Kimberlee: Glass House Mini Sessions (Grand Rapids Maternity Photographer)

January 23, 2022

It's a week full of Glass House sessions! These sessions were a lot of fun, despite the temperatures, it was still pretty gorgeous with the sunlight coming in behind the glass. And a little bit of green during such cold and white times is always good for you! Kimberlee and her husband, Greg, are expecting their first child VERY soon! To celebrate, she got fancied up and met me at the Glass House for some quick maternity photos. She looked fabulous and I can't wait to hear that their little lady has finally joined the family. Congrats to you both and best wishes in your first foray as Mom and Dad!!!

Julie & Laina: Glass House Minis (Grand Rapids Portrait Photographer)

January 23, 2022

My cute kiddos haven't had photos done by me in a long time. As a rule, they do better for other photographers and since I know that, I have typically decided to get in photos with them instead of fighting them for shots of my own. So when I had an open spot in my mini sessions this weekend, I filled them with Julie and Laina! Although it was just a bit too chilly to take photos for very long, I was able to get a couple cute ones of them before it was time to give up. 

Trying not to look cold.

Awww she's a sweetie.

Mom's favorite!

Getting Daddy in there for a couple shots.

Joey & Alyssa: A Snowy Chicago Wedding (Chicago Area Wedding Photographer)

January 1, 2022

A new year, a new wedding! And THIS one took place in the city of Chicago! I've been planning to celebrate with Joey and Alyssa for over two years now, but we were finally able to make it happen on New Year's Day of 2022. It was a pretty snowy day in the city, but that didn't stop anyone from joining the fun, complete with tacos, mariachi band, and dancing for hours.

Joey and Alyssa were one of the couples I met with a contest I did for the Chicago area. I absolutely loved them when I met them in September of 2019. We did photos all over the downtown Chicago area and it was definitely a lot of fun. They are an adorable and happy-go-lucky couple. So when the pandemic hit, I knew they'd be able to make everything work regardless of the issues. 

After travel bans (for Alyssa's family in Canada) and health concerns due to the pandemic, these two ended up having THREE weddings, and the final one was a great send off to the happy couple to get their life together on track for 2022. It was lots of fun, and worth the wait, I would have to say! Congrats to you both, Alyssa and Joey. I'm glad it FINALLY was able to happen this year and I'm so glad I got to be there with you!

Venue - Ovation, Chicago

Coordinator - Tiffany and team from Exquisite Weddings & Events, Oak Forest, IL

Invitations - creative genius (and bride!) Alyssa Dimas

Hair/Makeup - Samantha Sansone of SFS Beauty, Chicago

Bride's Dress - Mom, Dad and Me, Chicago

Florist - Juliet Tan Floral Design, Chicago

Caterer - El Siete, Chicago

"Cake" - the amazing Alyssa Dimas (again ;)

Band - Mariachi Ameca, Chicago

DJ: Jonathan Marks (Hey Chmp) of Style Matters DJs, Chicago

It wasn't too snowy, at first!

Pretty little details!

Would have loved to take this out for some photos.

So excited!

The boys are finally in the house.

Looking good, Joey!

Our beautiful bride is ready too!

Candlelight ceremony!

The whole crew.

Love this portrait of the two of them!

Utilizing the Rolls ;)

LOVE the read entryway!

Flipped the room flawlessly.

They didn't have actual cake but Alyssa made this fake one to fit their personalities!

Live music is always a bonus.

Cake "cutting" ;)

Awww, I love these two.

I talked them into going outside into the snow for just a few shots.

Worth it.

When somebody busts out the lightsabers...