{ Navy Pier/Olive Park ~ an Engagement Session - part II }

Here's where the MAGIC happened!!!
First off, as I waiting for them to arrive - a makeshift marching band plowed through Navy Pier and was quite awesome (even if they did boot me from my sweet & carefully selected seat in the shade).
Second, it was GORGEOUS outside!  I couldn't have asked for better weather as a photographer, seriously.
Third, they bought me Garrett's Popcorn from the pier as a "Thank You" { which automatically gets you bonus points in my book!  C'mon!!!  it's frickin' cheddar cheese & caramel popcorn mixed together.... srsly. }

{ Navy Pier/Olive Park ~ an Engagement Session, part I }

This was take one of what ended up to be two separate sessions.  This first session, the lighting was OK - for about 15 min.  and then the sun set on us and the clouds & drizzle rolled in.  And let me tell you, clouds and drizzle is no fun for any session, especially one that is supposed to be brightly colored and summer-feeling!
Quiana was a good sport though and we did end up with some GREAT shots!

{ The Falcone's ~ a TWIN Session! }

I have to preface this posting with (yet another) MAJOR CONGRATULATIONS to Andrea & Kevin, the new parents of Cooper & Charlie!!!
I went to school with Andrea, waaaaayyyy back in the day in Massachusetts.  And I'm talking like we go waaaayyyy back - like to those cringeworthy disposable camera photos of us in our wicked cool Hot Topic "goth" clothes and dyed black hair in my parent's suburban back yard - yea.  THAT far back....
Well she's an app developer now (or something of the sort) - something "techy" anyways - and since I FEAR technology, I probably just got her job description completely wrong.  Anyway, these little angels were born just before I came back to Boston on one of my yearly trips to visit and do some photographing.  I was fortunate enough to have the privilege of getting to photograph them right in their own living room!
I think I might explode if they were any more adorable.

{ Heather & Dan ~ Married 5.26.13 }

LOVED this group!
They were so much fun and just ready to have a good time.  They even had a lifesize cut-out of the character that Zach Galifinakis plays in the Hangover - it was supposed to accompany the guys on their bachelor party trip to Vegas, but got shipped to Chicago instead - so he made a cameo appearance at the actual Wedding.  Which ended up being HILARIOUS and laughs all around!
From small, spray roses in hues of dusty pink to off-white, everything was ready to go!  The veil was on, the Groom awaited his Bride at the alter in the most GORGEOUS hotel setting I've ever seen.  Vows were made, nerves were calmed, and then... we partied!!!!

and because you want to PARTY like Heather & Dan, here are some links to HOW they made the magic happen:

Ceremony/Reception Venue:  Wyndham Hotel - Glenview, IL  { http://www.wyndham.com/hotels/illinois/glenview/wyndham-glenview-suites/hotel-overview } - for some seriously stunning visuals!

Bride's Dress:  David's Bridal { http://www.davidsbridal.com }

Bride's Make-Up:  Jaycie Kurfess { http://www.makeupbyjaycie.com } - she'll come right to your house or hotel room!

Bride's Hair:  Amber Rose { http://www.amberrosestyles.com } - she travels.  she does the perfect 'do for your day.  and she's even there to help get your veil JUST RIGHT!

Tuxedos:  Men's Wearhouse { http://www.menswearhouse.com }

Cake:  Gerhards { http://www.gerhardsdesserts.com } - they specialize in elegant, European-styled cakes, and boy!  This cake was STUNNING!

DJ:  Manna Music { http://www.mannamusicdj.com } - DJ Mark Warner - worked with the Bride & Groom ahead of the Big Day to get exactly what they wanted on the play list - yep!  a bunch of old-skool 80's & 90's!

Officiant:  Jane Rubietta { http://www.janerubietta.com } - when their original JP became unavailable at the last minute, they found Jane.  and I'm so glad they did!  She is amazing, full of smiles, and provides an excellent religious-based, non-church ceremony