Working with Claire & Mike started off with one of the best small-world stories I have.  Claire was referred to me by the sister of a former bride (Sarah...you know who you are, and I cannot thank you enough).  In corresponding with her to setup a consultation, she tells me that her fiancé's name is actually Mike Traut....who I grew up next door to!  My family has since moved to Denver, but my folks and the Traut's do keep in touch.  Still, never in a million years did I think I'd be reconnecting with Mike and his family.

I got another opportunity to photograph the 2017 Chicago Polar Plunge at North Avenue Beach, benefiting the Special Olympics.  Always a great time shooting with the folks at Chicago PhotoPress.  This year's celebs were Dax Shepard (sporting his ChiPs uniform), and of course the cast of Chicago Fire.  It may have been 50 degrees outside, but that water is still 35.  Thanks to the Chicago Fire Department for their service, and the dry suits.  Already looking forward to next year!  

Terry & Mike's engagement session included a few "first's."   First engagement session of 2017, first session I've done at Starved Rock State Park, and the first same sex engagement session I've ever photographed.  They were an absolute joy to work with.  Starved Rock means a great deal to them, so I was happy accommodate.  I vacationed there growing up, so I remember how beautiful and unique the landscape is.

Oddly enough, Jowita & Robert's wedding at Nico Osteria inside the Thompson Chicago was the first New Year's Eve event I've photographed.  Jowita works in the wedding industry, and we first met at Thursday Therapy, a wedding networking event.  Both her and Robert are incredibly gracious and were a ton of fun to work with throughout the entire process.

Caroline & Michael’s big day is a wonderful example of a classic Chicago wedding, with a beautiful mix of modern and historical elements. Their ceremony was held at one of the most recognizable catholic churches in Chicago, Holy Name Cathedral.

Laura & Michael hosted an incredibly stylish and modern wedding at the Thompson Chicago in the Gold Coast neighborhood.  I always enjoy collaborating with clients who have a clear vision of their wedding day, while at the same time allowing room for my process, and for letting the day unfold naturally.  Weather-wise it can be a little risky planning a spring wedding in Chicago.  Although it was cold, the sun was out, which made for some great bridal party photos in Mariano Park.

Charry & Michael are an incredibly sweet couple, and it was a true pleasure documenting their spring wedding at the DoubleTree North Shore.  Mike is actually an amateur architectural photographer.  I'm always especially honored when a fellow shooter chooses to work with me.

Robin & Scott's wedding was my first for 2016, and an outstanding event to start off the season.  The couple has a great chemistry together, and more than anything else, simply wanted to get married, see their family & friends, and have fun.  Looking back on this wedding, we got access to some truly cool indoor locations.  

This engagement session is one of my favorites from last summer.  I'm posting now because Laura & Mike's wedding is coming up this Saturday!  I'm truly looking forward to documenting their event at The Thompson Chicago.

Brook & Mélanie's wedding truly was an honor to be a part of, and was actually a bit of a milestone for me.  This was the first same-sex wedding that I was hired to photograph.  They're such a warm, funny and dynamic couple, and made me feel so welcome while shooting. 

One thing that struck me about Anna & Chris is how stylish they are.  I really wanted that to come through in their engagement photos, and I had a great time putting together a plan with them.  This is one of the few sessions where using their wedding venue really made sense (Venue Six10 on Michigan Avenue).

Amy & Mike were wonderfully laid back, and even a little goofy in front of the camera.  Before their wedding later this year, they are spending large chunks of time apart (Mike is a chemist living in Canada, and Amy is a dance instructor here in Chicago).  So it seemed like they were making the most of their time together.  For their engagement session, Amy really wanted a classic Chicago feel.