Happy One Month Anniversary!

ST. LOUIS WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

This was a very special wedding to me for so many reasons!  The bride has been in my life for going on 15 years now.  In that span of time she has been a best friend, room mate (more than once!), sorority sister, co-worker (also more than once :), fellow Hanes House member, hat flicker-off'er (yes...I did look dumb in that hat)...through all of this she has become more like a sister to me than anything else.  People always ask how I feel about taking pictures at the weddings of dear friends---and honestly I love it because having that added level of intimacy between yourself and your subject does nothing but good!

There is a downside of course...in my case---I'm a bit of a sap (my husband likes to sing TLC's 'don't go chasing waterfalls' to me whenever I get welled up....and let's just say I feel like I hear that song a fair amount!) So it can be a bit tough to fire off the shot you really want if you are busy wiping tears from your face!  This wedding was no exception!

Amy you were the most beautiful bride...and Tom, ya just looked dapper and handsome as hell!  The rain tried to cut our pictures short but thankfully we managed to get some in at Union Station and the beautiful St. Louis Botanical Gardens before the skies opened up too much.  An absolutely perfect day! Congrats Mr. & Mrs. O'Brien ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Spring has sprung

OAK PARK PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER 

And then some! For those of you who live in Chicago...you know how lucky we have been this spring...with mild (heck WARM) temperatures in March! Makes for a beautiful backdrop when shooting outdoors! Everything is so bright and full!  A few shots from my session with Cameron and Tyler ...who were fun to chase around Oak Park's Chaney Mansion .

Dainty as Ever

CHICAGO PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER 

I've never seen a little one with a cuter 'step' than this little girl...Everton's walk is honest to goodness a mix of a tip toe and and a ballerina's step.  It is simply the cutest thing I've ever seen. Pretty much impossible to catch just how cute on camera...times like these I really should switch the 5D Mk II over to video!

Marry the Knight

CHICAGO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

I shot an amazing wedding a few weeks ago.  Maureen and Tyler tied the knot on February 25th at one of the prettiest church's downtown Chicago has to offer...Fourth Presbyterian on Michigan Avenue.  After, guests enjoyed a night of dinner and dancing at the Knickerbocker Hotel.  These two have a love story that started over a decade ago, and watching their day unfold was so incredibly special!  Complete with surprises around every corner (think a choreographed dance routine to Lady Gaga's "Marry the Night"...which became "Marry the Knight" that evening---a nod to Tyler's last name...and even a surprise Harley Davidson motorcycle wedding gift!), this wedding was a true celebration and I was thrilled to be a part.  So Maureen & Tyler...thank you for including me and congratulations!!!

Down in the Dominican

Last month we had the pleasure of heading down to Punta Cana to share in the wedding weekend of our dear friends Shannon & Wendell.  I have always been a fan of destination weddings (had one myself I'm such a fan!!)  Is there anything more fun that having all of your close friends and family together for a little mini vacation...and oh by the way a wedding to boot??! I think not.  Shannon & Wendell's was no exception.  I think I can safely speak for every person that went down when I say we all had an amazing time!  Some shots from our time down in PC, starting with a few engagement pics...