Michelle + Kevin | Wedding

“Two hearts in love need no words.”

— Marceline Desbordes-Valmore

Congratulations to Michelle + Kevin on their beautiful wedding! An absolutely gorgeous, wonderful couple, I was honored to be invited by Michelle + Kevin to tell the story of their wedding day. I knew it would be fantastic, as I had so much fun capturing both Kevin's surprise proposal at the Chicago Botanic Gardens and their Olive Park engagement session. From the party bus shenanigans to the traditional Korean pae baek to a sparkler send-off, Michelle + Kevin's wedding was full of love and passion.

Thank you Michelle + Kevin for allowing me to capture your wedding day. All the best in the next chapter of your wonderful love story!

Details
Venue: First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights (Ceremony)
            Metropolis Ballroom (reception)
Stylist & MUA: Diem Angie Co.
Florals:
Ceremony Musician: Heavenly Harmony
DJ & Reception Music: Admit One DJ

Suzanne + Pedro: Historia de amor | Wedding at Public Chicago

“When two souls...have finally found each other...a union, fiery and pure as they themselves...begins on earth and continues forever in heaven.”

— Victor Hugo

Congratulations to Suzanne + Pedro for their beautiful wedding at one of the chic Gold Coast luxury hotels: the Public Chicago. Suzanne + Pedro were such a fun-loving couple during their Olive Park engagement session that I knew their wedding day would be equally fantastic - and was it! From including their beloved dog Lilly to la hora loca completing the night, Suzanne + Pedro's wedding was full of love and passion.

Thank you Suzanne + Pedro for allowing me to capture your wedding day. All the best in the next chapter of your wonderful love story!

Slideshow music: Mi Ancla by Mindy Gledhill

An engraved message on the inner band of Pedro's ring from Suzanne - "El amor de mi vida."

Love these images of Suzanne before we head out for The Reveal.

Lilly looks at Suzanne adoringly.

Pedro looks dashing.

The Reveal.

I love this image in the main lobby of the hotel - a gorgeous couple!

Emotions walking down the aisle.

La Hora Loca!

Last dance of the night and the couple looks fabulous.

A kiss to end the night.

Details
Venue: Public Chicago
Day-of-coordinating: Dee McCord from I Do Events Chicagoland
Stylist & MUA: Patricia Fardon
Florals:
Ceremony Musician: Michael Kleinerman
DJ & Reception Music: Carlos Avila from A-List DJs

Suzanne + Pedro | Engagement Session at Olive Park

Such a gorgeous and fun-loving couple! Suzanne + Pedro wanted an engagement session here in Chicago to reflect what she described as "Latin Romanticism." The weather had been a little touch-and-go during the week leading up to the session, but fortunately the rain predicted for the day didn't happen.

Even though Suzanne + Pedro had a previous engagement session with another photographer down in Miami, they wanted a session here in Chicago to commemorate the significance of the City in their lives. I believe all couples should consider an engagement or couples session with their wedding photographer before the wedding. It's a less stressful photographic experience for all involved. Plus they get to experience any of my quirks!

Both graduates of Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, Suzanne + Pedro met at a Latino Law Students Association (LLSA) dance. Keeping this in mind, we discussed telling their love story in three parts with images reflecting three different moments in their romance. The story would unfold at Olive Park by the Lake, Northwestern University School of Law, Union Station, and Buckingham Fountain.

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The Meeting

Suzanne mentioned first meeting Pedro at a LLSA event/dance - so I was not surprised that when I asked them to embrace they naturally began to dance!

After graduation, Pedro moved back to Florida for a year, which set up the next chapter in their love story.

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The Departure

I love Union Station - it offers such a dramatic setting for engagement or wedding photography.

Outside you have the symmetry of the columns...

...and inside you have a large open space and the wooden benches that give off that classic transportation hub vibe!

Suzanne + Pedro were so enthusiastic about acting out the moments of their love story - they naturally fell into what Suzanne referred to as the "telenovela" personas.

While the adage is absence makes the heart grow fonder, nothing fans the flames of passion more than anticipation of a lover's return.

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The Passion

Olive Park has such great views of the Chicago skyline! Plenty of open spaces and benches to lounge. The park was pretty quiet and we were basically the only ones in the observation area.

We wrapped up the session at Buckingham Fountain. I love the Fountain at night because the Fountain's lights and the lit up city make for a stunning backdrop to any image. A gorgeous end to a fun filled day!

Thank you Suzanne + Pedro for allowing me to tell your love story! I'm looking forward to your wedding day!

Michelle + Kevin | Surprise Proposal at Chicago Botanic Garden

What a fantastic and lovely couple! On a gorgeous sunny day Kevin surprised Michelle and proposed to her at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

He planned the surprise proposal (along with coordination by his sister who flew into town for the occasion) under the ruse of a family photo session .

The Japanese Garden was selected as the spot for popping the question and Kevin invited some of their friends to hide nearby for the post-proposal celebration. We took our time heading to the spot - my fault really - as there are so many areas of the Garden perfect for photographs!

When we arrived near the Japanese Garden, I mentioned to Michelle and Kevin that they should rest and proceeded to scope out the area. I had arranged with Kevin to have "camera technical difficulties" as the catchphrase for him to know when everything was in order for capturing the moment. We proceeded to take some photos and then my camera developed its "difficulties." Kevin turned to Michelle, my camera moved back up, and as you can see, Michelle's expression was priceless.

Michelle said yes!

Thank you Michelle and Kevin for allowing me to share in the moment! Congratulations!