The Grayscale Update

11.11.11 Jennings

2012-01-27T21:40:00.000-06:00

Babies Babies Babies and more Babies!!!!

2011-12-10T15:43:00.000-06:00

As one of Olivia and Vaughn's surrogate Aunties, I have to admit, I could hardly stay on task with my camera. All I wanted to do was hold em, love em and not let them go. Tim and Ebony certainly didn't mind, and Kiddo was overjoyed to have some face time with his parents. The 2 new additions brings the Carrig's to full on family of 5. May God bless them with the stamina, patience and if they are lucky, a few good hours of sleep.

Every Moment Counts

2011-12-06T22:34:00.007-06:00

It's true that all weddings large and small can sometimes feel like a logistical nightmare. Planning out hair and makeup in 45 minute intervals, getting groomsmen from the hotel to the church, having bridal bouquets delivered to the house while making sure the ring bearers corsages are delivered to the church. But let's face it, when you hire professionals they are there to make sure that nothing gets over looked. And when it comes to photography, while we definitely make a timeline of "Must Have" photographs, it's the moments that exist in between all of the well thought out plans that end up taking our breath away. Jennifer and Stephen are a perfect example of what enjoying your wedding day really looks like. My wish for all of my couples is that they have the same experience on their wedding day.

Jennifer Brennan & Stephen Kyrias

07-02-2011

Wedding Location- Chicago

Ravenswood Event Center

Makeup by Ebony

Setting the Stage (The Rehearsal)

2011-11-28T17:21:00.001-06:00

It's been just two weeks since the 11.11.11. pilgrimage to the south. While the warm winds, kind hearts and comfort food are now miles away, my hope is that the photographs will bring us right back to Jennings.

Jacob

2011-11-18T02:42:00.002-06:00

The Kelsven's

2011-11-09T15:57:00.001-06:00

Everybody....meet Claire. The newest addition to the Kelsven's family. She couldn't be any cuter or any more loved. We got a this photo shoot just in time for her to turn 4 months old. It was a pleasure to finally meet you Claire Bear.

First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes....

2011-11-09T14:34:00.002-06:00

Buying a home, opening a fitness center and having baby!!! Nick and Tracey have been on the move! It's a good thing they work out, cause Kyla is a ball of energy! If there are any brides and grooms that want to get their butts in shape...http://www.patriotboxing.com/

Shea and Ronan

2011-11-01T16:58:00.001-05:00

I had the pleasure of hanging out with Shea and his little brother Ronan last week. While Shea could hardly contain his energy, 11 day old Ronan barley opened his eyes. I can only imagine what is in store for these brothers! Welcome to the world Ronan!

Pretty Powerful 2.0

2011-10-20T12:56:00.000-05:00

I always have a good time with the Bobbi Brown crew! Not to mention I love their campaigns that empower women to be their best self. Clean simple looks are always in fashion.

Fun with Teen Vogue and Fashion's Night Out

2011-09-09T17:30:00.000-05:00

Had a great time with Teen Vogue Blogger Claire Schultz, Stylist Kesha Wilson and the Chicago bebe staff!!! Kesha and I were super excited to grab this pic with Teresa from Real Housewives. Never a dull moment when you're on the Mag Mile!

The Bride wore Red

2011-08-25T12:04:00.000-05:00

Not only did the bride wear red, but she also got married on a Tuesday!! Nothing like bucking tradition! On a lovely mid-summers night, an intimate group of family and friends gathered at the Bistro Campagne in Lincoln Square to witness the marriage of Nic Dimond and Amanda Delheimer. The ceremony was heartfelt, the setting was romantic and the food and drink were exceptional. Of course no wedding of Amanda’s (2^nd Story’s Artistic Director) would be complete without a story or two. Thanks to Bobby Biedrzycki, Sarah Zematis and Megan Stielstra for sharing their beautiful words, Mikhail Fiksel for his wonderful music, Julie Ganey and Heather Vogel for all their hard work and planning. Oh and Dana Cruz, who made for a lovely officiate!!

Ballroom Dance Chicago

2011-03-12T14:59:00.000-06:00

So here are a few exciting shots from Ballroom Dance Chicago. Brides to be... you will definitely want to check them out!!! http://www.ballroomdancechicago.com

Stacey and Adrian @ Ravenswood Billboard Factory

2011-01-18T18:54:00.000-06:00

One thing that has become quite clear is that during the wedding season I hardly have time to blog... so in light of that, I am going to blog backwards through the year and take you on a little journey of 2010. Starting with Stacey and Adrian Carr. A lovely couple from the UK who had their dream wedding at our favorite venue the Ravenswood Billboard Factory. Special thanks to Andy, Aly and Gina at ravenswoodeventcenter.com, Kim Gapinkski @ bigcitybride.com who kept us all on time and the crew @ http://botanicalschicago.com for their lovely designs!

