Category: Wedding
Jessica and Marcus’ nuptials at Independence Grove
From Iraq to Nebraska, love found in a war zone and committed in the heartland.
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 of everyday 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.
Winter wedding in Chicago at St. Benedict Church – Olga and Noel
As the marachias music drifted high toward the trusses of St. Benedict’s lofty sanctuary, Noel waited in anticaption for Olga to reach him . For any of the guests with eyes on Noel, they saw him standing, one hand crossed over the other, gripping his left wrist. He held his mouth tight, perhaps to keep the tears from falling.
Later in the evening, they would come, as his brother’s toasted the couple, raising Olga up for her support to their family when their father passed away. Other’s in the audience dabbed at their eyes, and shook their heads in solidarity. But just as quickly, their tears were replaced with full bellied laughter as the bridesmaids rapped their speech.
Olga and Noel have their bridesmaid Maria to thank for the happy occassion. It was she who originally set them up 11 years ago for Olga’s high school prom. Olga wore the same garter from her high school prom, which Noel kept all those years in between.
Noel assists his Grandparents.
On the way to take our fomals, Olga surprised Noel, having prearranged for us to visit Wrigley Stadium, home of Noel’s beloved Cubbies, to take their bridal pictures.
Noel was over the moon!
On the way to the reception, the trolley stopped by Chicago pizza for reinforcements during the ride. 
Like Angelina and Brad or Ben and Jennifer, Noel and Olga got their on title “Nolga”
Noel’s brother’s brought many to tears during their toast, during which they thanked Olga for being there for their family after the death of their father.
After the speeches, the Mariachi’s came back!
Noel, ever the prankster, pulled out an oversized pair of leopard print underwear while searching for the garter. 
Olga’s real garter, the non-toss-a-way, was the one she wore when the couple went to the prom together more than a decade ago. Noel kept it all those years. 
A New Leaf Wedding full of joyful tears and tender embraces
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 their engagement 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
A Confetti Flying Farewell. One Frame from Esther + Zach’s Wedding
A New Leaf Wedding – Erin + Alister’s nuptials
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!
Congrats Erin and Allister! 
An Assumption Catholic Church Wedding and Swiss Hotel Reception – Guy and Jen’s nuptials
Each wedding I photograph, I always ask the couples for their story. Here is Guy and Jen’s “Jen and Guy met at Will’s Northwoods Inn in Chicago, IL on October 22, 2008. Jen was at Will’s playing in a Euchre league and Guy was there interviewing people for an internet video. Guy stopped Jen to question her about playing Euchre in the bar adorned with dead animals on the walls but eventually the interview led to him asking if she had a boyfriend. The answer was “no,” so the segment continued. After the interview wrapped up, Guy was too nervous to ask Jen out so he sent his friend over to read her a note which asked Jen to join him for a steak dinner. The note included Guy’s phone number so it was up to Jen to call if she was interested.
After going on a lot of bad dates, Jen wasn’t sure about this strange dude with a video camera she just met at a bar but her friend Amanda encouraged her to go for it. So she did.
Jen and Guy went on their first date on October 30, 2008 at Piece Pizzeria. The date started at 7pm and lasted until after 2am – the two going through numerous pints of beer and an entire pizza. They even sang karaoke to Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way.”
Almost three years later, on October 1, 2011, Guy proposed to Jen in Cincinnati, OH on the Roebling Bridge – a spot they walk to every year when Jen takes Guy to a Bengals game for his birthday.”
Thank you, Jen and Guy for sharing your story! Congratulations and best wishes!
A Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation Wedding – Debi + Jacob’s nuptials
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!
A St. Celcilia’s Cathedral Wedding and 1316 Jones Reception -Tiffany and Ben’s nuptials
First of all, I’m back from my honeymoon! A married woman, and happier than ever! Thanks to everyone for their patience while I took a hiatus from posting these last few weeks. In the coming weeks, I’ll have pictures and stories from my own wedding relating my experience to those of my brides.
I’ve known Tiff since my high school days back in Nebrasksa, when she shared an apartment with my sister. Tiff has a beautiful smile, a warm heart, and is so much fun! I’m honored and thrilled she asked me to photograph her wedding to her darling new husband, Ben Sturm. Tiff and Ben, thank you for having me, and enjoy reliving these moments!
Big shout out to Alex Matzke, the Nebraska based photographer extraodinaire who worked with me on this one. She’s got a great eye!
Just as we were going to take wedding party formal shots, Alex’s friend from Omaha invited to hop on the Omaha Fashion Week runway for these fun shots below! Thank you Clay Lomneth (as a fabulous photographer!)
A Prairie Productions Wedding – Engy and Jason’s nuptials
Amongst bright pops of orange and green, draping fabric, and smiling faces, Engy and Jason shared their vows in a short, but heart felt ceremony at Prairie Production in Chicago, Il. Afterward, Jason wiped away a few stray tears from Engy’s cheeks. Later, in the night, Engy would say to me how overwhelming and emotional those thirty minutes were.
The glass brick walls and white walls of the space illuminated guest’s eyes, creating a twinkle in their jovial expressions. During the speeches, Engy’s maid of honor sang her message a capella to the rhythm of Train’s–Soul Sister. Her two step routine and bended-knee finale delighted the audience, ALMOST as much as the frozen yougart brought in shortly after.
Then to the trolly, where the wedding party lip synched to Kesha, Bieber, and Gaga. In between versus, they jumped off the trolly, making pit stops at Bansky’s falling carriage, the Chicago Board of Trade, and North Avenue Beach before ending the night at Sushi Samba. What a blast! My second, Tom Root, and I had so much fun with this crew! Thanks Engy and Jason! You two are great. All the best to you both!
Jason’s mom and sister check out the wedding dress.
Engy’s Mom greets her for the first time on their wedding day. First look time.
The String Quartet played Little Mermaid.
Jason’s Mom lit a candle in memory of his Father.
Frozen yougart bar! So good!
