Porteous Studio | Edinburgh, Scotland
Porteous Studio | Scotland Rental Holiday Home | Edinburgh Photographer
Watch carefully the magic that occurs
when you give a person enough comfort
to just be themselves. - Atticus
Eilidh and Jack, of Izat Irundell, are the beautiful humans who created this serene and cozy space, quietly located in the center of Edinburgh. Its name is Porteous Studio. It encompasses who they both are and Porteous Studio was their first project working together as a couple. I truly appreciate the thoughtful details they included, from the local coffee beans in the cupboard to the custom furniture that was commissioned for the space. The textured design, the clean lines and the calming color palette all contribute to the experience of a stay at Porteous Studio. I’m so grateful to have spent a few days here and can’t wait for my next retreat in this beautifully designed getaway, nestled in the heart of my second home.
photography Melody Joy Co. | oak screens @56northkitchens | brass object @fionadeanartist | linen print @hayleymccrirrick | textured walls @clayworksclayplasters | clay pots @_rebeccaproctor | sofa @namongaston | toiletries Aēsop Skincare | coffee table read Rucksack Magazine | that delicious carrot cake | Love Crumbs
Scotland Elopement | Lamb's Pavilion | Edinburgh Wedding Photographer
The Pavilion at Lamb’s House | Leith | Scotland Elopement | Edinburgh Wedding Photographer
We were together.
I forget the rest.
-Walt Whitman
The beautiful wedding vendors involved in this day are listed at the bottom and I personally believe they offer some of the best options for eloping in Scotland. I’m also so thankful for Tamar + Matt’s genuine love for each other, that always comes through every time they are captured. If anyone is eloping or getting married in Scotland, I would love to help plan the day if you are unfamiliar with the area. I hope everyone enjoys these images and would like to thank the Lamb’s Pavilion, Narcissus Flowers, and Those were the Days Vintage Bridal for being a part of this simply elegant + naturally textured elopement shoot!
Getting Ready + Lodging The Lamb’s Pavilion | Vintage Wedding Dress Those Were the Days Bridal | Wedding Bouquet + Florals Narcissus | Groom’s Jacket + Vintage Burberry Coat Those Were the Days Vintage | Portrait Locations Private Historic Home + Holyrood Park, Edinburgh | Lovely Couple Tamar + Matt
Eloping in Edinburgh, Scotland is something I always encourage! If you are wanting something more intimate and looking for a beautiful country and city to spend those precious memories together, this is the place! I would love to help you plan your elopement in Edinburgh or anywhere else in Scotland! There is nothing I love more than to make your wedding day all about you both and any recommendations or suggestions that you may need, I’m here for you! I also can refer Edinburgh wedding planners, florists and wedding dress shops and designers. Just know that eloping doesn’t mean you are on your own and need to feel overwhelmed! Even the smallest Scottish elopement deserves all of the attention to detail as a wedding day does! I assume if you are reading this that you are contemplating eloping to Scotland, so again I just have to say, do it! You won’t regret spending the start of your life with your best friend in the stunning countryside of Scotland.
Loch Lomond Wedding | Stuckgowan Estate | Scotland Wedding Photographer
Loch Lomond Wedding Venue | Stuckgowan Estate | Scotland Wedding Photographer
I love how every couple is so uniquely them. Whether they have a large party with endless amounts of friends, family members and acquaintances or a small intimate wedding, both represent who the couple is and it's such a lovely thing.
Katie and Oliver originally were planning a large wedding in downtown Glasgow and as the weeks went on they realized they really just wanted an intimate day with just 20 of their closest family and friends from near where they both grew up on Loch Lomond.
The day was as serene as the landscape that surrounded us on Loch Lomond. The beautiful mountains lining the horizon, the calming still water served as the backdrop of the day. Scotland truly is one of the loveliest countries to get married outside amongst the raw natural beauty.
