Chicago Archives - Page 5 of 6 - Rife Ponce Photography

Laura + Doug=Married at A New Leaf. Pit stop at The Bean!

A friend and amazing travel photographer Laura McGlone was married last week in a Buddhist ceremony to Doug, her travel partner, friend, and love.

Laura was a stunning bride with a smile stretched across her face the entire time.

The two met while traveling through Southeast Asia. Their immediate connection was strengthened through Skype conversations and meet-ups in either Canada, where Doug lives, Chicago, or other countries like most recently Mexico over Christmas.

Their ceremony was held at A New Leaf. I couldn’t imagine a place more perfect for them to exchange vows. In the courtyard full of flowers, trees, and potted plants, a Buddhist monk lead guest in 15 minutes of meditation. The energy in the room was directed toward Laura and Doug, wishing them “peace, happiness, and love”.

It was a beautiful ceremony. I was especially moved by their handwritten vows. The intimate glimpse into their relationship was very special.

Laura’s mother read one of my favorite poems by Kahlil Gibran from The Prophet:

Love one another, but make not a bond of love
Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.

Fill each other’s cup, but drink not from one cup.
Give one another of your bread, but eat not from the same loaf.

Sing and dance together and be joyous,
but let each one of you be alone,
Even as the strings of a lute are alone
though they quiver with the same music.

Give your hearts, but not into each other’s keeping;
For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.

And stand together yet not too near together;
For the pillars of the temple stand apart,
And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other’s shadow.

Lesley and Zach’s rocking Wedding at Prairie Productions

by Maggie Rife Ponce

Lesley and Zach’s wedding was infused with their personal style and taste. It was mixture of tradition and contemporary flavor. From the heart embellished shoes to the tree stamped ties from etsy.com. Their bridal party was divided into “Team Bride” and “Team Groom” comprised of mixed gender players standing up for the couple.

Speaking of players, did I mention the groom and his mates, the “all star performers,” played with the band on multiple sets throughout the night. What a blast!

Zach and Lesley are such a great couple. A close friend of theirs officiated the ceremony. Over the last years she interviewed family and friends, compiling details, quotes, and tales about the couple. She wrote the most touching and engaging story about how Lesley and Zach’s history and relationship. From that story, their interactions, and the time I spent with Lesley and Zach prior to their wedding, I can sincerely say they have loving, accepting, and inspiring partnership . It was a pleasure to document their day.

Check out the video at the end to see a clip of Zach’s bandmate doing a stellar version of Arcade Fire’s Tunnels

Lesley and Zach-Tunnels from maggie rife on Vimeo.

Vendors:

Hair and Makeup: Sin Que Non

Cupcakes: Molly’s Cupcakes

Reception Location: Prairie Productions

Hotel: Elysian

Ties: Etsy.com

Shoes: Vivianne Westwood

Alexis and Pat’s wedding at Wilder Mansion

by Maggie Rife Ponce

Alexis and Pat’s wedding was infused with a sense of humor-from mustaches on a stick, to a photo booth with props like eye-patches, those sunglasses Kayne West made famous, and signs reading “kiss me, I’m Irish” and “We’re next!”

I had a great time photographing with Steve Koo again at Wilder Mansion. The dance floor during the reception was rocking, there was even some hype from Steve about “the worm,” but that move postponed…I’ll make sure to catch it on camera if it ever does occur 🙂

Anjali and Zahid’s wedding was a beautiful, traditional affair.

by Maggie Rife Ponce

Anjali’s eyes were deep brown pools of emotion, glowing warm with a mixture of firelight and love for Zahid. They each carried themselves with poise and charm throughout their Hindu marriage ceremony held at River East Art Center. Their composure broke only in rare moments of overwhelming emotion, like when Anjali made eye contact with Zahid at the alter, or when their hands finally connected, or when Za brought the ring to her forehead, signifying their union.

It was a joy to witness their marriage. I find it profound that across cultures, despite different beliefs and practices, we all are similar and connected within the realm of love.

Big thanks to the my red-headed mentor, Laurie Peacock, whom I photographed this wedding with!

