Alexis and Tiana decided to travel from Michigan to Chicago to say their vows and invited parents and grandparents to share the day with them. They chose Chicago because Alexis was born in Illinois and her dad and step mom live down state. Plus, who wouldn't love to tie the knot in our awesome city and take in the stunning sights! Before heading downtown to city hall, the brides shared a beautiful first look.

The brides did their research well and instead of ordering bouquets, they hired Youth & Yarrow flower truck so they could pick out their flowers themselves right in front of city hall. Youth & Yarrow donates 15% of profits to the community, especially towards opportunities for young people. Such a cool idea, company, and truck!

Then it was time to get down to business! After a short wait at city hall, it was their turn and they could not have asked for a better or nicer judge to perform the ceremony. But the city hall hospitality didn't stop there - while taking photos in the atrium, two security guards approached and asked how they had met (they had been making their own guesses) and invited them up to take some (quick!) photos on the infamous 4th floor in front of Mayor Lori Lightfoot's office!  Of course, just my "luck" I was off getting the car, but luckily my awesome second photographer and assistant, Shannon, was there to capture it!

I forgot to mention that this was in July when we had the week of oppressive heat and humidity.  It was in the 90's and impossibly muggy.  They held up beautifully! (Me, not so much!) My photo assistant, Shannon, and I even got ourselves on the other side of the camera with the couple!  Speaking of Shannon, not only is that Alexis' mother's name, but her step-mom is named Melissa - Quel Coincidence!

Then we headed around town for some obligatory Chicago sights photos.  But the best part was when the couple decided to have a first dance. They brought a blue tooth speaker with them (and I couldn't help but to bring some bubbly) and they shared a beautiful moment in front of Buckingham Fountain.  It wasn't too crowded that evening by the fountain, but these brides were completely lost in each other and would have been oblivious of others even if there was a crowd of a million.

I had such a great time getting to know these ladies, helping to plan the day, and then being part of their wedding day.  We got to know each other over FaceTime while planning as they live in Michigan.  These are definitely clients I will stay in touch with through their adventures together!

I was also thrilled to learn they were incorporating decor from the Up, one of the best movies ever!

They wedding venue was The Silver Fox in Streator, Illinois which perfectly matched their eclectic personalities and fit the vintage feel of the wedding.  The venue used to be a masonic temple and still had several of the original features and decor.

The groom felt strongly about not taking the day or the photos too seriously.  He wanted to enjoy the day and remember it as light-hearted and fun.  As you can see, they made that happen!  The venue had the most interesting decor - you could spend hours just soaking it all in.  The couple knew they wanted a photo with these great animal pictures and decided to go for an "American Gothic" pose.  This was one of their favorite images of the day and it quickly became Nic's Facebook profile picture.

The couple's parents added the surprise of a carriage ride to take the couple around town for some portraits.  The horse was so sweet, the town is so cute, and these images are some of the results.  (And note Katie's library card socks!)  As you can see, Streator has many cool and historic sights and has recently also added urban art and murals.  The downtown has a vintage feel that was the perfect backdrop for this wedding day.

We then headed to Elgin for the main event.  The Haight is a old warehouse downtown Elgin that has been converted in to a rustic, eclectic, and down to earth event space.  It fit Erika and Andrew well, but they also added touches to make it there own.  You’ll see a Boston College flag and a NY Giants scarf representing the groom’s east coast crowd.  And to make things even more special, the bride’s brother provided the cocktail hour music.  Check out the unique features of The Haight as well as the rustic decor this couple added to fit the occasion.  The bride’s father made the wedding ceremony arch from birch branches that so elegantly fit in to the December decor.

I was so excited when Pascale & Paul told me they wanted to shoot their engagement session in their own Ravenswood neighborhood in Chicago and at one of their favorite local joints.  They wanted images that would reflect their daily life and show fun activities they would actually do.  I welcomed the opportunity to shoot a more lifestyle engagement session!  These first images were taken in the courtyard of their condo building.  Home sweet home and familiar fall surroundings.

We make our way to a wine bar in Andersonville.  In addition to a brunch and dinner menu, the bar presents great cheese plates to serve along with wine, and you can also shop for your favorite cheeses, olives, condiments, and Europoean fare in their market section.

Cheers to Pascale & Paul!  Congratulations again and here's to them having years more of date nights!