I always learn so much about myself and others after becoming a part of their family for a few days. It's always such a humbling experience and these precious moments make me so grateful for my life's work. I truly love what I do, photographing memories being made and stories unfolding.
So cheers to you, Katie + Oliver!
May your days be filled with lots
of explorations in nature, lots of
delicious donuts, lots of reality
tv shows and most importantly
lots of love!
Dress Seni Dey // Florals Adelaide's Secret Garden // Shoes & Other Stories // Suit Moss Bros // Venue Stuckgowan Estate // Vintage Tables Virginia's Vintage Hire // Floral Boxes Bailey's Fine Furniture // 2nd Shooter Ross Dickie // Caterer Raegan Hallatt Catering //
Loch Lomond is such a beautiful place for an intimate wedding or elopement. Stuckgowan Estate is one of the best wedding venues in Scotland. It's an estate wedding venue overlooking Loch Lomond. If you are looking for a scotland wedding venue for your elopement or intimate wedding, Stuckgowan Estate would be the perfect wedding venue in Scotland. You can even stay the night at Stuckgowan Estate. Ross and I stayed nearby, but we spent the night before hanging out with the family as they had a rehearsal dinner bbq there the night before their wedding day. Then the night of the wedding, the bridal party piled into the beautiful movie theater room in Stuckgowan Estate, to watch Love Island together. This was my first time I ever head of Love Island, and I have to say, I absolutely got hooked. It’s the perfect amount of wild entertainment in my life, since I’m usually an introvert, and just hang out with my fiancé and a small handful of my closest friends. Anyways, back to Stuckgowan Estate, this scotland wedding venue is so close to Loch Lomond, that during the ceremony and reception, the bride and groom and myself walked right across the road to take their bridal portraits on the beautiful waterfront of Loch Lomond. It’s amazing that such a beautiful body of water is just across the street from Stuckgowan Estate. This wedding venue is perfect for have your ceremony overlook Loch Lomond in the background. You can easily see Loch Lomond from the front yard of Stuckgowan Estate, where Katie, and most brides, would have their wedding ceremony take place. It’s such a stunning view of Scotland. If you’re searching for a wedding venue near Loch Lomond, than Stuckgowan Estate would be the perfect intimate Scotland wedding venue for you and the love of your life.
Iceland | Anastasia + Felix
Iceland Vow Renewal | Iceland Road Trip | Iceland Wedding Photographer
Anastasia and Felix had me document their wedding photos in Iceland... just three years after they were married.
Their story moved me so much.
This is a "renewal of love" that is pretty unique and beautiful.
All they needed was each other.
Anastasia and Felix are an endearing, entrepreneurial and charming Ukrainian couple who had to flee their hometown just two days after their wedding because of a war breaking out. Their photographer had decided to leave their city a week earlier, so there were no official images on their wedding day. In circumstances like that, photos seem a bit trivial.
It was my honor to document their love on a very special trip to Iceland after years of them not even thinking of professional wedding photos during these transitional years of settling into their new home and lives. My favorite part of the trip was just spending our days and endless hours with them in the car just enjoying ourselves and the beautiful views.
We discovered a favorite stop along our route for soup, hot dogs and coffee. And after endless days of them speaking amongst each other, I definitely want to learn how to speak Russian. I also learned that we peel potatoes differently, ha, and that we share a love for any type of board game.
We ended up extending our stay with them at an Airbnb in Reykjavik on our last night (after a hilarious balloon-animal-making, taco-eating, and local-cat-stalking adventure) and playing this game called "keep talking and nobody explodes." It's an online game and everyone should definitely go play it with some friends today.
All of this to say, the images below are beautiful moments from the trip, but nothing is more beautiful than truly enjoying the company you are in, in person and not in front of a camera.
I've learned that my favorite moments with the ones I love from the last few years have not been documented, because I'm too busy enjoying them in person, and I love how special that is between the individuals that are there in those moments.
