Stephanie and Aaron are friends of ours that are getting married this summer in Mexico, and we can’t wait to celebrate with them! But, since they both live in and love Chicago, they wanted their engagement photos to be in the city. So, we took advantage of the beautiful weather, and did a shoot around town.

This is such a gorgeous time of year in Chicago, and we wanted to show off the skyline, the lake, and–of course–these two soon-to-be-married lovebirds. I love everything about these photos–from the white blossoms to the light at dusk. Most of all, though, I love how perfect Stephanie and Aaron are together, and I can’t wait until the wedding!

In the meantime, enjoy these sneak peeks!

I may have put Aaron on the spot by telling him to whisper sweet nothings into Stephanie’s ear. That’s okay, though. He was adorably nervous and that just made us all giggle endlessly!

HELLO! Could they be any hotter?

Monica and Dan were married this past Sunday at Architectural Artifacts–one of the coolest offbeat wedding venues in Chicago.

I first met these two several years ago when I photographed Monica’s sister’s wedding. Monica and Dan were both in the wedding party for that event, but they didn’t know that they’d eventually walk down the aisle themselves!

It’s always fun to work with families that I’ve worked with before, but this group is just one of my favorites. They are so silly and easy-going–all qualities that make for great clients… and great married couples!

Here are some sneak peeks from one of my all-time favorite weddings. Enjoy!

Monica looked SO gorgeous.

See what I mean?

One of the great things about Architectural Artifacts is that there are a gazillion little corners that make for awesome photo-ops.

Monica’s three sisters help her get dressed.

A sweet moment from the first look.

And a few shots from the ceremony.

Married!

When you have a couple that looks at one another like this, you can’t help but take good photos.

Absolutely ADORE this shot.

And this one.

And… okay, you get the idea.

And some great reactions from toasts.

I’m starting a new blog series called “A Look Back,” and I’ll use this series to showcase specific moments or details from past weddings: bouquets, first dances, ring exchanges, etc. And, since it’s a moment that is becoming increasingly popular among couples, I thought I’d focus on first looks for the first installment in this series.

First looks are great–not just for the photographer, but also for the couple. They are great for me as the photog because, usually, having a first look means that we will get extra time for portraits, and the couple won’t have to miss their cocktail hour. In short, first looks provide lots of flexibility in terms of the timeline, and flexibility almost always means better pictures!

For my clients, though, first looks allow them time to really have a MOMENT. And that moment is, at the end of the day, why I think that first looks are such a good idea. As these photos will attest, first looks allow couples to really bask in seeing each other–to have an intimate moment without having to worry about immediately beginning their wedding ceremony.

In fact, I can now speak about first looks from personal experience. When I was married this past June, my (now) wife, Sona, and I decided to have our own. We did a very low-key first look in our hotel room, surrounded by our friends and family. At this risk of embarrassing myself, I’m sharing some photos from that moment. It was, for both of us, one of the most special moments of our lives, and I’m so, so happy we did it. And yes, I cried like a baby. Go ahead and laugh; I can’t blame you.

Bethany from Maypole Studios was our fab photog, and she took the next two images.

And now, here are some of my favorite moments from first looks at weddings I’ve shot over the past few years.

This past weekend, I shot Janet and Eric’s wedding–my first wedding of the 2013 season! They had their ceremony and reception at Spiaggia in downtown Chicago; I’ll be seeing a lot of that venue this year, as it turns out.

For anyone in Chicago, you know that the last two weeks have been rainy, grey, and cold. So, needless to say, Janet was checking Accuweather obsessively as her day approached (we’ve all been guilty of that, right?). Luckily, though, we had lots of sunshine on their big day!

Even though it was bright and sunny, it was still very cold and very windy. Janet and Eric were such troopers. They really wanted some lakefront photos to represent the beautiful city they were married in, and they didn’t complain one bit as we battled the brutally chilly wind for photos.

I was so happy to work with these two, as they are unendingly kind, courteous, and loving. What a great way to kick-off wedding season!

Here are some photos from their big day.

So happy to get her veil on! This is the moment when most brides say, “It’s real!”

Janet was very touched by the letter–I mean novel–that Eric wrote her on their wedding day.