Revealed Boudoir Unveiled!

by Maggie Rife Ponce

Laurie Peacock, my partner in crime and I are delighted to announce Revealed Boudoir! You can only say “yes, that’s exactly what I was thinking” with someone so many times before you acknowledge you’re on a similar wave length. This is how it was for months leading up to the unveiling of Revealed Boudoir. Alas, it’s all come together, and were now ready to show you what we’ve been working on!

So what are you waiting for? Check it out! Take a look, and sign up for a peek-a-boo session on July 18th or 19th.

Black Hawks win the Stanley Cup Tournament. Chicago fans celebrate in Wrigleyville.

by Maggie Rife Ponce

Chicago Black Hawk Fans swarmed the streets of Wrigleville minutes after Patrick Kane slipped the winning goal into Philadelphia Flyer’s net. Honking and cheering was heard from blocks away hours after the tournament was over. There was a general sense of camaraderie within the mass. This was a celebration, not a riot, none-the-less police officers mounted on horses pushed back and dispersed the crowd. Fans touted homemade Stanley Cup replicas, donned their favorite players jersey’s, and smiled giddily. It’s been nearly half-a-century since the last time the Black Hawks won the Stanley Cup, the party was overdue!

Art Walk in Pilsen Neighborhood

by Maggie Rife Ponce

A few weeks ago my aunt Susie called me to arrange a bi-monthly meetup. Usually we surf over to yelp or metromix and search for a tasty ethnic b.y.o.b like Chilam Balam (one of my favs. Isn’t it fun to say?) or Opart Thai House on Western (closest I’ve found to the real thing). The Pilsen Art walk happened to fall during this particular week so we decided to head south to check out the local art scene and enjoy the local Mexican fare at DeCOLORES galeria y sabores.

My friend Serina joined us for the evening. Around six we she and I headed toward Susie’s direction, stopping for a quick minute to snap a photograph of the bike below. We each admitted to checking out the beaut on earlier walks past. I’m a sucker for the retro style and color! I can’t wait to get my own!

After a short pit stop at Susie’s beautiful Ukranian Village apartment to meet Paris, her new darling kitten, we hopped in her Volkswagen GTI (my grandpa introduced her to the German company with her first starter car, the beetle) and drove south on Halsted.

Our first stop was an interactive exhibit where visitors were encouraged to try out the “art.” These guys produced enough energy from peddling to power the lights attached to their helmets and illuminate the room. They were pretty stoked, if you can’t tell 🙂

View from Brian Mancl’s gallery. This was my favorite collection of work. His photographs were simple, abstract, and beautifully executed.

Another view from one of the galleries. It’s a very traditional city scene to me. This could be nearly any city in the World.

On the walk back North to Decolores, Susie said there was something she had to show Serina and me. Each corner she’d have us wait for a minute while she jogged halfway down the block to see if it held the secret treasure. This alley is not what she wanted us to see, but I thought I’d take a picture of it any way. On the third or fourth block Susie found it–a flourishing communal garden, kept by the local artist surrounding the plot. At this point, it was too dark for a photo that would do it justice, but I’ll certainly be back soon and take one then.

Darlene + Andy=L.O.V.E. & Marriage | A Thai/Korean Wedding

by Maggie Rife Ponce

Darlene and Andy’s wedding was a beautiful combination of different cultures. Their ceremony was sincere and traditional, complete with the exchange of vows, lighting of the unity candle, and kiss to seal the deal. Immediately following their procession, they moved to a room prepared in advance for a Thai customary Water Ceremony where family and guest blessed the couple.

It’s been over a year since my last trip to Thailand, and I’ve missed the people and rituals. I was excited to learn from Steve Koo, whom I photographed the wedding with, that Andy was Thai. Both sides were warm and welcoming, but once I said “Sawadee Kaa” (hello) and wai’d to his father, I suddenly felt like family. For the rest of the night I heard “Chok dee” (good luck) and “Saib bai dee mai kap” (how are you?) from all directions. It was almost like I’d returned to that beloved place I’ve missed so much.”

Darlene beams while having her makeup done.