BEST OF 2022: Faves from this incredible year!!!

As I sit here writing this post, I just keep thinking about how truly incredible this year has been. No doubt that 2022 has gone by especially fast… I still can’t believe that tomorrow it will be over! I couldn’t be more grateful for all of the couples we had the opportunity to serve, whether that meant capturing their wedding day, their wedding celebration, or commemorating another milestone in life. This year has kept my team and I on our toes more than ever – but I wouldn’t change it for the world!

Let’s recap, shall we?!

2022 Recap:

  • I got to photograph my final few weddings rescheduled from 2020! WOOHOO!!!
  • Number of weddings captured: 42 (including three receptions and one Hindu/Jewish double wedding)
  • Engagement sessions: 31
  • Wedding films created: 37 (including two Live Stream recordings)
  • Sessions in my home state: 4 (including one wedding)
  • Fur babies I got to meet: countless!
  • Turtles I got to meet: 1
  • My first Baraat
  • My first couple with exactly the same name (Hi Alexes!)
  • First bride with the same name as me (Hi Emma!)
  • First engagement session crashed by the Tamale Guy
  • First Divvy bike engagement session
  • Got to work at some gorgeous new venues with wonderful vendors, as well as some old favorites (list below!)

Below you’ll find a collection of favorite candid moments and portfolio pieces from this year. As always, it was not easy to choose! My sincerest gratitude to each and every couple who has trusted my team to document these once-in-a-lifetime events. We absolutely love what we do, and can’t wait to do it again in 2023 🙂

Wishing a safe and Happy New Year to YOU!!!

Featured Venues:

Adler Planetarium | Walden | Chicago History Museum | Artifact Events | Independence Grove | Lacuna Lofts | ROOF on theWit | Bottom Lounge | LondonHouse | Blumen Gardens | Half Acre Brewery | Wilder Mansion | International Museum of Surgical Science | Salvage One | Firehouse Chicago | Garfield Park Conservatory | Bridgeport Art Center | Morton Arboretum | The Drake Oak Brook | Art Institute of Chicago | Saddle & Cycle Club | Ovation | Greenhouse Loft | Starved Rock Lodge | Cafe Brauer | Rockwell on the River | Madonna della Strada Chapel | Bridle Barn & Gardens | Cantigny Park | Halim Museum | City Winery | Hubbard Park Lodge

