Chicago Engagement Session | James & Gabriella

I’m SO excited to share this post! One of my oldest friends, Gabriella, is getting married this August and Marco and I have the honor of shooting her wedding. Gabriella and I go way back to the best days of our lives — middle school. Okay, definitely not the best days of our lives but they were certainly memorable. It’s been the best getting to know James and it’s so fun to see my friend so loved by such a great guy. With Gabriella living in Michigan, I rarely get to see her these days but we planned to rendezvous in Chicago for her engagement session at the Lincoln Park Conservatory and around Lincoln Park. It was the best and we can’t wait for their summer wedding!

 

And one of us, just because!

 

Bella Collina Wedding | Samantha & Nick

 

 

I’m SO excited to share Samantha’s and Nick’s incredible wedding at the beautiful Bella Collina. Sam and Nick are both so kind and very much in love. Although we’ve been acquaintances for quite awhile, I’ve loved getting to know them better over the past few months.

One of my favorite parts about their day was how they did their First Look. Sam and Nick decided to read their vows to each other privately just before their ceremony. I love First Looks because it gives the couple an opportunity to do something really special in the midst of a very busy day, and I always feel honored to be able to witness such a sweet moment between the bride and groom.

Following their ceremony, the guests had the best time dancing the night away with Sam and Nick! I loved seeing guests out on the dance floor, lounging on the patio, enjoying the photo booth, or just exploring the gorgeous grounds at Bella Collina. It was such an awesome night and I’m so honored to have been part of it!

Sam and Nick, we wish you all the happiness in the world! Congratulations!

 

 

Thank you to my wonderful second shooter, Whitney Bilodeau!

Celebration Gardens Wedding | Geraldine & Gilbert

 

 

One of my favorite parts about my job is getting to be with the bride for nearly her entire wedding day. I’ve been able to see many unique moments — some sweet, some silly, and occasionally a few stressful ones. When I met Geraldine at the Sheraton Hotel where she was getting ready with her sister, mom, and matron of honor, I knew it was going to be a very sweet morning. I loved seeing Geraldine’s face light up when she received a little text or graphic from Gilbert, expressing how excited he was to get to marry her later that day! These two are seriously cute together and incredibly in love.

Gilbert and Geraldine’s wedding at Celebration Gardens was such a wonderful event in so many ways. They put a great deal of thought into making sure each guest felt loved and appreciated. From the intricate details on the tables to the bonfire area and photo booth, it was a gorgeous wedding! The guests danced to a variety of music styles and it was so fun to see the personalities of their families emerge on the dance floor. The guests sent Geraldine and Gilbert off with a sparkler exit, giving the night a magical end.

GeeGee and Gilbert, thank you so much for having Marco and me be a part of your wedding. We are so excited for you to begin life as husband and wife and we can’t wait to see what your future together holds. Congratulations!

 

 

Winter Garden Engagement | Courtney & Michael

I love when couples have favorite little places that they share with me! Courtney and Michael love the city where they live, Winter Garden. I haven’t spent much time there, so this sweet city is still new to me. They suggested we meet at Oakland Nature Preserve for their engagement session. We had such a great time taking the walkway all the way down to the dock. Courtney and Michael are two of the sweetest people, and I’ve loved getting to know them. Marco and I can’t wait to be a part of their wedding this November!

 

 

Melbourne Wedding | Isaac & Alyssa

 

 

Isaac and Alyssa are one of those couples that feel like old friends when you first meet them. Isaac and I first connected over photography; he is a great photographer in the Central Florida area. It’s always an honor to get to shoot another photographer’s wedding. Alyssa is so sweet and very easy to connect with. These two worked hard on every detail to make their wedding beautiful.

While I usually don’t say if it rains or not at a wedding, I’ll make an exception in this case because I think it says a lot about Alyssa’s and Isaac’s personalities and hearts. Even though the rain changed their plans at the last minute, they both stayed calm and trusted that everything would be fine. They focused on their main goal—getting married and having an awesome party with their friends. As you can see, the rain didn’t keep anyone from having an incredible time! While the reception was relocated indoors, I included a few peeks into their outdoor setup because I know how much Alyssa loved it and I think it deserves to be showcased.

Alyssa and Isaac, thank you so much for inviting Marco and me to be a part of your wedding. We absolutely loved getting to know you both and work with you. We know that the Lord has great things ahead for you and I can’t wait to see where He takes you! Congratulations!