Chris and Carolyn packed up their home here in Chicago a couple of years ago and headed down to Florida where Chris had an amazing job opportunity waiting. They both still love Chicago, so decided it was fitting to have their wedding here (next May at Salvage One – my favorite!) Chris & Carolyn flew in for Memorial Day weekend to do a little wedding planning, visit friends & family and have a little engagement session with me.
Our first location for this shoot was at the Green City Market in Lincoln Park. Farmer’s markets are a favorite spring/summer spot for me, I’ve been waiting for the day when I couple would choose to visit one for their engagement session.
Purchases: A little pie from Hoosier Mamma (if you haven’t tried this place, go!!) and a baguette from Bennison’s
After a quick wardrobe change we headed in to the city for some more urban/industrial shots. I love this first one. A lot.
Love these!
Chris & Carolyn, I hope you love this little preview of our session! I can’t wait to show you the rest.
Green City Market Engagement :: Chris & Carolyn
Little Emma~Bean
Just last week I had been thinking about how it’d been far too long since I’ve photographed a little one. When I first started doing photography I did a lot of child portraits, but as I’ve become busier with weddings I’ve had to limit the other types of shoots that I can do. BUT I absolutely love photographing babies, so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to photograph our little neighbor Emma a few days ago.
Emma is a little doll at almost 3 months old, and I thought her chatter throughout our session was hilarious and endearing…clearly, she has a lot to say.
I love the sneezy face.
She had the most to say when her mamma was near by, absolutely adorable.
We tried a little tummy time, and she did great…but it got old pretty fast, its hard work holding your head up for too long!
DePaul & Erie Cafe Wedding :: Sean & Erica
This wedding just blew me away, Erica & Sean were clearly glowing they were so happy, and every detail was absolutely lovely! We started off the day at Hotel 71 for some getting ready photos. The first thing I photographed was Erica’s Priscilla of Boston dress…which was simply perfect for her!
Stunning.
I loved the look on Sean’s face when he saw Erica walking down the aisle.
If you remember Erica & Sean’s engagement session a few weeks back, you’ll remember their great chemistry together…I was so excited to photograph them again, and the chemistry? It was still there.
This is the kind of light I can usually only dream of finding on a wedding day…thank goodness I have clients who trust me enough to follow me into random warehouses. I believe it paid off.
Just wow, that’s all…
After the wedding party photos we headed to the reception at Erie Cafe. The cocktail hour was held on their outdoor terrace, right beside the river walk. What completed the feeling that we were in a scene from a movie was the sound of their Sinatra-esque crooner, hired to sing during the hour. It was picture perfect.
I have to take a moment to rave about Hilary of Estera Events. Hilary walked alongside Erica & Sean throughout the entire planning process, and it was clear that she was personally connected with every detail throughout the day. I’m confident that Erica & Sean would say that they could not have pulled it off without her. Hilary, it was a pleasure and I hope to work with you again soon!
One more person to mention: Scarlet Petal was their fabulous florist!
Cheers!
I stole these two for a few more sunset shots, this next image is absolutely a favorite.
Looking handsome Sean…no wonder your wife thinks you’re cover material : )
Congratulations again, Sean & Erica, I love you two and wish you all the best!
Chicago Nautical Engagement :: JT & Jessica
About a month ago I announced my first-ever giveaway, to help celebrate the launch of my brand new website. I got quite a large response, and the Chicago couple to win was J.T and Jessica! I was thrilled to meet them downtown this weekend for their engagement photo session, they are (clearly) an adorable couple, newly engaged and very in love with each other. Miraculously the rain held off long enough for a kind stranger to invite us all onto his sail boat for part of our shoot!
The incoming storm made the sky and water a really cool color…we had to take advantage.
Lovely!
Finally the trees are in full bloom – Seems like we’ve been waiting forever!
ooh, love this!
Ok…isn’t this color amazing! LOVE it. It was perfect that Jessica happened to bring a tank top with those nautical blue & white stripes, who knew we’d end up on a boat for part of our session.
So beautiful, you guys.
Congratulations on your engagement J.T and Jessica! You two were so much fun to work with…all the best to you both : )
~E
Alexis’ Baptism into the Greek Orthodox Church
One of my favorite parts about my job is meeting so many people throughout the city, and being invited into important moments in their lives. Last weekend I photographed the baptism ceremony of baby Alexis into the Greek Orthodox church…which will be one of the most important days in her life! I’ve been learning more about Orthodoxy through photography, and I continue to see beauty in the traditions within the church. It was truly an honor to document this day. 
These are Alexis’ godparents. Her parents sit in the front row and don’t participate in the baptism until the very end of the ceremony. 
The priest immersed Alexis into the water three times, after she had been anointed with oil.
The proud parents! Alexis was definitely ready to be back with her mom…so sleepy by this point!