Candid photo of wedding party walking in front of Chicago Board of Trade downtown before September wedding reception
Groom and groom stand in front of white Rolls Royce under CTA tracks on Lake Street before their Ovation Chicago wedding reception
Bride and groom laugh during Royal Sonesta Downtown Chicago wedding ceremony on rooftop terrace
Candid photo of bride and groom holding hands in front of Wrigley Building in Chicago
Bride and groom kiss with Chicago mural on rooftop of Lacuna Lofts wedding venue
Romantic black and white photo of bride and groom smiling under veil at fall Morton Arboretum wedding
Groom lifts groom under disco ball during their choreographed first dance at Ovation Chicago wedding
Happy bride smiles as bridesmaid holds her veil at Walden Chicago
Romantic photo of bride and groom kissing under veil at Adler Planetarium wedding in Chicago
Romantic silhouette photo of bride and groom in loft window at their winter Salvage One wedding
Bride and groom walk in rose garden with large Oak tree before their summer Cantigny wedding ceremony in Wheaton, Illinois
Candid photo of Chicago wedding party on steps of Adler Planetarium at space-themed wedding
Black and white photo of groom kissing bride on the cheek under willow tree at Cantigny Park
Groom in blue suit gets ready in Hotel Lincoln before Chicago Cafe Brauer wedding ceremony
Romantic photo of bride and groom kissing in front of Cafe Brauer neon sign as guests hold sparklers and cheer
Candid photo of bride and groom laughing during Jewish wedding ceremony at Lincoln Park Honeycomb
Bride and groom kiss during first look before their Saddle and Cycle wedding in Chicago
Happy bride and groom exit their Blumen Gardens wedding ceremony while guests cheer and blow bubbles
Fun photo of bride and groom giggling in front of art wall at Hotel Lincoln in Chicago
Bride and groom kiss during their summer Cantigny wedding ceremony at South Grove
Fun photo of bride and groom celebrating on rooftop of Walden Chicago with skyline view
Loyola University wedding ceremony at iconic Madonna della Strada Chapel in Chicago
Silhouette of bride and groom in window before downtown Chicago wedding at theWit Hotel
Candid photo of bride and groom in front of greenery at their Cantigny wedding in South Grove
Bride and groom kiss on Michigan Avenue before Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown wedding
Bride and groom celebrate with beer tanks after their wedding ceremony Half Acre Brewery
Candid photo of couple embracing with colorful mural during Boystown engagement session
Bride and groom stand under skylight in barrel room at their Chicago Half Acre Brewery wedding
Black and white photo of engaged couple standing under umbrella outside of Metropolitan Brewing in Chicago
Candid photo of wedding party with black tuxedos and sage green dresses at Saddle and Cycle Club wedding
Bride and groom kiss at altar during Madonna della Strada Chapel wedding ceremony at Loyola University
Bride and groom walk down spiral staircase at the Art Institute of Chicago
Creative photo of bride and groom at their space-themed Adler Planetarium wedding
Bride and groom kiss during bubble exit at their Bridgeport Art Center wedding ceremony
Candid photo of bride and bridesmaids in silk robes with champagne before Saddle Cycle and Club wedding
Romantic fall engagement photo of couple underneath Lincoln Park Honeycomb
Groom and groom kiss in front of Rolls Royce with fall foliage at their Ovation Chicago wedding
Candid photo of bride and groom laughing after popping champagne at The Drake Oak Brook winter wedding
Winter wedding ceremony at The Drake Oak Brook hotel with colorful glass blown art installation on ceiling
Fun photo of engaged couple walking through greenery at Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago
Happy bride and groom dance with their guests at Bridgeport Art Center wedding reception featuring live music
Black and white photo of bride and groom kissing after scooping ice cream at Bridgeport Art Center wedding reception
Candid photo of wedding party walking in front of Wrigley Building before Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown wedding
Romantic photo of bride with flower crown looking at groom in front of ivy wall at fall Firehouse Chicago wedding
Candid photo of wedding party with Chicago skyline on LaSalle Street Bridge
Black and white photo of bride and groom walking down iconic spiral staircase at Art Institute of Chicago
Fun photo of groom lifting bride at their fall Blumen Gardens wedding in Sycamore, Illinois
Fun photo of bride and groom standing in front of their custom chalkboard sign at Half Acre Brewery
Happy couple walks along Chicago lakefront during fall engagement session in Lincoln Park
Romantic night photo of bride and groom kissing outside their Saddle and Cycle Club wedding reception
Bride and groom walk along Meadow Lake at sunset during their fall Morton Arboretum wedding
Candid photo of bride and groom after cutting their cake during ROOF on theWit wedding reception
