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
“We have been a couple since before either of us was of a legal drinking age. We met at the recreation center of our college.”
Eleven years later, the couple, who scored higher than anyone EVER for knowing the other best in their marriage preparation class, sealed the deal. This self-described quiet, introverted couple, said their vows in an intimate winter ceremony in front of their immediate family and very close friends.
In an e-mail to me before their wedding, Patti wrote, “we really just enjoy each other’s company.” I could see this from our first meeting. They laugh easy, and seem utterly comfortable with each other. It was a joy to see them marry and celebrate at their reception afterwards.
I have to give the couple props (especially Patti-you’ll see why in the pictures) for bearing the cold during their portrait session. They were troopers! Thankfully, their reception was quite cozy at the Keith House also known as the Prairie Avenue Gallery. In this beautiful building in one of Chicago’s historical districts, they shared in laughs, cheers, dancing, and even a little karaoke! Congrats Patti and Alfred. All the best to you both!
I’d like to give a big shout out to the following vendors: Cake: Amy Beck’s Cake Designs. cakes@amybeckcakedesign.com
A few days after Agustina and Johann’s wedding, we jumped in a pickup truck with our guides, Joaquin and Dani, gas tank loaded on the back of the bed, and headed North. After two days of driving, we arrived in Uyuni, Bolivia. Llama farms dotted the countryside and locals sold hand woven fabrics along the road. After having a quick bite of local fare, we headed outside of town to the salt flats. This celestial terrain stretches for miles as far as the eye can see. The expanse of salt is remnants left over from what once was an ocean or sea.
On the dry cracked land, dressed in their wedding attire, I snapped pictures of the newlyweds. It was a beautiful setting for a couple that radiates. Thank you for having me along to document your wedding and experience Bolivia and Argentina!
A few Outtakes:Our guide Dani strikes a pose. He wanted to be a part of the portrait session. Dani and Joaquin smile for a photo.
Dani uses a stick and plastic tube to siphon gas into the tank. This was a first for me!
I’ve been in South America for the last 2 1/2 weeks where I photographed Agustina and Johann’s wedding and collected images from Bolivia and Argentina. I can’t wait to share the rest of the images once I’ve finished the editing. For now, here’s one sneak peek from the Agust and Johann’s post-wedding shoot in Uyuni, Bolivia. This stunningly stark location may look like a beach, but it’s actually miles and miles of salt, stretching as far as the eye can see.
Leslie and Doug were married earlier this month in a beautiful ceremony and reception at The Germania Place. Leslie, Doug, and their families planned a gorgeous event with thoughtful details and a touching ceremony officiated by a very eloquent speaker.When Leslie and her sister were children, her Dad read them the story of the Velveteen Rabbit. Leslie’s own Velveteen Rabbit was there for the wedding day, tattered, and worn, but still near her bedside. Her Dad read a portion of the story once more, sharing the idea of the rabbit becoming “real” because of his owner’s love no matter how long he had him, despite his aging figure or worn down appearance. Just as the rocking horse told the rabbit, the same message is meant for Leslie and Doug, “once you are real you can’t become unreal again. It lasts for always.”
Here’s to Leslie and Doug! I wish you both many years of happiness.
Ami and Amar’s engagement session was featured earlier this year on my site. A month or so after that shoot, the couple reached out to me regarding their engagement party. I’m so thrilled I was able to wok with them again. They’re such a fun-loving couple with great families. I had a great time getting to know their parents and siblings a little more.
For those who aren’t familiar with Indian engagement ceremonies, the event can be just as large as most weddings. The program involves a beautiful ring ceremony where the two families agree to become one and the groom presents the bride with ‘the ring.’ Though Ami already received the ring earlier this year in a gesture of clever wit and thoughtfullness (Amar had it hidden inside the diamond exhibit at the Field Museum), the ceremony signifies that she an her family officially accept the proposal.
Following this, a friend of theirs sang a beautiful rendition of their favorite Indian song. Next, Amar’s brother Amit lead a Bollywood dance routine–it was so good, they could have been on the stage of America’s Got Talent.
It was a wonderful night, full of meaningful moments and lots of fun. I can only imagine how incredible the wedding will be!
Almond and Loretta choose to have a small ceremony overlooking Lake Michigan at the Observatory. It was a beautiful Monday–sunny, warm, and peaceful. The couple plan to have a larger wedding next year in Singapore, where Loretta is from; in the meantime, they wanted to make it official in Chicago.
Loretta told me she didn’t want the ceremony to be too formal, which is why she painted her nails neon orange (love!) and wore a simple lace dress. Even though they weren’t inside a church or in front of a large audience, the two said the experience was very emotional. Loretta shed a single tear while Almond recited his vows.
Afterward, Loretta and her mom embraced in a tender hug, silently letting the tears flow.
