Menu

Emily and Matt – like so many other 2020 wedding couples – found their big day in the crosshairs of the ‘rona. Realizing that their original plans didn’t align with Chicago’s safety ordinances, they went back to the drawing board and came up with a plan that was so original, so laid back, so joyful, so them.

In a nutshell, it was absolutely perfect.

Okay, so no one hopes for rain on their wedding day. It’s just not something any of us day dream about when imagining how our day will play out.

But let’s be real here: rain happens. And I’m here to tell – nay – promise you if you wake up on your wedding day to stormy skies, that is more than okay!

couples like the gorgeous pair featured in today’s post that keep reminding this photographer to not overthink, not despair and keeping going with the flow. Originally planning on a big wedding out east next year, Taylor and Danny – semi-new Chicago transplants – decided to scrap their plans still shrouded in uncertainty and downsize. What they didn’t compromise on was style, heart and fun.

What an incredible wedding!

SHEESH.

These two are absolutely rad.

When the forecast changed drastically a couple of hours before their engagement session, I shot them the “It’s totally your call!” text, giving them the option of rescheduling should they not be up for battling what was almost certainly going to be a wet and windy photoshoot. Much to my delight, the dashing Chansler and his beautiful fiance, Julia, were totally game. They were ready and willing to brave the elements with me and for the love of all that is holy am I grateful they did!

Jeez Louise. I love a vineyard.

Cross that with a sweet, loved-up couple and a jaw dropping sunset and I’m in heaven.

WELP. These two are adorable.

I first met Madeline and Jesse over a glass of prosecco and immediately knew I was in the presence of “the real deal”.

Okay. So this whole pandemic thing blows. There is absolutely no debating this fact.

Through all of the stress, it has truly been incredible my phenomenal couples navigate their way through this uncharted territory.

Take the amazing Jill & Mike. These two truly are some of the kindest, sweetest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting, let alone working with.

Finding their 2020 wedding plans in the cross hairs of a post Covid-19 world, these two decided to make the darn thing official in the face of the craziness in one of the absolute loveliest ceremonies I’ve ever had the privilege of capturing.

Most people wouldn’t humor my “hey, if you guys are at all interested, early Sunday mornings downtown are the PERFECT time to have your engagement session!” pitch. But the lovely Gabrielle and her handsome fiance, Vaughn, are not most people.

And let me tell ya – did they reap the benefits! I know, I know. Dragging yourself out of bed and into a cute outfit at the crack of dawn on a weekend day might not sound super appealing at first, but hear me out:

Not only are Kaila and Colin the sweetest, but their venue – the fabulous Bistro Campagne in Lincoln Square – is my husband and my “special place” to spend birthdays, anniversaries, etc.. The french onion soup will bring you to your knees.

I have the utmost respect for couples who decide to buck the whole hullabaloo of a Big Wedding in favor of getting to the whole point; officially recognizing that you’ve chosen each other, that you’ve decided to jump into the deep end of the world of Marriage together. It’s exciting. It’s scary. It is one of the single most important things you will ever do.

Which brings me to Chris and Courtney’s GORGEOUS wedding morning. I met this amazing couple outside of the Chicago City Hall on a perfect summer morning (and this was 2019 so before Covid-19 made mini weddings all the rage!) just minutes after they exchanged their vows in front of a judge. To say they were beaming is the understatement of the century! These kids were electric, their love SO gosh darn obvious it made this photographer’s heart swell.