andrea & dave

My first solo wedding. What a perfect fit this assignment was for me. You might remember this session I did with Andrea’s boys. She wanted different, not posed, not traditional. I don’t do traditional … my preference and style is artistic, fun, creative, more photojournalistic, a story-telling with pictures. I have no real desire to go for the big traditional weddings.  Someone else can do those but something like this … maybe I could do this! This was my style … fun … challenging … great experience … though I now understand why many photographers hire an assistant/second photographer – it takes a little pressure off!

In trying to narrow things down for this little peek … are you kidding me? You get a bunch here … but it’s supposed to be just a peek … and that, it is, because there are so many more I would have liked to show!! Anyway … on with the story-telling …

This was a second wedding for both Andrea and Dave which is one reason why they wanted to go smaller, less traditional, more intimate. Knowing some of their story, I was honored to be a part of this beautiful new chapter they are starting together!

The weather was very questionable for us this particular afternoon. It couldn’t decide if it was going to rain or not … so it decided to rain off and on, making it difficult for the staff to decide if they should set up for the ceremony outside or inside. Dave and I were certain it wasn’t going to rain, Andrea thought we were optimistic. So … to take advantage of at-the-moment dry skies we headed straight outside for a few shots.

This one cracks me up … look at her son’s expression when I asked them to give a smooch for the camera. Ha! Classic.

And then the drizzle began … so in we go.

This place had endless potential for photo opportunities. I could have spent all day exploring all the nooks and crannies. Andrea said we were allowed to go into the potting ‘shed’ which was more like an-awesome-warehouse-full-of-cool-stuff-but-very-stuffy-and-hot-so-we-didn’t-stay-long shed. And then the exposed brick, the candles, the windows … beautiful beautiful urban cool venue.

The venue was at A New Leaf in the heart of Chicago in Lincoln Park. It’s a beautiful florist on one side, and then they have this event space on the other side … here’s the view from the front door.

And the view from the opposite end looking to the front.

So the executive decision was to hold the ceremony in the courtyard. First the guests got poured on … we waited 15 minutes to start the ceremony … rain stopped … staff dried off all the chairs … and the ceremony began with beautiful lighting, perfect temperatures, and a gorgeous setting!

Once they were announced Mr. and Mrs. … it was time for the party!!

Andrea’s youngest was celebrating a birthday the following day so in leu of a wedding cake, they had a birthday cake!

The first dance … aren’t they the most adorable couple? Adorable.

And then grandma … she’s was unstoppable! I hope I have half the zest of Andrea’s grandma when I’m 80-something. She was just bursting with fun and joy … she out-danced everyone!!

I love the happy people, the couples enjoying themselves. So many couples I watched enjoying a quiet corner without kids, dancing, smiling, a lovely evening celebrating the special day of two friends starting a beautiful new start in in their lives together. Thank you so much Andrea & Dave for trusting my eye with your special day! I hope these images tell your story over and over as you look at them and they bring a smile to your face and heart as you remember each moment!