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!
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!
It’s a little surreal for me to post these pictures–I used to nanny Katelyn when she was seven years old! Now, ten years later, she’s a senior in high school, full of confidence and overflowing with charisma.
Between rock n’ roll concerts and sight-seeing in Chicago, Tyler proposed to his girl friend Monique, surprising her while visiting the city for Lollapalooza. They still had the post-engagement glow when I took these pictures, bringing amazing natural chemistry to their session. Good luck you two in planning your wedding in New Orleans next year. You’re a beautiful couple and I’m sure your wedding will be too!
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.
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!
DJ: John Simmons from Style Matters DJs John Simmons john@stylemattersdjs.com
I’m so happy for Jon and Julianne. I’ve known this couple since I first moved to Chicago four years ago. I always tell them they’re a p0wer couple. Jon’s studying law and Julianne is going into her first year of residency as a doctor. They have more close friends than a most anyone I know, they LOVE having fun, and everyone in their presence seems to just enjoy life! Julianne said after six years, he still makes me laugh just as hard as I did on that first 3 hour car ride back from Champaign.” Also that, “Jon’s support helped keep me motivated and sane throughout medical school, and his excitement and dedication to studying law impresses me every day.”
With their wedding in Barrington Hills, I thought no better place to take them for pictures than the very location I’m set to tie the knot in a few months. This is a pretty special place for me, and even more so for second photographer Tom Root (thank you Tom for all your wonderful images) because it’s where he grew up and his parents still live. The Roots, also known as farmer Jim and Aunt Bah, generously welcomed us to their land to snap the pictures. Jon, Julianne, and even a few groomsmen, enjoyed the swing set, and we found a little shade from the heat beneath the old leafy trees.
After the pictures, it was on to the ceremony, where their long time friend Brad Pnazek officiated their vows. If he was nervous, no one could tell! He did a great job marrying this lovely couple, than rejoiced with a cold beverage afterwards.
Congrats Mr. and Mrs. Morton! I wish you both all the best!
Cake: Lovin Oven Cakery (lovinovencakery.com)
Florist: Town & Country Gardens (eventsbytcg.com)
Venue: Makray Memorial Golf Club (makraygolf.com)
Dress: Galina Signature
Bridesmaids Dresses: Amsale and Priscilla of Boston
I wish I could say these were my words, but when two English teachers offer written insight into the history of their relationship, I quiet my voice, and let them take it away. So, in their own words, here is Jaclin and Danny’s story:
Danny and Jaclin met for the first time at the new teacher meetings at De La Salle Institute. According to Danny, Jaclin sat in the front row, nodding her head, vigorously taking notes. But little did Danny realize that Jaclin also took note of the good-looking academic and football coach sitting in the back of the room. A few days later, Danny and Jaclin found out they’d be teaching across the hall from each other, on the third floor of the Institute Campus. Being a first-year teacher, Jaclin would often ask Danny questions, inquiring about book suggestions and lesson plan ideas. Danny and Jaclin gradually came to know each other, albeit professionally. A few months into the school year, Danny asked Jaclin out the day of her first big yearbook project – organizing photos for all the students and faculty in the school – hoping to give her something to smile about amidst the business of the day. Danny has said ever since, “I had her at the first quatrain.”
After Danny asked Jaclin’s dad for permission to marry her, Jaclin knew a proposal was coming. Danny never approaches a task with less than 100% energy and vigor, and the proposal was no different. April 14, 2011, Danny arranged for the senior class of De La Salle, most of whom Jaclin had previously taught and Danny was currently teaching, to be part of the moment. Hundreds of freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, along with faculty and staff members, also joined the surprise proposal on the football field. Danny had already showed the seniors where to line up and when to move the crowd into a circle around Jaclin.
Three juniors – who are Danny and Jaclin’s ushers – escorted Jaclin from the courtyard, where three of Danny’s freshmen read the poem “The Good-Morrow” by John Donne, onto the football field. It was there that Danny waited to propose as Led Zeppelin’s “Thank You” played over the loudspeakers. Danny, down on one knee with ring in hand, and Jaclin, with tears and a “yes” on her lips, began their journey of marriage.
Danny and Jaclin’s first dance was to the song, “Thank You”, which they will continue to lovingly play for the rest of their lives.
Big thanks to my second, Tom Root for his help with this wedding!
Kate McCollum at K.La Designs (florist): www.kladesigns.net, KateMcCollum@gmail.com
Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica (church): www.ols-chicago.org, Father Chris @ chriskrymski@aol.com (NOTE: Father Chris is the pastor of the basilica, but Father Paul Novak of De La Salle @ novakp@dls.org is marrying us.)
Chicago Public Library – Harold Washington Library Center (reception): chipublib.org, Gerry Keane @ gkeane@chipublib.org
Brides by Demetrios (dress): www.demetriosbride.com (Streets of Woodfield, Schaumburg location), bbdchicago@demetriosgroup.com
Jewell Catering (caterer): www.georgejewell.com, Dana Konya @ dana@jewelleventscatering.com
DeeJay Thunder ENTERTAINMENT (DJ): www.mixinmymind.com, Marcus
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
On a sunny afternoon in Evanston, IL, I met Lindsey and Jon to photograph their engagement session. The two met in seminary school three years ago, and have been hooked ever since. They’re a beautiful couple with bright smiles and deep friendship. They even have their own handshake!
Congrats Erin and Allister!
Congrats Erin and Allister! 
