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Tiki Themed Wedding at Begyle Brewing – Carla & Ben
Carla and Ben’s tropical-themed Begyle Brewing wedding was unique in so many ways. When we first met, they had a pretty clear vision of how they wanted the day to look and feel. After hearing about their unique ideas, I was all in! The countdown to wedding day had already begun 🙂
Carla’s words:
“We are channeling mid-century modern tiki vibes….so think clean design, lots of white and gold, and tropical foliage. Our venue is a brewery loft space, with exposed brick and a big windows overlooking Ravenswood Ave (Malt Row). We are going for an intimate, casual, nonreligious CELEBRATION with only our closest family and friends.”
See what I mean?! Some of you know that I’m a big fan of tiki-anything, and also a huge craft beer nerd. I’m so happy the stars aligned so that I could capture their wedding day!
Carla’s project-managing skills definitely came into play while planning their wedding, which was attended by family and friends from all over. Everything came together “on-theme” – they even had their guests wear tropical prints and Hawaiian shirts! One of my favorite details was incorporating speeches from their wedding party into the ceremony. This allowed the reception to have a very laid-back vibe with no strict agenda. Guests enjoyed fresh beer, food and games while dancing the night away!
Ben and Carla: Thank you again for having me! This was such a unique day to be a part of and I wish you so much happiness in your marriage.
Vendor Team
Venue: Begyle Brewing/Dress: BHLDN/Suit: Zara/Groom’s Tie: Louis Vuitton/Groomsmen’s Hawaiian shirts: Reyn Spooner/Rings: Brilliant Earth/Florist: Details in Bloom/Invitation: Minted.com/Tiki Centerpieces: TikiMaster.com/Day-of Coordinator: Jenny Cunningham/Caterer: Big Star/Dessert: Doughnut Vault
Want to see more Ben & Carla? Check out their sunny spring Engagement Session!
Surprise Millennium Park Proposal and Serenade – Gabriel & Sueyi
Gabriel’s epic Millennium Park surprise proposal was unlike any other proposal I have captured. When he first described his proposal ideas, so many thoughts ran through my head! How would it work? Would she suspect it? Would we have trouble bringing a karaoke machine into Millennium Park?? He seemed confident that it would all work out, and I was happy to go along for the ride 🙂
Millennium Park Surprise Proposal
To elaborate: Gabriel’s plan was to arrive at Cloud Gate (aka The Bean) with now fiancée Sueyi under the pretense that it was a friend’s birthday get-together. A brass band would begin to play “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” walk toward the two of them, and Gabriel would proceed to take the karaoke mic and serenade her! Channeling his inner Heath Ledger (don’t remember that scene? Here’s a refresher), Gabriel went for it. Sueyi loved it (who wouldn’t?). The performance concluded with a diamond ring (and a resounding YES!!).
Special thanks to Gabriel’s crew for helping coordinate, and Four Star Brass Band for the spot-on accompaniment! And a huge CONGRATULATIONS to Sueyi and Gabriel! Thanks again for having me be a part of this!
Looking to plan your own surprise proposal in Chicago, but need a little inspiration? Check out these other proposals on the Blog!
Romantic Summer Engagement Session – Patricia & Tony
September is in full swing, and it seems like yesterday we were enjoying those summer days. Thought I’d reminisce a little with Patricia and Tony’s romantic summer engagement session! The theme for this session might as well have been “Summer Love” – I mean, these two are just adorable together (see below!). Spending the afternoon with them was a breeze.
We started at their new home in West Town and then hit some of our mutual favorite spots around the city. We even got to witness a Real Live RAINBOW!! Thank you, weather gods! What more could you want for your summer engagement session?! I was one very happy photographer 🙂
Patricia and Tony: thanks for spending the afternoon with me last month! You’re naturals in front of the camera together and I look forward to capturing your wedding day next year.
Stylish Ivy Room Chicago Wedding – Marker & Lynn
Lynn and Marker’s June Ivy Room Chicago wedding was fashionable, elegant, and overflowing with happy tears. These two were together for a decade before tying the knot, and their wedding was an all-around celebration!
The entire day included unique personal touches. For instance, they exchanged heartfelt gifts before the ceremony (note Lynn’s bridal sneakers). Additionally, their virtually identical vows were not planned – how sweet is that?! My personal favorite detail was the custom cake topper featuring their beloved pup Jake!
