It was an absolutely incredible day for a wedding in Chicago. The location at 190 S Lasalle was incredibly elegant and a lot of fun to shoot in. It's not every day you can photography a couple in front of a window with the setting sun and Sears Tower in the background. Ami and JM are a perfect match. It was an honor to capture their special day and I wish them health and happiness in the future.
fall wedding
Drew and Sharon /
One of my favorite parts of shooting any wedding is seeing all of the personal touches the bride and groom use to make their wedding their own. Drew and Sharon's wedding was truly unique. From Sharon wearing her mother's wedding dress to Drew's engraved hatchets the day was filled with personality and detail. Drew and Sharon are an amazing couple and it was an honor to capture their special day. They made a gorgeous bride and groom and I felt like I was with a bunch of close friends throughout the day. Blumen Gardens was an incredible venue and the weather was perfect. I wish them both health and happiness in the future.
Michael and Lindsay /
Speaking of my own wedding is difficult, mainly because when I think back and reflect on it, it's like trying to recall an amazing dream. The day was perfect in every way. It was amazing looking out into a sea of our friends and family. Everyone told me to step back and enjoy the day because it goes by so fast. They were not wrong, but I do feel I stopped to pause and look around on a number of occasions throughout the day. Perhaps it's the photographer in me that made me stop to notice all the little moments or details. The amount of work, love, and vision that went into the day was absolutely incredible. It is fitting to be making this post on Thanksgiving Day, because I am so thankful for everyone that helped make our day so special. Watch this video for a glimpse into the day.
That brings me to my top ten list of moments. It was hard to boil down to ten, but here is what I came up with. In no particular order.
One, seeing Lindsay for the first time was amazing. We were at a beautiful park and it was just us and the photographers. It was chilly with a steady and brisk breeze but after seeing Lindsay it could have been 20 below and I still would have been comfortable.
Two, playing basketball with my A and B Team. That is no exaggeration. Full on 6 on 6 basketball game at the hotel neighboring us. Special thanks to the employee who brought us out a basketball.
Three, being hoisted up on a chair during I'm on a Boat at the end of the night. I can not describe the feeling of floating on a water a top a cement slab.
Four, doing push-ups with my best man seconds before walking out into the ceremony. It certainly was the time of the day I was most nervous, but doing push-ups really settled me down.
Five, the sun beaming down on Lindsay and I during the ceremony as if we planned for it to come out at that moment. It made us feel like our grandmothers were watching us.
Six, rubbing Lindsay's arm during the ceremony. She was literally shaking. Not sure if it was nerves or the temperature. I am sure it was a combination of the two, but she had goosebumps and was shivering almost all the way through.
Seven, dancing with my niece. My niece is adorable and I can only hope she can remember some portion of the day when she gets older.
Eight, The Case of the Missing Best Man Speech. See Flatline TV "the movie" for clarification.
Nine, giving Lindsay her jersey. As many know, I themed my groomsmen, ushers and ring bearer after the Chicago Bulls. I can't explain how much joy it brought me to see my vision from Christmas day 2012 materialize. I know it's crazy to have 13 guys stand up for a wedding, but it would not have been the same with any one of them missing.
Ten, knowing that the day was being captured by professionals. Just incase I missed something. Special thanks to Jess, Erika, Jesse and Jordan.
Jessica Strickland Photography Arseneau Media Productions
I could talk all night about how amazing the day was and literally everyone moment was memorable. I hoped this post has given you a glimpse into a perfect day and if you were in attendance I hope that it has brought back some amazing memories.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Michael and Lindsay #durwin2013