Cheers to many more beautiful adventures together, Anastasia + Felix!
Lauren + Nick | City View Loft Wedding
City View Loft Wedding Venue | Chicago Wedding Photographer
It was an incredibly beautiful and snowy day in Chicago for Lauren and Nick's stunning Chicago wedding. From the weather to their endless smiles, I couldn't get over how much joy there was! I think smiles are incredibly underrated. I love when a couple can't have serious faces because they are just so filled with laughter and joy from looking at each other! It's just so beautiful to see.
It's so refreshing to second shoot in between my own clients' weddings. (And not just because it's super fun and enjoyable to work with friends!) When you second shoot, you get to spend more time with the groom, usually, and I always gain so much appreciation for them. Some grooms party beforehand, some need their alone time, some are pumped for the day, and others are incredibly emotional or solemn. I really love being able to document the groom's side. Now I make it a point, even in my own weddings, to document the bride and groom equally, because it's just as special a day for him as it is for her.
I captured this wedding day at City View Loft alongside my sweet and talented friend Alisha, from ATS Photography, and we couldn't have enjoyed ourselves (or danced) more!
Venue City View Loft // Getting Ready Location VRBO // Video Eric Floberg // Hair Emily Grisso // Dress Sarah Seven // Suit Sarar
Seriously, if you are still searching for a Chicago wedding venue close to downtown and the lakefront, City View Loft is your venue! City View Loft has so many spaces for you to create your own feel and such great views of Chicago. I love shooting wedding photos at City View Loft! And if you’d like to see if I’m available to capture your unique wedding day, please reach out on my contact page at the link below! I’d love to create something beautiful with you!
Minimalist Wedding | Chicago , IL
Minimalist Wedding Inspiration | Warehouse Wedding Venue | Chicago Wedding Photographer
I started this minimalist wedding day shooting David getting ready at their Wicker Park flat (which is the best neighborhood, and I'm not just biased because it's my neighborhood too! Well, maybe I am.) Their vibrant personalities were scattered all over their two-story loft. And of course, Fleetwood Mac had to be played on their record player. Couldn’t have been a better start to a wedding day! Then I captured their first look alongside my friend and lead photographer Kat, from Deepend Imagery.
We wandered around some industrial areas of Chicago before heading to the venue, which is a renovated warehouse itself. It was the perfect blank and minimal slate wedding venue for these two lovely individuals! It's now a stunning, naturally lit space that just makes you want to shoot there over and over again. It's probably one of my favorite warehouse wedding venues in Chicago. If you’re looking for a minimalist wedding venue in your city, you should always go to the more industrial areas, because many warehouses have become very minimal wedding venues. Their open floor plans and bare bones tend to make the perfect blank slate to create your dream minimalist wedding day. I love seeing walls, floors and piping all turned to white, so couples have a fresh slate to turn the wedding venue into something that is unique to them in the most minimal of ways. I truly love warehouse and minimal wedding venues.
Needless to say, Amanda and David's night ended with the most lively dancing and tons of joy! That is always one of my favorite ways to end a wedding day. Celebrating love with those that you love! Cheers to another beautiful, minimalist wedding day in my lovely city of Chicago!
If you’d like to Inquire about me capturing your wedding day or see if your date is available?
Fill out the form below and I would love to help you create something beautiful together!
Karla + Gabe | Chicago, IL
Karla and Gabe are one adventurous gem of a couple. I consider them Mrs. + Mr. Chicago. I enjoy hanging out with them weekly, but had such a fun time on my rooftop with the Chicago skyline in the background and capturing their personalities! They are mix a quirky and silly, total babes and are some of the most genuine and kind hearted individuals I've ever met. And I also have the pleasure of calling them family! Gabe...forever and ever, and Karla, just this past summer when they got married!
Also, can we talk about how cool Gabe's tattoos are, incorporating a mix of Chicago pride, meaningful moments and hand drawn illustrations by his son.
