Amy & Matt | Engaged!

On our last visit to Chicago we caught up with Amy and Matt to shoot some engagement pictures in their Gold Coast neighborhood and around Michigan Avenue. We got so lucky the weather held out for these two. It poured moments before and after their shoot. I don’t know if everyone has had the privilege of witnessing a Mid-West summer thunderstorm but it’s quite the spectacle and definitely not a time when you want to be walking around with a big umbrella. However, Josh tells me all the time how much he loves shooting right after a good rain because all the lights appear super colorful on the wet ground and you can do some creative stuff with reflective puddles. I have to agree with him. Those shots always seem a little more magical.
So Amy and Matt were pretty good sports about the weather and got all dolled up for us anyway. We had a really good time just walking the streets of downtown Chicago chatting and getting to know one another. I’m really looking forward to shooting their wedding at the Lincoln Park Zoo’s Cafe Brauer in August. I know it will be gorgeous!

-Melissa

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Nicole & Tim | Sneak Peak!

I’m so psyched to be posting a Portland wedding! Well at least a sneak peak of one anyways. We’ve been here since November and seem to be shooting everywhere but home. Nicole and Tim’s wedding on Saturday was a great way to get our feet wet in our new town. They got ready at the Hotel Vintage Plaza and had an amazing first look on Broadway Street in the heart of Portland’s downtown. From there we hit the spectacular Peninsula Park Rose Gardens and scenic Mt. Tabor. Then their reception was held in one of my favorite neighborhoods, the Alberta Arts District, at the Acadian Ballroom. There will definitely be a lot more come from this wedding. It was so awesome. A couple so in love and made for each other, a crazy fun bridal party, and a beautiful celebration. Thank you Nicole and Tim for entrusting us with the huge honor of capturing your day. It means the world to us. Congratulations and have a blast in Mexico!

-Melissa

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Emily & Eric | Married!

So we’re going a little bit out of order with this wedding post but I can’t help it, it’s too exciting to wait another day. If you’ve been following our blog, twitter, or facebook you know that a few weeks ago we were in Wilmington, NC to attend and shoot my brother’s wedding. Josh warned me not to get too sappy with this post so I’m going to do my best to tone it down. I just have to say that I think my brother is pretty amazing. Growing up were only two years apart and were pretty much inseparable through most of our childhood. We lived in a small town in Rhode Island and didn’t have a lot of kids to play with so we were forced to entertain ourselves. Eric was the sweetest and most considerate child. I remember teasing him because he was such a mama’s boy. A few years later my parents decided to move to Wilmington when we were both almost teenagers. We supported each other through this major change at our vulnerable age. Neither one of us was too thrilled to be leaving our friends, family, and only home we had ever known. As teenagers we grew apart and for some time became mortal enemies (I’m being dramatic, of course). We were young, stubborn, and we’re on very different paths. It took some time, but now I believe Eric and I are closer than ever. I have a new respect for him as an adult and I believe he is capable of doing anything in life.

His new bride, Emily, is pretty great too! Up until I met Emily, I was always a little worried that I would not like the girl Eric choose to live his life with. I had never been a fan of any of his past girlfriends and growing up in a house of all boys, I really wanted a sister that I could bond with. Emily was open and warm from the moment I met her. She is fun and everything I could have hoped for in a sister-in-law. She is also an excellent mom to their two year old son, Hayden. I’m so excited that she is officially part of our family.

Eric and Emily’s wedding was fun for us not only because we are so close but also because it was in a totally new location. Even though I’m from Wilmington, I left way before we got our business going so we haven’t had the opportunity to shoot there. Josh and I love shooting in new places! I can’t express that enough to any couple who is considering us. We are so inspired by new places and in turn are able to offer our clients really unique imagery. So please take us with you where ever the destination and we won’t fail to amaze.

Eric and Emily’s wedding had what I would call a beachy chic theme. The ceremony and reception was held in the picturesque downtown Wilmington waterfront which has a lot of historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and loads of charm. Their ceremony, held at Cape Fear River Deck which has amazing views of the river and the Battleship North Carolina. The site was decorated with Emily’s favorite flowers, hydrangeas and peonies, and lots of custom vintage details. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when Emily walked down the isle escorted by a bagpipe player. I have to say I enjoyed a new perspective with this ceremony because I was part of the bridal party and not shooting. Hats off to Josh, all of these shots (except for the few of my brother getting ready) were taken by him.

After the ceremony we all sought the shelter from the crazy hot day at 128 South for a intimate afternoon reception. The food was terrific and the venue was so great to shoot in. Light, airy, and versatile. You could decorate this venue in any variety of styles and never worry about it competing with the space. Everyone had a great time and I’ve never been so aware as to how quickly a wedding day actually flies by. Before I knew it, we were wishing E&E off by tossing lavender at them as they dove into their get-a-way car.

So they didn’t get away from us for long as you can see because we just had to take advantage of the beautiful North Carolina coast line at Fort Fisher and evening light. I’ve always loved the big windblown Cyprus trees there. Our end of day portrait session with them produced some of my all time favorite wedding images. Eric and Emily are a beautiful couple inside and out and I’m so excited that I get to witness their life together!

Congratulations guys, you finally did it!

Love,
Melissa

Event Coordination: Salt Harbor Design
Hair & Makeup: Harbour Club Day Spa and Salon
Music: The Doug Irving Trio
Cake: Flower and Flour
Catering & Venue: 128 South Events

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