Evelina & Jeremy made all of the decorations by hand.  I think they even cut the logs for the flowers themselves.  The LOVE letters were given to them by friends as decorations at their Surprise engagement party.  We even used the letters in their engagement portrait session!  And the vintage doors came from the home of their friends who are part of the bridal party.  Evelina even covered and painted the vases and also the wine bottle decorations that were used at the reception.  So creative and talented!  But that is only the start of it ... The bride's mother MADE her dress!  Like sewed it completely herself from start to finish!  Check out these lovely details - and the lovely bride, herself!

Not only did she keep the dress a surprise from the groom, but from all of her bridesmaids, too!  She did a "first look" with the bridesmaids and their reaction was great!  Speaking of bridesmaids, check out their cool graduated color scheme.  A gradient of color down the line!  And these colors match the LOVE sign above.  Love this attention to detail!  Also can't get enough of this cutie flower girl and beautiful bride.

And then, there is the groom and his attendants.  I would say "guys" except one person on his side is a woman - a "groomsmaid" maybe?  She is a good friend of both the bride and groom and her family didn't even know she would be standing up in the wedding - a great surprise for them as she walked down the aisle!

You'll probably notice that the best man is the groom's identical twin brother.  Turns out, twins are a theme in many of my weddings - 4 weddings in a one year span where either the bride or groom is a twin!  The groom's older brother, also pictured with the wedding party, actually was the wedding officiant!  So much thought and meaning came in to this very special wedding day!  And if you can't tell - the brothers AND their dad are total goofballs - loved it!

Continuing the DIY trend of this wedding, not only did the bridal party make the boutonnieres, but also all of the bouquets!  Anyone who knows me knows my love of wine, so I thought the boutonnieres were super cool not only because of the feathers (I know, right?!?!?) but for the wine corks!  And one of the bridesmaids even had a clever idea for using the wine corks to help prevent her heels from sinking in to the ground!  The bright yellow sunflowers reflect the bride's bright and energetic personality, and her bouquet also served as memories for family members not physically with them on their day.

So it was time for the ceremony - the highlight of the day.  It was so special that the brother of the groom officiated.  The bride has just as much humor as the goofy groomsmen, so when asked if she "takes this man....." she looked to his parents and asked "Should I take him off your hands?"  They readily shook their heads yes!  But what really was a surprise to the bride (because who says she gets to do all the surprising with first looks and friends) but the groom's brother learned phrases in Bulgarian for the end of the wedding.  Her expression was priceless when she heard them and couldn't help but to give him a big hug!  Evelina and Jeremy had the BEST smiles as they walked down the aisle as husband and wife!

On to the reception, the DIY continues.  They created all reception decor themselves.  And remember how Evelina's mom handmade her dress with the lovely rosettes?  She also made all of the burlap chair covers and the awesome flower details on them!  But what made this reception so unique was how it incorporated Evelina's Bulgarian culture.  First there was the breaking of a traditional wedding bread.  They broke it over their heads and whoever had the bigger piece will supposedly be the "breadwinner" - ha!  It turned out to be the bride!  Traditional Bulgarian dancers then entered the reception and wowed everyone with their colorful, energetic dancing.  Next think you know, the bride and groom join in, and then half of the crowd is joyfully snaking through the tables  with rhythm, smile, and laughter!

Finally, the lights come down, and it's time for the first dances.  What a wonderful moment with Evelina's dad and Jeremy's mom.  And then Mom and Dad are the ones to get the party started!!!  And then the party Continues....!!!!

That's what Kelly and Dennis have to say tomorrow!  And I'll show you why....

But seriously - I am very excited to capture Kelly and Dennis' special day tomorrow.  I had a great time getting to know them better during their engagement shoot at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle.

Not only are they a very fun and spunky couple, but I actually have known the bride since she moved to town at the start of 5th grade.  Can you believe we were in Girl Scouts together?  

I hadn't been in touch with Kelly for years other than Facebook, but when I met with Kelly and Dennis about wedding photography and then again at their engagement shoot, I was totally assured that these two are meant for each other.  Here are a couple photos that capture their candid spirit.  

And here are some photos that capture their TEAM spirit!!!

In spite of and BECAUSE of their differences, Kelly and Dennis are a fantastic couple.  What a blast from the past that she will be getting ready and having pictures taken at her parents' Wheaton home.  I am so pleased that I get to capture their special day.  And that I get to be there at the start of their Happily Ever After!  

