Annie and Brian's Chicago engagement session

Like so many of my clients, Annie and Brian live in Chicago, and are getting married in Cleveland. When they asked me if I would come to Chicago to shoot their engagement session, I jumped at the chance. Not only is it a meaningful place for them since they live there, but I happen to love Chicago. And I'll be honest: some serious shopping went down after this photo shoot.

Anyway, Annie and Brian were so obviously in love, this session was easy. We met at the Museum Campus, where I was thrilled to discover a variety of interesting spots for shooting. Apparently, it's the place to go for e-sessions, because I saw no less than four other couples there with their photographers. My couple, was, of course, the best one there, though ;) Here are a few highlights...


Great job, guys. I had so much fun working with you, and I can't wait to photograph your wedding next year.

Adrienne and Nick's Wedding at Nighttown

Adrienne and Nick crossed the pond to tie the knot in a cool jazz club in Adrienne's hometown of Cleveland Heights, Ohio.

While I have been to Nighttown many times as a patron, (love love love their French Onion soup!) this was my first time photographing a wedding there. What a cool spot! The staff was amazing, and Adrienne arrived in style in Nighttown's very own London taxi, circa 1956--so very apropos considering she lives in London. Here are a few favorites from their lovely day:






Congratulations guys!

Sofiya and Mike

Here are a few favorites from Sofiya and Mike's wedding at La Malfa. Sofiya told me ahead of time that photos were very important to Mike and her, so she made sure we had plenty of time for fun, creative shots at different locations. With three hours at my disposal (whoo-hoo!), I was able to stretch out creatively and get some beautiful shots. Of course, having a gorgeous, happy girl in a stunning dress helps, too :)



I'm a sucker for an ethereal image of a bride



Congratulations, Mike and Sofiya!

Kristina and Mike's Catawba Island Wedding

I was happy to return to Catawba Island Club last month for Kristina and Mike's wedding. I had been looking forward to this day since I met with Kristina and her family, and it exceeded my expectations. Tina B Florals did an amazing job with the flowers, and even the weather cooperated. Here are a few favorites:



We talked ahead of time about getting some sunset photos since Catawba Island usually has spectacular sunsets. We had just finished shooting, and I turned around in time to catch Kristina and Mike stealing a kiss.and the other side of sunset photos....gorgeous light on their faces










Congratulations Kristina and Mike. Warm wishes for a long and happy life together.

Jon and Lesley

Here are a few favorites from Jon and Lesley's gorgeous wedding at the Hanna Theater. The Hanna was recently renovated, and it's so beautiful inside. This was the theater's first wedding, and the staff did a great job from where I was standing.

Congratulations guys!

Baby Will + Family

Here are a few favorites from Baby Will's family portrait session. Allow me to gush for just a moment: what a gorgeous baby boy!

The Gene Experience

I recently had the utter pleasure of getting my hair cut by Gene Belikov. Just in time, too. I nearly frightened guests at this weekend's wedding with my horrible hair.
Although he left many broken hearts in Cleveland with his recent move to Chicago, he happened to be in town this weekend, and made a special trip to my friend Christy's house to cut our hair.

Getting your hair cut by Gene is a sensuous experience. There's no other way to say it. When you sit in Gene's chair, he gives you his complete, undivided, intense attention. He listens. He considers your features. And then he picks up his scissors, and you realize you are in the capable hands of an artist.

When I mentioned to him that getting a hair cut by him is rather special, he said that other clients have said he has "good manners" when it comes to cutting hair.

Um. Sure. Good manners.

Anyway, a word to my Chicago brides: if you have a chance to get out to Vernon Hills, do yourself a favor and schedule an appointment with Gene at ZaZa Salon. I haven't been to ZaZa, so I can't speak for the salon, but I can tell that Gene is amazing. When I step out of his chair, I feel like he has examined, loved, and carefully cut every single hair on my head. He's a true artist, and it's a pleasure both to be worked on by him, and to watch him work.


That's one happy client.

Gene, good luck in Chicago. I'm secretly hoping no one comes to see you at ZaZa so you'll return to Cleveland and continue cutting my hair. But I realize that's just a tad selfish. So I'll settle for wishing you well in your new city.