Lindsay and Matt’s Evanston Engagement Session

by Maggie Rife Ponce

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.

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.

Bikram in the City for Fresh Guide/Pop Sugar

by Maggie Rife Ponce

Bikram in the City for Pop Sugar

“Would you like a towel?” Mike, owner of Bikram in the City, asked me as soon as I stepped out of the 105 degree room full of limber bodied yogis.

“Yes please,” I replied eagerly.

He handed me a big white one from the rental shelf. I sheepishly sopped my sweat-covered brow.

“I guess I should have scheduled this as my last shoot of the day.”

Mike chuckle said what he did not–yeah, dummy, it’s HOT yoga.

Even though I left the studio “glistening,” I still felt great. My natural high could have been from all the chanting or “chi” in the room. I think it was the shooting. The elements were ideal–floor to ceiling windows and the toned figures contorted into interesting shapes. What photographer wouldn’t be happy?

I left inspired, that’s for sure. The next night I had my first ever bikram session. If you haven’t tried it, you should. It feels amazing, especially in the cold, dry winter! Check out this link for Bikram in the City’s schedule of classes.

Sarah + Seth’s January Wedding

by Maggie Rife Ponce

Sarah and Seth were married on January 1st at the Elmhurst Art Museum. The two met while attending my Alma Mater–University of Missouri. Sarah and Seth might be opposites in many ways–he’s tall, she’s short, he’s a numbers man, she’s visceral, he’s from a small town, while she grew up in a suburb of Chicago, but they’re best friends and very much in love. It was a pleasure working with them. I feel like we’ve become friend’s over the last year–starting with our first meeting last summer and further enhanced during their engagement session. It was really nice being able to meet their wonderful family members and friends (lot’s of fellow Journalism majors-whoa who!!) who made their day so special.

The word “covenant” was a reminder to Sarah and Seth that the day was about their marriage, not just the wedding.

……………

Simply Cold.

by Maggie Rife Ponce

It was cold when I woke this morning, but gold light filtered through the windows.

“I’ll take it,” I thought.

The frigid, finger numbing, skin burning, cough inducing winter air is unpleasant, but so long as the sky’s not grey–100 shades of grey, I can deal. I suck it up. I layer. I wear two hats, a sweatshirt, a jacket, fury boots, tights, jeans, double up on the socks, then top it all off with what my aunt calls the “El coat”–a puffy black number covering me from head to nearly toe during the winter months. It may be fugly, but it’s functional.

Then I play a “get pumped” mix. Today’s included “Power” from Mr. West’s most recent release. I eat my words while listening to the song. A few weeks back I went off on a tirade about Kayne-“I’ve been with him since ‘through the wire,’ but I don’t think he’s that good anymore.”

“Well I hear this ones supposed to be the album of the decade,” Amanda says to me.

“He can’t sing!”

I still don’t think he’s a very good singer, but neither am I. The album…well….I might just be slightly, maybe, sorta kinda, hate to admit it, but if I’m going to be honest, addicted. I can own up when I’m wrong. I was wrong.

So, I’m pumped, dressed, armed with my camera, charged battery, and my arsenal of lenses. Off to North Ave. Here’s the thing about the winter, the days are SO short. In July, you’ve got hours and hours to shoot. Today the sun was set by 4:20; my grand ambitions of shooting the Lake Shore then heading back to Gary were quickly adjusted. I’ll have to save Gary for another day. Till then…

This last shot is dedicated to my cousin Lizard. Merry Christmas. I’ll make you a print. <3

Hilary Schwartz of Estera Events Portrait Session

by Maggie Rife Ponce

“I love your hair!” I called over to Hilary at an event earlier this summer. “You could totally rock this cut” she said in response, or something along those lines. At the time I didn’t know “Hilary” was her name, or anything else about her, other than she had great style. After a quick introduction, I discovered she is also an alumni of the University of Missouri and involved in the wedding industry. We exchanged cards and planned to meet again soon.