Eric was equally touched by Janet’s letter.

Much to my delight, Eric and Janet decided to do a first look. I love these moments I captured as they first saw each other.

Next, we headed down to the lakefront for a few portraits.

It looks warm, right?!

We also made a quick stop on Michigan Ave. for the ever-popular shots in the middle of the street. This was actually a candid I caught as we were about to cross the road. Love it–even more than the “real” portraits.

The ketubah!

And a few shots from the lovely ceremony at Spiaggia.

Lots of smiles.

The reception was beautifully decorated, thanks to Natalie Walsh of Hello Darling. She did an amazing job!

I loved all the purple hues and the candlelight–very romantic!

There were some entertaining toasts…

…and plenty of dancing.

But nothing can top Janet’s face as she was lifted up during the hora. (Sorry, Janet. I had to do it.)

When I was setting up my first meeting with Mark and Diane, Mark wrote me that I’d know them because, “I’m 6’4” with glasses, and Diane is the beautiful blonde who has made me such a happy man.”

From that second on, I knew they’d be an excellent couple to work with. These two are just so in love. It was such a blast to shoot their engagement session this past weekend–my first of the season, no less–because all they did was cuddle and giggle and smile. Couples like Mark and Diane make my job easy.

Even though it is still a bit chilly in Chicago, we decided to take advantage of the sun–something that we haven’t seen too much around here lately. We started the session at their favorite neighborhood breakfast joint, and then we headed down to Lincoln Park for some great city views.

I can’t wait to shoot Mark and Diane’s wedding in just a couple of months. If these engagement photos are any indication, it’ll be hard to get them NOT to smile.

LOVE this one!

This was the last series we shot, and they are some of my favorites!

As I type this morning, snow flurries are falling outside. In April. Like, way later than is tolerable.

Just like everyone else in Chicagoland, I’m looking forward to SPRING. However, I’ve really enjoyed the break that winter has allowed. I make an active decision not to shoot too many winter weddings, so this is the time of year when I find myself pulling out the camera gear and dusking off the spiderwebs.

Well, that’s not the full truth. I did have a chance to take my camera out for a spin when we were in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica last month. You all know how much I love to travel; I’m in a constant state of wanderlust. And I’ve been lucky enough to share some great trips in the past (like Charleston, Turks & Caicos, and–most recently–the fab travel blog, Entouriste, featured my photos from our honeymoon in Santorini).

So, I  was thrilled to escape the gloomy Chicago winter and head to the small coastal town of Puerto Viejo. This was our first time in Costa Rica, but I know it won’t be our last. I absolutely fell in love with the place. Here are a few shots to tide you over until engagement sessions (which actually begin today) and weddings (next weekend) make a reappearance.

Let’s all think warm thoughts, okay?

Yep–that’s someone sleeping in that hammock.

A “soda” is a casual cafe. So, you see a lot of signs light this all over Costa Rica. “Soda Johanna” was our favorite in PV!

I loved that these trees had taken over this rusty abandoned barge.

Cacao grows everywhere in CR, and they produce some amazing chocolate there! These toasted cacao beans were turned into the most wonderful hot chocolate.

I’ve never experienced such naturally beautiful beaches before.

We stayed at Geckoes Lodge–an amazing property in the middle of the rainforest. We rented a 2-bedroom house on the property, and the house was completely open to the environment. I’m talking no walls, y’all! I’d stay there again in a heartbeat.

And this post just wouldn’t be complete without a photo of the very creatures that brought us to Costa Rica in the first place: SLOTHS! Meet Velcro–he’s the new love of my life.

Hannah and Andrew are getting married in another state, but they wanted their engagement photos to represent the city where they live, work, and love: Chicago!

Despite the cold Chicago winter, we decided we’d get together for a shoot. This past weekend, we were lucky enough to catch a spot of sun. So, with our coats and our tissues, we braved downtown for an hour of shooting. (Who am I kidding? I had the parka, and they were trying to look cute while coat-less.)

Either way, we managed to fake warmth long enough to get some great shots!

Since Andrew works right next to the Board of Trade, we started our shoot there.

Then, we headed to Lasalle bridge.

