If you’re curious about all the stunning colors and flowers blooming in this session… these photos were taken last summer when the world was still a much more colorful place;) It’s sure not the way Chicago looks right now, but I’m hopeful with the sunshine today and warmer temps on the way that we’ll see the blooms again soon!
Kelly and John are the cutest, right? They are obviously best friends along with being the loves of each others’ lives. I adore that they included their beautiful golden, Madison, in the photos too… she was too much!
Fresh off of a day of glitz, glam and learning at the Martha Stewart Wedding Party in Chicago this Sunday, I’m overflowing with excitement about the 2013 wedding season fast approaching! Some highlights from the day were…
The towers and towers of color coordinated edible treats…kind of like the photo below (my phone died right when we got there so no good photos! ha)… very MARTHA if you ask me…
Besides just loving the break out learning seminars and hobnobbing with vendors, I am thrilled about the trends I see developing in the wedding industry right now. I’d like to highlight a few of my favorites:
1. SLEEVES, SLEEVES, SLEEVES!! I am so happy that this trend is being seen all over the bridal runways and has trickled down to real brides. I think it’s so flattering and romantic.
2. Smaller Weddings & Elopements: because I love the idea that a wedding is in fact about TWO people that fell in love at it’s core, I’m so glad that these small intimate events are becoming more popular and less taboo! Check out one of my favorite elopements ever by Jose Villa HERE…
4. GOLD: I’m obsessed with this glittery hue in my every day life and wardrobe, so to see the glitz making it’s way into wedding design everywhere is a dream come true!
How about these adorable little place settings by Katie of Jayne Weddings in Chicago:
and #4 brings me to my last and favorite trend emerging…
5. ELEGANT wedding design: as much as I love a Rustic Wedding like the next photographer, I feel as if the trend of elegance emerging is a breath of fresh air. We’re seeing brighter, bolder colors, rich textures, clean lines and, as mentioned above, all that glitters. It’s fresh, modern, timeless, and classic all at once, and I’m LOVING it!
Gina Montaleone -I wanted to go to this! Looks like it was a great time. My mom and I will be at the CS Brides Ritz event this weekend, will you be there? I love all the emerging trends…that last inspiration board is pretty similar to mine! xo
I don’t know about you, but it seems like I’m always busy doing this or that, and in all the busyness I had kind of let my health and well being take a back seat for a few years! This year, I determined to slow down a bit and make healthful choices for my soul, spirit and body! One of these things I’ve really found helpful is juicing. On days when I juice I feel better, more energetic and it’s easier for me to reach for healthier choices all day long.
I’ve been sticking to mostly tried and true combinations like the ones I photographed above… carrots, kale, apple & ginger.
Do any of you all have a great juicing recipe you’d like to share? Or maybe you just have a daily ritual that helps you in your journey to wellness… I’d love to hear about it!
molly-Oh, Kina, this is my passion! Juice ‘em, roast ‘em, stir-fry ‘em, toss ‘em — veggies are just downright good for every part of you! Weight, skin, digestion, immunity, energy, disease control, anti-aging, heart and blood and even your soul!
You can see a bunch of my favorite recipes on my FB page: https://www.facebook.com/PeaceOutFitness?ref=hl
Bon appétit!
Sheila -Hey! Loving your healthy mind set! I use a nutribullet. I prefer it to juicing, which wastes so much of the best stuff- the pulp and skins! . I have a million recipes. And I add almonds/hemp proteins to get my protein on since I don’t eat meat. I’ve been doing it for a while and I get sick less than I ever have and I feel great!
Guess what?!? I’m going to be an Aunt again!!! We found out Jesse & Justine are expecting a few weeks ago and now the secret is out! I think this baby is bound to be ridiculously cute! Do you think Tuxedo will be jealous?
I just love this couple. Ok, first of all they are high school sweethearts, and BEST FRIENDS. I feel like I can comment with authority on this. Tiffany & Chris happen to live in the same town as me and even now I see them about twice a month at our favorite hangouts (Target & Starbucks of course) always together… always smiling…
Speaking of smiles, Tiffany has one that lights up a room. I know that’s a cliche saying, but REALLY. Chris is protective, gentle and strong all at the same time it seems when it comes to Tiffany. They are just so great together.
In case you thought I was done gushing, I’m not. Their day was fun, and filled with little details that made me go “awwww”. I thought the “shoe” theme was fun based on Tiffany’s new last name… Chris is a Shue. She had her Mother’s wedding pearls around her bouquet close to her all day, and Chris chose to have his grandfather as his best man. Tears, right?? To close out the night, they surprised all of their guests with a choreographed dance to Dirty Dancing’s “Time of my Life”… it was AMAZING!!
Abby Grace-That diptych of a bridesmaid bouquet on the left and Tiffany on the right with her dress pinched up is perfect. I love the bridal party photos!
Happy day of tight squeezes and surprise smooches! Whether it’s your honey, your puppy, a friend or a beloved family member, I hope you sqeeze them a little tighter today…
In January, I was asked to do a test shoot for a few fresh faces at GG Models INK. This was Megan’s first official time in front of the camera as a model, and I think she rocked it!
If you’d like to commission Megan for a project, please contact Helen at GG Models INK (MODELCONSULTING@GMAIL.COM)
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All shots on film- Contax 645, Portra 800, Developed and Scanned at Photovision
You know those things you see and that stick with you and make you smile days later? Elyse’s happy cry was one of those things for me. Luke & Elyse’s un-contained joy on starting their life together was sweet and beautiful and perfect. They were surrounded by their family and friends who were all just as full of expectant energy… a wedding day is really an amazing day if you think about it… all of those on earth that you love the most close to you at the same time. Top all of that with all of the handcrafted personal touches planned by Elyse and a beautiful riverside venue at Fulton’s on the River… you have a day to remember.
Jonathan and I recently went to Southern California. Unlike most of the travel we do, it wasn’t for work, wasn’t for family, it was just BECAUSE. We spent our time mostly in the noble actions of dilly dallying, people watching and taking long drives. On some of our more interesting excursions, I brought my Mamiya 645 & Canon Ae-1 to document the journey. Unfortunately, I’m sadly missing in these shots… I need to teach Jonathan how to use these beasts of film cameras;).
When we drove to Malibu from Santa Barbara on a Wednesday, it was warm, but a blanket of fog was rolling in from the ocean. The dense, beautiful whiteness touched me so much I wish I could have stayed forever. When I’m old and have nothing else to do, I think I’ll buy a whitewashed fishing shack on the coast… take my dog for long walks and sit on the porch with Jonathan, just watching the fog roll in again.
Another highlight was our visit to San Ysidro Ranch. Some of my favorite weddings have been shot there, and besides, it’s chock full of history… “Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier were married at the Ranch, John and Jacqueline Kennedy honeymooned there and John Huston completed the script for African Queen during a three-month stay” the tales go… It was a dream. If you’re looking for a luxury place to stay in California, you MUST try it out.
After being in California once again, I get it. I get the almost cult like love people have for their west coast home. Ciao beautiful state!
xo
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Abby Grace - PUPPY! Ahhh, that Golden is so precious. I love the second-to-last image on the left- lovely posing, Kina!