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

Lindsey and Jon are married!

by Maggie Rife Ponce

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

DJ: Enchanted Evening

Dress: Tara Keeley

Tux: Men’s Wearhouse

Ashley + Rex’s Winter Engagment Session at Millenium Park and North Ave. Beach

by Maggie Rife Ponce

For weeks Rex told Ashley he wouldn’t make it to Christmas in Cincinnati with her family. The two hadbeen dating long distance since Ashely moved back to her home town to work as a pediatric physical therapist. Because of the distance, Ashely was really hoping to see her far away love.

Two days before Christmas, her mother asked Ashley to make a last minute gift run. The shopping route took them past Ashley and Rex’s Freshman dorms (where they met nine years ago). There, waiting on the same steps they climbed together on a daily basis, was Rex. Ashely’s mom pushed her out of the car, (she at least stopped first) leaving the two alone. As she approached, Rex bent to one knee and amongst hundreds of glowing candles, asked Ashely to be his wife. She happily accepted!

Sunday shoot day with second photographer Tom Root

by Maggie Rife Ponce

One of my second photographers,Tom Root and I went out shooting on Sunday to stir the creative juices and talk about the upcoming session. We’re both closet hipsters, or wait no, were real artist, or does calling ourselves artist therefore make us hipsters? Either way, we love urban settings, graffiti, chain link fences, cool texture, and exploring-so, I guess according to that description, we might have hipster tendencies 🙂 No matter–if in fact we are, than I’m embracing it!

Chicago Ave. was our location of choice for this adventure. If you follow the train tracks beneath the overpass, you find a walls of graffiti and remnants of vagabonds. The light poured in like one big, oversized soft box, creating a perfect source for going over different descriptions. I made Tom turn this way, that way, then all the way back around again while I showed him hatchet, Rembrandt, and back, rim, and beauty light.

We had a blast shooting-(though our next workshop we’re happily accepting volunteer models). We channeled scenes from Stand By Me-balancing on the rails like gymnast on a beam. We took the tracks one direction, than back the other. After about an hour or so, our fingers were numb from the cold and it was time to go back. I’m already looking forward to our next workshop adventure!

Patti and Alfred’s Winter Wedding at Old St. Mary’s

by Maggie Rife Ponce

“We have been a couple since before either of us was of a legal drinking age. We met at the recreation center of our college.”

Eleven years later, the couple, who scored higher than anyone EVER for knowing the other best in their marriage preparation class, sealed the deal. This self-described quiet, introverted couple, said their vows in an intimate winter ceremony in front of their immediate family and very close friends.

In an e-mail to me before their wedding, Patti wrote, “we really just enjoy each other’s company.” I could see this from our first meeting. They laugh easy, and seem utterly comfortable with each other. It was a joy to see them marry and celebrate at their reception afterwards.

I have to give the couple props (especially Patti-you’ll see why in the pictures) for bearing the cold during their portrait session. They were troopers! Thankfully, their reception was quite cozy at the Keith House also known as the Prairie Avenue Gallery. In this beautiful building in one of Chicago’s historical districts, they shared in laughs, cheers, dancing, and even a little karaoke! Congrats Patti and Alfred. All the best to you both!

I’d like to give a big shout out to the following vendors:
Cake: Amy Beck’s Cake Designs. cakes@amybeckcakedesign.com

Caterer: Maisondbarranco22@yahoo.com

Florist: Flowers-Flowers. www.flowers-flowers.comjoanne@flowers-flowers.com

Venue: Prairie Avenue Gallery – Keith Houseevents@prairieavenuegallery.com

Black Hearts Hair House- 773.525.4344

Makeup Artist: Esther Soto-esther.soto@yahoo.com

Bride’s Dresses:

Ceremony Dress – Allure Bridal

Reception Dress – David’s Bridal

Bride’s Maids Dresses-David’s Bridal

Tuxes: Formally Modern Tuxedo

Agustina and Johann’s Day After Portrait Session in Uyuni, Bolivia

by Maggie Rife Ponce

A few days after Agustina and Johann’s wedding, we jumped in a pickup truck with our guides, Joaquin and Dani, gas tank loaded on the back of the bed, and headed North. After two days of driving, we arrived in Uyuni, Bolivia. Llama farms dotted the countryside and locals sold hand woven fabrics along the road. After having a quick bite of local fare, we headed outside of town to the salt flats. This celestial terrain stretches for miles as far as the eye can see. The expanse of salt is remnants left over from what once was an ocean or sea.