The next time we did, it was one of those amazing late summer nights where everyone in the city is vying for a patio spot. I was able to snag a table at Rockit on Clark where we both ordered salads the size of our heads. So much for healthy eating with portions that size! We spent two hours talking like old friends, sharing how we each started our business’ and how we approached our work. With a background in interior and graphic design, a side talent for flower arranging, and a fine-tuned sense of what looks good, Hilary’s a natural candidate for wedding and event planning. With a generous smile, down-to-earth nature, and love of health food products and wine, she’s an instant friend.

http://www.esteraevents.com/ and http://www.esteraevents.blogspot.com/

Lifted…Chicago Wedding at the Willis Tower Skydeck Lounge.

by Maggie Rife Ponce

Lifted…Chicago Wedding at the Willis Tower Skydeck Lounge is the photo story of Lisa and Jason’s wedding. This one literally took my breath away. Stepping out on the ledge of The Willis Tower, formerly and often still referred to as the Sears Tower, was enough to make my stomach drop. But Jason and Lisa were cool as cucumbers, creating a quiet, peaceful moment in which rested in just after they’re vow exchange.

I had a great time working with Sonya Martin for this wedding. She has a beautiful spirit and unending amount of positivity. She’s a sweetie!

Lisa and Jason choose a sand ritual rather than the unity candle to symbolically join their families.

Deep Breath, 99th floor and counting.

Lisa’s son wasn’t so keen on the whole first dance idea.

Engagement Shoot with Nick and Molly-Out of the city and into the country.

by Maggie Rife Ponce

The morning of Nick and Molly’s engagement shoot, the sky was overcast and threatening. I worried the rain would fall exactly when we began shooting. Glancing up at the dark gray, sad sky, I said, “Why today of all days?” Then I checked myself, backtracked and pronounced, “It’s going to turn out amazing. The light’s going to be beautiful.”

Thirty minutes before the shoot, it started to sprinkle. It seemed my declaration faded without a response. It was a light drizzle though, so we didn’t cancel the shoot. By the time I met up with Nick and Molly, the rain was finished, and the sky was beautiful.

The rest of the shoot turned out great. We snapped a few pictures in the city before heading out to the “country,” aka Barrington Hills aka the most picturesque suburb I’ve visited to date.

Molly and Nick are a case of a successful blind date. “I asked Molly to marry me the first time three months into it.” Granted there wasn’t a ring at that point, but it was promise of what was to come for them. They just “knew.”

It started with a game of pool and ending in a marriage: Rose and Stu’s Chicago wedding at The James Hotel

by Maggie Rife Ponce

I get really excited by beautiful light and graphic elements when shooting. I love the way light will carve out a detail, reveal it’s shape, and accentuate human emotion. You can imagine my joy when I stepped into the room Stu and and his groomsmen were “getting ready” in. Mostly they were playing pool, passing around old high school pics, and orchestrating a round of five-hour energy shots. Stu’s such a great, laid back guy, and his buddies were just as cool.

When it was time for the first look, Stu and I made our way downstairs to wait in the lobby. I could sense his excitement. Every 30 seconds or so he’d cast a glance over my shoulder at the stairway to see if Rose was on her way down yet. When she did tap his shoulder from behind, a grin the size of Texas spread across his face, proving, as his speech would claim later, he was the happiest man alive that day.

Rose and Stu’s wedding was so beautiful. The Hotel (The James), the church (Holy Name Cathedral), the details! It was all amazing. The DJ totally rocked it out. I couldn’t keep myself from dancing. She had me at Hot chip. Muchas Gracias Steve Koo! It was great to shoot with you, as always!

It was a hot affair…literally, but tons of fun!

by Maggie Rife Ponce

Come rain or high water, nothing could keep Lisa and Rob from walking down the aisle and having an amazing party afterwards. Nearly seven inches of rain fell in the early morning hours of their wedding day. The downpour flooded the interstate and cut power, creating obstacle after obstacle for the couple.

How did they handle it? With an amazing sense of humor and unwavering optimism. They kept a smile even after learning their reception hall, the 19th Century Club in Oak Park, was operating on a single generator and would not be able to run the air conditioner – clearly the time to call specialists from HVAC repair from http://topcoolingguys.com. At one point in the night, Rob said, “Well, it makes for a memorable story and interesting pictures.”

Gotta love their attitude!

Guests were all in good cheer, slurping down ice cream before it melted and dancing till they sweat…well…ok, maybe they were already “glistening,” but everyone still cut a run. It just goes to show how good energy is contagious! Thanks Lisa and Rob for bringing it, and of course, the fantastic Steve Koo, whom I photographed alongside for this wedding!