Katelyn’s Senior Portraits

by Maggie Rife Ponce

It’s a little surreal for me to post these pictures–I used to nanny Katelyn when she was seven years old!  Now, ten years later, she’s a senior in high school, full of confidence and overflowing with charisma.

A St. Celcilia’s Cathedral Wedding and 1316 Jones Reception -Tiffany and Ben’s nuptials

by Maggie Rife Ponce

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!)




Jessica and Marcus’ engagement Session

by Maggie Rife Ponce

I’m so happy for these two-they are a super sweet and vibrant couple, getting married next year. I can’t wait for their wedding. I had a ball shooting their engagement session–it was so much fun, a beautiful day, and they had great energy. Didn’t feel like work at all!

A Prairie Productions Wedding – Engy and Jason’s nuptials

by Maggie Rife Ponce

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!

Jillian + Michael-Married! Arlington Heights Wedding

by Maggie Rife Ponce

I first hung out with Jillian and Michael taking their engagement pictures in downtown Chicago.  I titled their blog post, “Jillian and Michael are all smiles during their engagement session.”  We’ll the same was true for their wedding day. This couple, who met in high school while living on cad corner blocks were so so happy to finally say their vows. As I took their pictures throughout the day, I was touched by their deep friendship with each other, and how generous and kind they were to everyone around them. I’m so happy for them; Jillian and Michael, many blessings to you both.

Big thanks to Tom Root, my second for the day!