Wedding Date: November 19th 2011
share on Facebook

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.  

Wedding Date: October 8th 2011
share on Facebook

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.  

Wedding Date: August 27th 2011
share on Facebook

From the moment I met Mallary, I knew she would redefine French Vintage.  From creative visions, to style boards, inspirational themes, to mixes & vibes, I had the right new friend who finally spoke my language.  Matt of course loves everything and anything Mallary puts her touch on, which is an ingenious move on his part.  The only piece that didn’t have her flare was the herd of surprise pink gorillas that flooded the dance floor.  What a perfect exclamation point to a day that had plenty!
 

Wedding Date: June 25th 2011
share on Facebook

From the moment Elizabeth slipped on her dress, the room grew quiet in anticipation.  Man, if her beauty left ME speechless, I can't believe what effect she would have on her John.  Both were a perfect blend of nerves and excitement as Elizabeth bounced her way up the staircase to grab ahold of her groom.  Their wedding party was a blast and were up for just about anything my imagination came up with.  I could tell they are extremely loved.  The fabulous Amy Rubins of Fete Perfection had Calhoun Beach Club looking as incredible as I have ever seen, and the oohs and ahhs from guests echoed that same sentiment.  The "Lounge" was set, the music was pumping, and in steps the couple for their first dance.  Everyone could tell these goosebumps were just the appetizer for night ahead. 

You both are so sincere in your adoration and am excited to have you stop by soon!  Hugs to your families!

Wedding Date: April 16th 2011
share on Facebook

Is there anything NOT to love about these two?  I should have guessed I was in for a wildly fun and hilarious day after the three of us had so much fun photographing their engagement in the rain at St. John's.  My stomach even hurt from laughing so hard which is usually a really good sign.  They chose to be one of the very first weddings hosted at the newly reopened Van Dusen Mansion in Minneapolis; what a stunning place and perfect fit!  After a relaxing morning of ping pong, pool, mimosas, and even a fresh snowfall, Casey slipped into her dress and down the grand staircase to see her groom.  These two are supported by an incredible cast of characters, and we headed out on a choice field trip to capture some of the playful spirit that they add to life.  As Casey and Adam are big Twins fans, I couldn't resist making the new Target Field one of our final stops.  After an intimate exchange of vows, our wedding crasher of the night Goldie Gopher showed up to steal the bride away for a dance, but not to be outdone by the choreographed dance moves.  You just can't make this stuff up!  Thank you both for showing me how to embrace the time you have together; I dedicated a few images from Greece to you both.  Keep making each other laugh! 

Wedding Date: November 20th 2010
share on Facebook

The day could not have been more beautiful.  Lindsay bounded around the house silent clapping in the air so not to wake sleeping children, but her glowing eyes said it all.  Meanwhile her best friend Russell was escorted to the bench in the park on which he proposed.  My heart leaped with every skip on the sidewalk Lindsay made on her way to tap her handsome groom on the shoulder.  Sun beams streamed through the towering canopy of gold as the two giggled and prayed over the afternoon ahead.  As both are very sentimental people, I chose places along the way that would help capture a day-in-the-life of Lindsay & Russell.  Stops along the way to the church included favorite date places, strolling parks for talking, and of course his motorcycle!  I was reminded that every man needs his two beauties in a picture.  The emotional ceremony downtown gave way to a boisterous party atop the sixth floor of Windows on Washington.  Both families will be talking about this day for years to come.  We miss you guys dearly!

There were just too many times I found myself laughing uncontrollably or welling up with tears, so we decided to create a whole separate post dedicated to the playfulness of Lindsay & Russell's contagious love. 

Wedding Date: October 14th 2010
share on Facebook

Emily and Richard awoke to a fresh cup of cappuccino and stroll along the waterfront before heading to their rooms to prepare.  These two just light up with each other in their arms; often I felt like I was interrupting two best friends in a world of their very own.  I grew addicted to the way they laugh hard and simply adore each other.  After exploring colorful alleys, ancient olive groves, and castle walls, we met up with family at the church to prepare for the intimate ceremony.  The sun continued to sink in the sky but not before a handful of us grabbed some fresh lake air and grappa toast aboard a classic wooden boat.  Live music and zesty foods greeted us back at the plaza reception as towering cypress trees cast their long shadows across the gardens.  More toasts and tears gave way to one of the greatest dance parties Lake Como has ever seen!  Thank you for taking Janelle and me in like family; we love you both dearly!  Like any good Italian coffee, you two are blended just right.   

Wedding Date: October 9th 2010
share on Facebook

Thank you for your friendship and the humbling honor to be apart of the action.  I am still smiling...    

Wedding Date: September 4th 2010
share on Facebook

I have told Ali & Walker if I hadn't been a wedding photographer, I would be living their life in St. Andrew's Scotland.  People have a love affair with that part of the world, and I could only imagine how intoxicating meeting Ali for the first time might have been for Walker.  I imagined it was his eyes locking with hers alone along the beaches where Chariots of Fire was filmed, but Walker insists it was far less cliche; obviously it turned out very well.  I had the honor to come along to document this epic day that started with a romantic ceremony, festive reception themed after airports, and continued across the water in New York City.  In true colonial fashion, Ali's transportation pulled up to the church doors, grabbed her father's arm, and headed immediately down the aisle.  Walker is as class act of a gentleman as they come and his tenderness towards his bride was apparent to all.  One of my favorite things about Ali is her joy, in particular her wonderful laugh.  After the reception that laugh could be heard all night around NYC as we ventured into Central Park for a night-cap stroll with the couple.  Ali's family had been instrumental in helping build the park so we found it a fitting close to the day.  Weeks later, their Minnesota reception was just as impressive as their fine taste in music and the arts.  Thank you for many new friends we now share!  Greet your loving families for us.