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Talking with Amanda for almost two years about her exciting nuptuals to Andrew made me that much more giddy with excitement and anticpation for their wedding day. Because Andrew has been training in the Air Force, picking a date became tricky. Enter Christmas weekend, fur jackets and Indiana winters by the lake.

Andrew and Amanda have been together since high schoool (9.5 years!) and were more than ready to tie the knot on that beautiful winter day. For a bride to reach out to me roughly two years prior to their wedding, describe to me the joy they’ve felt since dating as teenagers, Andrew’s dedication to the Air Force while she’s finishing up school to be a Pharmacist, their long distance dating, and excitement in bringing their two families together for that special day is the kind of conversations every wedding photographer lives for. The ability to capture that day of anticipation, love, and the connection of two people who care madly for each other. I can’t say enough about the beauty (and tears!) this day brought and simply loved watching these two come together as husband in wife in the hometown where they first met.

I pray that you two continue growing together, push each other, love each other so unconditionally that this magical day is just one of so many to come. Thank you for having us hang out with you for the day and throwing one of the best parties we’ve ever had the pleasure of capturing!

Cindy and Ian brought a truly beautiful, winter wedding. Welcoming for all of their guests coming in from near and far. Cindy, working in the hotel industry, thought of every little detail (which makes this photographer giddy) and made sure her support and vendors were well taken care of. Shooting their engagement session this past fall, I knew their wedding would be just as fun and laid-back. Cindy found on of my new favorite paper collateral producers, Champagn Press. Just look at the detail in her invitation suite, I can tell you picture do not do it justice!

I am proud to call these two new friends and look forward to watching their lives continue together, their family grow, and even stalking their upcoming trip to Costa Rice. Thank you for trusting us to capture your beautiful winter wedding, and being so adventerous as to walking around downtown with us to get the “perfect shot”. Love to you both!

Ceremony: W City Center | Reception: W City Center | Day of Wedding Coordinator: Jennifer Byrd | Videographer: Stereoscope Photography | Invitations and Paper Collaterol: Champagne Press | Florist: Stemline Creative | Cake: Alliance Bakery | Caterer: W City Center | Makeup Artist: Monica Tassi | Hair Stylist: Krista Hertzel | Wedding Dress: Jasmine Bridal | Brides Shoes: Isabel Marant | Bridesmaids Dresses: Ann Taylor and David’s Bridal | Men’s Suits: Men’s Warehouse | Rings: Luo M. Jewelers | DJ: Greenkey DJ Services | String Trio: Wellington Strings

 

Rob and Sarah, an absolutely epic couple, full of intention and hilarity.

I first met Sarah at a local coffee shop, spotted her riduclously gorgeous pink diamond, and thought to myself (about halfway through our meeting) “THIS is my ideal bride”. Then after meeting her equally adorable and hilarious fiance, Rob, during their engagement session I just knew November 8th was going to bring one of the greatest weddings I’d ever have the absolute privelege to capture.

And it was true.

Surrounded by love, eucalyptus, and all things vintage, Architectural Artifacts brought the most beautiful backdrop to host Rob and Sarah’s stunning and thoughtful wedding. It was so fun to hear about all the details along the way as they came together, even getting text from Sarah that said “I found my dress!”. Goodness me. Her vintage crown, Rob’s white suit, a kentucky mule cocktail toast, the bridesmaid’s HANDMADE initialed hangers, gold shoes and an antique carousel in the corner. The list could absolutely go on.

But enough gushing, I pray the photos speak for themselves and you can feel the joy from that day. It times like this where I think “This has GOT to be what I was made to do” and keep going in totally blessed journey.

 

Ceremony: Architectural Artifacts | Reception: Architectural Artifacts | Invitations: Katie Gavenda | Florist: A Pretty Flower | Pie Artist: Hoosier Mama Pie Company | Caterer: Jewell Events Catering | Makeup Artist: Goldplaited | Hair Stylist: Goldplaited | Wedding Dress: Intuzuri from Weddings826 | Brides Shoes: Seychelles from BHLDN | Rings: G.V. Jewelry | DJ: Just Press Play | Escort cards, Caligraphy, Dress hangers: Bride

 

Without sounding too biased or like a total jerk, can I just say this has been the greatest season I’ve experienced as a wedding photographer? I truly belive it was, and will be the year I look back on. Feeling forever grateful for.

It is going to take a lot to top the 2014 season. I am thankful beyond words for the opportunities, a city with endless backdrops, and fellow photographers I’ve been able to meet, shoot with, networking alongside, and see become friends.

2014 turned out to be my busiest with 15 weddings, the year I updated packaging and added the oh-so-fun polariod photo, shot my first proposal and first anniversary shoot, and captured the greatest moments of love anyone could ask for.

As I take the next few months to rest before 2015 season kick in, I wanted to take a minute to say THANK YOU to each of you reading this, and to every couple who allowed me into your lives and most perfect day in such an intimate way. I truly wouldn’t here, wouldn’t be doing what I’m most passionate about, and wouldn’t have met what I call the greatest list of couples I truly can call my friends.

Here’s to you 2014,

Kristi

Josh and Lynn came separately into our lives as good friends we met through church. We saw them begin talking, then dating, then get engaged and finally married. Their story is honest, loving, true and the most wonderful representation of what a gift marriage is.

I truly loved being a part of Josh and Lynn’s wedding day, in every way we were able to support them. From the beginning of the process to the end. They brought in a total dream team of Dan Dake (with Intelligentsia) doing their coffee bar, Chad Hauge (with Longman & Eagle) doing the cocktails and Kelly Martin in wedding coordination, all of which are friends from church. Oh and they had Chicago’s dream team of caterers (see killer list below).

Each and every moment of this day is one I’ll remember, and that shot of Lynn alongside lakeshore with the biker in the background…well that’s something I could never repeat nor would I ever want to. It was perfect, and represented her and the beauty of that day all in one quick snap.

I can’t say enough about our adoration of you two and pray you enjoy every moment as newlyweds this holiday season! Thank you for bringing us alongside your team, and allowing me to put my camera down to dance my a** off for a minute or 30.

A big hug and kiss to my husband who second shot this wedding for me. He’s the cute one on the right in the above picture handing Josh and Lynn their sparklers.

Ceremony: Missio Dei Chicago | Reception: Missio Dei Chicago | Cake Design: Carin Kent | Caterer: IntelligentsiaBig Star, Piece Brewery and Pizzeria and Smoque BBQ | Coordinator: Kelly Martin and Carrie Lin | Invitations: Carrie Lin | Makeup Artist: Kelly Martin | Hair Stylist: Sarah Tomsich | Wedding Dress: BHLDN | Brides Shoes: Caparros | Bridesmaids Dresses: celeb16 | Men’s Suits: Perry Ellis | Rings: One Origin Design | DJ: Toast & Jam

Brittney and Gary met with me at my local Logan Square Starbucks for a meet and greet to get to know each other. We talked about the two of them, how they met, what they do, their visions for the wedding, and Gary’s upcoming test to get his CPA license (good luck!). We had such a good time together that I knew their engagement shoot would be just as fun.

And it was. Gary made us laugh the entire time, trying to sneak in his sunglasses during the shoot and any given chance he had. The lighting was just perfection for our tour around the Chicago Theatre, State/Lake “L” stop, and the Conrad Hotel rooftop terrace.

They are such an incredible kind, fun, welcoming and loving couple and I am so thrilled to work with them leading up to their wedding and then being there to capture the little moments of their beautiful day next August at Rivers Restaurant!