LOVE this shot.

We found some killer light near the end of the shoot.

And I made sure to encourage lots of silliness (you know, to distract them from the freezing temps)!

This past weekend, I was able to briefly escape the cold for an absolutely balmy engagement session at Garfield Park Conservatory. Janet and Eric chose this location for their shoot, and it really is the perfect spot for a Chicago engagement session during the winter months.

We had a great time wandering around the conservatory, and were happy to be able to shoot without down parkas.

Also, it was Janet’s birthday! I hope these photos are a great birthday present and a wonderful way to remember such a happy time in Janet and Eric’s lives. Here are some sneak peeks.

However, because of these wonderful things and because of my attempt to find that thing called balance, 2012 was also the year that my photography business had to change a bit. There was a time when I was shooting 30+ weddings a year in Chicago. Now, I’m cutting back significantly. I can’t give up photography completely because, the truth is, I still really love it. So, I’m shooting fewer weddings (like 10-12 a year) and focusing more on the couples whose lives I get to be a part of. This year has proven that this is a change for the better. Not only do I get to be more selective about the weddings I do shoot–meaning I get to work with the very best and kindest and creative couples–but I also have more energy and time to devote to the clients I do work with. I’ve been able to fall back in love with wedding photography all over again. As a result, I think I’m doing my best work yet!

Also, because I’m refining my business focus, I’ve decided that something had to go. And, because it was the most stress logistically, that something is my boudoir marathons. However, I’ll be happy to refer any of my clients to other local photographers who are doing wonderful boudoir work! From here on out, though, I will no longer be offering boudoir photography services. I’ll now be focusing on clients who–for the most part–keep their clothes on.

All of this said, I’m still behind the camera enough to keep me–and my many loyal clients–happy! I’m shooting couples that are engaged, couples that are getting married, and couples that are expecting their first baby. I’m shooting babies and toddlers and big kids. I’m shooting families that I’ve seen grow for years. I’m shooting quartets and brides and bellies, and I’m doing it all at a pace that allows me to honor my clients and my career.

So, here’s a look back at some of my favorite photography moments of 2012! And thank you to all of the wonderful clients you see in these pictures, all of whom make it impossible for me to give up photography for good. Thank you for letting me be part of your lives, and thank you for being a part of mine!

Happy 2013, everyone! It’s going to be a good one.

Erica and Jeff were married this past weekend in downtown Chicago. They had their ceremony at St. Paul’s and their reception at Galleria Marchetti.

I first met Erica a couple of years ago; she was the wedding planner for a wedding I shot in the city. Fast forward a couple of years, and Erica was contacting me to shoot HER wedding. I was thrilled to work with her and, though I usually don’t book any weddings between Christmas and NYE, I couldn’t say no.

Even though it was freezing cold and a little snowy–this is Chicago, people–we still made the best of it! Erica and Jeff were troopers, and they braved the cold and wind for some evening portraits. We took most of these nighttime shots at the Lasalle St. bridge, and I’m so happy with how they came out! Natural light is a photog’s best friend. So, when Erica and Jeff said we’d be doing all of their portraits outside–IN THE DARK–I was a little nervous. As it turned out, we had lots of ambient light from the Chicago street lamps, and I had a great time trying something a little new.

Erica and Jeff are off to sunny–and warm!–Mexico. Here’s some sneak peeks to send them on their way!

Erica wanted a photo of her wedding dress… and her Christening gown and first communion gown. I love that idea!

Erica was a BEAUTIFUL bride!

While I was with the girls, Alyssa, my second shooter, was with the guys. Love this shot of Jeff getting ready.

Erica was just a little excited to see her soon-to-be husband!

Married!

I caught this quiet moment right after Erica and Jeff had walked the recessional. They stole a quick kiss before any of their bridal party could come out to congratulate them. Love this.

Speaking of the bridal party… this is one of my all-time favorite wedding party shots.

I may or may not have asked a random stranger, “Hey! You want to hold a veil for a second?”

Galleria Marchetti’s tent was beautifully done-up in champagne and ivory.

After the couple’s first dance, they had a “family dance” with Jeff’s two kids. So sweet.

Let the party begin!