“We love the University of Chicago in the Fall,” they told me, “So we decided to get married there next Fall.” The timing turned out perfectly for us to wander around campus this Fall for Karly and John’s engagement session, too. We found a bunch of romantic corners to get some great photos to represent their love in a place so central to their relationship. John actually proposed to Karly in front of a uChicago building at the downtown campus one night after a stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk. These two are so fun and comfortable with each other and so in love. Check out a few favorites photos from the romantic corners of campus.
Rain or shine, we were all pretty convinced that Paul and Kaitlin’s wedding day was going to be a blast…the clouds seemed to turn off the lights outside and it poured all afternoon. Having a spectacular rain plan in my back pocket assures that we can still make some classic images and these two were game for improvising. We hopped in my car and rushed around Chicago to get some killer shots. When we returned to the ceremony and reception the guests were ready to celebrate. Check out a few favorites from the day.
“How do you guys feel about playing in traffic a bit to get some cool shots?” I asked. Stephen’s eyes lit up. “Heck yeah!” he said. After our session was over, we headed over to the Thai restaurant a few blocks from the Chicago River walk where Connie and Stephen had their first date. “Thanks for being willing to dodge traffic and climb some bridges with me tonight, you guys are great sports.” Stephen squeezed Connie and said through grinning teeth, “Are you kidding? That was my favorite part!” Connie loves city life and Stephen loves Chicago architecture, so it seemed fitting that they chose the Chicago River walk as the backdrop to their engagement session. Check out a few of my favorite images from our evening together in Chicago.
Lifestyle portraits are all about bringing out what makes an individual unique and special by capturing them in their element, in places that are special to them, doing activities that make them who they are. Bethany has grown up around horses and has made a career out of caring for them. It was a pleasure to watch Bethany’s care and work with her new friend Phoenix at Mill Creek Hunt Club on a bright Summer evening. Here are a few of my favorites from this elegant lifestyle portrait session.
If you’ve ever been a fan of the NBC series, “Parenthood” you’ll be familiar with the frequent Braverman family dinners around the table, often held in their backyard. Well, that kind of meal around the table has been a fantasy for my wife Wendy for years. When it came to celebrating her 40th birthday, I knew I had to create a garden party for her under cafe lights and surround her with with a group of people that care about her. I knew if I could add enough of her favorite details, her fantasy would come together in style; lights were hung in the yard, color schemes were designed, flowers were arranged, our grandmothers’ china and silver were laid out and friends gathered. Come rain or come shine, we were going to pull off a surprise. She had no idea it was coming and the look on her face and the fist pumps that followed made all the secrecy and weeks of planning pay off tremendously. Check out a few photos from an evening in the garden to celebrate my wonderful wife’s 40th birthday. Happy Birthday, Wendy. I love you more than life itself!