Happy newlyweds leave First United Church of Oak Park during bubble exit
Artistic black and white photo of couple during winter engagement session at North Avenue Beach
Happy couple walks while holding hands on rainbow crosswalk in Boystown during summer engagement session
Bride and groom kiss in gold elevator during Chicago library wedding reception at 190 S. LaSalle
Romantic photo of bride and groom kissing in canyon with vintage veil flowing in the wind at Starved Rock State Park
Romantic Bay View engagement photo at Milwaukee lakefront
Candid photo of couple holding hands while walking through garden at Wisconsin wedding venue
Just married bride and groom smile on rooftop with Chicago skyline at Lacuna Lofts in Pilsen
Fun photo of wedding party walking in State Street before downtown Chicago wedding at ROOF on theWit
Married couple shows off emerald engagement ring and wedding bands at summer Cantigny wedding
Candid photo of engaged couple laughing while drinking beer at Fat Cat bar in Uptown Chicago
Wedding party in fall colored dresses and florals celebrate bride and groom for Walden Chicago wedding
Engaged couple kisses while holding weights at Bulldog Bootcamp in Forest Park
Fun photo of bride and groom walking in front of fall foliage during their Independence Grove wedding
Neighborhood engagement photo of couple sitting on stool at Sportsman's Club
Artifact Events wedding ceremony in south courtyard with columns and greenery
Black and white photo of engaged couple in front of CTA train in Chicago
Fun photo of couple walking near fountain at Boerner Botanical Gardens in Milwaukee
Happy bride and groom hold their cats in formalwear before Lacuna Lofts wedding ceremony
Fun photo of groom carrying bride under outdoor string lights during West Loop Chicago winter wedding at Loft Lucia
Engaged couple kiss in front of Chicago skyline with sunset at Lincoln Park lakefront
Engaged couple kisses in front of multicolored Pilsen mural in Chicago
Lincoln Park engagement photo of couple standing in sunlight at Grant Monument
Just married bride and groom cheer after their Saddle and Cycle Club Chicago wedding ceremony
Downtown Milwaukee engagement photo on Calatrava bridge with sunset
Bride and groom stand in front of marquee letters at Salvage One wedding venue in Chicago
Romantic photo of bride and groom kissing on Riverwalk before Chicago library wedding reception at 190 S. LaSalle
Bride and groom walk with their wedding party at Art Institute of Chicago gardens
Bride and groom kiss in front of mural outside District Brew Yards in Chicago
Couple laughs during intimate moment at Chicago Brewery engagement session at Dovetail Brewing
Black and white photo of emotional groom during Blumen Gardens wedding ceremony in Sycamore, Illinois
Couple kissing by reflecting pool at Garfield Park Conservatory wedding venue in Chicago
Happy bride and groom celebrate under CTA train tracks during their Bottom Lounge wedding reception
Silhouette photo of bride and groom in front of Chicago Skyline during their West Loop winter wedding
Couple walks their dog in front of local deli during neighborhood engagement session
Romantic neighborhood engagement photo of couple kissing in front of Humboldt Park lagoon
Candid photo of wedding party walking by Chicago sign at Salvage One wedding
Photo of pet box turtle swimming in tank
Candid photo of smiling couple in front of their wall of collectible gaming paraphernalia
Romantic photo of bride and groom in formal gardens at Wilder Park in Elmhurst, Illinois
Happy couple walks down 606 path during winter Wicker Park engagement session
Smiling couple holds dog on sidewalk during Bay View engagement session
Bride and groom walk along catwalk underneath chandeliers at Artifact Events wedding venue in Chicago
Romantic black and white engagement photo of couple with windblown hair at Chicago beach
Engaged couple do handstands together at Bulldog Bootcamp in Forest Park, Illinois
Romantic photo of bride and groom with flowing veil at their fall Warehouse 109 wedding
Bride and groom's kids wear matching blue suits and shoes at fall Warehouse 109 wedding
Blak and white photo of engaged couple laughing with umbrellas under Chicago train tracks
Black and white photo of couple on Calatrava bridge during downtown Milwaukee engagement session
Fun photo of bride and groom getting ready to cut their cake during Salvage One winter wedding reception
Candid photo of engaged couple in front of mosaic fountain at Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago
Artistic photo of wedding party sitting on rocks at Starved Rock State Park
Creative photo of bride and groom at Chicago lakefront before their summer Greenhouse Loft wedding
Portrait of puppy flower girl smiling at Salvage One wedding
Candid photo of engaged couple standing in front of stone building in Lincoln Park
Couple walks along Chicago lakefront with skyline at sunset during their engagement session in Lincoln Park
Couple shares intimate moment while enjoying craft beer at Chicago Brewery engagement session
