BEST OF 2024: A Year in Review!

Happy New Year, friends!!! Hope everyone’s 2025 is off to an awesome start! Today’s post is dedicated to the Best of 2024… and as usual, choosing my favorites from the past 12 months was no easy task. Last year was an eventful one – filled with travel, friendship, the most breathtaking locations, and SO much love. It’s always a treat to look back at the moments we captured, and all the fun images we got to create!

One thing is for sure: 2024 would not have been the same without the talented individuals who make up our team. My deepest gratitude goes out to Alexis, Nohemi, Amy Lynn, George, Claire, Sophie, Trevor, and Jeremy. You all are a huge reason we get to keep doing this every year!

Highlights from 2024:

  • We started shooting FILM at weddings and my entire team is obsessed.
  • I started a new role as Curator for local wedding blog ChiTheeWed! You can read my featured articles here and here.
  • Travel! This year I got to photograph couples in love in NYC, Jersey City, Milan and Lake Como Italy, Milwaukee, San Francisco, Starved Rock State Park, and sweet home Chicago.
  • Getting published not once, but TWICE (both shoots from Italy!). Check out our Lake Como wedding on Wed Vibes and Milan sunrise session on European Elopement Guide.
  • Three new (gorgeous) custom flower wall backdrops for the Photo Booth!
  • Number of weddings captured: 27
  • Destination weddings: 2
  • Elopements: 3
  • Engagement sessions: 24
  • Surprise proposals: 2
  • Wedding films created: 10
  • SO many fur babies (too many to count!) and a few human babies, too
  • My first engagement session on roller skates!
  • Collaborating with some favorite vendor friends
  • Working in some of our favorite venues, as well as a handful of new ones (list below!)

The below collection of images includes a mix of favorite moments, portfolio pieces, and memories captured on digital and film. There are far too many of these to describe in detail… so I’ll let the photos do the talking! Truly, we have had the privilege to work with some of the most wonderful couples and their families in 2024. We’re lucky to play such a significant role in so many people’s family history, and that’s something we never take for granted. To every couple who trusted my team and I to capture your stories in 2024: THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart.

CHEERS to a Happy and Healthy 2025!!!

Featured Venues:

167 Events / Art Institute of Chicago / Assumption Catholic Church / Bond Chapel / Cafe Brauer / CD&ME / Chicago Athletic Association Hotel / Chicago Cultural Center / Chicago Winery / Firehouse Chicago / Lacuna Lofts / LM Studio / LondonHouse Chicago / Museo del Novecento / Osteria Via Stato / Ovation / Pendry Chicago / Redfield Estate / Rockwell on the River / Salvage One / Sarabande / South Branch Tavern & Grille / Starved Rock Lodge / The Arbory / The Drake Oak Brook / The Gwen / The Library at 190 S. LaSalle / The Oakville Grill & Cellar / The Robey / The Rookery / Villa Pizzo

Happy bride and groom walk with their bridal party in downtown Chicago
Two brides walk up spiral staircase at The Rookery building in downtown Chicago
A bride and groom smile under a veil, holding a bouquet of white roses in front of a lit marquee sign, capturing the best of 2024.
Candid photo of wedding party walking in colorful Indian attire and Western attire in front of oak tree at The Redfield Estate wedding property in Glenview, Illinois
Couple holding hands by the sea on a concrete pier under a clear sky.