Go check out more about what they are up to on Instagram. Both are the epitome of a Chicago creative and how to be musicians + entrepreneurs in a big city! Enjoy!
KARLA // @itsme_karla GABE // @g_a_b_e__
To inquire about a portrait, engagement or family session contact me below to chat!
Isle of Skye | Ruth + Mark
Isle of Skye Road Trip | Isle of Skye Engagement Photos | Scotland Wedding Photographer
Ever since being introduced to Ruth (thanks Ian!) I knew she would become a close friend of mine. I appreciate her kindness, hospitality and just overall genuine personality. She is a gem and a firecracker at the same time. I was so grateful to spend this past weekend capturing Ruth and Mark's engagement photos on the Isle of Skye, where Ruth grew up. She had plenty of hikes lined up and plenty of food and drink to satisfy an army. Ruth's grandma also contributed with delicious homemade food multiple times, so I now know where she gets it from!
Anyways, enjoy these images of our weekend...and always remember..."a couple that lunges together, stays together!" (see second to last image)
If you'd like me to come with you for an engagement or elopement weekend in the Isle of Skye or anywhere in the Highlands of Scotland, please reach out! I would love to document you both and create something beautiful together! Contact me at the link below and I’m looking forward to speaking with you soon!
I loved shooting this couple's engagement photos in the Isle of Skye. The Isle of Skye is located in the Highlands of Scotland, and the landscape is gorgeous. I love shooting couples in the Isle of Skye. From the Old Man of Storr, to the Quiraing, to the Fairy Pools, to Neist Point, the Isle of Skye has so many beautiful landscapes to photograph couples in epic landscapes and beautiful nature. There are so many lovely walks on the Isle of Skye. If you’re a couple who wants to go on long walk or just pull right up to a stunning landscape, I have a ton of experience doing both on the Isle of Skye. Isle of Skye engagement sessions are a great way for us to spend time together and get to know each other. And if you are visiting the Isle of Skye and Scotland in general from another country, it’s one of the most beautiful areas of Scotland to explore. You will love it! The Isle of Skye road trip also has us passing along Glencoe and Glen Etive on the drive up, which are also two beautiful Scotland spots for an engagement session. Or if you just want to get out, have a coffee, walk around and take some photos, there will be plenty of places to do that along the way! I just love Scotland and the Isle of Skye, and am always grateful for weekends away there, whether with my fiancé or with a couple, it’s always such a beautiful time. The lighting is always different for every trip that I visit the Isle of Skye, so you never know what you’re going to get, and that is part of the fun of it. We were rained out at the Fairy Pools, but we were able to do a very long walk near the Quiraing because it happened to be clear skies that day. But both were equally enjoyable! If you are prepared for rain, wind, cold and all of the elements then you’ll be ready for your engagement session or elopement on the Isle of Skye!
Lowdown Coffee | Edinburgh, Scotland
Lowdown Coffee | Edinburgh Coffee Shop | Scotland Photographer
A good word for Lowdown Coffee is 'consistent'.
Lowdown Coffee has been one of my favorite shops on my last few trips to Edinburgh. I always make a point of working the majority of my editing-session days out of their lovely shop. Their coffee is not only carefully selected, it is consistently well-made and served by knowledgeable baristas. They also have tremendous customer service and people skills, which is important to me as an American. And they aren't just nice to me because I know them. I witness them being genuinely warm and welcoming to everyone that comes into their shop (yes, I love to people-watch, but who doesn't when you're sitting somewhere for hours at a time?).
Overall, I would say the clean interior, the excellent cup of coffee (or delicious cake, sandwich or bagel that they also do very well) and their friendly faces are more than enough reason to keep me coming back for more. If they were at a different location, I would just as easily make my way to their storefront. But thank God they are located directly in the center of downtown Edinburgh, off of George Street! The perfect location for me to take walking breaks to stroll through all of the beautiful shops around town when I want a screen break.
