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!”
When Life Gives you Lemons...buy Whiskey
Last February we rented an apartment in Lisbon, Portugal for a month. Between wandering around the narrow streets and hidden gardens, spending afternoons playing cards in coffee shops, and taking day excursions to the coast, we decided to utilize the beautiful space we were living in and photograph a "passion project." I (Andrew) have for a long time loved the craft of creating cocktails, and have probably spent way too much time and resources on something that is simply a hobby (but you'll thank me when you come over for a drink). There is something I find very beautiful in the art of a well-made drink: from the history of each cocktail and where/when it originated, to the science of what ingredients go into it and the right proportions for balance, to the artistic way in which you present it, and all of this before the cocktail is even tasted (arguably the best part). Thus I set out to create a Portugal-inspired, visually pleasing libation to keep us warm despite the winter rain of Lisbon, and give us an excuse to photograph in our lovely home away from home. I present to you my Lisbon Sour (a riff on a New York Sour, which itself is a riff on a Whiskey Sour): 2oz good bourbon, 1oz fresh lemon juice, .75oz honey syrup (I prefer honey instead of simple in this drink), an egg white to give it some body, and .5oz ruby port floated on top. Add all the ingredients except the port to a cocktail shaker with ice, shake vigorously, strain into a rocks glass and use the back of a spoon to gently float the port on top (hands down the hardest part, but visually worth it).
And as they say in Lisbon: Saúde!
Rick + Kelly: Wedding at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Chicago
We knew we were going to love Rick and Kelly from the moment we met them at their engagement session. And by the end of their wedding night some months later, when we found ourselves pulled out onto the dance floor and spun around by the groom himself, we had our proof. It was one of the most fun-filled weddings to be a part of, and an honor to photograph the love of these two wonderful people. (And as a side note, if you've never had a meal at Chicago's North Pond restaurant, go treat yourself as soon as possible).
Venue: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum // Reception: North Pond // Florals: Steve's Flower Market
Tyler + Ally: Engagement at Promontory Point, Chicago
Honestly, engagement sessions are one of our favorite things to do, especially when the couple is as fun as Tyler and Ally. We're so excited for their wedding this coming year, in the meantime here are some images from our sunset session at Chicago's Promontory Point.
Matt + Clarisa: Wedding at The Pavilion at Orchard Ridge Farms, Rockton, IL
Summer is for lush green grass, tall trees, and outdoor weddings, and this one was no exception. It was an absolute delight getting to start our summer season off with this beautiful day, Matt and Clarisa are some of the sweetest people ever and it was an honor to capture their joy. We hope you enjoy some images from their summer wedding at the Pavilion at Orchard Ridge Farms, below.
Venue: The Pavilion at Orchard Ridge Farms // Hair and Makeup: R.D. Artistry // Dress: Nicole Spose // Suit: J.Crew