chicago photojournalistic wedding photography Archives

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!

An Assumption Catholic Church Wedding and Swiss Hotel Reception – Guy and Jen’s nuptials

by Maggie Rife Ponce

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!

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!

Jennifer and Jason’s Rockefeller Chapel Wedding Photos

by Maggie Rife Ponce

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!