On the dry cracked land, dressed in their wedding attire, I snapped pictures of the newlyweds. It was a beautiful setting for a couple that radiates. Thank you for having me along to document your wedding and experience Bolivia and Argentina!

A few Outtakes:Our guide Dani strikes a pose. He wanted to be a part of the portrait session. Dani and Joaquin smile for a photo.

Dani uses a stick and plastic tube to siphon gas into the tank. This was a first for me!

Lindsay and Matt Married at Howes Memorial Chapel in Evanston

by Maggie Rife Ponce

Lindsay and Matt’s wedding was full of International flair and cultural tradition. Their love for travel and learning was expressed through their details. Guests arriving to the wedding, picked up small blue programs that looked just like a passports. They were charmed during the ceremony by a guitarist playing one of Lindsay’s favorite acoustic melodies. Family and friends were introduced to a Afrocentric marriage tradition during the Yoruba tasting ritual, representing four elements of marriage. The ceremony shows that despite hardships within a marriage, represented as sour, bitter, and spicy, there is sweetness overall.

At the reception, a collection of Brazilian musicians created drum heavy beats for guests to dance too. Above the sambaing crowd, hung rows of white Mexican paper decorations, and behind the dance floor, a dessert table was covered with an assortment of Italian cookies. Chiwara figurines, a tradition of the Bambara people of Mali were the cake toppers. Lindsay’s father hand carved the pair of antelope that represent renewal, abundance, and teamwork.

Lindsay and Matt brought their love for culture and travel to their wedding. It was truly a distinct, unforgettable experience. Congratulations to you both!

Also, quick shout out to my second Tom Root. Thanks for all your help!

Cake: Janet Lee, Flour Cake & Pastry –flourcakeandpastry.com/

Makeup/Hair: Angelica Rivera, Tigerlilie Salon-www.tigerlilie.com/

Musicians:

Luciano Antonio–www.lucianoantonio.com/

Felipe Fraga-www.felipefraga.com

Geraldo de Oliveira-www.geraldodeoliveira.com/

Reception: Campagnolawww.campagnolarestaurant.com

Second: Tom Root www.tomroot.blogspot.com

Kate + Tj’s-from the tracks to the beach

by Maggie Rife Ponce

Kate comes up my front steps carrying a bag full of clothes on one arm and a bag of shoes on the other. “I brought options.”

“Wonderful!” I said. “Let’s see what you’ve got.”

I’ve known Kate for a few years now. She is tall, striking, and fun. Her fiance TJ is laid back and with all-American features and a Midwestern easygoing nature.

Kate shows me her options and we select a black dress with a slight cowl-neck paired with jeweled flip-flops for her first outfit. For the second, she chooses a grey-blue dress with ruffles that reminds me of the soft tones of dusk and the waves on Lake Michigan.

It’s the part of the summer when nearly every evening ends in warm-golden light. During Kate and Tj’s session, the sun is low in the sky–it cuts through the steel beams of the El and wraps around their figures. It carves out the texture in the bricks and brings out the amber in her eyes. Then later, it softens into pinks, blues, and purples.

They walk together on the beach, Tj’s arm draped over Kate’s shoulder. They move toward the shoreline, where Kate, barefoot, walks carefree through the waves and Tj pulls at his pant legs to keep them from getting wet.

When the sun is nearly set, they sit together in a position of comfort. Kate leans into Tj and their limbs tangle together.

It was a beautiful evening. Thank you Kate and Tj for letting me document it.

Becky + Darnell’s Arlington Heights Wedding

by Maggie Rife Ponce

Becky and Darnell were married 30 minutes outside of Chicago in Arlington Heights, IL. I was able to spend sometime with the couple a little before their wedding during theirengagement session. They’re fun, funny, and kind people. I love Becky’s easy going laugh and Darnell’s quiet sense of humor.

Their day was full of family-including three lovely flower girls who wooed myself and second shooter Tom Root. They were Becky’s little helpers dressed like mini-me’s in layered white fabric. One of my favorite moments was when Becky captured their attention, and like magic, had them all sitting patiently as she spun them a fairytale-patiently for two minutes, but hey, that’s a lot for a day full of hustle and bustle!

Big thanks to Tom Root who seconded with me on this one!

Caterer: Heba-Hilton Rosemont

Florist: CR Flowers

DJ-Something 2 Dance 2

Stefanie + Andrew’s Belmont Harbor Engagement Session

by Maggie Rife Ponce

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!

Andrew and Stefanie lake michigan belmont harbor engagement session by Maggie Rife Photography Inc.