Ria and David: Chicago Wedding Sneak Peek

Last weekend I had the pleasure of shooting Ria and Dave’s wedding. This sweet couple wed at Osteria Via Stato in downtown Chicago, followed by a reception and tons of dancing. Stay posted for more photos soon.

Michelle and Martin: Maternity Session at Loyola University, Chicago

Baby bumps are so beautiful.

Not having had children yet, I can only imagine what it is like to sport a massive belly that is home to growing life. Michelle made it look so effortless, even though she was barely a month away from her due date. Along with her partner Martin, we had an awesome time getting these gorgeous shots at the northside campus of Loyola University. The love between Michelle and Martin is so evident that I couldn’t help but smile at them. Their love for each other, their baby and, of course, the Chicago Bears, is what truly made these pictures beautiful.

As for the gender of their baby, Michelle and Martin have opted for the greatest surprise of all. I look forward to hearing the news in a month!

 

Race Over To This Gorgeous Indianapolis Wedding

About a month ago I was lucky enough to second shoot for Erika Szostak of PhotoMadly. Although born and raised in the US, she is now living in Brighton, England with her beautiful family. She came back to the States to shoot a very special event, her brother’s wedding in Indianapolis, IN. The day was filled with smiles – so many of them! – and warmth as her family made me feel like part of the clan. Damian and Lindsay were married at the Sacred Heart Church in Indianapolis, which is an absolutely beautiful venue.

Lindsay looked absolutely stunning while Damian was not too shabby himself. Of course, the flower girls stole the show in their adorable tutu-inspired dresses.

After the ceremony butterflies were released into the air. It was a beautiful sight, one that I have not yet witnessed. The newly-married couple took off in a vintage car, right after popping a big chilly bottle of champagne to celebrate their nuptials. While Erika took the group shots, I stepped in to take the shots of her family. Can you believe that all of these gorgeous people are brothers and sisters to the groom? What a fantastic family.

   

I loved the choice of baby blue bridesmaid dresses with yellow bouquets. The dresses were so cute and could definitely be worn again all summer long by the lucky bridesmaids. Lindsay is short like me so I was curious to see what shoes she was wearing. I don’t know how she did it, but she spent most of the day walking around in this tall beauties. Gorgeous, right?

 

While most bridal parties tend to get a little goofy during the formals, this group was ready to do just about anything for a great picture! The guys threw little Lindsay high into the air while Lindsay took her revenge and threw some type of power force back onto them.

The reception was held at the incredible Central Library in downtown Indianapolis. If you are getting married in Indy, I would definitely recommend this incredible venue. The interior was full of amazing nooks and crannies for pictures, while the staff was extra friendly and accommodating. After a day full of smiles, there were bound to be a few tears during the speeches. I believe that a good wedding has both, which means that Linday and Damian’s wedding was a total hit. If you are getting married in or near Brighton, check out PhotoMadly to work with the incredibly talented Erika Szostak.

Tears Lead to Big Smiles at Weddings, and I Can Barely Hold Back My Own

Do you know what get’s me close to tears at weddings? A good father of the bride speech and weepy grooms.

Before I left for my big adventure out west, I shot a wedding in Milwaukee. It was a gorgeous affair, but what I remember the most was the way that the groom reacted to, well, just about everything involving his bride. I am not sure that I have seen a man more in love with his better half than Jim.

Whenever I am shooting groom preparation, it is a time filled with tons of laughter, some off-color jokes and usually a few shots of something you need to be 21 to drink. However, Jim was a perfect gentleman, not only to me but to his great groomsmen. He helped them with their ties, hurried them along in the shower and was just a big walking smile all morning. That was until he started opening the gifts from his bride-to-be before the big event.

A huge basketball fan, Jim received an autographed basketball, which brought oohs and aahs – in manly tones, of course – from his best buds. It was the personalized jewelry box that brought tears to his eyes. It was a moment that I was so happy to be a part of , but one that reminded me just how powerful love truly can be.

A few moments later I ducked into the bridal suite where Jamie was just about to step into her dress. When I told her Jim’s reaction to the gifts, she did a massive fist pump and said “heck yeah!” And that, ladies, is how it is done.