Bride walks toward groom during their first look in front of the Carbide and Carbon Building
Happy bride and groom during their first look in front of the revolving doors at the Pendry Chicago in the Carbon and Carbide Building
Wedding party walks under Lincoln Park Honeycomb before wedding at Sarabande Chicago
Just married bride and groom exit their LM Studio wedding ceremony while guests applaud
Couple leans against street mural wall during Jersey City engagement session
Bride and groom feed each other cake at their wedding reception at The Arbory Chicago
Bride and groom kiss in front of large, ornate door at The Arbory Chicago wedding venue, the bride holding a bouquet
Bride walks toward groom during their first look outside Bond Chapel in Chicago
Romantic photo of bride and groom showing off wedding rings with veil in foreground on Monroe Street Bridge
Romantic photo of bride and groom with stacks of books at downtown Chicago Library wedding at 190 S. LaSalle
Fun photo of couples cheersing their paletas in front of Chicago skyline during their summer lakefront engagement session
Black and white photo of bride and groom embracing joyfully in front of a decorative patterned backdrop in downtown Chicago's Union Station
Black and white photo of couple walking past window in Egypt Room at The Metropolitan Museum of Art during spring NYC engagement session
Experience an enchanting Lacuna Lofts Chicago wedding with an outdoor ceremony on a rooftop, where guests are seated, the wedding party stands proudly, and a breathtaking city skyline serves as the perfect backdrop.
Groom puts on shoes before his wedding at Bond Chapel on University of Chicago campus
Bride, groom, and wedding party during ceremony at Bond Chapel in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood
Bride and bride stand with colorful florals on Chicago bridge after wedding photos at The Rookery Building
Newlyweds kiss in front of a colorful
Bride and groom's dog in a tuxedo harness licks its nose before wedding ceremony outside South Branch Tavern and Grille
Romantic black and white engagement photo of couple at Bethesda Terrace in Central Park, NYC
Groom kisses bride's cheek as they stand on a bridge in Lincoln Park with the Chicago skyline as a background|
Happy groom in a black vest and bow tie stands near a window at the Pendry Chicago, adjusting his outfit
Romantic photo of bride and groom kissing on LaSalle Street Bridge in downtown Chicago, the cityscape framing their moment, with the bride holding a bouquet and her veil flowing
Silhouetted bride and groom stand by vintage stained glass windows in Salvage One, with Chicago city buildings as their backdrop
Bride and groom stand facing each other in front of a large arched window, framed by the enchanting cityscape view from the Museo del Novecento
Downtown Milan wedding photo of groom kissing bride's hand while holding parasols in front of Museo del Novecento
Candid black and white photo of stylish bride and groom on steps of Museo 900 after their destination Italy wedding in Milan
Photo of bride and groom in front of Chicago Theatre with flowing veil
Film photo of happy engaged couple smiling on the shore of Lake Michigan, framed by Chicago skyline
Wedding party portrait in Salvage One Chicago with vintage bathtubs and exposed wood beams
Bride and groom walk down the aisle of Assumption Catholic Church in downtown Chicago as guests stand and watch after their wedding ceremony
Black and white photo of bride's mother and bridesmaid helping with bride's dress before Bond Chapel wedding in Chicago
Happy bride and groom outside Rockwell on the River before their wedding
A couple in wedding attire poses at night on a balcony with the city lights of Lacuna Lofts Chicago wedding glowing in the background.
A couple walks and kisses in a garden surrounded by colorful flowers and greenery at sunset, capturing the timeless romance through film photography.
