Caroline and Nik’s Ovation Chicago Photography

I first met Caroline nearly 10 years ago on the other side of the world. We were in Thailand. I was fresh out of college teaching a photography program for the summer and she was one of my students.  Caroline was kind and sweet, the type of person you felt comfortable with instantly. I also sensed her intelligence, genuine interest in people, the world, and a pull toward what made it all stick together.

Well, nearly eight years later, I heard from Caroline in a message on facebook.  She was getting married and remembered “her photo instructor” while in Thailand. She wanted me to document her wedding, or rather, post-wedding celebration. She and Nik were married in Canada nearly two years before this American ceremony. I couldn’t have been more touched.

Kelly fell in love with Caroline just as quickly as I did. And the object of her affection–Nik, well he’s as endearing and remarkable as she.  These are just a few pictures highlighting their wedding day. What a joy and honor to be a part of it all and witness their love reaffirmed before their closest friends and family at the Ovation event space in Chicago.

If you’re interested in learning more about our wedding photography services, please visit our wedding site or contact page.

Like what you see and want more?  Check out these other related posts:

• Kimmy + Braden’s backyard wedding
• A University Club Wedding
• Bridal Boudoir

Big shout out to these amazing vendors!

Florist Flowers for Dreams
Wedding Dress by Emmy Mae
Wedding Venue Ovation Chicago
Catering by Tri Star Catering / Lou Malnati’s / Stan’s Donuts / Dairy Queen
Hair and Make-up: Diem Angie
Style Matters DJs

A childhood dream is made true when Kimmy and Braden married in a backyard wedding

On a beautiful sunny Saturday, Kimmy and Braden were married in the front yard of Kimmy’s childhood home.  Their family and friends watched from folder chairs as the two exchanged their vows. After, those same chairs were brought to the backyard and used for seating during the reception. Kimmy’s father walked her down the aisle with a delighted grin was impossible not to return.

It was a gorgeous day and Kimmy looked just timeless with finger-wave curls and a sweetheart neckline wedding dress. The groom and his groomsmen were classic in black and white tuxes. The whole day felt like an intimate family affair.

Interested in our wedding photography services?  Please visit our dedicated wedding site. You may also enjoy:

–Jennifer and Todd’s Palm Desert Wedding

–Matt and Madison’s University Club Wedding

Big Shout to these Vendors:

Florist – Mayfield Florist

Caterer – Wild Asparagus Catering

Makeup Artist – Beauty by Tassi (Monica)

Hair Stylist – Beauty by Tassi

DJ – Toast and Jam DJ

Videographer –Petite Four Films

Chicago Wedding Photographer’s head to California for destination wedding in the dessert

You know us for our boudoir work, but every so often, Kelly and I will photograph a wedding.  In December we headed to dreamy Palm Dessert, California to capture the nuptials of Jennifer and Todd.  The wedding was so swoon-worthy, with the dusty colors of the dessert as a backdrop, a bride’s creative vision, and a surprise flash mob at the end. Needless to say, we were in heaven.

We’re extra grateful to Splash Magazine for featuring the wedding last week. Read how a playful tiff between Jennifer and Todd upon first meeting lead to a lifetime together via this link.

The details:

Bride’s gown: Anne Barge, Bella Bianca Bridal Couture, 12 W. Maple; Bellabianca.com

Groom’s attire: custom Armani, Saks Fifth Avenue, 700 N. Michigan; Saksfifthavenue.com

Bridesmaids’ dresses: Badgley Mischka, Rent the Runway, 710 N. Wabash; Renttherunway.com

Groomsmen’s attire: Vera Wang, Men’s Wearhouse, 535 N. Michigan; Menswearhouse.com

Wedding planner: Tamara Bolton-Bryant, Sensorium Events; Sensoriumevents.com

Floral: bouquet of blush, ivory and deep burgundy flowers with wineberries, seeded eucalyptus and gold accents

Sweets: Champagne, strawberry and German chocolate cupcakes, Over the Rainbow Desserts; Romanblas.com

Videographer: Lux Media; Luxmediasd.com

Invitations: Minted; Minted.com

Chicago Wedding Photography at the University Club

You know us best for our boudoir services, but did you know that we also offer Chicago wedding photography as well?

In fact, it was the wedding industry that really helped us get our start as boudoir photographers. Many brides have come through our studio doors for a knock-his-socks-off wedding gift.

QUALITY RATHER THAN QUANTITY
Boudoir will always be our first love and primary focus. But we’re also happy to capture a handful of weddings each year.

BECAUSE WE LIKE A PERSONAL FEEL

Why just a handful?  Limiting the number of weddings allows us to maintain our boutique feel–or in other words, high standards for close attention to detail, quick responses to all your needs, and a “it feels like we’re old friends” sorta energy.

ROMANCE AND ELEGANCE AT THE UNIVERSITY CLUB

In July we had the pleasure of shooting one such wedding at the University Club in downtown Chicago. It was absolutely dreamy, with romantic touches–white and sage green floral arrangements, candles floating in glass votives, and of course, the old world feel of the reception room.

Interested in learning more?

If you or someone you know is interested in wedding photography services, reach out to us at [email protected] for more information.  We’d love to hear from you!

Swooning over this candlelit wedding at The Quadrangle Club

The ceremony was brief. Like five minutes brief. But in those five minutes, Akiko and David had everyone packed snuggling into the library at The Quadrangle Club on the campus of the University of Chicago welling up with tears.

There were no readings. There was no homily. The vows were short. This left little else to note (well, that’s not entirely true. the setting was breathtaking) other than a quiet sense of love between these two.

On getting to know the bride and groom.

Over the last year knowing Akiko and David, we’ve come to adore them. It’s hard not to. Incredibly thoughtful, kind, and easily disarming, we swooned right along with everyone else throughout their wedding. Like during a tug-at-your heart-strings moment when David open his gift from Akiko–Big Sur, a place they held dear, depicted through the painstakingly detailed, 1,000 miniature cranes she folded night after night while David traveled for work. Or the moment David’s sister, representing his late father, spoke at the reception about how clear it was they were meant for each other. We could go on, but wahhh, this is already bringing the tears back.

The vibe at The Quadrangle Club combined romance with abstract elements.

So, let’s get to the photos! We started at The Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, where the bride and groom were getting ready, then headed to the Science and Industry Museum and the campus of The University of Chicago, before ending at The Quadrangle Club. Definitely check out the decorations–a graphic designer by trade, Akiko’s vision, a stunning combination that was at once romantic and vintage and modern abstract, was brought to life by Juliet Tan Floral Design.

You can find the full list of vendors who made this wedding possible listed at the end of this post.

We hope you enjoy these as much as we do! xoxo-Maggie & Kelly

Interested in seeing more of our wedding photography?  Check out the links below and visit our dedicated wedding photography site for more information.

• Maura and Shane’s Wedding at the Raddison Aqua Blu
• Caroline + Nic’s Wedding at Ovation Chicago
• Kimmy + Braden’s Barrington Hills Backyard Wedding

Vendors:

Hotel: Hyatt Regency McCormick Place

Chicago florist: Juliet Tan.

Wedding Venue: The Quadrangle Club

Band: Harlem Natural