chicago photojournalism photographer Archives

Kate and Pat’s nuptials at Loyola University

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 by A Stem Above , Loyola University Chicago , Catering by Loyola , Make-up Artist: Tracee Badway, Hair Stylist: Dottie Salamone , Toast and Jam DJ’s

Married! Katie + Joels’s nuptials

by Maggie Rife Ponce

During Katie and Joel’s ceremony, the priest who married them mentioned, in prepping for their wedding, he took the opportunity to visit their facebook pages. What he found were dozen of images of the two together enjoying life by dressing up in various costumes; in one photo they wore feathered boas, another head-to-grow green; there were santa outfits, oversized sombreros, and hats made out of balloons. These two really love to have fun. In each other they found life long best friends and a partner ready and willing to go all out on any occasion.

When it came to their wedding day, I expected nothing less than that same 100% commitment to details. Katie looked divine, like a catalog bride. Joel was dapper in black. The bridesmaids were elegant in the color of summer 2013–coral. It was a beautiful affair with their closest friends and family members celebrating the union of two beloved people. Congrats Katie and Joel! Cheers to #Machoran!

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!

Photo Snowfari with Laurie

by Maggie Rife Ponce

When I told my Dad yesterday morning that Laurie and I were going on a photo snowfari, he immediately quipped about it being a a little cold for outdoor boudoir. Funny Dad, real funny.

While our shoots together these days are typically for Revealed, we try to make it a point to exercise our eye in other avenues. With two feet of snow creating a natural softbox, we agreed a trip outdoors was in order.

I can’t deny I LOVE Montrose Harbor, so we opted to go there. Parents pushed their children down well-worn sled runs, dogs ran circles in the snow, and the light made it all feel magical.