After a decadent dinner and heartfelt speeches, these two were ready to hit the dance floor. When the bride changes into Nikes, you know it’s going to be a party! Champagne flowed and guests celebrated into the night. I’m lucky the newlyweds let me steal them away for a few night portraits in the courtyard! As gorgeous as this venue is during the day, it absolutely dazzles at night 🙂
Vendor Team
Lynn and Marker: thanks again for having me document your day – I had so much fun! CONGRATULATIONS to you both!!
Venue: The Ivy Room at Tree Studios/Hotel: Dana Hotel and Spa/Dress: BHLDN/Tux: Banana Republic/Hair and Makeup: Rare Bird Beauties/Rings: Droste’s Jewelry Shoppe/Bride’s Shoes: Stuart Weitzman/Bride’s Sneakers: Nike Air Max 270/Earrings: Oscar de la Renta/Cuff links: family heirloom/Invitation: Minted/Bow Ties: The Tie Bar/Groom’s Shoes: Johnston & Murphy/Florist: A Stem Above/Cake and Desserts: Defloured Bakery/Cake topper: The Knot/DJ: Toast & Jam/Videographer: With Love Productions
Dreamy Sunset Beach Engagement Session – Carly & Paul
What can I say about Carly and Paul? Their dreamy sunset beach engagement session was a reflection of everything they are as a couple: gorgeous, goofy, fun – and SUPER in love.
We started our session near North Pond in Lincoln Park. Carly used to live nearby, so they took me on a mini-tour of spots they used to frequent when they first got together! We even saw some wildlife… I think it’s safe to say Paul can add “Butterfly Whisperer” to his list of skills 🙂
Closer to sunset, we made our way to North Avenue Beach for photos with the skyline. This was such a perfect night for it! We got those cotton candy clouds and everything – Carly and Paul kicked off their shoes and just enjoyed it together. I love when couples aren’t afraid of getting their feet wet… just saying!!
Can’t wait for these two to tie the knot in a few short weeks!
Wisconsin Goodman Community Center Wedding – Alex & Cam
This spring I had the opportunity to visit Wisconsin for Alex & Cam’s Goodman Community Center wedding. These two had been planning their wedding for some time, and it came together beautifully! The Madison venue was the perfect location for their nuptials, and much of the decor was DIY. In fact, Alex folded hundreds of paper cranes to decorate the space!
Friends and family traveled from near and far to celebrate with these two. After their sweet first look at Monona Terrace, Alex and Cam were ready to be married! On our way to the ceremony, we had just enough time to stop at the LOVE mural on Williamson Street (my favorite!). Finally, it was time to tie the knot… and these two were all smiles 🙂
Highlights
Some of my favorite details from the day include Alex’s custom handkerchief (a gift from Cam’s mom – how cool is that?!), and the little homages to their dog Harvey! Additionally, I loved that Alex gathered her group of girlfriends for a private champagne toast before the ceremony. The moments they shared were such a memorable part of this day!
Celebration continued throughout the evening with dinner, dancing, and even more champagne. Shout out to my buddy Kelsey for 2nd shooting this one with me!
Alex and Cam: Thank you again for having me in May! I truly enjoyed getting to know you both and wish you all the happiness in the world.
Vendor Team
Hotel: Hilton Monona Terrace/Venue: Goodman Community Center/Dress: BHLDN/Bride’s shoes: Toms/Hair: ANiU/Groom’s suit: Brooks Brothers/Engagement ring: Michael Gabriels/Wedding Bands: Jewelers Workshop/Desserts: Bloom Bake Shop/Caterer: Working Class Catering/2nd shooter: Kelsey Nicole Photography
Summer in Chicago Neighborhood Engagement Session – Eliza & Patrick
Eliza and Patrick’s engagement session started in their neighborhood – particularly on their street! They love the greenery and summer vibe near their home (can you blame them?!), so we got to play and even had an impromptu dance party! These two were a ton of fun to hang out with!!
