Weddings
An engagement session is an opportunity to take some fab photos, get comfy in front of the camera, and get to know your photographer. More than anything, your engagement session should be fun! We should smile with your smile, and hear your laughter. Pick a location that’s a backdrop, that showcases YOU. The Chicago Riverwalk is a great example — a popular spot that let’s you be the star. Whether you dress up or go casual, we always suggest comfort and showing off what’s unique about you. Let your personality fly!
Meet Mary Rachel & Travers, and get ready for their walk along the Riverwalk! Travers, you are a man after our own heart. The pattern of that shirt is exquisite, and we can’t get enough of that confident, colored pant. Pair that with Mary Rachel’s plucks of purple, and you are set up for success! These two are a vibrant, dynamic couple — outside and in! Seeing those bold personalities shine is making our week, and hopefully yours, too. Try not smile, and try not to laugh with this “oh so obviously crazy about each other” duo!
Mary Rachel on Travers:
“Travers’ sense of comedic timing is brilliant. Just read below. We laugh multiple times a day. His commitment to and passion for his many crafts inspire me to do mine. He also has foxy green eyes and a peppery beard, which is on its way to being full wizard beard. 🙂
I could go on and on and on and on…he is simply “my person” and I light up every time I see him, so they say.”
Travers on Mary Rachel:
Mary Rachel has the most amazing and contagious laugh. It inspires me to come up with material that will get it out of her as well as to see her heart melting smile. i tell people she’s so good at gardening on account of her being sunshine personified. She’s brilliant at thwarting my cynicism and grinch like tendencies with the warmest of hearts and most sensible of brains. We can talk for hours. Our neighbors let us know that. She is one heck of a dancer and is so unspeakable-y unnamable-y fun. I am so lucky I should wear a top hat, cloak, monocle and a cane.
Looking for more downtown engagement sessions? Take a look!
Weddings
When you’re getting ready to move to Chicago, you tend to hear two things about the weather. The winter is terrible, and the summers are so amazing that it makes the winters worth it! We can’t really disagree with either sentiment (though winter certainly has its perks). Summer in Chicago is an absolute dream. In addition to being prime time for weddings, engagement session, and fun outdoor shoots — THERE IS SO MUCH TO DO! The city is alive with vibrant events, and we’d like to put in a good word for at least a few of them. On any given summer day in Chicago, you can stay in, go out, make friends or fly solo on any budget!
Take a look at some of these August highlights, and plan your next day off! Or hang onto this list for a cold December night, when you need to remember that another fabulous city summer is just around the corner!
THROW A PARTY FOR YOUR TASTE BUDS
Who doesn’t adore a sweet treat? Tis the season for fro-yo, ice cream, margaritas, and white wine. If it’s chilled, it’s a yes! There is no shortage of local shops in Chicago when it comes to quieting your sweet tooth. Everyone in the Windy City has a favorite parlor. What’s yours?
TAKE A WALK
Chicago is a pedestrian’s city, and summer is ideal for a sunlit stroll. Explore your neighborhood, pick a CTA stop to discover, or try one of these hot spots! It’s a good excuse to get a little exercise, and to remind yourself that fun can be found anywhere in this gorgeous city.
HAVE A BEACH DAY
From Promontory Point to Montrose Beach, find a little slice of sand to call your own. It’s easy to forget how close Lake Michigan is to us. Take advantage of the tranquility and relaxation a little trip to to the lake can provide. And oh the sunsets!
RETAIL THERAPY WITH YOUR BRIDAL PARTY
Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day…these are just three excuses for HUGE sales! Whether or not you’re in planning mode, a trip to Michigan Avenue with you best pals can be very therapeutic. Window shop, find some inspiration, and treat yourself!
SEE MOVIES WITH ACTUAL STARS
Oh, how we adore Chicago’s Movies in the Park. The release of each year’s schedule is a highlight of the spring, and the addition of neighborhood screens means you don’t have to venture downtown. You can just take your blanket and cooler to the nearest park, and have an enchanted evening! With sunset happening so late, a dusk date with your favorite movie is perfectly paired with a walk about town!
Feeling the summer vibes? Take a look at our most recent sunset session!
Weddings
Ok, engagement session fans! It’s time to give out a few Gold (Grid) stars. We reserve these for moments of true awesomeness, and this Millenium Park session meets ALL of the criteria! We spent an afternoon downtown in Millenium Park with Tina & Jonathan, had the best time, and can’t get enough of their fabulous photos. Take a look, and get to know this dynamic duo.
When we first met them on Instagram, their friends gushed about what a cool couple they were. Fun, outgoing, and full of personality! Your friends know you best, right? Well, we are official Jonathan & Tina fans. You can’t fake love, friends — and these two were all smiles and laughter. We just got to sit back and capture it all!
Tina & Jonathan are not just one of the sweetest and most adorable couples we’ve gotten to photograph (though they ARE that, too!). They’re also a master class in setting yourself up for engagement session success! Can we discuss how stylish these two are? Yes. Yes, we can!
Managing to be classy yet comfy, the soft romantic colors they chose were perfect for this Millenium Park session. Tina’s jewelry was breathtaking, and Jonathan looked dapper down to his pocket square. Looking crisp & clean, they were at home downtown. Were they on their way back from a fancy brunch, or on their way to a concert in the park? You tell us.
Congrats, Tina & Jonathan! We can’t wait to see your wedding day style!
Be sure to check out more fabulous Gold Grid couples!
Weddings
Jordan & Joel taught us an important lesson — when you’ve got an abundance of love, you might as well share it as much as you can! After a holiday engagement session and an intimate San Francisco ceremony, it’s time for a Goose Island celebration in Chicago! It was an honor to capture this chapter in Jordan & Joel’s love story, and now we get to share it with you!
The day began at the James Hotel, a chic spot with so much natural light! As if the windows weren’t enough, can you please take a moment to appreciate this open staircase where Jordan & Joel did their first look? Absolute perfection! After some outdoor photos (yes, sunlight!) with the bridal party, we headed to Gallery 1028 on Goose Island. Jordan fell in love with this gallery because of its exposed brick and industrial vibe. They contrasted that with warm lights and candles, creating a cozy atmosphere.
A big congrats to Jordan & Joel! From San Fran to Chicago, from the Mission District to Goose Island, it’s been such a joy to be on this journey with you. Cheers to you, lovebirds!
Meet the Team:
Ceremony/Reception Venue: Gallery 1028 | Bridal Prep/First Look Venue: The James Hotel
Weddings
Alright, midwestern friends! Get ready to have some major California sunshine envy! Before coming to Chicago for a big wedding bash, Jordan & Joel celebrated with a small San Francisco ceremony. It was just the two of them, a few close relatives, and their oh-so-cuddly fur babies! Set against the rustic interior of the San Francsico Swedenborgian Church, this was all about golden light and West Coast romance. And let us not forget the pop of that pink champagne, the perfect complement to Jordan’s sweet, soft dress.
We always say that the most important two people on your wedding day are you…and the person you’re about to marry. While we certainly adore a big wedding, there is something to be said for intimacy. Jordan & Joel will have a bigger bash in Chicago (and we’ll OF COURSE bring you all the details), but for today…Here’s to those who keep it simple, sweet, and focused on the most important duo of the day. Congrats, Jordan & Joel!
Venue: http://www.sfswedenborgian.org/
Take a look at more Jordan & Joel, and hear more about their engagement story!