Bride taps groom on the shoulder during their first look on Cedar Landing in Viceroy Chicago
Romantic photo of bride and groom kissing with marquee lights before their Chicago LM Studio wedding
Newlyweds give speech during their wedding reception at LM Studio Chicago
Bride smilies as her mother helps with her veil while getting ready at Viceroy Chicago before her Lincoln Park wedding
Creative photo of newlyweds in silhouette after their San Francisco City Hall elopement
Portrait of couple at home with their black cat during fall San Francisco engagement session
Creative photo of engaged couple standing in front of their home with a vibrant red door
Black and white photo of man leaning in to kiss his partner's cheek while they sit in their kitchen holding mugs during their San Francisco engagement session
Engaged couple embraces in a field of yellow flowers at Chicago's Lincoln Park
Creative portrait of couple standing in front of mosaic at Bethesda Terrace during Central Park engagement session
Couple laughs while walking through South Street Seaport during spring New York City engagement session
A smiling couple with their baby on a couch, captured beautifully in black and white, embodies timeless joy. The man wears a stylish hat while the baby sports an adorable flower headband. A heartwarming moment that truly belongs in the
Fun Chicago engagement photo or couple dancing with colorful sunset at North Avenue Beach Pier
Romantic photo of couple kissing in mosaic window arch during Chicago Cultural Center engagement session
Romantic photo of just married couple outside Firehouse Chicago wedding venue in Edgewater neighborhood
Black and white photo of bride's mother assisting happy bride with her dress before South Branch Tavern and Grille wedding
Newlywed couple shows off their rings at night, with backdrop of city lights outside South Branch Tavern and Grille during their wedding reception
A couple ascends an elegant, grand staircase in San Francisco City Hall with detailed architecture and warm lighting
Engaged couple stands facing each other holding hands, with a black-and-white striped background behind them at Chicago Cultural Center
Bride and groom pop a bottle of champagne on downtown Chicago street at night
Black and white photo of bride and groom in a tuxedo walking hand in hand in the LondonHouse Cupola
Engaged couple walks through residential neighborhood in Jersey City
View from balcony of spring garden wedding ceremony at Firehouse Chicago
Woman throws snowball at her partner during snowy winter engagement session
Couple runs through snow in front of evergreen tree during Midwest winter engagement session
Candid photo of happy couple in coats and hats keeping each other warm during snowy winter engagement session
Black and white photo of couple's Husky dogs in snow during Midwest engagement session
A couple strolls on stone steps, embraced by lush greenery and vibrant purple flowers, basking in the warm glow of a sunny day—a scene that could easily be captured for the Best of 2024 sights to behold.
A couple poses in a garden at sunset with their happy dog sitting on the grass, capturing a moment that could easily be one of the
Romantic engagement photo of bride and groom at Liberty State Park with Manhattan skyline view
Romantic photo of couple standing at Pebble Beach during DUMBO engagement session in Brooklyn, NYC
Creative photo of happy couple kissing on Brooklyn Bridge during their spring New York City engagement session
Romantic photo of bride and groom inside Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping center with Prada store in background featuring Italian architecture
Creative wedding photo of bride and groom kissing in front of Duomo di Milano with pigeons flying around them
Black and white photo of bride playing with veil outside Milan Cathedral
Romantic photo of bride and groom outside Museo del Novecento after their downtown Milan wedding
Fashion portrait of bride in Italian street with colorful tulip bouquet after morning elopement in Lake Como
Happy bride and groom with red Vespa scooter during Lake Como elopement
Romantic photo of bride and groom at Arco della Pace in Milan for their spring Parco Sempione wedding
Black and white photo of a newlywed couple laughing near Arco della Pace in Parco Sempione while a cyclist and child ride by in the background.
Bride waits in elegant sitting room inside Villa Pizzo before destination wedding at Lake Como, Italy
Creative photo of bride and groom walking with parasols out of dark shadow into bright sun near Villa Pizzo on Lake Como, Italy
Romantic Villa Pizzo wedding photo of bride and groom with flowing veil at Lake Como, Italy
Bride and groom kiss during their wedding ceremony at Assumption Catholic Church in downtown Chicago
Engaged couple rollerblades hand in hand along Diversey Harbor with Chicago skyline backdrop
Black and white photo of couple embracing by the water at Diversey Harbor, with Chicago skyline in the background
Black and white photo of engaged couple sitting on a ledge wearing roller skates at Diversey Harbor in Chicago
Film photo of couple on the Clark Street bridge during their downtown Chicago engagement session
Wedding rings on small ring box made of tree branch with engravings and spring florals at Firehouse Chicago wedding
Creative black and white photo of couple silhouetted by window light at Art institute Chicago
Romantic photo of bride and groom standing in middle of Michigan Avenue with flowing veil and traffic before downtown Chicago library wedding
Bride in a white dress sits on a pink sofa in the bridal suite at The Arbory Chicago, holding her veil out
Bride and groom kiss before cutting their cake during Cafe Brauer wedding reception in Lincoln Park Chicago
Fun photo of wedding party cheering while bride and groom kiss outside Sarabande Chicago wedding venue
A couple walks along a waterfront path, city skyline in the background.
