I got to meet this lovely family for the first time near the lake at Fullerton. The day was absolutely gorgeous, besides it being 34 degrees with the lake wind! Eeks! Baby Lucy did an amazing job, considering she had to take warming breaks. We even had a pitstop in the restaurant to be able to take off our layers and have a bottle. All smiles from there on out. It was such a pleasure working with these three, next time, hopefully it's June and we can actually enjoy that wind! :)
I was fortunate enough to get to spend some time with these gorgeous souls when I was home in Iowa in November. Julie is a dear friend of mine and since she had her twins, I hadn't gotten a chance to meet them. They live in Colorado so seeing them often hasn't been as easy as I'd like. The twins were as sweet as they look, even with a bit of a cold for both of them. I think I hit the sweet spot with baby Lou when I would fake sneeze and my hair would go everywhere. My daughter always thought I was so funny too when I would do that to her when she was a baby. Oh the sweet baby days!
I shot this family earlier the year before, but only Gabriella, who then, was only 14 months. I'm back ready to shoot them before their new addition comes (should be any day now!) I went to their home in Forest Park and took their photos in an intimate session and then again outside where we wanted to showcase that fabulous bump!
When I became a mom, I lost myself in being a mom for awhile. The first time I left her for more than an hour was when I went to The Metro for an Other Lives concert, she was almost six months old. Slowly but surely I came out of that "only a mom" stage and I started to do things for me again, I even went back to work full-time. One thing that I make sure I do for myself is travel and to be with my girlfriends (solo!). This Kansas City trip was just that. Being with my best friends and hanging out at home, ordering pizza, watching Netflix, seeing a concert, going out to eat... it was perfect. Plus, I got to see a new town, Kansas City, which I had never been to. Sarah moved there over a year ago and I hadn't had the chance to visit until this October. Arcade Fire was playing there on a Friday night, so I called her up and told her we were going. Andrea was just the icing on top of the cake because she decided she could drive down and make it.
Sarah's house is filled with amazing thrifting finds and antiques. She and her boyfriend are incredible artists who tattoo for a living. It was so great to see their spot (and their shop)! If you're in need of a tattoo in the midwest, head to Old Souls in Kansas City, Sarah and Travis will hook you up.
Andrea brought her pom pom making kit and we drank cafe mentes (my new favorite) and wine and laughed a lot. I didn't bring my camera to the Arcade Fire show, so I don't have any photos via my Canon but if you check out my Instagram: @feathersandnoise - you can check a few out there. I'm so grateful for my time with them there this weekend but my heart was aching to get back to my Penelope. Walking in that door after being gone, and having her run to me so excitedly, is the best feeling as a mom. I'm already planning our next adventure... stay tuned!
XO
J
I first met Kat and Colin at a restaurant in our neighborhood, sipping on cocktails, getting to know each other and going over their vision. They were so sweet and so in love, I was very happy they decided to book me for their 2017 fall wedding. The day came and it was one of the rainiest days of the year with intermittent downpours that would flood the streets. I arrived at The Aloft Hotel in River North, first meting with Colin and then separately, Kat. There was lots of laughter and a carefree attitude about the rain, they were just excited to get started. I took photos of the getting ready and like city brides do, she jumped in a cab and headed over to The Roof Crop. The first look was epic, Colin’s reaction to Kat coming off the elevator was priceless, jaw dropped, hands on face and then they both burst into tears. I love being able to witness these moments! After the ceremony Kat and Colin surprised their guests with a marching band complete with drums and brass, and Chicago flag painted tuba. We walked approximately four blocks over puddles and past honking cars. These are some of my favorite photos of the day and I just want to say that clear umbrellas are adorable and I kind of want them as a prop in my future wedding photos (noted future brides!)
The reception was held at Low Res Studio which is an agency during the week and a rad event space by the weekend.
