Chicago Archives - Page 3 of 6 - Rife Ponce Photography

Lindsay and Matt Married at Howes Memorial Chapel in Evanston

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: Campagnola www.campagnolarestaurant.com

Second: Tom Root www.tomroot.blogspot.com

Kathlyn and David’s Morton Arboretum Wedding

by Maggie Rife Ponce

The first time Kathlyn and I talked on the phone back in the winter it felt like we were old friends. She is a fellow Missouri Journalism school graduate, so we immediately commiserated over shared stories of the J-slums (dilapidated apartments filled with over caffeinated aspiring reporters and broadcast students) and tail gating. We also shared a love for travel, which lead to the story of her and David. The two met on the streets of Italy one evening. David was actually on a date with a local, when Kathlyn came on the scene. While the Italian woman was native to the country, Kaitlyn had something that stole David’s attention away-she too was from Illinois originally.

Now the two live in California, but not for long. but maybe not for long. After David completes a three-year intensive graduate program in Middle Eastern studies, they may be on the road again. Who knows where they’ll head next!

Wow! Did I mention how nice they are too? Their family and friends were extremely welcoming me, making me feel right at home through the entire day. Thanks so much Kat and David.

Lisa and Chris’ Loyola University Wedding

by Maggie Rife Ponce

One of my favorite things about photographing weddings are the stories I over hear during the day. Whether it’s the father’s speech, which more often than not leaves me choked up, or a passing comment in the buffet line. There were many of these moments during Lisa and Chris’ wedding. I loved hearing about the letters Chris wrote to Lisa while he was traveling that made her friends swoon, or about Chris’ hunger for learning and Lisa’s mini-urban farm complete with six chickens and her own fresh produce.

One other thing that struck me about Lisa and Chris is their complete comfort with each other. Granted they’ve been together for 10 years, but when they danced, they seemed to completely let go; when they hugged, Lisa would look at Chris with such longing, and when they cut the cake, well, you’ll just have to see what happened…

Big thanks to Leigh Loftus for her wonderful help photographing this wedding with me.

Day of Planning: Laura Susin Koo www.honeybeeweddings.com/

Florist – Tina and Dollie www.bloomsbytinaanddollie.com

Venue – Loyola University Madonna della Strada and Crown Center

Ceremony dress – Grandmother’s wedding dress from 1952

Reception dress – J Crew Arabelle

Caterer – Loyola Catering Services

Hair and Makeup – Morgan Blaul www.morganblaul.com

Dj – Toast and Jam – Kate and Rachel www.toastandjamdjs.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 their engagement 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!

Molly and Nick’s Nebraska Country town wedding

by Maggie Rife Ponce

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.

Chris

by Maggie Rife Ponce

Lili + Michelle’s lakeside engagement session

by Maggie Rife Ponce

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!

Amber and Sean’s Train Station Engagement Shoot in Lincoln, NE

by Maggie Rife Ponce

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!