So much love! See all of Jennifer and Jasons’ Rockefeller Chapel Wedding Photos
Jennifer and Jason’s wedding took place at the stunning Rockafeller Chapel on S. 57th in Chicago. The location was breathtaking, as was the bride. The reception was held at the historically classic, University of Chicago’s Quadrangle Club, where guests were able to play pool during the cocktail hour, before heading upstairs for dinner.
The highlight of the night for me was the father-daughter dance where Jen and her Dad lip-sang together while dancing to The Bangles “Eternal Flame.” At one point, friends and family even started waving candles back and forth rock concert style to the heartfelt ballad.
Congrats Jen and Jason! I’m thrilled for you two! You’re a wonderful, kind pair. It was a delight being a part of your wedding day!
DJ: John Simmons from Style Matters DJs John Simmons john@stylemattersdjs.com
Jennifer is a self-proclaimed romantic. Halfway through the shoot, I had to stop and ask, “Did you read love stories growing up?” She smiled and said, “Yes” and that she loved fairy tales. I had a feeling as I photographed her and Jason–they were just soo romantic! I love how tender they were with each other.
I had such a great time capturing them “cuddle” (Jennifer said I may be the only professional who can get away with telling clients to “cuddle up.”) I’m looking forward to the wedding this Saturday!
I’m so happy for Jon and Julianne. I’ve known this couple since I first moved to Chicago four years ago. I always tell them they’re a p0wer couple. Jon’s studying law and Julianne is going into her first year of residency as a doctor. They have more close friends than a most anyone I know, they LOVE having fun, and everyone in their presence seems to just enjoy life! Julianne said after six years, he still makes me laugh just as hard as I did on that first 3 hour car ride back from Champaign.” Also that, “Jon’s support helped keep me motivated and sane throughout medical school, and his excitement and dedication to studying law impresses me every day.”
With their wedding in Barrington Hills, I thought no better place to take them for pictures than the very location I’m set to tie the knot in a few months. This is a pretty special place for me, and even more so for second photographer Tom Root (thank you Tom for all your wonderful images) because it’s where he grew up and his parents still live. The Roots, also known as farmer Jim and Aunt Bah, generously welcomed us to their land to snap the pictures. Jon, Julianne, and even a few groomsmen, enjoyed the swing set, and we found a little shade from the heat beneath the old leafy trees.
After the pictures, it was on to the ceremony, where their long time friend Brad Pnazek officiated their vows. If he was nervous, no one could tell! He did a great job marrying this lovely couple, than rejoiced with a cold beverage afterwards.
Congrats Mr. and Mrs. Morton! I wish you both all the best!
Cake: Lovin Oven Cakery (lovinovencakery.com)
Florist: Town & Country Gardens (eventsbytcg.com)
Venue: Makray Memorial Golf Club (makraygolf.com)
Dress: Galina Signature
Bridesmaids Dresses: Amsale and Priscilla of Boston
After seven years of marriage, Anna got the itch and decided to commemorate their relationship and time in Chicago with a photo shoot. They married shortly after college in St. Louis, Missouri, and have lived in Chicago since. Having fallen in love with the city, Anna and Mike had me capture them enjoying a few of the iconic spots in the city in celebration of their seven years together. Congratulations you two!
Erin was all smiles during her engagement session at Ohio Street Beach and the loop bridges with her Husband-to-be. She has more than one reason to be happy; until recently, Allister’s been living in Amerstam, so not only is he in Chicago to live permanently, but the two will marry at A New Leaf, a favorite place of Erin’s, in October!
I wish I could say these were my words, but when two English teachers offer written insight into the history of their relationship, I quiet my voice, and let them take it away. So, in their own words, here is Jaclin and Danny’s story:
Danny and Jaclin met for the first time at the new teacher meetings at De La Salle Institute. According to Danny, Jaclin sat in the front row, nodding her head, vigorously taking notes. But little did Danny realize that Jaclin also took note of the good-looking academic and football coach sitting in the back of the room. A few days later, Danny and Jaclin found out they’d be teaching across the hall from each other, on the third floor of the Institute Campus. Being a first-year teacher, Jaclin would often ask Danny questions, inquiring about book suggestions and lesson plan ideas. Danny and Jaclin gradually came to know
each other, albeit professionally. A few months into the school year, Danny asked Jaclin out the day of her first big yearbook project – organizing photos for all the students and faculty in the school – hoping to give her something to smile about amidst the business of the day. Danny has said ever since, “I had her at the first quatrain.”