The big day had arrived and I was looking forward to this day. I left from Chicago and drove to Apple River, IL. It was the most beautiful fall day, absolute perfection, I stopped for a couple personal photos on the way. The GPS took me down a narrow country road surrounded atop with touching trees and ponds. It was so adorable, I couldn’t wait to get started. I arrived about an hour early, and no one was there yet so I made myself useful and walked the property to take photos and scout for some spots later on. There were so many options I almost got overwhelmed. As I was shooting the rows of tall oak trees, I noticed a little animal at the end in front of the barn. I walked to get a closer look, a little mini donkey who wasn’t afraid of me at all. I probably took too many photos of him but he was asking for it!
Jacklyn arrived and started to hang the Blackhawk jerseys on the clothes line. Embroidered on the back was “Marry Me,” the jersey CJ gave to her in Nashville where he proposed before the Blackhawks game there. The bridesmaids arrived shortly after and then the guys. The ladies were all getting ready in the lofted barn and then we decided to do the first look on the dock of the pond, because where else would we do it!? CJ’s breath was taken away when he saw her. First look moments are so intimate between a bride and a groom, I feel so lucky to witness those emotional moments between those two people.
We met up with the rest of the bridal party and then we got ready for the ceremony. They decided to do that ceremony beneath the big oak trees where I found my soulmate donkey. I loved the italian patio lights they had strung up between them and the dry pines that lined the ground with oranges and ambers. The ceremony was short and sweet with many laughs and after the deed was done, the owner of Oak Hill Weddings picked them up in the Model A car they have and I jumped in the front seat. We took off for a short drive and then I got a few snaps of them dancing in the middle of the road and then driving up back to the reception. The food was incredible, (thank you Fried Green Tomatoes), the guests were lovely and the music great (Thank you Folk Yeah!). They sipped on wine and cocktails, feasted on crab legs and steak and danced all night to a fantastic band. It was hands down one of my favorite weddings.
J
Emily found me through Yelp (awesome!) and decided to reach out. She was only looking for a small wedding package so we went with an elopement, which includes three hours of photography. She just wanted a little bit of coverage to cover the big parts of the day and I have to be honest, it really worked. There are no photos of speeches or dancing but what she wanted was the memory of her ceremony and photos of her and Evan, and with their families.
They met at The University of Chicago so that’s where we first started, in the Quad. We even stopped for a kiss on the bridge where the myth is, that if you kiss there, you’re destined for each other. We already knew that so we had them kiss anyway. Then we headed to the ceremony destination, also in Hyde Park, Promontory Point. I have been there a few times for other shoots, I just love being next to Lake Michigan. The waves were so big that day, they were crashing into the rocks so I suggested they go down by them and I’ll get a long shot from far away with my telephoto. I took a few dozen photos of them quietly from afar. The waves were a great backdrop of sound that allowed for them to be alone for ten minutes before their ceremony which later, Emily told me was her favorite. both of their families were so excited to be there and for them. I was excited to get them these photos before they took off on their honeymoon to Peru. Enjoy!
J
So the first time I ever met either of these two was the day we took engagement photos. Annie found some of my photos through another client of mine and asked for my information (love when that happens!). Annie and Daniel met me at Olive Park in August, but because we forgot to check, the park was closed due to the air and water show (doh!). So we improvised and we walked down to Oak Street beach and got some shots with the Hancock building behind them (it’s where Daniel proposed). We then got out of there because so many people were lingering around after the event that day and we headed up to Diversey Harbor. These two were so camera shy in the beginning and by the end of the shoot, they were totally comfortable. They were such gigglers, I loved it. Giggles make happy photos so I’m all about it.
J
I am so excited I get to take photos these two and again for their big day. CJ and Jacklyn are so in love, their magnetism is hard to miss. I noticed how much they say “i love you” to each other and how almost in disbelief they have found each other. I was referred to photograph their wedding from my mother’s husband who happened to be booked to play acoustic guitar at their wedding in October of this year. Jacklyn and I met first right down the street from my condo in Chicago with her dog, Sampson. We were neighbors! So we decided to meet before she decided to pull the trigger on the wedding package.