Creative black and white photo of couple standing in Oculus building at World Trade Center
Romantic silhouette of couple on spiral staircase at Art Institute of Chicago
Couple dances on landing in Belvedere Castle during Central Park engagement session
Groom holds hands with bride and steps on a glass at the end of Ovation Chicago wedding ceremony
Romantic photo of couple on Brooklyn Bridge with Manhattan skyline view during NYC engagement session
In Salvage One Chicago, bride and groom embrace surrounded by colorful vintage letters
Black and white photo of wedding party posing on LaSalle Street Bridge with Chicago skyline in the background
Creative photo of engaged couple with painting American Gothic by Grant Wood at Art Institute Chicago
Bride and groom stand hand in hand in front of a stunning floral arch indoors at Walden wedding venue in Chicago
A four-tiered wedding cake adorned with colorful edible flowers and leaves, reminiscent of a film photography snapshot, is beautifully surrounded by flickering candles.
Black and white photo of newlyweds kissing during sparkler exit in Lacuna Lofts rooftop in Chicago
A couple exchanges vows at their wedding, surrounded by vibrant floral arrangements, with an officiant nearby.
A couple embracing on a beach pier during sunset, with a pastel sky and calm sea, captures the essence of love and tranquility—truly a moment that could be cherished as the Best of 2024.
Black and white photo of bride and groom exchanging vows with the officiant nearby outside South Branch Tavern and Grille in downtown Chicago
Bride and groom kiss as bridesmaids, groomsmen, and guests watch during Chicago Winery wedding ceremony
Candid photo of bride and groom in doorway next to ivy-covered wall at Firehouse Chicago
Black and white photo of groom helping bride with her dress at Firehouse Chicago
Black and white photo of couple dancing on the lakeshore at North Avenue Beach during Chicago engagement session
A bride walks down the aisle with an older man in a decorated indoor venue, surrounded by seated guests.
A couple joyfully pops a champagne bottle on a rooftop with a city skyline in the background.
Bride and groom smile at each other in front of vintage doors adorned with a
Engaged couple wearing colorful jumpsuits has champagne picnic at Humboldt Park with their small dogs wearing rainbow bandannas
Black and white photo of bride and groom smiling under a veil, embracing each other outdoors before their Lincolnshire Marriott wedding ceremony
Creative photo of brides ascending a spiraling marble staircase in San Francisco City Hall
Creative black and white photo of groom's father helping groom with boutonniere with reflection of bride at Firehouse Chicago
Just married bride and groom ride away on red Vespa after their Italian elopement at Lake Como
Couple holds hands under a floral arch during their Osteria Via Stato wedding ceremony, with an officiant standing behind them
Black-and-white photo of a newlywed couple kissing, surrounded by their bridal party during a walk in downtown Chicago.
Bride and groom walking down the aisle outdoors, surrounded by applauding guests.
Bride's mother helps bride with her dress while getting ready before her Cafe Brauer wedding
Black and white photo of bride and groom smiling, walking down the aisle after their wedding ceremony at Walden Chicago
Brides in elegant dresses kiss, holding vibrant bouquets in the courtyard at Ivy Room Chicago
A person kneels to propose on a balcony with a cityscape in the background.
Silhouetted couple standing together in front of a window with a cityscape backdrop at dusk.
Newlywed couple shares their first dance during their Cafe Brauer wedding reception in Lincoln Park Chicago
Portrait of wedding party on rooftop of The Gwen Hotel, with Chicago skyline backdrop
Bride and groom kiss in front of a vintage white car under the Lake Street El tracks before their Ovation Chicago wedding
Black and white photo of couple posing outside the Carbide and Carbon Building while pedestrians pass by during their downtown Chicago engagement session
Couple embraces in a romantic dip on a bridge in Lincoln Park during their downtown Chicago engagement session
A smiling couple lies on autumn leaves, facing each other and holding hands during their Chicago fall engagement.
