I always find it to be an exciting opportunity when a couple is up for a winter engagement session.  Lawrence & Katie Joy contacted me only days after their official engagement, while the snow from a recent storm was still pristine.  A snowy environment truly makes for a gorgeous backdrop.  These images were created near her childhood home next to the Billy Caldwell Forest Preserve.  It may not look like it, but this location is actually in the City of Chicago.  I had an outstanding time running around in the snow, photographing them within this unique slice of green space.  Thank you again to the couple for braving the elements!

I had an absolutely amazing time with Colleen & Stuart on their engagement session!  We started at Travelle inside The Langham Chicago, which is an incredibly stylish space.  Even more stylish were their outfits.  In a round about way, I'll say the shoot was sponsored by Trunk Club (friend of the bride works there).   They started off by sharing a cocktail, which honestly is a great way to begin a session.  We then met up with their pup near the State Street Bridge for photos along the riverwalk.  As the sun went down, we finished with some dusk portraits on their building's rooftop, which has breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline.  It was simply a great evening shooting with them, and I'm looking forward to the wedding!

Colette & Phil's wedding at the Bridgeport Art Center was absolutely fantastic!  They were amazing to work with and incredibly generous. I'm excited to share some of my favorites!  

With their wedding coming up in a couple of weeks, wanted to share my favorite images from Shivani & Samarth's engagement session in Fulton Market!  

It's had been a few years since I photographed here, but I'm truly grateful to Ruth & Dima for bringing me back to Independence Grove in Libertyville!  They hosted a beautiful Jewish wedding and threw one heck of a party.  Check out my favorites here!  

Jillian & Philip put together a stunning wedding at the University Club of Chicago.  I had a wonderful time documenting their day, and getting to work with Clementine Custom Events again.  Check out some of my favorites! 

I had an amazing time getting to know and working with Ashley & Taylor.  The entire bridal party brought their A-game when it came to the photos!  Photographing them on the Lincoln Park Zoo carousel is one of the most fun times I've had shooting to date.  Their wedding at Cafe Brauer was simply stunning, and I cannot thank them enough for letting me be a part of it!

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.