A touch of Chicago class behind our Crazy Cam is so refreshing! And then it just got carried away....in the best way possible! Looking back at these, I would say we owned this night. Make sure you peek at the full gallery and order your own copies before we they go offline!
Question: What do you get when you cross a small town boy from Minnesota with a spicy city girl from Chicago? Add a style-queen mother with plenty of classic flare and you have the party of the year in Rosemont Illinois and a newly adopted member of their family. After all, every family could use a photographer around the holidays? Where to begin...
I go back several years with Jon's family, where we created our favorite image of 2007 at Jon's sister's wedding. I kidnapped the bagpiper to join the rest of the kilt-cloaked wedding party as we stormed the open field, Sir Wallace style. Jon knew the fun he was in for then, so when Kristin got a very special ring, I also got a ring...phone ring. I couldn't say yes fast enough! The Roots are just the sweetest family you will ever meet so a piece of me wished there was a short film made from when they first met Kristin's family. It was so fun to watch these families melt together all weekend. On the morning of their wedding, Kristin's father asked to squeeze his little girl one last time as a single lady before sending her off to be with her best friend and groom. The ceremony was touching and sincere as they promised their lives to each other. After, and with a dangerous amount of combustable energy, they handed over the wedding party to our photography team and away we went as we explored the greater Chicago area parks! Many toasts, wildlife chases, and laughs later, we arrived at the Rosemont Convention Center. What a sight! Guests awed at sorbet served in custom carved ice blocks backlit with blue LED lights to go along with their very own ice bar. Other impressive touches included their hollywood-style logoed wall and a white carpet as paparazzi guests fired away and the fabulous couple entered the ballroom and stepped to the dance floor. At just the right point of the song, the heavens opened up and snow fell upon Kristin's white dress during her first dance with her handsome groom. And they both lived happily ever after.
Katy gets the award for the most fabulously organized bride of 2011 for us, and I know Aaron would be echoing a loud amen. I knew part of her profession requires this skill set, but many times this gene doesn't allow someone to shut it off on their actual wedding day. Not Katy. As soon as I arrived to her parents' beautiful home, I could tell right away this girl was ready to play without a care in the world. This is music to a photographer's ears...oh and her groom. There were so many fun memories and story lines from our day together but a personal favorite might have been the looks on the ladies faces when I asked them to follow me and off we marched through the brush into an open field. As the light and rich shadows kissed the loosely mowed grass, Katy and her favorite gals strutted their way towards my camera as I lay face down in a pile of wet snow. The commitment paid off! Shortly after, off we went to St. Thomas chapel to meet her groom and exchange vows. Before showing up at the fantasticly vibey (neither are really words) Graves 601, the city lights of Minneapolis could be seen from across the river during our brisk evening stroll. What color and what a ridiculous fun time I had with you two!
These two are made for each other! Brian and his classy swag just makes Anne smile from ear to ear. It would be hard to find a more beautiful smile. We share Edina roots and I have had the privilege of hanging out with Anne's hilarious friends many times through weddings over the past two years. I just couldn't wait for this day! Brian said goodbye to his men and off we went to see his lovely lady in white. With only her mom looking on, I led Anne to a hilltop where Brian was waiting nervously. We could not have asked for a more fun group of friends, incredibly loving family, and just the most stunning Fall color. This day truly was too good to be true, and I was honored to be apart of it.
It is hard not to fall head over heals in obsession with these two. Both come from artist backgrounds and appreciate the quirkiness of life. I learn just how awesome they were on my trip out to photograph their New York City engagement as we got to sample their life around the Big Apple. When it came time for the contrast of their rural Wisconsin wedding along the St. Croix, true to form they put their own spin on it along with the help of the fabulous Mimi Designs. A vintage NYC cab showed up to take us away as we chased the sun from field to field. I am pretty sure it is common that one should really draw swords before you tie the knot, as long as no one get hurt. You two make me laugh! After our arrival back to the farm, guests gathered in an open field circled around the couple as they promised their lives to each other. I felt as honored as anyone just being invited in to this inner circle. Cupcakes arrived from New York as well as specialty Brooklyn Beer to give it the official Erin and Nick stamp. I will never forget this day or these two fabulous new friends.
This long awaited day finally came! From the moment I entered the hotel room you could just feel the joy in every glance and giggle. These girls (including spunky grandma) were about to send their Laura off to meet her groom. After all, they know just how safe she was in Brendan's big heart. The glimmer in his eye gives it away that these two are put together for a bigger purpose, and his guys are there to remind him of that. The University Club in St. Paul could not have been more perfect for this intimate exchange of vows and party to follow. During the reception we heard a voice from above, looking up we realized their friends would be giving their toasts from the second floor balcony...a whole lot of awesome. Laura loved the balcony idea so much that later that night she would test the laws of gravity as she whirled her flowers into the clutches of a single lady. Personally, I am eager to hear of all the adventures you both will have! I give thanks for your families, your endless enthusiasm, and endearing friendship.
