Marty + Sarah: Engaged at Montrose Harbor, Chicago

It's good in the middle of Chicago's winter months to remember that yes, there once were days where the sun stayed in the sky past 4:30 p.m. and the trees were green and the lake was warm enough to play in. And we had the joy of capitalizing on all of those things for Marty and Sarah's beautiful engagement session this last summer at Montrose Harbor (one of our all-time favorite spots to take couples). We're so excited to photograph their wedding in just a couple of weeks; in the meantime, here are a few images from our time together!

Josh + Lauren: Married at Room 1520 in Chicago

We say it all the time, but that doesn't make it any less true: good people make for good videos. And Josh and Lauren are really, truly, lovely people. It was an honor getting to document their day this last summer and all of the intentionality that they put into it, we hope you enjoy their film as much as we enjoyed making it! 

Jack + Britni: Married in Lake Forest, IL

Choosing only a handful of images from Britni and Jack's stunning wedding was next to impossible. Thoughtful, personal, elegant, and planned to perfection, it was definitely one of our favorites from this past summer (did we mention that the whole thing took place on the family's gorgeous property in a northern suburb of Chicago?). Here are a few photos from the day, we were honored to photograph such a beautiful wedding and loved working alongside some of the best vendors in the Chicagoland area (see links at the bottom of this post). Cheers to Jack and Britni!

Wedding Planner: Kate Lerman, Chicago Vintage Weddings // Florals: Kelly Lenard, Intertwine // Catering: Food for Thought // Live Music: Rendezvous

Andrew + Liz: Engagement in Lincoln Park, Chicago

Erich + Esther: Married at St. Benedict's in Chicago

I Scream, You Scream...Whatever Just Gimme That Gelato.

We love supporting our local small businesses in Chicago. Especially when they're really good people who make really good vegan gelato, and especially when they agree to bring buckets of it over to your house to "photograph" (at least that was our excuse to eat as much as we wanted). The people behind Sacred Serve are some of the best we know, and if eating amazing organic, raw, vegan gelato with only the best natural ingredients is up your alley then get yourself on the bandwagon (I've heard it actually even helps you lose weight, but don't quote me on that). Check out their website (link above) to see where you can pick yours up!

Chris + Gina: Married at St. Michael's in Old Town, Chicago

I could write about Chris and Gina's wedding all day, and still not cover it with due diligence. It was one of the classiest, most fun-filled weddings we've ever had the privilege of photographing. If you need any tips for "how to do a wedding right," their day sets the standard: from getting ready at the PUBLIC Chicago hotel (think minimal, black and white with a lot of class) and the first look on the rooftop terrace, to a beautiful ceremony at St. Michael's, to photos under the covered walkway at the Civic Opera, and finally cocktails, dinner and dancing at Germania Place (a National Registry Historic Building), these two made our job easy. Here are some of our favorite images from the day, enjoy! 

Getting Ready: PUBLIC Chicago Hotel // Ceremony Location: St. Michael in Old Town // Reception: Germania Place // Florals: Vale of Enna // Dress: Matthew Christopher // Hair and Makeup: Tamara // Tuxes: Trunk Club 

Fred + Charlie: Engagement in Lincoln Park, Chicago

Guys. These two are some of the best people you could ever ask to photograph. We had a blast getting to know them during their engagement session (and over beers afterwards, because they treated us like royalty) and are excited to share not only these images from that lovely day, but photos from their wedding in the next couple of months!

Renzhuo + Shuonan: Married at PUBLIC Chicago Hotel

Earlier this past Spring we had the joy of photographing the engagement of Renzhuo and Shuonan at Olive Park (you can see those images here), and it is with great excitement that we can now share their wedding day photos! It was honestly one of the best days ever, filled with family and friends who came from all over the world to celebrate this amazing couple. With an intimate rooftop ceremony at the PUBLIC Chicago hotel, a double-decker bus tour to some of Chicago's best sights, and a sunset dinner back on the hotel rooftop, it truly was an honor to be a part of their wedding day. Below are some of our favorite images, and look for their wedding film on the blog in the next few weeks!

Venue: PUBLIC Chicago // Florals: Life in Bloom  

Alex + Annie: Wedding at Ovation Chicago

Kind words from the couple:

“Marianne and Drew are a dream to work with. We have already communicated extensively and have had our engagement photos and cannot wait to have them shoot our wedding. I'll provide an updated review of them then, but they are lovely people, so positive, full of such energy and ideas, and a good price. Highly recommend!”