I love, love, love! Chicago weddings.  I’d say 70% of all the weddings I photographed this past year were in the suburbs, so all the downtown weddings were a real treat.  Chicago weddings have a unique city charm about them, and Sarah and Dean’s wedding was no exception.  Sarah and Dean were a fantastic couple to photograph.  Sarah had every detail worked out, and the day went, for a wedding unusually, smooth.  Not to mention for 2010 this wedding wins the award for most intricate and beautiful reception decor.  Sorry, there’s no prize money with that, this is  just a blog.    This stunning reception was held at the Westin in Chicago.   Florist Daniel Simonelli will take your breath away with this reception room decor, as he always does.

Sarah’s cat.  I am very proud of this picture as this cat did not come out of hiding much- it fits his personality.

Every detail was a match.

I love shots like this.  I was in a very narrow hallway on my tummy pushed up against a wall.  This was the real door to the bedroom- as sometimes I’ll get a shot like this from the closet if the light is better from that direction.

This is the moment when it hits you.  Mom taking the tag off the veil.

This little girl was so proud to be a part of the wedding.

Love! these button.

I was kind of bummed when I got to the house because it was raining outside and there was mostly orange/yellow lights in the house.  I was thrilled when I peeked in Sarah’s bedroom and found this amazing window.  It was like striking photography gold.

This is a pretty classic portrait pose.  Turning the body away from the light brings out detail on the dress and creates flattering shadows.  Pulling the elbows lightly away from the body accentuates curves at the waist.  The nose points back towards the light- a low contract classic Rembrandt style light.  This lifts the cheek bones, and the three quarters angle of the face give the face more of a heart shape look.  This would also be a great angle for hiding imperfections- uneven eyes, crooked nose, etc.  Sarah didn’t need that- I just liked this pose for her.  Also I’m standing on the bed.  A slightly above eye level angle is very flattering for most people… and being that I’m shorter than most brides in heels and nearly all grooms I often find myself climbing things.

A contemporary shot in the hallway.

Sarah getting off the bus in between drizzles.

Dean’s family laughing right after the adorable flower girl had ran down the isle.

The thought going through my mind at the moment, “don’t move, don’t move, please hold that door… got it.”

Dean hugging Sarah’s brother who had walked her down the isle.

I can’t remember which church this is.  It was beautiful!  I would really love to tag it.

The only problem with wedding attire it that it doesn’t leave you much space to carry essential things…like keys.

If this doesn’t scream Chicago, I don’t know what does.

One of my favorites!

I’m shooting way back at 200mm here- that’s why the Sears tower looks so close.

Same spot as the previous photo just with a wider angle.  I’m going to guess about 50mm.

Classic Chicago wind.

The groomsmen were entertained while we took pictures, and of course Dean had to get a little practice in too.

This group was so much fun.

I love Chicago in the fall. This is the bridge by the Art Institute.

It’s my job to capture the moments you might have missed.  This groomsman is holding a woman’s fur in the most manly way possible.

This couple stopped to say hi.  They had either been married at the Art Institute, or it was their anniversary… I can’t remember.

The party bus.

It didn’t take Dean long to loosen up.

Points to whoever can guess where this was.  It’s my new favorite spot.

I’m not sure what happened here… but suddenly everyone is looking at the groomsman on the left.

Daniel Simonelli knocks it out of the park again! www.danielsfloral.com

These tables were so unique, banquet style in an X pattern.

A fall fairy tale.

My favorite shot of the day!! They happened to walk through the room while I was photographing details.

One of my previous couples- it was great seeing Sarah and Martin again.

They practiced before the guests had entered.

But the emotion came during the real thing.

Overall, a stunning wedding I was privileged to photograph.  Congratulations Sarah and Dean!