Nick + Molly’s Trash the Dress

“Do you guys think I should just go for it?” Molly asked her girlfriends, who came to watch and cheer the recent couple’s after-wedding photo shoot.

These were the girls from her running group, the ones whom she’d meet every week downtown to pound miles on Chicago’s asphalt. Of course they said yes. They were the women who’d encourage her to go for any challenge; who were plotting their next race, even as one was still recovering from a recent injury and was explicitly told NOT to run yet.

“Yes!” They all agreed. “Just don’t jump from the rocks though. Why don’t you wade in?”

And just like that, Molly was in the water…Lake Michigan water. At the very beginning of June. Did she complain about the frigid temperatures? Not once.

Nick followed suite. After rolling up his pants high-water style, he went after his bride…A sign of years to come? If so I think they’re in for a lot of adventures!

The Outtakes

Stefanie + Andrew’s Belmont Harbor Engagement Session

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bikram in the City Staff Portraits

Bikram Yoga Instructor Portraits for Chicago studio Bikram in the City

Below is a collection of images from my recent portrait shoot with Bikram in the City staff. The studio maintains an urban feel and brand, so we decided to use the Chicago city as the background for these images. The shoot was held over three days in four different locations: Millenium Park, The Chicago El (until CTA kicked us out, waa waaa), The Observatory, and Montrose Harbor. There were logistical challenges we were to overcome-rain and more rain, a stringent policy on permits by the city, and timing (thank you Starbucks for opening so early). I had a great team working with me, Manase Latu did an amazing job on the makeup, my dear friends Agustina Agustina Diez Sierra and Laurie Peacock were along to assist for some of it, and the staff were amazing!

bikram yoga instructor

bikram yoga instructor bikram yoga instructor bikram yoga instructor bikram yoga instructor

bikram yoga instructor

I started “practicing” bikram this January during the worst of Chicago winter. Like most, I thought I was going to die during my first session, but I’ve since grown to really love this type of yoga. I don’t pretend to be on a level even close to these instructors, but my appreciate for the form grew deeply after hearing of their rigorous training and complete dedication.

Eggs, Orange juice, and Equity

The Kellogg School of Management hosts the 12th annual Private Equity and Venture Capital Conference, “Value Creation in the New Decade.”at the University Club on February 9, 2011.

The Kellogg School of Management Hosts the Private Equity and Venture Capitalist Conference at the University Club in Chicago Il on February 9, 2011

Photos of the Kellogg Private Equity and Venture Captilist Conference 2011
Private equity venture capitalist conference 2011 at the University Club in Chicago, IL on February 9, 2011Photos of the Kellogg School of Management Venture Capitalist Conference
Private equity venture capitalist conference 2011 at the University Club in Chicago, IL on February 9, 2011

Hilary Schwartz of Estera Events Portrait Session

“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/

Portrait of Chicago Wedding planner Hilary Schwartz

Portrait of Chicago Wedding Planner Hilary SchwartzPortrait of Chicago Wedding Planner Hilary SchwartzPortrait of Chicago Wedding planner Hilary Schwartz

Portrait of Chicago Wedding Planner Hilary Schwartz

Portrait of Chicago Wedding planner Hilary Schwartz

Hilary Schwartz, owner of Estera Event Company, poses for a portrait.

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

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!

Bride looks up at wedding dress while getting ready

Wedding Rings

Groom looks out window into sanctuary after the ceremony has supposed to start
Father-of-the-bride and bride prepare to procede down aisle

Bride and Father of the bride walk down the aisle

Flower girl looks around during the wedding ceremony

Bride smiles during the ceremony at husband

Bride hugs man

Bride smiles alongside groom after they were just married

groom checks iphone after ceremony

Detail of brides dress


Bride holds veil so it won't blow away while crossing street
Waitress' open windows at the 19th century club in oak park
Table place card detail
table setting at reception at the 19th century club in oak park guest escape heat of reception outside on patio of the 19th century club Little boy looks at brides flowers cute Couple feeds baby ice cream at reception at the 19th century club in oak park Guest use photo booth during reception at the 19th century club in oak park Bride and grooms first dance at the 19th century club Groom dances with grand-daughter during reception at the 19th century club in oak park Guest and bride dance at reception 19th century club in oak park Guest and bride dance at reception at the 19th century club in oak park
guest dance at reception at the 19th century club in oak park Little girl cools off by fan

Revealed Boudoir Unveiled!

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.