When we took family portraits, Almond brought out oversized plastic-framed glasses for everyone alternatively to try on. It was silly and fun! Just one example of the couples awesome, creative taste (did I mention Almond is a super talented graphic designer?).
From there, we took a walk around the Observatory for more pictures. They were so sweet with each other, hardly containing their smiles of joy.
Thank you so much Almond and Loretta for letting me share in your ceremony! It was beautiful and touching. All the best…
I don’t know if I’m more excited to share these photos or if Lili and Michelle are to see them. Either way, this was a very special day for the couple.
Amongst their closest family and friends, Lili and Michelle recited their handwritten vows. After they shared their first kiss, on-lookers watching from above on the State street bridge cheered and hooted.
The couple met at fitness class. Michelle was Lili’s trainer. It took nearly a year for Lili to crack Michelle’s professional distance. Finally, a very direct text sent a clear message, “I want to be more than friends.” Considering the seriousness of their feelings, Michelle made an exception and they began dating. Later, unbeknownst to each other, they both began ring shopping around the same time. Michelle proposed to Lili, who proposed right back a week later. Apparently they were both in it for the long run.
The love between them was palpable. At one point I was even tearing up. I’m so thankful I was able to share in the special day.
Big big thanks to Tom Root. You’ve been amazing this wedding season and your work is wonderful!
Florist – Angel Gardens Florist
Caterer and cake – Harry Caray’s – Gabi – gabi@hcrestaurantgroup.com
Venue – Chicago Cruises – Debbie – chicagocruises@sbcglobal.net
I have a very special connection to this next wedding. The groom is my first cousin, whom I spent many summers with growing up. He met his now wife Erica at a friend’s wedding six years ago. In the first few weeks of knowing each other, Matt, a huge football fan, made a bet with Erica–if Colorado won against Nebraska, she would come visit him in Denver. If they lost, he’d be the one booking the flight.
Well Matt, being my cousin, you should know to put your money on Nebraska.
A few days after losing to Erica, Matt booked a flight to Des Moines. Even though he lost the bet and had a confirmed ticket, they were so excited to see each other, she ended up booking a ticket for the next weekend to visit him. Thus began their 2 1/2 year, long-distance relationship while Erica finished graduate school.
I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Erica over the years. She’s kind, patient, fun, and a perfect match for Matt. It was so special for me to photograph their wedding. They’re truly in love and it was wonderful to see them both so happy. There were plenty of tender moments and even more times of laughter.
Thank you for having me and congratulations! Can’t wait to see you soon. Oh and Matt, GO BIG RED!
One of the best things about being a photographer is the intimate access to so many different lives! I LOVE that each wedding is unique and special, like Amy and Ryan’s. They split their celebration between two nights; on Friday, on a small sail boat, with the sun setting over lake Michigan, they exchanged their vows. Saturday night, they continued the party at Prairie Production with a rocking band and all their family and friends.
When I first met Amy, we shared dessert at Julius Meinl back in the Fall of 2010. From what she told me then, I knew her wedding would be 1. Lots of Fun (they were bringing in a live band to cover rock songs all night) 2. Full of laughter (Amy has such a great smile) 3. Extra Special because their two-year old daughter would be involved. In the spring, I was able to meet Hailey, a.k.a Dragon, during their engagement/family photo session. She is the best combination of two awesome people, and from the pictures, you’ll see she’s already taking after her Dad’s music skills 🙂
Amy and Ryan are a fun-loving couple who bring everyone together. For example, they made a point of introducing me to all their friends and family (who were great!) and insisted I stay for to hang after I finished shooting pictures. Within a week of her wedding, Amy had already written the nicest review on yelp!
“I used Maggie for both our family/engagement session in February 2011, and also for our wedding ceremony and reception on 8/12-13/11. All I can say is, I could not have found a more talented, hardworking and personable photographer for such an important time in our lives. As an Art Consultant, I was looking for someone who has a good eye with an artistic vision, someone who could capture the moment yet not make anything look posed or staged. She is extremely talented of knowing when to take shots…all our pictures came out beautifully and I don’t even remember having to pose for anything. All of our friends/family absolutely loved having her along for the ride, and I can’t say enough about how wonderful the experience was, and how our photos turned out. She is very quick to respond with requests, and I found that the value of the work she does for her pricepoint is unbeatable. Maggie and her photography truly made our wedding weekend special, and I can’t say enough great things about her work.”
Thank you SO SO much Amy and Ryan! I’m beyond happy for you. Congrats and all the best to you both!
Amy randomly was pulled on stage by an A cappella group. She was a great sport and they even gave her a wedding gift, their CD!
Our guide Dani strikes a pose. He wanted to be a part of the portrait session. Dani and Joaquin smile for a photo.
Amy randomly was pulled on stage by an A cappella group. She was a great sport and they even gave her a wedding gift, their CD!
