I don’t photograph families very often, but when I do – I always make sure it’s an in-home session. I love capturing real moments within families’ homes. Extra bonus points if it’s your first home together. Lots of laughs, lots of candid moments… not a lot of forced, posed photos. If the perfect family photo is what you’re looking for – good for you! There are tons of photographers who specialize in that 🙂 Shoot me a note and I can refer you to some super talented folks. But here’s a look at what we can personally do for you and your family.

This week on wedding inspirations, we’re talking venues. Over the past nine years, I’ve been lucky enough to shoot at some of Chicago’s best venues. These are just some of my favorites (there are some close seconds that didn’t make the cut – if you’re not seeing a venue you’re thinking about for your wedding, leave a comment below and I’d be happy to share my photos from that space to help you envision your day). All of the spaces are different, and once you look through the photos – you’ll see how choosing the right venue for YOUR wedding can set the vibe for your whole night. Scroll through, check out whatever space you can you see your wedding taking place, and reach out. All of the websites are linked below, but if you have any other questions (florists, planners, venue contact, etc.) – leave a comment and I’ll get back to you!

(above): Salvage One

(above): The Geraghty

(above): Lacuna Lofts

 

(above): Adler Planetarium

(above): Ravenswood Event Center

(above): Theatre on the Lake

(above): Cindy’s Rooftop

(above):  Architectural Artifacts

(above): University Club

(above): River Roast

(above): Galleria Marchetti

(above): Bridgeport Art Center (sculptural garden)

(above): Armour House

(above): Harold Washington Library

(above): City Winery

(above): Ovation

(above): Chicago Illuminating Company

(above): Field Museum

(above): Bridgeport Art Center (skyline loft)

(above): Cafe Brauer

(above): Morton Arboretum

(above): Chicago Botanic Garden

(above): Chicago Cultural Center

I’ve said it a million times and I’ll say it again here. We LOVE when couples pick meaningful spots for their Engagement Session. Whether it’s your neighborhood, favorite bar, favorite restaurant, favorite shoe store – it doesn’t matter. Take us anywhere you frequent as a couple and we’ll tell your story. For this one, Sally + Connor took Nicki around Logan Square to capture some of their favorite hangouts. We love these because they tell the story of your relationship as it is NOW. Your love story might not look the same in 10, 15, 20 years… and that’s why we want to tell this one.

Round 2 of the wedding inspirations, and we’re talking florals today. Specifically, bridal bouquets. There’s so many different styles these days – structured, loose and flowy, all white, bold color, classic roses, and my personal favorite proteas/sugarbushes. I’m not going to pretend to know anything about flowers, other than I think they’re pretty – and I’m drawn to the more wild, bold color, loose green bouquets. You want to know more – feel free to contact any of the talented florists listed below the photos. So many great options to choose from in Chicago – find the one that’s best for YOU. Anything else you want to see? Leave a comment on the bottom and I’ll pull up a few samples for you to look through.

above: Atmosphere Events Group

above: Flowers by Steen

above: Northern Greenhouses

above: Little Shop on the Prairie

above: Flowers for Dreams

above: Atmosphere Events Group

above: Stemline Creative 

above: Life in Bloom

above: Flower Fantasy

above: Life in Bloom

above: Flowers for Dreams

above: Atmosphere Events Group

above: Fleur

above: Life in Bloom

above: Flowers for Dreams

above: Flowers for Dreams

above: Flowers by Stem

above: Steve’s Flower Market

above: Jaimers Floral

Last October, Nicki hung out with Alyssa + Tucker in their home and neighborhood (our FAVORITE type of engagement session). She captured them in their element, where they spend their daily lives, just relaxing and having fun with each other. We love capturing these types of engagement sessions, because we like telling this story of your life, today. When you move onto your next home or new city or next stage of life – won’t it be fun to look back on these pictures and remember what your lives were like?!  We think so.

As I learned last year, when it comes to planning your wedding – there is A LOT to think about. As a wedding photographer – I’ve seen it all. So I’m pulling together some of everything I’ve seen to help YOU plan your wedding, or at least get some inspiration if you’re totally lost 😉 Over the next few weeks, I’m going to be sharing bridesmaid dresses/colors, bouquets, centerpiece/reception decor, reception venues, and groom tuxedos. Anything else you want to see? Leave a comment on the bottom and I’ll pull up a few samples for you to look through.

This week is all about the ladies. Check out the gowns, color palettes, accessories, and hopefully you can get an overall feel of what you want your vibe to be. Yours truly even makes an appearance in the gallery! Good luck and remember to enjoy this time planning your wedding (as stressful as it can be)!

(above): Dessy

(above): David’s Bridal

(above): A mix of Lulus, Show Me Your Mumu, and Nordstrom

(above): Katie May, Nordstrom Oakbrook 

(above): Amsale, Bella Bridesmaid; Jenny Yoo (Blake and Jules), V2V

(above): all bridesmaids chose their own black dress

 

(above): Bill Levkoff, Brideside Chicago

(above): David’s Bridal

(above): Katie May, BHLDN

(above): Jenny Yoo Collection

(above): David’s Bridal

 

(above): Jenny Yoo Chicago – dress styles: Charlie, Mila, Olivia, Cassie, Racquel, Jacqueline & Mira

(above): BHLDN

(above): All from Nordstrom (Jenny Yoo, Monique Lhuillier, Adrianna Papell, Aidan Mattox)

(above): Dessy, Bella Bridesmaids

(above): Dessy Collection, Brideside

(above): Revelry

(above): Jenny Yoo Collection

(above): Jenny Yoo Collection

(above): BHLDN

(above): Alfred Sung, Brideside

(above): Morilee Bridesmaids

(above): Show Me Your Mumu

JTP team photog, Nicki, spent the afternoon with Erin + Joe last fall, hopping around the 606 and capturing a little bit of their daily lives. We always love shooting around our couples’ neighborhoods. It tells the story of this moment in their lives – where they lived, where they spent their time, and where their love grew changed dating to engaged. This session is extra special to my heart because it’s so close to where we live in Logan/Bucktown, too! Erin + Joe’s wedding is just a little over TWO WEEKS away – and we can’t wait to celebrate with them!

