Laura and Earl were married in a small intimate ceremony on the beach in California and celebrated their nuptials with a reception at Seven Bridges Golf Club in Woodridge, IL. The couple LOVE to laugh and have fun, which can be seen in these pictures. They’re joyous spirits are contagious! It was such a pleasure to be their photographer! Big thanks to Braxton Black, my second photographer who captured many great moments during the day!
Kate and Pat had not one, but two missed connections. In college, they lived on the same dormitory, but never met each other. They also studied abroad in Rome the same semester without knowing it. It wasn’t until at a friend’s party, during a game of euchre, that they finally made eye contact.
They were married on the same campus they played euchre. In the Madonna Della Strada Chapel at Loyola University they exchanged their vows, drawing tears from Pat’s sister and cheers from the guests after they sealed the deal with a kiss.
The two are self-professed Chicago lovers. Their dream was to be married in the city, so during their portrait session, we made sure to visit some of the most iconic spots in the city at museum campus, the terraces behind the Planetarium, and the Chicago River bridges. During the reception, we had the most beautiful sunset, which made a stunning backdrop for pictures on the lake. Then, to top it all off, we snuck off to the library for some fun pictures in the stacks. So much fun!
Big thanks to these vendors who helped make Kate and Pat’s wedding so special!
Cake by Bittersweet, Flowers byA Stem Above, Loyola University Chicago , Catering by Loyola , Make-up Artist: Tracee Badway, Hair Stylist: Dottie Salamone ,Toast and Jam DJ’s
Hope and Matt were married one day before their 10th anniversary. The two met in 2003 on their first tour to Iraq. They shared a convoy together, during which time Hope said she was drawn to him first because of his “strong jaw line, green eyes, and manly build!” But it was more than his looks that made her fall in love with him, “I could tell he had a kind spirit and was a genuinely nice person.”
Their army experience is what originally brought them together, but back stateside is where they cherish the little moments within their full schedules, “A quick smile, a hug from behind while washing dishes, seeing one another for the first time after working all day…that’s what it’s really about—feeling all that unconditional love amidst the hustle and bustle ofeveryday life.”
I’ve known Hope since we stood beside each other on the dance kick line in high school. I’m so happy to see her marry someone who makes her so happy. He is the yin to her yang-where she is “outspoken, outgoing, and a little more out there in general.” Matt is a classic stoic figure, reserved and quiet, with shy smile.
Hope lost both her parents, her father when she was still young, and her mother in high school. Hope’s grandma became her sole caretaker-the two have a close relationship and deep bond. It was her grandmother who walked her down the aisle to meet Matt whose tough composure broke when he saw her near. Matt, whose mom also passed away, shares Hope’s appreciation for extending family. As Hope said during her thank you speech, “It takes a village.”
Hope can’t hold the tears back upon seeing the display of her late parents and Matt’s late mother.
Esther and Zach were waiting for me over a shared plate at the Next Door Cafe on Diversey street in Lincoln Park. Esther looked amazing (as always), wearing a mini-black leather skirt and white top. I suppose working in the magazine industry, it only makes sense that she’d have a killer sense of fashion (see theirengagement session for proof).
Zach sat next to her. He had a warm smile, and he sat with his elbows resting on his knees. I’d met Esther a year before this meeting on the set of a photo shoot where she was the one taking pictures while I helped my sister-in-law on set.
There was an instant kinship. Her sweet, down-to-earth nature were disarming. She works in journalism, which I was drawn to. During the three-day shoot, we’d sit drinking La Croix and chat about the industry and what drew us to the field–telling stories.
Our meeting at the Next Door Cafe was the first time I met Zach, but within a few minutes I felt comfortable. He’s a man of few words, but his vibe is calming.
They are self-professed opposites in many ways. Esther is gregarious, outgoing, and direct. Zach is more reserved, internal, and subtle. They are obvious best friends who have so much fun together (see photo of them dancing on the bus). I often noticed them sharing whispered laughs and words passed through non-verbal expressions.
Being their wedding photographer made me teary-eyed many times throughout the day, then all over again while putting this post together. I nearly lost it while photographing Zach’s reaction to Esther walking down the aisle at the church. She was stunning in a soft, chiffon wedding dress that gently swayed as she slowly measured each step, till her father proudly delivered her hand to Zach at the very end.
