Liz & Sean are Married! Chicago: South Shore Cultural Center Wedding

A few weekends ago I had the honor of photographing my friend Liz as she married her guy Sean. Their ceremony and celebration was at the South Shore Cultural Center on the south shore of Chicago and I was blown away at how beautiful it was. The whole day was perfect! It down poured while I was on my way to meet Liz & the girls and I was a little worried we wouldn't be able to do outdoor portraits. But it stopped as soon as I got to Liz's house and didn't rain the rest of the evening! I'll let the photos show my favorite highlights from their beautiful day. 

Sean gave Liz's daughter a ring also, when he asked Liz to marry him. *Heart exploding*

Liz's friend (also a Courtney!) did the flowers for their big day and they were incredibly beautiful. Every detail was perfect!

STUNNER!!!

Married!

Liz surprised Sean with a taco truck at the end of the night for him and all of their guests. It was a huge hit! 

Congratulations, Liz, Sean and Kate - I loved photographing your day and getting to witness something so special!

Chicago Engagement Session at Two Hearted Queen Coffee Shop

Liz & Tony are getting married in Chicago this summer! We spent a sunny morning at my favorite coffee shop, Two Hearted Queen, having coffee and photographing. When you book a wedding with me, an engagement session is always included in your package. This helps me get to know you both and helps you get comfortable with me. I'm going to be with you all day on your wedding day, so it helps to get to know one another and to establish trust. My engagement sessions are customized to you and what you like to do as a couple. Whether it be having coffee on a lazy morning at home, having a drink at your favorite pub, rock-climbing or strolling through this beautiful city. Although we will definitely take some nice portraits of you as a couple, I focus on details and take a lifestyle approach to documenting your engagement. I give direction, then let you cozy up and that's when the magic happens! The way you look at each other, the way you cuddle, the hand-holding, etc. It's the moments when you forget I'm there that are my favorite! 

If you're in Chicago, you must check out Two Hearted Queen in Lakeview. They're seriously the best! Thanks THQ for having us, and for the delicious coffee.

Liz and Tony, I can't wait for your summer wedding - it's going to be so lovely!

Chicago Snow Globe Engagement Session

You may remember LeaAnne & Raj from this summer when we took some photos in their Streeterville home. I'm back to let you know they're OFFICIALLY engaged and in the midst of planning their wedding! The two weekends prior to their engagement session, it snowed like crazy in Chicago. One of those weekends was a monster storm that shut down the city and I was out of town and sadly missed it all. However, I thought that since there was over a foot of snow on the ground we would for sure at least have a little blanket for LeaAnne & Raj so it didn't look so muddy out. Boy, was I wrong! The Friday before we were supposed to shoot, ALL of that snow was gone and I was heartbroken. ALL I had wanted for their session was snow. Fast forward to Saturday morning and me checking the weather the second my eyes opened. Miraculously there was a chance for some snow showers later that afternoon. I hoped and prayed all day and then 2pm came and the snow the hourly forecast predicted was nowhere to be found. An hour later, though, it started ever so quietly and by the time our session started at 4:30 we were COVERED in white, wet snow and it was magical. One of my most favorite sessions ever and L & R were fantastic.

My favorite

I have always loved sessions in winter, but my first "active snowfall" engagement session was unforgettable and I am so thankful that it worked out so perfectly. 

Much love, friends!

xoxo Courtney