Elisa & Jared

These guys are so fun!! They rocked the rest of the evening away on the dance floor. Thanks so much Michelle and Mark for having us! xoxo

Tags: Barn Wedding, Hanlon Photographic, Hickory Ridge, Jennifer Kathryn Photography, New York, New York Weddings, Rochester Weddings, Waterfall
Posted in Weddings | 4 Comments »

Susan & Richard | Millennium Park & Adler Planetarium | Chicago Engagement Session

Sometimes life is ridiculously good. I’m not saying I haven’t had my fair share of challenges recently, but I’ve also frequently been feeling the need to pinch myself as a reality check that I get to do what I love.  When I met up with Sue and Rich for their engagement session, it was one of those moments.  It was an astoundingly beautiful, sunny (albeit sticky) Chicago day. I had my good friend, Nick Wrzesinski, shooting with me- a photographer who continually impresses me with his extraordinary technical skill, creativity and brilliance. And when we started talking with Rich and Sue, I realized that not only were they an outrageously gorgeous couple, but that they were laid back, fun, completely in love, and up for anything.  Sue’s energy and uplifting personality are the things Rich most adores in his fiancée, and her vibrancy shone throughout the session. Rich said life with Sue is always exciting, and he loves her spontaneity. Her upbeat attitude keeps him going and it was truly contagious as we traipsed through the city.  Susan fell in love with Richard’s genuineness and the fact that she can count on him for anything. He is unwavering and means what he says. As we chatted about his work, I was struck by his transparency and kindness. But being true to himself and others also comes with some spark- and his humor, mixed with occasional sarcasm, is another characteristic Sue is crazy about!  Sue and Rich are both full of so much life and it was wonderful to share their enjoyment of it together.  I am so thankful to Charlene Liang of Sweetchic Events for connecting us!

One of my favorite shots on the El was taken by Nick, below.

The Theatre District is still so magical to me, and I was thrilled when Sue and Rich wanted to shoot for awhile on Randolph.  They came alive with the bustle of traffic and bright lights of the marquee surrounding them.

Our downtown experience would not have been complete without a stop at Chicago’s quintessential Millennium Park, and we had some fun by the Bean and under the magnificent Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

Nick brilliantly rocked out the tilt-shift in this one.

Our final stop was Adler Planetarium for a glimpse of the gorgeous skyline at twilight. The clouds were absolutely divine, and the lights of the city became more enchanting as the sky grew darker.

Another one of Nick’s gems, on the left below.

While surrounded by dear friends and family this week in Hawaii, Rich and Sue will profess their vows to one another amidst the crashing waves and the tropical sun. As they begin this new chapter in their lives, I hope they, too, have that moment when they need to pinch themselves….and smile at the reality of the love they share. Because life…is just ridiculously good.

Tags: Adler Planetarium, Charlene Liang, Chicago El, Chicago Engagement Session, Chicago Lifestyle Wedding Photographer, Chicago Lifestyle Wedding Photography, Chicago Photography, Chicago Skyline, Chicago Theatre District, Chicago Wedding Photographer, Chicago Wedding Photography, Jennifer Kathryn Photography, Millennium Park, Nick W Photo, Nick Wrzesinski, State Street, State Street Bridge, Sunset Engagement, Sweet Chic Events, The Bean
Posted in Engagement | 7 Comments »

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

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!

Tags: Aspen, Aspen Engagement Session, Aspen Wedding Photographer, Chicago Photographer, Chicago Wedding Photographer, Colorado, Colorado Engagement Session, Colorado Wedding Photographer, Field Engagement Session, Jaclyn Simpson Photography, Jennifer Kathryn Gaudreau, Jennifer Kathryn Photography, Mountain Engagement Session, Scooter Engagement Session, Ski Chalet
Posted in Engagement, Lifestyle Portraiture | 6 Comments »

Brittany & Reed | Galena, Illinois | Engagement Sneak Peak

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!

Tags: Chicago Fashion Shoot, Chicago Lifestyle Wedding Photographer, Chicago Lifestyle Wedding Photography, Chicago Photography, Galena, Illinois, Jaclyn Simpson Photography, Jennifer Kathryn Photography, Midwest Lifestyle Wedding, Midwest Wedding Photography
Posted in Engagement | 5 Comments »

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

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!

Tags: Farm Engagement Session, Farm Wedding, Fleur, Inc., Jaclyn Simpson Photography, Jennifer Kathryn Photography, Kelly Uss, Michigan Engagement Session, Style Me Pretty
Posted in Engagement | 5 Comments »