Andrew and Stefanie are a blue-eyed duo who share a love of travel (currently pinballing their way through Europe) and business (both recently finished University of Chicago-Booth’s graduate program). Stefanie looked radiant in her royal blue dress and Andrew made me smile and chuckle a bit when referencing poses from other e-sessions on my blog. I’m excited to hear tales from their most recent travels…and a little green with envy. I hope they took lots of pictures!
Over a year ago Molly visited her fiance’s (now husband) hometown, Avoca, Nebraska. During her stay she had a vision of a country wedding in the middle of the town park.
There are not many Nebraskans who know where Avoca is. If they do, it’s probably because they visited for the Annual Quack-Off duck races. Yep, it’s true, this town hosts such an event each year drawing big city folk from Lincoln and Omaha to come place bets on the oh so exciting, never a dull moment, nailing biting competition.
Outside of Nebraska you’ll be hard pressed to find someone who’s familiar with the town. Here’s what came up when I googled “Avoca, Nebraska”:
Population in July 2009: 262. Population change since 2000: -3.0%.
Molly saw something very special though on her trip and she wanted to share Nick’s old stomping grounds with the rest of their family and friends.
She imagined an event with diy details-Wine bottles with lace trim, a clothesline adorned with photos from throughout the years, mason jars with lemonade, classic coca cola, popcorn and caramelized pecans. She pictured carpenters lights strung above picnic tables, a buffet of comfort food, homemade pie along with an assortment of desserts. With her family, friends, and a U-hual truck full of supplies driven eight hours from Chicago, she arranged a true backyard wedding.
I’m completely blown away by the attention to detail, patience, and creativity given to this wedding. Molly, Nick, friends and family, you all did an amazing job and I am so grateful to have photographed the occasion, and been able to be a guest at the end of the night.
Below is a collection of images from my recent portrait shoot with Bikram in the City staff. The studio maintains an urban feel and brand, so we decided to use the Chicago city as the background for these images. The shoot was held over three days in four different locations: Millenium Park, The Chicago El (until CTA kicked us out, waa waaa), The Observatory, and Montrose Harbor. There were logistical challenges we were to overcome-rain and more rain, a stringent policy on permits by the city, and timing (thank you Starbucks for opening so early). I had a great team working with me, Manase Latu did an amazing job on the makeup, my dear friends Agustina Agustina Diez Sierra and Laurie Peacock were along to assist for some of it, and the staff were amazing!
I started “practicing” bikram this January during the worst of Chicago winter. Like most, I thought I was going to die during my first session, but I’ve since grown to really love this type of yoga. I don’t pretend to be on a level even close to these instructors, but my appreciate for the form grew deeply after hearing of their rigorous training and complete dedication.
The day was cool but sunny. Lili wore heels in the name of fashion, Michelle a pin stripped shirt and white slacks. Together the two were warm, affectionate, and quick to laugh. What impressed me the most was both their willingness to climb over rocks to make it to the end of the pier where the sun hit from behind, casting a dreamy glow on the scene. We’re all crossing our fingers for the same weather conditions, albeit slightly warmer, for their wedding this September. They’re set to marry at sunset on the waves of Lake Michigan. I’m looking forward to shooting the ceremony! Thanks for a great afternoon Michelle and Lili!
I’ve known Amber since the days of TLC, Step-by-Step, and my baggy jeans phase. She is my sister’s best friend and like family to us. I’m so happy
for her and Sean! Their wedding is this August; it will be the second time I return to “The Good Life” (State slogan, but who can argue?) for wedding photography this summer. What a bonus-I get to return to my roots for a job I love to do! It’s going to be so special to see Amber marrying her love-who happens to be a GREAT GUY!
Love you both!
A few side notes:
1. I was nearly arrested during this session. Ok, ok, I wasn’t nearly arrested, just nearly ticketed for photographing on the tracks-an old school habit that didn’t use to be a big deal. Luckily Amber charmed the police officer and even got him to pose for a picture!
2. At the end of the session I gave Shawn a big squeeze. “Ah, you’re a hugger just like your sister,” he said with a wide grin. “Yep! It’s a Rife sister thing.” Sean, expect a hug come August!
We started at Northwestern’s library, a location Lindsay and Matt have spent a lot of time in over the past few years. Both graduate student at Northwestern University, the two share a common love of books, travel, and now Brazilian music. Matt wasn’t always a fan of the samba rhythms, but he developed an appreciation after dating Lindsay, who DJ’s a Brazilian radio show every Monday.
Between Northwestern’s library, modeled after Oxford’s famous shelves, and 2nd Hand tunes with rows and rows of music to flip through, I was in heaven. Thank you Lindsay and Matt for choosing such out of the box and IMHO interesting locations! I can’t wait for the wedding! P.S. To the viewers-It just so happens that one of the locations we photographed at was a wall with the graffiti art reading “Don’t buy diamonds.” Coincidentally, Lindsay’s engagement ring is diamond free.
This is the engagement session I was referring to when I wrote the above comment. Ami and Amar were so incredibly fun to photography. They were playful, affectionate, and laid back. We met on the steps of the Field Museum on a fogging Chicago afternoon. The laughter started as soon as we greeted each other and pretty much didn’t stop. When I asked them about their first date, Ami explained they didn’t have an “official” one until they’d been together for a year. In fact, their “first date” was when Amar proposed. He called Ami up earlier in the week and asked if she’d go out with him “Saturday night.” He brought her to the Field Museum, where he led her into the diamond exhibit. Guess what Ami found in one of the display cases? Amar, you are a clever, clever man. Way to make your “first date” unforgettable.
At the start of Becky and Darnell’s engagement session in Fulton Market, I pulled them to a halt just as we were about to begin and said, “the only advice I have for you is ‘don’t be afraid to love each other.”
“Oh we won’t have a problem with that,” Becky replied.
And they didn’t. Their session was full of hugs, kishes, licks, and laughter. Yep, even licks.
We had a great time on Randolph street, but we didn’t stop there. We hopped in the Purple Passion (my purple Toyota Rav4) and headed to Yo Yo Coin’s for a few laundromat pictures. I loved that Becky and Darnell were up for this location. Laundromats have this time warp affect that transports me back to the 70’s (or at least what I think the 70’s must have been like). I love the oversized washer and dryers, the people watching old game show reruns, and the camaraderie amidst strangers–everyone united in our common chore. It was so fun to snap shots of Becky and Darnel exploring the facility. There constant laughter definitely drew some attention from the staff and customers. They seemed to enjoy the change from our shoot and even cheered on the couples posing.
I love shooting for Pop Sugar because of the variety of business I’ve been introduced to across the city. In March I visited Urban Chic Spa where facial products come in delicious looking packages, stopped by One Sister Inc. where Iliana creates works of art out of her delectables, captured the ballet inspired work outs at The Dailey Method, then hopped along the Chicago Beer Experience Tour where on one stop participants try beer paired with bacon! Here’s a sampling of some from each spot.