Esther said to me in an e-mail leading up to the wedding that she was a “picture hoarder,” so it’s no surprise that she couldn’t resist snapping at least one of her own. Right after their first kiss, she turned to Zach with her hand opened. He reached in his coat pocket and pulled out her cell phone, which she used to take a quick overall of the church filled with family and friends.
There are many other cherished moments from the day. But rather than tell about them all, I’ll share them through these pictures. Big thanks to Michael Boyd for his help seconding this wedding with me!
Shout out to these vendors who made the day possible:
+Gerard McGuiggan: Occasions Chicago
+Cake artist: Lora Buco
+ Florist: Susan Lovejoy
+ Venue: A New Leaf
+ Dress: Watters Austin via RecycledBride.com
+ Makeup and hair artist: Tracee Badway
+ DJ: Anthony Nevalga
+ Photo booth: Ray Whitehouse
+ Pies: Hoosier Mama Pie Company
Erin met Alister in 1992 when he flew from Amsterdam to Chicago with his family. More than a decade later in 2010, they reunited in Amsterdam while Erin was traveling with her sister. From there, it was long distant phone calls, flights back and forth, and skyping at odd hours until Allister proposed. When she said yes, he sold his flat and moved to Chicago to live with his bride and plan their wedding (the last of the year at A New Leaf-lucky them!)
The day was just lovely, marked with tearful speeches and raucous laughter. Cheers, Erin and Allister!
Congrats Erin and Allister!
Debi and Jacob are two peas in a pod, sharing secret inside jokes and displaying a deep sense of comfort in their relationship. It’s not surprising they’re so close considering sparks started flying when they were in Chemistry class, in high school. They’re plan was to split up after graduation, but coincidentally they ended up at the same college, in the same dorm! They’ve been together ever since, sharing a love for travel, academia, and whatever brings a laugh into their life.
Congrats you two! All the best to you both!
Lindsey and Jon’s wedding brought their closest family and friend’s together in celebration of their love. It was Jon’s grandfather, a retired pastor, who married the two. He spoke to the couple of the joy, beauty, and commitment of love. Friends and classmates at Garrett Evangelical Theology Seminary ushered guests to their seats, and one performed a song of worship that brought tears in the chapel.
From here, Lindsey and Jon will say goodbye to the Evanston campus and continue their journey in Michigan, where Lindsey will start her new pastoral position. Good luck to you both and warmest wishes to your lives together!
Lots of gratitude goes to my second, Michael Boyd. Thanks Michael!
Big Thanks to these vendors:
Florist: Flowers Flowers (Evanston, IL)
Cake: Rose’s Bakery and Oak Mill Bakery
Caterer: Hilton Garden Inn
Wedding Service: Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Chapel of
the Unnamed Faithful
DJ: Enchanted Evening
Dress: Tara Keeley
Tux: Men’s Wearhouse
“We have been a couple since before either of us was of a legal drinking age. We met at the recreation center of our college.”
Eleven years later, the couple, who scored higher than anyone EVER for knowing the other best in their marriage preparation class, sealed the deal. This self-described quiet, introverted couple, said their vows in an intimate winter ceremony in front of their immediate family and very close friends.
In an e-mail to me before their wedding, Patti wrote, “we really just enjoy each other’s company.” I could see this from our first meeting. They laugh easy, and seem utterly comfortable with each other. It was a joy to see them marry and celebrate at their reception afterwards.
I have to give the couple props (especially Patti-you’ll see why in the pictures) for bearing the cold during their portrait session. They were troopers! Thankfully, their reception was quite cozy at the Keith House also known as the Prairie Avenue Gallery. In this beautiful building in one of Chicago’s historical districts, they shared in laughs, cheers, dancing, and even a little karaoke! Congrats Patti and Alfred. All the best to you both!
I’d like to give a big shout out to the following vendors:
Cake: Amy Beck’s Cake Designs. cakes@amybeckcakedesign.com
Caterer: Maisondbarranco22@yahoo.com
Florist: Flowers-Flowers. www.flowers-flowers.comjoanne@flowers-flowers.com
Venue: Prairie Avenue Gallery – Keith Houseevents@prairieavenuegallery.com
Black Hearts Hair House- 773.525.4344
Makeup Artist: Esther Soto-esther.soto@yahoo.com
Bride’s Dresses:
Ceremony Dress – Allure Bridal
Reception Dress – David’s Bridal
Bride’s Maids Dresses-David’s Bridal
Tuxes: Formally Modern Tuxedo
Check back soon for more pictures from Almond and Loretta’s wedding day.
Congrats Erin and Allister! 