How they met: “We met at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign as undergrads. We didn’t know each other well, but ran back into each other several years after graduating in Chicago. Michael had to work pretty hard to get a first date, but once he did the rest was history.”

How he proposed: “Melanie had moved from Chicago to Cleveland for a year to complete her Mohs fellowship. At the end of fellowship, we were in Chicago for a friend’s wedding over Mother’s Day weekend and Melanie was scheduled to fly out on Sunday. Michael told Melanie that they were going for a walk to meet his sister on the lakefront before their Mother’s Day brunch with Melanie’s family. While walking on the lakefront overlooking the city, he got down on one knee and had a photographer there to capture the moment! Michael had already arranged an engagement party with both of their families afterwards and contacted her program director/rescheduled Melanie’s flight for Monday evening so they could spend the time celebrating with each other and their families.”

How we spent the wedding day: Melanie and Michael were surrounded by their friends and family watching their year of planning come into fruition. They danced the night away and topped off the night with tacos from a Chicago (and personal) favorite, Big Star! Take a peek into their amazing wedding day – all the best to Melanie + Michael!

VENDOR CREDITS // Wedding Dress Designer: Vera Wang Chicago | Bridesmiad Dresses Designer: Jenny Yoo | Tuxedo Designer: Paco’s Custom Clothiers | Hair Stylist: Stacie Yarosz | Make-up Artist: Joanna B. Artistry | Wedding Coordinator: Greatest Expectations, Calli Lucas | Videographer: The Color Flow | Florist: Four Finches | Cake Artist: Sweet Mandy B’s | Band: Stitely Entertainment Chicago Groove Collective | Paper Goods Designer: SHINE Weddings | Ceremony Venue: St. James Chapel | Reception Venue: Chicago Illuminating Company | Caterer: Boka Catering |  Late Night Food: Big Star | Macarons: La Fournette | Lighting: FROST

Summer 2012: After college, Katie’s roommates had a friend from UW Madison come visit. Enter Jake. Shortly after the visit, Katie + Jake started dating.

August 2017: Five years later, in their apartment, Jake asked Katie to marry him. The first gift she gave him was a Harry Potter themed mug. So that morning, he had Katie pour him coffee and the ring was in the mug along with a clue that lead her to a Harry Potter book (marked at her favorite chapter) and a note.

September 2018: A little over a year later – Katie + Jake had the most beautiful wedding at the Pritzlaff in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The mix of pinks and textures against the blue sky and water was incredible. And with the help of their family and friends – they had the best night of their lives. Here are a few of our favorites, taken by JTP Team Photog, Nicki.

VENDOR CREDITS // Wedding Dress Designer: Weddings 826 | Bridesmiad Dresses Designer: BHLDN | Tuxedo Designer: Macy’s Bar III | Hair/Make-up Stylist: Style by R, Shenna | Videographer: ojo Creative | Florist: Jaimers Floral | Cake Artist: The Cake Lady | DJ: Sound by Design | Ceremony/Reception Venue: Pritzlaff Events | Caterer: Saz’s

When you ask Kevin, he will tell you the proposal planning process started eight years ago when him and Maureen first met after which he admitted to his mom that he could see himself marrying this girl. Fast forward eight amazing years and we arrive at Maureen’s 26th birthday. After a full day out on the town celebrating (and Kevin doing his best at the seemingly impossible task of keeping it cool), they ventured to the last part of the day’s plan, dinner at the London House rooftop. Upon arrival, they were led to the roped off area of the Cupola to “wait for their table.” They headed up the walkway covered with rose petals which lead them to a small table with a bottle of champagne on ice waiting for them to celebrate. At this point, Maureen was thinking “wow, this is a lot for my birthday” until she turned around and saw Kevin’s face as he started to say “I’ve been waiting eight years to ask you this…” Kevin could do nothing to keep from shaking, sweating, smiling, and being filled with the most excitement and nervousness he had ever experienced. While the next 20 seconds he admittedly “blacked out,” he finally asked the question and received the answer he had been dying to hear for so long. Joined by their parents soon after, they celebrated the rest of the evening together taking in the beautiful views of the city with their wonderful company! The next day they left on their first European adventure together and rode the “engagement high” in London, Paris and Barcelona as they started their future of (soon-to-be) Mr. and Mrs. Johnson! – from Maureen + Kevin

I love hearing couples tell their own stories, in their own words. People always ask me if I get bored shooting weddings – and the truth is – every wedding and couple is so different… it’s always new and exciting to me 🙂 So, here’s their wedding day story, told through my camera – enjoy!

 

VENDOR CREDITS // Photographer: Jill Tiongco Photography, Jill | Planner: Shannon Gail Weddings and Events, Samantha | Venue: City Winery | Florals: Fleur | Music: Innocenti Quartet | Decor: Imagination Designers