We met each other by the big LOVE art mural in Bucktown and then we walked down a street there and headed to the park near the 606. They made my job easy because they had no problem showing some affection for the camera. I love love and these two had plenty of it. Stay tuned for their next blog post about their wedding! yay!
I shot Michelle and Brian’s wedding a few years ago and I just love when my clients have babies! I was able to meet Brody when he was just 10 days old. He was still so little, wrinkley skin and oh so hungry! Those newborns love to cluster. JI always have to allow for enough time with newborn shoots. Sometimes they won’t eat, they won’t sleep or they just want to be held. And in the end we were lucky enough to get some shots of Chopper with Brody, their beloved boxer who’s been with Michelle for years and years. Thanks for reading!
J
I met one of my favorite clients at the beach, normally we just do local shoots at her home but today we ventured out to a bright early summer morning shoot. The sun was bright, the volleyball leagues were playing, the runners were out in full force. For some reason Valentina wasn’t up for a shoot. We tried walking with her, we tried tickling, giving her snacks, and it just seemed that this day was not her day. Her mom felt so bad because we made the trip out, we really wanted to make it work so then we took a stroll near the water. As we got close, we’d run from the wave. That’s when her tears started to dry. Valentina started to open up to me a bit if I just kept back and let her have her moment in the water. That’s when we got our photos!
J
Quinn was born to some good friends of mine. Their son is just a month younger than my daughter so we were pregnant together. Quinn is sucha well-tempered baby, they are so lucky to have her. She is sweet, she sleeps, she eats AND she looks at the camera. If I was guaranteed to have a Quinn, I think I’d be better equipped to have No. 2! I went over to visit them at their home on a summer night, her brother wanted to go play outside and Quinn and her mommy were the best subjects. After a toddler bribe (happens ALL the time), I was able to capture a few of just the new brother and sister and This family is so sweet, I am so lucky to have them as friends. <3
J
It had been almost 4 years since the last time I photographed this family. Mikey was barely crawling and Mae was still so little. They’re both so tall now and hilarious. I love their brotherly- sister love. He always wanted to do what she was doing. I love when little boys look up to their sisters, that’s my feminist bone coming out. JWe met on a warm summer night in Oakbrook, I had never been to the Graue Mill, a water-powered gristmill and it sits on the Dupage Country Forest Preserve. It had water, trees, paths, and gorgeous summer light. I just wish it was closer to the city so I could shoot here all the time! So much personality in this family, we even had a to take a few photos with thumbs up to appease Mikey, the youngest. Haha! I hope you enjoy!
J
Finally getting around to post this gorgeous couple and their stunning wedding back near her hometown in Iowa. Heidi and Michael live in Seattle and wanted to have their wedding close to home. I only met them when I showed up to take the photos that day! I drove in from Chicago the night before and had such lovely time meeting them and photographing their big day. It’s hard to pick just a few, so if I went overboard in picking them, I apologize! Enjoy!
X
JB
So this post is WAYYYY overdue. I apologize. I started a new full time gig and with a baby… well, nothing goes as planned. Never the less, I am SO excited to share this post with you. I not only shot this wedding (totally pressure and care free), but was the graphic designer, the matron of honor, the speech giver and best friend extraordinaire! Maureen just wanted me to take some photos of Clayton and her before the wedding, the two of them and a couple snapshots of their family. Since the pressure was off, I just carried my camera around the whole night. My husband took some shots when I couldn’t and I gave her brother a 10 second tutorial on how to shoot (all settings set) so he could take some photos of the ceremony. It was hilarious and it was fun! After all, your photographer is with you more than your fiance/husband, she just wanted her best friend too and it just so happens I am a photographer.