A couple embraces near a railing with the city skyline in the background, under a cloudy sky, capturing a moment destined to be remembered as one of the best of 2024.
Groom laughs as his dog walks down the aisle during wedding ceremony at Wicker Park Lutheran Church in Chicago
Bride and groom's dog and flower girl walk down the aisle during Wicker Park Lutheran Church wedding ceremony
Black and white photo of engaged couple wearing sunglasses on the lakeshore at North Avenue Beach during Chicago engagement session
A couple stands facing each other during a wedding ceremony at The Library at 190; the groom reads from a book while the bride listens.
Happy bride and groom hold hands in Lurie Garden with Chicago skyline backdrop
Bride and groom pose with a flowing dress outside Ovation Chicago
Bride and groom kiss in front of a polka-dotted van at night.
Creative black and white photo of wedding party in two glass elevators at Embassy Suites River North in downtown Chicago
Black and white photo of bride walking down the aisle with her father, both smiling, during her wedding ceremony at Assumption Catholic Church in downtown Chicago
Bride and groom celebrating outdoors with raised arms, surrounded by trees and flowers.
Romantic photo of newlyweds kissing on LaSalle Street at night outside The Library at 190 in downtown Chicago
Creative photo of bride and groom walking by a fountain in the South Garden of the Art Institute of Chicago
Black and white photo of bride and groom captured from above on stairs to the LondonHouse Cupola
Candid black and white photo of bride and groom before their Salvage One Chicago wedding
Two people sitting on a bench, one in a red dress, in front of a colorful flower mural.
Framed sign displays a menu of signature cocktails, each featuring whimsical cat illustrations with bow ties for wedding reception at Lacuna Lofts in Chicago
Black and white photo of bride and groom walking down the aisle after their wedding ceremony at Salvage One Chicago, surrounded by seated and applauding guests
Bride and wedding party dressed in fall colors with jewel toned bouquets laugh on Chicago bridge before Osteria Via Stato wedding
Fun photo of wedding party on the Clark Street Bridge
Black and white photo of bride and groom crossing LaSalle Street in downtown Chicago hand in hand with a building with tall columns in the background
Happy bride wearing traditional red and gold Indian wedding attire dances in front of Redfield Estate wedding venue
Bride and groom exchange floral garlands under a decorated pergola during their Redfield Estate wedding ceremony
Black and white photo of bride and groom kissing with a joyful wedding party in downtown Chicago's Union Station
Couple kisses on the lakeshore under a full moon as they walk along North Avenue Beach during their downtown Chicago engagement session
Candid photo of engaged couple standing on the median of State Street in front of the Chicago Theatre
Candid photo of bride and groom laughing in flower bed at their summer CD&ME wedding
Black and white photo of bride and groom walking down the aisle while guests applaud in the Madison Ballroom of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
A man and woman smile warmly during their fall engagement, with the man holding a bulldog wearing a red bandana.
A couple embraces on a city bridge under the warm hues of their fall engagement, with towering skyscrapers as their backdrop.
Black and white photo of newlyweds laughing at their Rockwell on the River wedding reception
A couple embraces by a river in an autumn landscape.
A couple embraces in front of a windmill on a sunny day.
Black and white photo of bride in lace veil smiling while groom whispers in her ear at Walden Chicago
Silhouetted couple embraces on Ocean Beach at dusk, with a colorful sunset as a backdrop for their San Francisco engagement session
Romantic photo of couple on top of Strawberry Hill in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park during their fall engagement session
Newlywed couple stands in an ornate, arched alcove with large windows and intricate architectural details in San Francisco City Hall
Bride and groom in a tented venue, smiling and waving amid applauding guests.
Grooms walk across Kedzie Street Bridge with downtown Chicago background
Bride and groom during their first look on a staircase with an ocean wave mural backdrop at The Gwen Hotel in Chicago
Bride and groom smiling in the Chicago Winery barrel room before their wedding
Two women sitting on a vintage striped sofa, smiling, with a dark wall and decorative lamps in the background.