Bride and groom pop champagne on downtown street during their Chicago library wedding reception at 190 S. LaSalle
Candid photo of couple walking along foliage path at Garfield Park Conservatory during their Chicago engagement session
Fun photo of couple lifting each other during downtown Milwaukee engagement session at lakefront
Bride and groom laugh during Bridgeport Art Center wedding ceremony in the Sculpture Garden
Candid photo of happy bride and groom as they exit their Chicago wedding ceremony at ROOF on theWit
Black and white photo of groom and bride in DIY jacket under Chicago train tracks
Engaged couple walks dog along Chicago lakefront with dark skies after rainstorm
Romantic photo of bride and groom on rooftop during their Bottom Lounge wedding reception
Couple kisses under Chicago CTA train station at Paulina during their winter engagement session
Candid photo of engaged couple standing in front of Chicago Theatre during holiday season
Black and white photo of bride and groom kissing at Starved Rock State Park
Bride and groom sit on mandap during their summer Hindu wedding ceremony at Rockwell on the River
Fun photo of bride and groom at their Salvage One winter wedding
Candid photo of bride and groom in front of Chicago skyline during their fall engagement session
Bride wearing flower crown dances with groom in front of iconic wood doors at their Firehouse Chicago wedding
Bride and bridesmaids laugh near Chicago Riverwalk before wedding reception at LondonHouse hotel
Black and white photo of happy couple with Chicago skyline at Olive Park during winter engagement session
Black and white photo of couple popping champagne at Olive Park in front of Chicago skyline
Groom approaches guests on white horse during Baraat at Rockwell on the River wedding
Couple stands in front of greenery during engagement session at Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago
Romantic photo of couple standing under Chicago CTA train station during engagement session
Bride and groom embrace at Chicago Riverwalk by Wrigley Building before Bridgeport Art Center wedding
Bride and groom kiss in front of fall foliage with their dogs before their Independence Grove wedding ceremony
Couple hangs out at Pilot Project bar during winter Wicker Park engagement session
Just married bride and groom smile in golden light during their Oak Park Country Club wedding reception
Couple shares tamales from Chicago's Tamale Guy in local bar during neighborhood engagement session
Bride gets ready with family members in floor-length window before Chicago Greek wedding ceremony
Detail photo of bride holding spring bouquet of peonies and greenery for Chicago Greek wedding ceremony
Bride and groom hold hands during their nighttime space-themed wedding ceremony at Adler Planetarium
Fun photo of couple holding Chicago-style hot dogs during their Northerly Island engagement session
Bride and groom cut deep dish Chicago-style pizza during Chicago loft wedding reception
Happy bride and groom play shoe game at their fall Warehouse 109 wedding reception
Groom smiles as bride's father kisses her cheek at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church wedding ceremony
Candid photo of couple with their dog at Chicago Olive Park engagement session
Bride and groom hold hands walking through Art Institute of Chicago gardens before their City Winery wedding
Silhouette photo of bride and groom in front of stained glass windows at their Halim Time and Glass Museum wedding
Groom smiles as he adjusts bowtie before Halim Time and Glass Museum wedding ceremony
Couple dances in front of Chicago Skyline at the lakefront during their engagement photo session
Couple sits together on chair next to big plants in their home during holiday engagement session
Wedding party stands in front of Chicago lakefront before Loyola University Madonna della Strada Chapel ceremony
Engaged couple holds hands in front of fall foliage during their Morton Arboretum engagement session
Creative black and white photo of couple standing in Cupola at their LondonHouse Chicago wedding
Black and white silhouette of bride and groom standing in Cupola at LondonHouse Chicago
Couple stands in front of Georgia O'Keefe cloud painting at the Art Institute of Chicago during engagement session
Candid photo of bride wearing faux fur with flowing veil during West Loop winter wedding at Loft Lucia
Black and white photo of couple in fun dresses at their Morton Arboretum Fragrance Garden wedding
Bride and groom celebrate as they exit their Firehouse Chicago fall wedding ceremony
Engaged couple sits on steps and eat ice cream inside Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams in Chicago
Bride with long flowing veil stands with groom at the altar during their church wedding ceremony in Chicago
Fun photo of bride in flowy dress and groom in orange suit dancing near lagoon at Humboldt Park in Chicago
Black and white photo of wedding party walking in downtown Chicago before LondonHouse wedding
Photo of bride and groom in traditional Vietnamese wedding clothes kissing on Chicago Riverwalk