The wedding took place at Prairie Productions in the West Loop in Chicago. The ceremony was in the courtyard, exposed brick, Italian patio lights and the sweetest words to each other. The event took place on a Friday in September, and it was a beautiful! A warm day with a crisp chill to the breeze, perfect for an autumn wedding!
All taken with my Mark III and a 50 1.2. No double cameras, no switching out lenses, it was quite liberating! I hope you enjoy these photos, it’s not everyday you get to attend your best friend’s wedding and shoot it at the same time.
J
Here’s a great little mini family shoot I did for Sarah and Ryan and their not-so-baby anymore, big girl, Frances aka Frankie aka Frenchie. Frankie just turned two shortly before this shoot and it was so fun shooting her. I think my favorite age is two, they are so funny and just talking so the things they say are so entertaining.
We met at a garden park in Logan Square, across the street from their home. It’s a great little space, one city lot with a patio, trees and wildflowers. I love this family a lot, we’ve been friends for years, I go way back with Sarah to my hometown in Iowa so it’s fun to be able to do these kinds of things for her. Enjoy these!
J
It’s funny when I get to shoot couples whom I’ve met individually but never together. So on October 17th, I got to see them together for the first time on their wedding day! You can tell by some of the photos below that they are just goofballs, constantly laughing. We started the day downtown at the JW Marriott in the Loop. Alicia had her sister, Kyle’s sister and her best friend as her bridesmaids. Of course, as it happens, we were running behind but we had to do a first look with Alicia and her dad, by FAR the best reaction from a dad I’ve ever seen. He almost fell over, his hands crossed and fell swiftly to his heart and as his knees buckled, the tears welled up in his eyes. It was so sweet. Alicia and her mom did not have dry eyes after that.
We made it in time to meet Kyle for a first look in the West Loop, blocks away from their apartment. After they met, a quick swig of the flask started the day off. We ran around Fulton Market and took photos below the train, in the streets, anywhere we could get a city view. After some photos we headed over to the ceremony and event space, Bottom Lounge. I had been here many times before for a concert but had no idea they had an upstairs with a large deck with city views, it was a great surprise! The bride and groom walked down the aisle to Foo Fighters and Rancid. It was a rock occasion. Kyle’s brother officiated the ceremony and had everyone rolling on the ground. After they both said their I do’s, we headed in for a night of pinball, Malort, dancing and Cubs/Mets playoff game. It was a night to remember! I hope you enjoy these!
J
One beautiful spring day, one gorgeous couple and one gorgeous wedding. It was so great to be a part of this special day, I was so excited to shoot it. The ceremony was performed at St. Joseph the Worker in Dubuque, Iowa and the ceremony following was held at a hotel downtown – The Julien. I have shot weddings at both of these locations before so it was familiar to me. Everything flowed so well and the bride and groom were wonderful. Congratulations to you both, Michelle and Brian!
x
J
I had the pleasure of shooting Andrew and Nicole’s engagement photos last winter and come October, 2014, they’re hitched! The day started off rainy and cold and then it stopped and opened up just for us (at least I like to think so). Nicole and Andrew made my job easy, their chemistry cannot be denied, I think it really shows through these photos. The love and admiration for one another is really special. Please enjoy!
J
Capturing Amy and Chris on their beautiful fall day was truly rewarding. My job really has its perks when I get to see the vulnerable sides of people, brought out by the one they love and are marrying that day. It’s so special. The way these two looked at each other was quite magical and made for a great wedding day.
The site for the ceremony and reception was in Sycamore, IL, about 60 miles west of Chicago. The day was warm in the sun and had lovely crisp fall air. They opted out of seeing each other before the ceremony, Chris was really wanting to wait to see his beautiful bride until she walked down the aisle. This is very sweet and traditional which I think is so romantic. The day progressed and the reception was held at Blumen Gardens, a garden and landscaping business with a stunning outdoor garden and event space. It was rustic and beautiful–a great space to capture the newly wed Clabots. I hope you enjoy these special moments!
J