We headed to Wicker Park for some golden hour light and more fun with the 606. I remember when the elevated park first opened, and 100% believe it’s one of the best things to happen to Chicago in the last five years. Really, it’s opened tons of opportunities (and makes bicycle transit a whole lot easier!). Not to mention it’s a killer spot for photo sessions 🙂
Eliza and Patrick: thanks for braving the unseasonable June heat with me! I had a blast hanging out with you both, and am already getting excited for your wedding next year!
Headquarters Beercade Engagement Session (with cameo appearance by Bride of Chucky) – Catherine & Steven
When Catherine and Steven had the idea for a Headquarters Beercade engagement session, I was more than excited. They wanted to incorporate their love of movies and video games into their session, and this was the perfect choice! Catherine is the senior editor of (my favorite) wedding blog Offbeat Bride, which showcases all kinds of alternative couples and wedding ideas that embrace the non-traditional. I knew their session was going to be good 🙂
After a couple rounds of skeeball, we headed to the West Loop for some street art and industrial photos. It was fun getting these two outside of the arcade environment – just look at how adorable they are!! Super, super stoked for their wedding next spring.
As we were wrapping up, we encountered one of the most random things that’s ever happened to me during a session. An empty ticket booth decorated with black balloons was sitting in the alley for a show nearby. Seizing opportunity, Catherine and Steven ran behind it for some photos. And then came Chucky. And Bride of Chucky. I can’t explain it – we just went with it – and all I can say is THANK YOU to the woman who popped out of her vehicle to provide us with these dolls. You made our night!
Warehouse 109 Wedding Styled Shoot with Jewel Tones and Summer Rain
At the end of May, an incredibly talented group of wedding vendors came together at Warehouse 109 in Plainfield, Illinois. I had the idea for this shoot shortly after learning about the venue, which is now one of my favorites to shoot in! (I’d love to photograph a real wedding here one day – hint, hint!) Once my vision was there, Alexis of Lillian Rose Events helped it all come together. Wedding planning MAGIC!!
We wanted to feature the quirkiness of the venue with an edgier, alternative vibe. Details included a black diamond engagement ring, bridesmaid jumpsuit, donut table, and custom framed vinyl records from First Dance Vinyl! The venue’s vintage motorcycle wall and Airstream were a must – not to mention their newest addition: a mint green camper out front! Even though it rained during most of our shoot, we were able to capture the ceremony against a stormy sky. It was especially lush and colorful outside during a break in the rain. The weather also allowed us to capture some really romantic newlywed portraits at dusk! They are some of my favorites from the entire shoot 🙂
A million THANK YOUs to the venue staff, vendors and models who helped make this shoot possible!! Had a blast working with you all, we created some of my favorite work to date.
Enjoy!
Vendor Team
Planning + Styling: Lillian Rose Events/Rentals + Styling: Rustique Swan/Hair: Unwana Rose/Makeup: Meghana Prasad/Florals: May Floral/Stationary + Calligraphy: Lullabelle Design/Bride’s attire: Mignonette/Bridesmaid’s attire: Brideside/Groom’s attire: The Groomsman Suit/Ties: The Tie Bar/Cufflinks: Arrowhead Leatherwork/Linens: BBJ Linen/Jewelry: Squasht Boutique/Groom’s ring: Raven’s Refuge/Black diamond ring: Mirta/Vinyl Records: First Dance Vinyl/Donuts: Do-Rite Donuts
Ten Year Chicago Vow Renewal – Kenley & Adam
Kenley and Adam’s vow renewal ceremony this month was one of the most unique sessions I’ve ever photographed. And not just because it was my first vow renewal.
On the foggiest day in June, ten years after their wedding day, we met at Clark Chapel in Hyde Park to celebrate their marriage. Adam and Kenley read vows they’d written themselves, and re-exchanged their wedding rings – this time attached to a dolphin stuffed animal they’d acquired on their honeymoon! It was sweet, simple, and all about them.
After the ceremony we headed downtown for portraits! Kenley wanted photos in the city where they fell in love and got engaged – so we made it happen. They took selfies in our Uber and told me about their wedding day a decade earlier. You’d never guess they’d been married for ten years… they were as giddy and in love as newlyweds! At one point they were even stopped by a passerby who thought they were professional models!!
Kenley and Adam: thank you again for allowing me to capture this milestone in your lives. My wish is for every couple to have ten happy, healthy years, and still look at each other the way you do. Here’s to another decade of the same 🙂