Fun, Flirty and Fearless!

2011-01-12T13:46:00.001-06:00

Meet Presley.... she's a local girl with some serious spirit. Not only is she one amazing cheerleader...but chances are you might see her on the big screen someday. Can't wait to see what life has to offer you girl!

Meet Jack

2010-08-28T13:58:00.000-05:00

I love it when my people (brides and grooms) make little people!!! Meet Jack!! Have you ever seen a happier face!?! Congrats Kristin and Adrian, you have beautiful little boy. I’d be happy to photograph him any day!

Bobbi Brown

2010-06-15T23:24:00.001-05:00

A few weeks back Ebony and I were hired by Bobbi Brown to cover the Pretty Powerful event at Bloomies on Michigan Ave. Even though the day was long and we worked our tails off, we had a blast!! We had a chance to watch the artists work their magic and help everyday woman look their best. It was transformative for both of us…. And now Ebony has officially become one of their artists. Congrats Ebony!!! You’re the best!!!

Fun with Sophie

2010-03-20T19:14:00.001-05:00

Sophie is a local actress here in Chicago. She came to me looking for photo's to spice up her website, I'd say mission accomplished. Although I can't take all the credit, today's photo's are brought to you by Ebony Carrig, Make Up Artist Extraordinaire and Siobhan Duncan Intern/Stylist/All around awesome girl.

Couple's Night

2010-02-15T14:59:00.000-06:00

Meet CP and Jess in person tonight at Webster’s Wine Bar….Find out the story behind the story. It’s couples night, directed by yours truly. Might I add, directing my future Bride and Groom was down right awesome!!! I gained an even deeper insight into their world and their relationship and I can’t wait to photograph their May wedding!! Also featured tonight are Max and Julia and Kara and April. You don’t want to miss it!! www.2ndstory.com

CP and Jess

2009-11-24T23:17:00.001-06:00

The Other Side

2009-11-14T17:03:00.000-06:00

So some of you might wonder what I do when I am not photographing weddings. Well let’s just say it is likely that is will have something to do with art and culture in Chicago. As a young girl back in the late 90’s when I was in college I studied both photography and theater and in my current life they both play a role. For many years I have been a member of the Serendipity Theater Collective as a writer and performer for their 2nd Story series and in October of 2007 I stepped up as the company’s managing director. What does that mean? It means I am a busy girl. It also means I am dedicated to the art form of story telling visually as well as on stage and on the page. And in my life I am surrounded by creativity all the time!!! So much so, sometimes it makes my head hurt and I have to remind myself to embrace and merge my creativity whenever I can. Thus has lead to photographing of local artists, musicians and actors. I have a unique perspective when I get behind the camera with a performer that comes from all of the hats that I wear. It’s exciting, fun and I can’t wait to do more of it. Here are some shots from my session with Cristina, a lovely local actress. Make-Up provided by Ebony Carrig.

Gearing up for Next Season

2009-11-13T14:05:00.000-06:00

As a photographer there are many things that I cherish, one of those happens to be the opportunity to really get to know a family. Case and point, above is Jose Santiago whose sisters wedding I photographed back in April of 2007. And it is seems like just yesterday I was photographing Maddie and Eddie's engagement photos! Where does the time go?!?! Regardless, Allyson and Jose are a very down to earth, cool couple and as you can tell they are obviously hopeless romantics, I mean they are Cubs fans after all.... sigh....

Maui in May

2009-08-21T15:43:00.000-05:00

Julie Ann Owens and Brent Thomas Mills
May 30, 2009
Maui, Hawaii

One thing I absolutely love about my job is the opportunity to travel-- and it's even better when the travel involves photographing the wedding of a kind and lovely couple! Such was the case this summer, when I had the chance to jet to Maui to photograph the wedding of Julie Ann Owens and Brent Thomas Mills.

It was truly an incredible day. The celebration had an elegantly simple Hawaiian vibe, which was perfectly captured by the venue, the beautiful Haiku Mill. Julie and Brent were stunning, the guests had a blast, and since both the bride and groom are ballroom dancers, they had one of the hottest first dances I've ever seen!

Check out a few of my favorite images below. A special thank you to Sylvia at the Haiku Mill, who made us feel incredibly welcome! I look forward to shooting many more weddings there.

Welcoming Kidd Carter Carrig 12.23.2008

2009-01-16T23:06:00.000-06:00

So I had the privilege to photograph Kidd Carter Carrig for the first time last week and let me tell you he is all attitude just like his mom and dad. For only being a total of 2 weeks old, he has some serious modeling skills. He's all "I'll look that way" " I'll look this way" "I'll even smile when you want me to" All I can say is I look out world, Tim and Ebony have a future rockstar on their hands.