Wedding Archives - Page 3 of 4 - Rife Ponce Photography

Amy, Ryan, and their Dragon-Chicago Engagement Session

Amy, Ryan, and the Dragon met me for their engagement session at one of Chicago’s most famous landmarks, the Bean, on a chilly Sunday afternoon. Who or what is “the Dragon?” Well, the sweet little girl in the photos below has this amazing ability to imitate a mighty dragon when disturbed. I was lucky enough to see this magical phenomenon shortly into our shoot. “It started when she was a newborn; she would huff and puff instead of cry,” explained Amy.

After the appearance of the Dragon, Amy and Ryan decided it was best to let the mighty one head back into the warmth for fear she might start blowing flames. So from the Bean, we looped the loop over Columbus Drive and around to the Fulton Market area.

Amy and I exchanged e-mails back-and-forth for a few weeks prior to the shoot. In these e-mails I learned a little more about her and Ryan; while Amy’s an art buyer, the irony is that she has an incredible talent and it’s her work people should be buying. She shared a piece she did that hangs in the Printers Row Starbucks. Words won’t do it justice! It’s comprised of hundreds of vintage movable type pieces in a multidimensional plane. Seriously, Restoration Hardware or Pottery Barn would drool over it.

Ryan’s a self-taught guitar player with a handy ability to play by ear. To top it off, he loves karaoke. “He proposed to me by singing the song “Amie” by Pure Prairie League (He also paid a band on our first date to play that song, and we had our first kiss while it was playing).”

After hearing all this, I was excited for their engagement session. Now after their engagement session I’m even more excited for their wedding. 1. It’s on a boat 2. There will be a band there called Too White Crew with back up dancers 3. I’ll reunite with the Dragon! Can’t wait!

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.

……………

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.

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!

Chicago-wedding-photographer-Lisa + Rob-Oak Park-Wedding-12

Bride holds veil so it won't blow away while crossing street

Waitress' open windows at the 19th century club in oak park

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

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

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guest dance at reception at the 19th century club in oak park

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

by Maggie Rife Ponce

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.

Erin + Jim= St. Mary’s of Angel’s Church Ceremony and Adler Planetarium Wedding

by Maggie Rife Ponce

Erin and Jim’s wedding was a stunning production. On my first visit to Chicago when I was in high school, my aunt drove me along 90/94 toward Lake Shore Drive to show me the sites of the city. Along the way I had my first sighting of St. Mary’s of Angle’s Church in the distance. The church took my breath away then, and I longed to see it in person. It took my breath away, as did Erin and Jim’s reception at the Adler Planetarium. It was a gorgeous occasion and a pleasure shooting. Jim and Erin are a sweet couple who really compliment each other. It was a pleasure documenting their day. Thanks Steve Koo, whom I photographed this wedding with!

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!