Land of Make Believe

seriously.  This wedding was held at the Narnia Estate in Lemont, IL  ( http://www.thenarniaestate.com )  it was STUNNING!  It is basically a huge mansion that this guy decorated to be reminiscent of Narnia, from the books/movies.  It was surprisingly NOT overdone.  It was just REALLY  pretty!  :-)
With a low-key reception planned at the same location and early end time on a Friday night, we spent a good portion of the after-ceremony time just wandering the grounds and doing fun pictures (which obviously I NEVER complain about)  It was pretty "warm" {meaning it was about 90 degrees at 7pm} but we all had a good time and drank lots of water!
I am SOOOO in LOVE with all of their pictures, that I just have too many that I want to share!  Check out the TONS of photos below:

Going to the Chapel...

or have the Chapel come to your Living Room!!
That's exactly what this couple did.  They were married by the Groom's sister right in their own living room!  With about 30 friends and family in attendance, they said their nuptials and then had a small buffet right in their own kitchen.  (Which turned out to be a great plan because it was about 95 degrees outside!)
The groom found me on Craigslist (where I commonly advertise) and I just happened to have the date available (in mid-June, this is actually AMAZING!).  They hired a local bakery, who also cater small events: Rochester Deli ( http://www.rochesterdeli.com/ ) - SERIOUSLY AMAZING food!!  small bites, hot & cold appetizers, and few staff/servers to boot!
Great Ceremony, Great Guests, & MANY Congratulations to the Happy Couple!

West Side!

of Chicago that is...
and for a most STUNNING Wedding!  Held at the Columbus Park Refectory on the fairly FAR West Side of Chicago.  It's a venue that is owned and run by the Chicago Park Districts.
It was a bit drizzly outside, but that didn't stop us from taking a quick hike in full Wedding garb to snap some AWESOME formal photos in a spot that the Bride had scoped out the day before.  The ceremony was officiated by a HILARIOUS Justice of the Peace & he made sure that there were plenty of great photo ops.
It was a great occasion and it was an honor to capture their special day for them!  Check out the digs:

Jammin'

Nothing like a little studio time with AMAZING musicians!
Recently I had the honor of capturing Ralph Covert (of Ralph's World!) in his studio for his 50th Birthday.  He had friends from all over Chicago and the MidWest in and out all weekend long and they made some AWESOME music!
I did stills and video (and let me tell you!  I am most definitely NOT a videographer!) and just hung out with the guys all weekend.
Ralph is best known for his kid's show on Disney - Ralph's World.  He was also lead singer and founder of The Bad Examples - a well-known 90's band.  It was an honor and privilege to spend the weekend with him and all of his VERY talented musician friends.  :-)