Romantic photo of bride and groom at Chicago lakefront before their summer Greenhouse Loft wedding
Bride Irish dances with guests and band during Oak Park Country Club wedding reception
Romantic photo of couple on Chicago bridge during their winter engagement session
Wedding party in red dresses and blue suits sit in theatre chairs during Salvage One winter wedding
Candid photo of bride and groom on rooftop during Halim Time and Glass Museum wedding in Evanston
Candid photo of wedding party walking at Rockwell on the River before Hindu and Jewish wedding ceremony
Couple kisses in front of Chicago Theatre sign during spring engagement session
Happy bride and groom cut their wedding cake during Lacuna Lofts wedding reception
Romantic photo of couple with Chicago Theatre marquee lights during their downtown engagement session
Romantic photo of bride and groom kissing with summer florals at their Hubbard Park Lodge wedding reception
Fun photo of bride and groom outside of Milwaukee Art Museum before their wedding ceremony
Fun photo of bride and groom with moody fall bouquet in Humboldt Park Chicago
Stylized photo of bride and groom standing on black and white checkered floor for their International Museum of Surgical Science wedding in Chicago
Bride in purple dress and groom in light blue suit kiss during their summer Greenhouse Loft wedding ceremony
Fun photo of bride and groom walking with wedding party outside their Chicago History Museum wedding
Black and white photo of bride and groom kissing on bridge at their Milwaukee Art Museum wedding
Black and white photo of bride and groom popping champagne at night during their Greenhouse Loft summer wedding reception
Engaged couple stands in front of Greetings From Chicago mural on a rainy day in Logan Square
Just married couple cheers as they exit their summer City Winery Chicago wedding ceremony in outdoor garden
Artistic black and white photo of engaged couple kissing in Modern Wing at the Art Institute of Chicago
Candid photo of couple laughing with their dog in front of fall foliage during Roscoe Village engagement session
Bride and groom stand in front of Wilder Mansion after their wedding ceremony
Fun photo of bride and groom celebrating outside venue at their Wilder Mansion wedding
Couple gets cozy sitting on rock at their Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool engagement session in Lincoln Park
Romantic photo of engaged couple in front of summer foliage at Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool
Black and white photo of smiling bride and groom exiting their fall wedding ceremony at Independence Grove
Couple stands in a field of flowers during their Northerly Island engagement session in Chicago
Engaged couple tosses leaves in the air during their fall Morton Arboretum engagement session
Night photo of bride and groom kissing under neon sign during their Bridgeport Art Center Sculpture Garden wedding reception
Black and white photo og excited bride and groom entering their wedding reception at Saddle and Cycle Club in Chicago
Bride and father walk to enter Morton Arboretum wedding ceremony at the Fragrance Garden
Fun photo of wedding party at Olive Park before Bottom Lounge wedding in Chicago
Newlyweds thank their guests during Promontory Point wedding reception in Chicago
Bride and groom share a drink at bar before Bottom Lounge wedding ceremony in Chicago
Romantic black and white wedding photo of couple kissing at Chicago River
Black and white photo of couple walking along Chicago lakefront during fall engagement session
Candid photo of bride and groom in front of graphic mural during their International Museum of Surgical Science wedding in Chicago
Couple takes phone selfie during their wedding ceremony at Morton Arboretum Fragrance Garden
Just married couple shows off wedding rings in West Loop at their Loft Lucia wedding
Bride and father dance during Greek wedding reception at Chicago loft
Groom dances with mother at Promontory Point wedding reception
Candid photo of bride and groom laughing during their wedding ceremony at St. Vincent Ferrer in River Forest, Illinois
Happy bride and groom exit their Milwaukee wedding ceremony at Humboldt Park in Bay View
Candid photo of bride and groom during sparkler exit at their Wilder Mansion wedding
Bride and groom stand underneath custom neon sign and floral arrangement at their Bottom Lounge wedding
Just married photo of bride and groom outdoors at Half Acre Brewery wedding
Just married bride and groom exit their Chicago History Museum wedding ceremony
Romantic fall engagement photo of couple in corn field at Bridle Barn & Gardens
Woman rides away on Divvy bike while fiance playfully chases her during their fall Chicago engagement session
Unique silhouette photo of guests mingling with galaxy background at Adler Planetarium wedding reception
Black and white night photo of bride and groom kissing with heart-shaped sparklers outside of Cafe Brauer wedding venue in Chicago

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