Romantic fall engagement photo in Humboldt Park Formal Garden with sunlight peeking through trees captured on 35mm film
Couple embraces by the waterfront with Chicago skyline in the background during Olive Park engagement session
Engaged couple throws autumn leaves in the air by Lake Michigan in Olive Park, with Chicago skyline in the background
Couple kisses by a lakeside railing at sunset in Olive Park during downtown Chicago engagement session
Black and white photo of engaged couple playing with their dog by a riverside, all smiling and playfully interacting in this timeless, black and white image
Bride and groom exit Cafe Brauer as guests light sparklers during their wedding reception
Happy bride and groom during their first look in the LondonHouse Cupola in downtown Chicago
Bride walks down the aisle with her father at an indoor wedding at Cafe Brauer, surrounded by guests and decorations
Newlyweds kiss during their Chicago rooftop wedding ceremony at 167 Events
Creative photo of bride and groom on the dance floor during their wedding reception in the Madison Ballroom at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Happy bride and groom hold hands as they celebrate their Rockwell on the River wedding outside the venue
Newlyweds and bride's parents dance together at Rockwell on the River wedding reception
Black and white photo of newlyweds during their bubble exit from Wicker Park Lutheran Church in Chicago
A white dress hangs on a gold frame in front of a portrait of a woman with bold eye makeup during getting ready at Hotel at Midtown before Rockwell on the River wedding
Bride and groom during their first look before their CD&ME wedding
Bride, groom and guests dance with glowsticks at their Rockwell on the River wedding reception
Groom and groomsmen riding scooters before wedding celebration at The Hive on Hubbard in Chicago
A newlywed couple stands on the stairs, embracing and facing guests at their CD&ME wedding reception in a large industrial-style venue.
A woman stands with a cocktail in hand, while a man sits across from her in the dimly lit California Clipper cocktail bar with vibrant red decor and a glowing
Man and woman laugh while sitting on bar stools, drinks in hand, at the California Clipper cocktail bar in Chicago
Bride and groom at The Library at 190 in downtown Chicago, holding legal books in front of their faces
Wedding party stands in front of a lush green hedge at Lurie Garden, with the bride and groom in the center and bridesmaids and groomsmen on either side
Black and white photo of couple holding hands strolling along Lake Michigan at North Avenue Beach during their Chicago fall engagement session
A couple stands in front of a mural with palm trees during their Humboldt Park engagement session
Happy couple stands by a pond as the woman shows off her ring during their Humboldt park engagement session
Bride and groom cross a busy city street in downtown Chicago, holding hands and smiling, with tall buildings in the background
Detail photo of Ketubah in bridal suite at Arbory wedding venue before bride and groom sign with witnesses
A couple stands in front of The California Clipper, a vintage cocktail bar with a retro sign, during their fall Humboldt Park engagement session
A smiling couple in pajamas holding two cats, standing by a Christmas tree in a cozy, lit apartment.
Fun photo of wedding party walking on rooftop of Chicago loft wedding venue The Hive on Hubbard
Portrait of bride, in a white gown and veil, holding a bouquet as she stands beneath the Honeycomb in Chicago's Lincoln Park
Portrait of happy bride and groom beneath the Honeycomb in Lincoln Park before their Cafe Brauer wedding recepion
Newlywed couple kisses at their Walden wedding reception, surrounded by cheering guests and a tower of champagne glasses
A man playfully gives a woman a piggyback ride during their Diversey Harbor engagement session
Candid photo of happy couple on the shore of Lake Michigan during Diversey Harbor engagement session
Newlyweds kiss in the aisle as they leave their outdoor wedding ceremony at South Branch Tavern and Grille, surrounded by guests
Black and white photo of happy newlyweds popping a champagne bottle on a bridge in Lincoln Park during their Cafe Brauer wedding reception

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