Katie and Ben are two of the sweetest people that I’ve ever met. No, really. You probably remember me raving about them when I shot their engagement session a couple of months back, and my view point hasn’t changed a bit. If anything, I just adore them more! They were married over the 4th of July weekend, and it was a hot one you guys. Hitting above the 100 degree mark – but not even this could take away from the joy of the day.

We had a different experience this time around with the getting ready shots, and I loved every second. Katie and Ben had just bought their dream house, and have been spending so much of their free time putting labor and love into it (along with the help from Katie’s father who has been doing a lot of the remodeling). This house, is amazing. The charm is unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed, so when Katie and Ben suggested doing the getting ready photos there, I was all about it. The ticker? THEY WERE BOTH GETTING READY THERE! No, no first look. Just a super careful set up that required Ben to get ready on the top floor, while Katie was getting ready in the master suite. I kept asking them how they did it – I would have been sneaking peeks of my man at least three times! ;) It was such a sweet concept – beginning their wedding day in the house they now get to call “home”.

The day unfolded effortlessly, beginning with a beautiful ceremony at Katie’s childhood church, Holy Angels. From there we headed over to the Paramount Theater in Aurora where every last detail reflected Katie and Ben’s love and adoration for one another. The cake was a stunner, and it was made by one of Katie’s bridesmaids and best friends, Megan. So talented! From the candy bar, to the vintage suitcase holding the cards to the bride and groom, to the main entry dance floor (a first for the Paramount) – this night was absolutely perfect. Oh! Another fun tid-bit of the day ;) During the engagement session, Katie had asked out of curiousity if Kelly, my second shooter, was in fact Kelly McCue – her childhood friend! They hadn’t seen eachother in years, so when I filled Kelly in on this, she was beyond thrilled to be able to share in this occasion. It was an intimate day in every way, and there is no where else we would have rather been. Congratulations, you two. We love you!

Meet, Mr and Mrs Ganey….

Vendor Love….

Second Shooter: Kelly McCue
Venue: Paramount Theater
Make Up Artist: Kristen Shinnall, Salon Montage
Hair Stylist: Kelly Schuster, Rachel Lythke Juzarez
Florist: The Flower Basket
Catering: Reuland’s Catering
Cake Designer: Megan Zilly Thakker (best friend of the bride)
Live Band Entertainment: Swing Assembly

Happy Sunday, babes! I know I don’t usually blog on the weekends – especially not on Sundays, but today is a bit different. I had been trying to post Casie and Jordan’s wedding this past week, but the hosting site I use was undergoing some maintenance – don’t they know wedding photographers have strict deadlines?! ;) So with that happening, I decided a Sunday post was in order. No need to keep the bride & groom (and their families) waiting.. so here we are, with one of the sweetest weddings ever.

Casie and Jordan’s day held a lot of significance for both myself and Kelly. I had grown attached to the Hamman’s when I shot their son Sean and his wife Lindsey’s wedding last month. Immediately I was drawn to the energy, the love, and the wide open arms that embraced us on that day, and it only made me even more excited for a little reunion come Casie and Jordan’s celebration. (to clarify, Casie is Sean’s older sister) And just as I had imagined, from both the Hamman’s and the Bucci’s, Kelly and I were treated like friends, rather than just the photographers.

For Kelly, she was super emotional regarding Jordan’s service. Serving herself, she couldn’t help but reflect and remember all that she had encountered. This wasn’t just about two people joining together in love, it was about two people committing to be together through distance, promising to be one another’s home, even when they were miles apart. Soon, Jordan will be leaving for Afghanistan, where selflessly, he will fight to protect our country, his family and friends, and now… his new wife.

The day began so effortlessly. We had hit some traffic on our way to Casie’s parent’s house, and when I called to let her know, she sounded oh-so calm on the other line. She gives off this light giggle whenever she talks, and although I’m sure it’s just her happy nature, you can’t help but pretend its because she’s just happy to talk to you. She makes everyone feel loved, and she’s pretty darn good at it. As we entered the same house we had gone to to photograph Sean last month, it was a whole different dynamic this time around ;) Women every which way you turned, make up artists, hair stylists, dresses hanging from left to right, jewels spread out all over the counters, muffins, sandwiches, juices and champagne, fresh brewed Starbucks coffee – you name it, it was there. With Casie’s Maid of Honor (her sweet little sister), Mackenzie standing by, and with some much appreciated help from Lindsey to pin up Casie’s dress ;) she was ready to go and marry the love of her life. There was not one drop of stress, not one malfunction to throw the day even just a little off course… just a morning filled with laughter, surrounding Casie with all who love her most.