After Danny asked Jaclin’s dad for permission to marry her, Jaclin knew a proposal was coming. Danny never approaches a task with less than 100% energy and vigor, and the proposal was no different. April 14, 2011, Danny arranged for the senior class of De La Salle, most of whom Jaclin had previously taught and Danny was currently teaching, to be part of the moment. Hundreds of freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, along with faculty and staff members, also joined the surprise proposal on the football field. Danny had already showed the seniors where to line up and when to move the crowd into a circle around Jaclin.
Three juniors – who are Danny and Jaclin’s ushers – escorted Jaclin from the courtyard, where three of Danny’s freshmen read the poem “The Good-Morrow” by John Donne, onto the football field. It was there that Danny waited to propose as Led Zeppelin’s “Thank You” played over the loudspeakers. Danny, down on one knee with ring in hand, and Jaclin, with tears and a “yes” on her lips, began their journey of marriage.
Danny and Jaclin’s first dance was to the song, “Thank You”, which they will continue to lovingly play for the rest of their lives.
Big thanks to my second, Tom Root for his help with this wedding!
Kate McCollum at K.La Designs (florist): www.kladesigns.net,
KateMcCollum@gmail.com
Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica (church): www.ols-chicago.org, Father Chris @
chriskrymski@aol.com (NOTE: Father Chris is the pastor of the basilica, but
Father Paul Novak of De La Salle @ novakp@dls.org is marrying us.)
Chicago Public Library – Harold Washington Library Center (reception):
chipublib.org, Gerry Keane @ gkeane@chipublib.org
Brides by Demetrios (dress): www.demetriosbride.com (Streets of Woodfield,
Schaumburg location), bbdchicago@demetriosgroup.com
Jewell Catering (caterer): www.georgejewell.com, Dana Konya @
dana@jewelleventscatering.com
DeeJay Thunder ENTERTAINMENT (DJ): www.mixinmymind.com, Marcus
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
For Michael, Jillian was literally the girl next store. The two grew up on the same block, becoming life long friends. Now, this summer, they will become life long husband and wife. Congratulations Jillian and Michael! I had so much fun on this shoot. I can’t wait for the wedding!
On a sunny afternoon in Evanston, IL, I met Lindsey and Jon to photograph their engagement session. The two met in seminary school three years ago, and have been hooked ever since. They’re a beautiful couple with bright smiles and deep friendship. They even have their own handshake!
Last December, I had the chance to get to know Purvi and Mohit a little during their engagement session downtown on the Magnificent Mile. During the shoot, I discovered Purvi’s genuine sweetness and Mohit’s shy smile.
Their wedding was a beautiful event–full of color, music, spicy food, dancing, and tradition. The event featured ancient ceremonies from the Hindu religion, including the Baraat–a procession where Mohit rode into the venue on a white horse to the rhythm of drum beats behind the crowd of dancing guest. Following the Baraat, the bride’s mom welcomed Mohit at the doors, preparing him with blessings, then lassoing him with a scarf and leading him to the alter (have to make sure he won’t get away!) From there, Mohit was shielded behind a beautiful, shear red fabric, shielding him as Purvi was lead into the room by her uncles.
When the scarf dropped, the two first exchanged smiles, then vows. The ceremony included various traditions, incorporating fire, seeds, string, jewelry, leaves, and even money. It was incredible to witness. If you haven’t had the chance to be a guest, or are unfamiliar with the ceremony, I definitely encourage reading up on this rich experience.
The reception a blast. Once the dancing started, it didn’t stop. Hands decorated with henna motioned in the air, and bangles chimed along to the music. I’m so happy I was able to share in Purvi and Mohit’s celebration. Big congrats to you both!
Also, big thanks to my second photographer, Michael Boyd! You were a big help and did awesome!
Shout-Out to these vendors who helped make Puriv and Mohit’s wedding a smash!
Shout-Out to these vendors who helped make Puriv and Mohit’s wedding a smash!