“Do you ever put your arms out and just spin and spin and spin? Well, that’s what love is like. Everything inside of you tells you to stop before you fall, but you just keep going” ~Ho Su

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to have an Engagement Session with Nicole and Patrick back in August (view here), and in September, they had their wedding down in a beautiful log cabin in Tennessee with just a few family and close friends there. Lovely. Once they got back to Chicago, the real party was on, and what you see below are some photos from their Chicago wedding reception. Patrick and Nicole: I wish you all the happiness in the world as you start this journey together!

Bob & Sherri planned a small un-fussy affair for their wedding. Simple and sweet. Their love story is another story… very sweet, and not even close to simple!

It all starts 29 years ago. Bob and Sherri meet, fall madly in love, and get MARRIED. Fast forward 16 years, 3 sons… and they decided to throw in the towel, and divorced. Sherri says she just couldn’t stand the sight of Bob! haha!! But even though their marriage was over, the kids, and their arguments kept a dialogue going… they never got out of each other’s lives, and for some reason, neither moved on to someone new. It took THIRTEEN years, but their hearts slowly softened; they got a little older. Their kids were grown, and they realized it… they were STILL meant to be. So, this is their second marriage… to each other!

I’m just tickled to death about the ways love takes us. May love continue to take you down the path of happiness Bob & Sherri… and may you grow old together with a smile in your hearts and on your faces.

Arriving… and err… leaving?? Not so fast wise guy!

Pretty Bride

Anticipation!!

I love this… Their son, Bobby, walked Sherri down the aisle, and the other two sons, Tony & Nate lit the candles.

And the two shall become “one”

I adore the happiness on Sherri’s face right here… surrounded by the ones she loves the most.

The D. Family… how do you describe them? Storybook, maybe? They are just a lovely family. I knew Jennifer back from my Freshmen year of college. We were placed on the same dorm floor. Jen was the girl with the prettiest room on Walden 1. She was always chic, and stylish, and still is. She is also sweet and comfortable, which is a nice combination with the first traits. I was excited to capture this beautiful family on camera!

Young love… there’s just something about it. The stars in their eyes, the little smiles, the tenderness. Yep, I love it too! Chris & Meg have this “it factor”. So in love, and so great together. Couples like this make me happy to be a photographer so I get to be a part of their story. Chris & Meg are also VERY good sports. We had a little bit of rain, but they went with it, and we decided to take some outdoor shots plus use our local library. Fun stuff. Below are a few of my favorites.

Sarah & Steve… the first thing that comes to mind when I think of how to describe them as a couple, is that they are the kind of people that give of themselves to others. Not only in their chosen professions (nursing), but in their spirits, their smiles. Sarah is the perfect mixture of country girl and city girl. She looks sophisticated and chic, but is always in her kitchen, cooking, baking and welcoming others.

I am so happy that these two found eachother… and even more happy that they will be welcoming an addition to their family next year! When we first scheduled this couples session, Sarah had just found out that she was expecting a baby. I think you can see the joy in their eyes. Thank you Sarah and Steve for being you!

First of all, I love newlywed sessions! I have several booked for the next month, and I’m finding that not only are they fun, but they make a lot of sense! Whether it’s a day after the wedding, a few weeks, or even years… it might just be something to consider. Why?

1. Every girl wants an excuse to get back in her wedding dress.
2. As a couple, you’re not rushed, stressed, or wishing you could just get to the hotel!
3. You can control the circumstances, relax about the weather, and have plenty of time to enjoy yourself.

Mark & Mary were just adorable. The way they look at each other is proof that the butterfly feeling still exists:) They met in college, and have been together ever since through thick and thin. They were married in California about a month ago, and I was thrilled to be able to catch a little bit of their wedded bliss after the honeymoon. How fun. And, this couple has LUCK! If you see the horse in these photos… we literally had a random man, ride up and ask us if we wanted to ride the horse. NO JOKE! Thank you Mark & Mary… for being you!

There are few things I think are more beautiful than a “mommy to be”. Combine that with an adoring husband, a sunny afternoon, and a teal barn… and you have Justin & Emily’s special shoot. I love Emily like she is a sister. She is a person with a heart to make the world a better place. She is intelligent & beautiful inside and out. Justin and her are a perfect match, and I admire them both. This little baby boy is going to be one lucky fellow! Here are a few of my favorites from the shoot.

Like I eluded to in my last “sneak preview” post about Mike & Jen- they are a very special couple to me. I got to know Jen several years ago, and immediately tried to set her up with Mike. She refused. ha!! Fast forward a couple of months, several more attempts by me, and even more attempt by Mike, and now… they are married!

I was thrilled when Jen asked me if I could take photos of them at the location that they got engaged less than a year ago. As newlyweds, it was fun to see their obvious connection and the way they really complement each other.

I love you guys!