As we arrived at the church (on this 108 degree day – there is not one ounce of exaggeration here) – the beautiful ceremony began, and before we knew it we were on our way to Chicago to stop at the Palmer House Hilton Hotel and the Chicago Cultural Center where their reception would be taking place. Bridal party photos were taken in a non-traditional form, and to be honest, this was sort of refreshing. It was too hot to expect them to stand around in Millenium Park, and everyone agreed that some candid shots walking through the city was the way to go. We caught some valid emotions during this little journey ;) and let me say – this bridal party has more spunk and personality than I have ever come across. It was perfect. Once we arrived at the Cultural Center, the party immediately started. Cocktail hour consisted of hugs and little reunions, cocktails and amazing food, flowing gracefully into toasts and a full course dinner. After the dancing began, I remember looking at my watch and almost feeling anxious that our time was starting to come to an end. It was one of those nights you wanted to freeze – and I couldn’t help but think, “I am going to miss this group.” So what did I do, you ask? Well, when our time was up, I joined the party. I danced with the Hamman’s and embraced that my job allows me to meet some of the most amazing people, and allows me to form friendships with those I probably would have otherwise never met. Pretty cool, huh? ;)

I can say this without any reservation – that there was no where else I would have rather been, than documenting the love of Casie & Jordan. Two people so committed to one another that their wear it on their faces. When you look at them together, you can’t help but notice an eternal kind of love. A love all of us are hoping for.

Congratulations to you both. I adore you, and wish you nothing but the best!

Meet, Mr and Mrs Bucci….

Second Shooter: Kelly McCue

I remember meeting Peter & Anna way back when, at the Starbucks on the corner of Clark and Belmont. I waited anxiously, super excited to put names with a face because from the get-go, they had both sounded like the sweetest people I had ever virtually met. It was absolutely down pouring on the day of our meeting, and as I sat cozied up in a corner table, I saw this blonde bombshell walk through the door. No, really. She’s stunning. One of those woman that walk with confidence and perfect posture because their natural beauty just sprints forth, taking charge. It was awesome, I was slightly envious, and hoping, more than anything that that was Anna. And it was! Peter, like the gentleman that he is, was off parking the car so his bride didn’t have to walk through the rain. Automatic points in my book. ;)

Once we were all around the table, we began talking about their day. The only word that I can reflect on from that long ago, is dreamy. Oh! and relaxed. Relaxed is a good word to describe it all, too. Sometimes, as a wedding photographer, you’ll have certain reservations. They’ll tell you things about their day and although you’re smiling, you may be concerned. Like, “yeesh.. I wonder what the light will be like in there?” or “Whoa, 11 bridesmaids and 11 groomsmen?” – little things like that where your brain is already started to work hard, picturing how the documentation will go. With Anna and Peter, every little thing they had planned for their day, I was 100% on board and smitten with. It was also one of those days that turned out way better than I could have imagined. The color pallettes, their demanors (not an ounce of nerves, really.. just pure joy and excitement), the perfect first look experience, a lovely ceremony.. the works. This wedding had it all, but more than anything, it had an overwhelming amount of love.

When I arrived at the Hotel Arista to document Anna and Peter getting ready, I was almost floored by all the lovely happening in the bridal suite. Anna in her long maxi dress and hair and make up fully done, looked breathtaking. She was glowing from the inside out; and once she slipped into her form fitting gown and put on the same veil her mother had worn (how sweet is that?) , it was hard to find a dry eye in that room. And her bridesmaids! Talk about a beautiful posse. These women were stunning – and they wore the glow, too. They wore it for Anna accomponied by their amazing and elegent champagne colored gowns and stunning jewels (handcrafted by Anna’s co-worker – super impressive) Peter, all calm cool and collected, spent the day with his charming groomsmen, father and father of the bride. It was a room filled with bantar – boys will be boys ;) But it was also a room filled with love and respect for Peter, as he was moments away from seeing his bride for the first time.

As the morning progressed and letters were exchanged (que the waterworks!) the day flowed with such ease from one event to the next, landing us at Stonebridge Country Club for their cocktail hour and reception. A place near and dear to my heart, since this is the country club that I grew up at. My parents just happen to live across the street. ;) The entire affair was perfect, just as Anna and Peter deserve. I feel so grateful to have been hand picked by Anna and Peter all that time ago, and that they trusted me with the most important day of their lives; the day they started their own little family.

Congratulations to you both- I couldnt’ be happier for you!

Meet, Mr and Mrs Peterson….

Vendor Love….

Second Shooter: Kelly McCue
Reception Venue: Stonebridge Country Club
Coordinator: Joley Walgren of Stonebridge Country Club
Bridal Gown Designer: Paloma Blanca
Tux Rentals: Black Tie Formalwear
Make Up Artist: Shannon O’Brien
Hair Stylist: Rochelle Prette
Bridesmaid Dress Designer: Alfred Sung
Bridesmaid Jewelry: Divine Jewel on Etsy
Bridesmaid Gifts: Jewelry handmade by Roccio Ibarra / Purses handmade by the bride, Anna
Groomsmen Gifts: Cufflinks
Florist: A. Elizabeth & Co.
Favors: A. Elizabeth & Co.
Cake Designer: A. Elizabeth & Co.
DJ: Pete Flemming Orchestra