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These two. Our dear friends and confidants.

I don’t often play favorites with my couples or shoots. I really don’t, actually. Because that’s why I have come to love weddings and capturing love stories. They’re all different. We all have history, baggage, crazy families, bad break ups and the list goes on. But when two people come together, committed, ready to take on the world together and love each other no matter what, that’s something to live for. It’s something I live to capture.

Michael and Viviana have been married six years. And for six years they haven’t truly had the wedding photos they’d hoped for. So we brainstormed a plan, got them dressed up in the same dress and suit from their wedding day, ordered a stunning bouquet from Fleur, got Viviana’s hair did, and relived the memories of their wedding day at the place where you two met. Michael and Viviana were just kids when they met at students at the Art Institute, so we started there and ended at one of my favorite Chicago buildings, the Chicago Board of Trade (Michael’s request).

I’ll probably be doing a shoot like this as some point in our marriage, though I probably won’t fit into my dress! Way to go, Viv.

How has it been a year? How has time gone this quickly? How can I possibly love you more today than September 21, 2013?

I gave Luke our Portland Ace Hotel reservation for his 30th in June, knowing we’d also cross this city off our bucket list for our one year anniversary in September. I think it’s safe to say Portland is my new favorite city in the U.S. (next to Chicago, of course). It’s got it all, and we did most of it. Food trucks, thrifting, cocktails, great food, and a hike up Mt. Hood.

We celebrated our one year anniversary at Le Pigeon, where we both left so stuffed and happy, only to stand in line for Portland’s number 1 attraction, Salt & Straw ice cream. (For the second time mind you)

We had the greatest little getaway, and it makes me so excited knowing it’s just one of many more trips exploring this world we are so blessed to live in. Here’s to many more years of adventures with you, hubs.

 

  1. John Hooge said:
    Great photos of obviously a great time. Glad you made it there. Truly a magical place.
    October 2, 2014  7:59 pm
    Reply

My first proposal. And boy was I nervous. “What if she sees me!?” “What if I miss the big moment!?”

Instead of all those fears taking over, it was the storm that took over as Brian, Megan and Megan’s sister Becky arrived to the Chicago Botanic Garden. I had been there for about 20 minutes, shoot 100s of photos of flowers I may never use, awaiting their arrival to then secretly follow behind them. Instead, we all gathered in the lobby/cafe area, with Brian and I texting about thoughts/next steps/utter shock this was happening and pretending not to know each other. Hilarious.

About 45 minutes later, Brian and Becky gave me the nod they were headed out to brave the drizzle. So out we went, just us and about five other people. Now, one of the concerns Brian and I talked about was the Botanic Garden being too busy and not having a private space to propose. Well the opposite happened, it was empty, everything was green from the fresh rain, and Brian had endless options of simply stunning locations to now choose from. That just made the challenge of hiding from Megan, but keeping a close enough distance not to miss anything, more present.

Needless to say, he asked her to be his wife, she said yes with the biggest smile, the surprise was captured, and we hung out all together in one of Chicago’s most beautiful locations.

Success.

  1. Becky said:
    Kristi, absolutely beautiful photos! So glad I got to be a part of it!!
    September 10, 2014  5:53 pm
    Reply

I’m almost at a loss for words to describe this wedding. Truly.

I’ve known Kerry since about Middle School and we’ve watched each other grow, go through boyfriends, jobs, moves to other countries, and now finding our husbands. I knew as soon as she asked me to shoot her wedding that it was going to be the biggest celebration of the covenant of marriage and trusting His path for your life. Kerry and Tim knew, just knew, that they’d met the person they were meant to spend the rest of their lives together shortly into dating. And Tim proved it by putting a ROCK on Kerry’s hand.

Their wedding day was full of personal touches, close family and friends driving or boating over, lifelong friends in the bridal parties, a STUNNING arch, flowers in her hair, thistle in her bouquet, and a traditional feet washing.

Tim and Kerry, in true fashion, jet-setted to the adventurous Costa Rica. Enjoying their new life as husband and wife. I hope many more adventures come your way and you enjoy every one of them together! Blessings to you both, dear friends.

Ceremony: Bride’s Parents Home | Reception: Bride’s Parents Home | Invitations: Minted | Florist: Maple Ave Florist | Cake Artist: Betty’s Cake Shop | Caterer: Black Tie Catering | Makeup Artist: Andrea Pifer | Hair Stylist: Amanda Miller – Experssions Salon & Day Spa | Wedding Dress: Posie Patch Bridal Store | Brides Shoes: Toms | Bridemaids Dresses: Target Wedding Collection | Men’s Tuxes: Male Fashions | Rings: Chapman Jewelers | First Dance: Ryan and Allison Pannel

  1. Kathy Hamman said:
    Beautiful wedding! Great photos! Thanks for including us in your special day. Best wishes!

    Kathy & Bill Hamman
    August 29, 2014  8:57 pm
    Reply

Blues and pinks, gardens, and a couple who loves to travel. Some of my absolute favorite things!

Beau and Susan created a beautiful and laid-back day for not only their wedding, but for their guests and bridal party to enjoy, have fun, and celebrate. From the minute I showed up to the bridal salon and saw Susan’s beautiful red nails, I knew this was the type of wedding day I was about to love capturing. Their venue was so personal (Susan’s home church growing up) and Cantigny Park provided the perfect backdrop for photos and a spectacular reception to dance the night away.

The two of them, in true fashion, jet setted off to Brazil for their honeymoon to watch the U.S. team compete in the World Cup (next time, guys) and it was a joy to watch from afar. I hope your marriage brings many more adventures I know you two will love exploring together. Thanks again for welcoming us alongside to capture your day! xo

A big thank you and xo to Beth with BethLaurren Photography for second shooting with me!

Ceremony: St. Mary of Gostyn Church | Reception: Cantigny Golf Course, Red Oak Room | Invitations: JWD Paperi | Florist: All Flowers by Marisa | Cake Artist: Cocoa Bean | Band/DJ: Toast and Jam | Makeup Artist: Beauty on the Main | Hair Stylist: Beauty on the Main | Wedding Dress: Mori Lee | Brides Shoes: Nina | Bridesmaid Dresses: Eden Bridal | Men’s Tuxes: Jos A. Bank | Rings: Mervis Diamonds