Miami Boho Beach Models

Unfortunately, I have not had an opportunity to shoot many photos during this trip as I am here for my "real" (9-5) job, so I'm having to relive the gorgeous photos I got to shoot last time.  This shoot was done this past February when we had Polar Vortex weather in Chicago.  It was so epically cold that schools closed because it was too cold for anyone to be outside for more than about 10 minutes at a time. 

So while my family was at home freezing, I was "chilly" on the breezy beach shooting stunning scenes such as this! Sun Soaking Grassy Beach Goddess Sneaky in the Dunes

This shoot was planned, organized, and led by my talented friend Shannon of Shannon DeCole Photography.  I have mentioned her before in my posts, and I'm mentioning her again because she obviously has such a huge passion for photography.  I admire her perfectionism.  She is so good at getting her images as perfect as possible in-camera and thus spends little time editing.  She is so incredibly patient, and if you are looking for a photographer in Miami, I highly recommend her! 

Here are some behind the scenes shoots of her in action!

Yes, that is her thinking outside of the box (and in the sand) for getting a great, creative shot!

She got us up before the break of dawn so that we could capture the sunrise and the beautiful light it creates.  5:30 was SO early, and it was so windy on the beach, but as you can see, it was definitely worth it!

Here are some other behind the scenes images:

wardrobe stylist Keira

While it is 90 degrees and so heavy with humidity this trip, my February Miami trip was in the dead of Miami winter!  Floridians were forced to brave 50 degree (*gasp*) weather and cool winds!  Some Floridians who actually own a furnace were tempted to turn in on - and some even did!  Oh, how things are relative.  I was just happy not to have to wear a hat and gloves and worry about having a snow scraper in my car!  Sadly, we will be headed back to that weather in Chicago in just a few short months, so in the mean time, I'm going to bask in the warmth of these beach photos.  Until next time, Miami!

This one is from my own family...

This dad and son were just goofing around during a large family shoot - I'm not sure they even knew I was taking photos of this!

But dads also have big arms for big hugs.  This is one of my favorite "moments" that I captured at a shoot.  Totally unprompted - I just followed with my camera and got this little gem!

And Dads can also be the biggest confidants.  I've shared this before, but I'm sharing it again.  My friend Shannon captured this "everyday moment" of my dad and me during a recent visit.  

Hooray for Dads - they truly are special.  Happy Father's Day!

For me, opening a bottle of wine signals the end of a busy Saturday.  The errands have been run, groceries put away, and (ideally) laundry folded.  Wine = the start of the evening hours when you can sit back, relax and enjoy time with the family.  On a weeknight, getting out the corkscrew means I can put the work day behind me and change gears back to being home.  And best of all is sharing a bottle of wine!  Having wine with other signifies a celebration.  It does not have to be a special occasion, it simply celebrates that you are with good company and spending time with kindred wine spirits! :-) 

These photos, below, taken by my good friend Shannon of Shannon Decole Photography capture exactly why I love wine.  We were visiting with my dad at his house, and he is always a great host even when just dropping in at a moment's notice.  Wine is the excuse to linger at the table and talk, or in in the case of my dad, recount all the good ol' Hansen stories!

These are the everyday moments, and these are moments we remember.  And when going through old photos 20 years from now, photos like these are the ones we will cherish.  So uncork a bottle of wine, or crack a beer, or brew a hot cup of tea, or pile up the ice cubes in a tall class of soda.  Don't be afraid to sip slowly so as to enjoy all these little moments that make life special.  And why not enjoy the wine, too...

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Melissa

Growing up, my parents typically had a glass of wine with dinner.  As a French major in college, it kind of came with the "territoire," especially after studying abroad in Paris.  But before you start with your (insert French accent) "Huah ha huah ha," I'm far from a wine snob, nor can I hold a sophisticated conversation on viniculture.  I don't believe in spending more than $10 on a weeknight bottle of wine, and the Trader Joe's wine guy is one of my best friends.  I do know I like my wines dry (I'm sweet enough as it is....), my pinot's complex, my chardonnay's oaky,  and I may or may not judge of bottle of wine on it's label.

Here are some of my favorite things about wine:

1. Knowing that a glass of it is waiting for you after a crazy day at the office

2. It makes a great gift, and you never have to worry about it being the wrong size

3. It gives friends a reason to linger a bit longer at the table and share one more story

Are you a wine drinker?  Do you have a favorite?  What do you like about wine???

Cheers!

Melissa