What could really be any better than knowing that your friend has found the love of her life? The only thing that almost tops such great news is when my friend asked me to follow her into an apple orchard and help capture that love!  We arrived at Royal Oak Farm Orchard just as the sun was starting to set and most of the patrons were starting to head out. It felt like we had the entire orchard to ourselves, which was amazing! I am so over the moon happy for Danny and Alise and cannot wait to be attending their  barn wedding soon!! Cheers to the happy couple!

My big sister is due in 4 weeks and counting and I couldn’t have been more excited to capture her in her glorious glowing state.  My family and I are beyond excited to meet baby Maeve in a few weeks and welcome her into our hearts. Wishing Beca and Brian a beautiful birth and healthy arrival of their baby girl.

Andy and Malerie are married!  Here is a quick peek into their gorgeous beer garden wedding. We LOVED following them and their (awesomely cool) family and friends all day to capture the best moments!  Guys, we can’t wait to show you the rest!!

It’s was great girly fun to capture this fun DIY floral event last week at Anthropologie hosted by The Everygirl! The ladies gathered round to demons fresh and budget friendly floral hairpieces. Such a cute and festive idea for any special event this season. Wear one to a wedding as a guest or bridal party member!  Head over to The Everygirl website to get the full deets on how to craft your own beauty!

This past Sunday morning a group of vendors met for the first time under the El tracks in Ravenswood to meet, greet, and collaborate on this shoot that Elaine from Shadowbox Dreams had been putting together for  while.  I think I’m not the only one who left that sunny morning totally inspired and grateful to be part of an industry that is so supportive, collaborative, and full to the brim with creative energy. Each of these ladies not only brings talent to the table but personality and passion for what they create. Thank you Elaine for inviting me to be a part of this fabulous group of ladies!  I hope we can all work again soon 🙂

Vintage Rentals: Shadowbox Dreams

Paper Bouquets: Little Spoon Events

Candles: Chicago Candle Co.

Wedding Suite: Chykalophia

Baked Goods: Bot Bakery

Graphic Artist: Chyrel Banias

Handmade Backdrops/Supplies: Penelope & Lala

We started off our engagement session with Bethany and Joel last week on a beautiful sunny fall day at there new home in Old Town. From there we walked to the Lincoln Park zoo and spent the rest of the afternoon getting to know this adorable couple while capturing there affection for one another. We were able to capture so may great shots of them together, that it was hard to stop shooting.  Joe and I are so excited to be invited to spend the day with Bethany and Joel again next August when they say there I Do’s! We can’t wait!!

From the outside looking into this cute Lakeview bridal shop, it’s clear that Mignonette is unlike any other bridal shop in Chicago. Walking into this space is like stepping into a beatuifully curated bridal closet filled with one of a kind custom gowns designed and sewn by the talented shop owner Kpoene.  And of course what closet wouldn’t be complete without accessories like veils, jewelry, and vintage men’s suits to complete your bridal look. Kpoene created her shop to be a space where clients could shop, chat, and linger around for a while…which trust me is easy to do with all the inviting vintage furnishings and DIY decor she has surrounding the space. She even rents out her space to other vendors in the wedding industry to hold client meetings in.  Something that Joe and I are excited to be doing in the future.

If you’re looking for a non-traditional, vintage inspired assortment of lovely bridal dresses and accessories be sure to stop by Mignonette and prepare yourself to be inspired and add to your list of go-to shops where you’ll be happy to visit again with your mom and maid of honor in tow.

Joe and I had a great time last night mingling with so many  talented vendors at Indie Wed Milwaukee (thanks to M Three Studio for the free tickets!)  Here is just a small recap of a few of our favorite vendors!  There were more…we just got lost in conversation that we forgot to keep taking photos.  Our dream is to eventually be in this show, but for now we’ll keep plugging away!  Thanks to all the vendors who took time to talk to us about our wedding plans and answering all our questions!  Can’t wait to visit the Chicago show when it comes into town!

Thanks to my bloggy  friend Leah of Sang the Bird for passing the sunshine award to me today!  It made me smile 🙂

*Here are my 10 favorites:

color(s) :: mint green & coral

animal :: Sadly I am allergic to most animals, but I love pet sitting for my brother’s min-pin Hemingway!  He has so much energy and is a great running partner!

Non-alcoholic drink:: Unsweetened ice tea with lemon, served over ice with a straw!!  Tastes like summer to me!

facebook or twitter :: Recently I’ve been connecting with so many new people on Twitter!  It’s a great source for up to minute information and a modern way to say hello/thanks/nice to meet you…I get excited to connect with people and see who they are following too!

getting or giving presents :: I get such great joy seeing people’s face light up when they open a gift, so definitely giving presents!

flower ::  Peony’s

pattern :: Floral

passion :: Capturing moments and sharing them!

number :: 13