Thank you, Lowdown Coffee, for being a consistently calming (and delicious) part of my day.
If you would like for me to document your small business, please reach out to me! There is nothing more enjoyable than photographing a small business that is passionate about their craft for their website or social media use! Shopping local is something I will always fully support. Let's work together!
Iceland | A 36-Hour Layover on a Budget | Iceland Travel Photography
Iceland Road Trip Layover | Iceland Wedding photographer | Travel Photography
Iceland is a unique beauty.
Let me start by saying that if you can afford to stay for longer, I would highly recommend it. Iceland has endless sights to see, mountains to hike, beaches to stroll on and waterfalls to climb to the top of. This post is just geared towards those traveling from the States (Chicago) to Europe with a long layover (like I did), or those wanting a little taste of Iceland on a limited budget.
First, I flew with WOW Air. It was not sponsored at all. It's just a really good airline; new planes, friendly staff, new seats and the best prices around. $370 round-trip is the average price. Sometimes less! You just need to bring your own snacks and entertainment with you. For example, I edited on my computer and played games on my phone the entire time (when I wasn't sleeping). I'm very much into puzzle or problem-solving games where you can race against a clock. So it was between Sudoku, Crosswords, Unblock Me, Flow, and a new game I just started playing on plane rides called Disney Emoji Blitz (thanks to going to Disney a few weeks ago and my friends playing it constantly while waiting in line for the new Pandora ride at Animal Kingdom).
And for packing, make sure to just put your clothes in with your camera bag because it's cheapest to have only one bag with you on WOW air. Your jacket, jeans and boots are all that are needed daily and can stay the same. Just switch up the undergarments, sweaters, scarf, tees and beanies for different looks. And basic knowledge...always wear your chunkiest jackets and shoes when flying if you must pack multiple. And don't forget a swimsuit and a towel!
When I arrived in Iceland, Ross met me at the airport. His flight to Iceland from Scotland was even cheaper with WOW Air than mine was. Then we both flew back with EasyJet, which is another very inexpensive airline to cheaply travel around Europe.
From the airport you must either take a bus to Reykjavik to hire a rental car, or just hire one from a closer rental company. The bus could be the price of one day of a rental car, so go with something near the airport. They all usually have shuttle services even if they aren't located directly in the airport, but nearby. Lagoon Car Rental was who we went with. They have such a wide range of vehicles for different price ranges. They have an airport pick-up service with someone waiting for you when you arrive with their logo on it. Like anything, the more people you go with, splitting a rental really helps cut down on costs. Another fun fact is that Lagoon Car Rental cars come with a wireless router for you to have internet on your travels. I never needed to use it though, because one... I was barely on my phone in the short amount of time I had to cherish the scenery, but two... I have T-mobile and I had fast 3G data the entire time I was roaming around iceland at NO extra charge (and every country I've been to thus far). So good job, T-mobile! It is seriously the best phone company for those who travel often, for work or for pleasure. (not sponsored...I've been with my family using T-mobile since I had my first phone with the Snake game on it and the t-9 buttons were memorized when I was 14).
For lodging, go with a rental that has seats that can lay down, or a tent attachment that comes with it. This will also save you from any additional lodging expenses and give you the freedom to park your vehicle anywhere (legally, of course) to wake up to the most beautiful views. You can also just drive through the night to see as much of the scenery as possible and keep switching drivers if you have an automatic (so you both can drive and rest equally).
For food, we headed to a local grocery store in Reykjavik for a ramen-like meal for dinner and oatmeal for breakfast. Both meals you just had to add hot water to, and it was the perfect amount of food. And from the plane experience, we already had plenty of granola and cereal bars in our bags as snacks. Ross brought the pot to boil water and we needed to find a small gas canister to heat up the local water you use or the large bottle of water you buy. One of the locals who worked at the tourist office told us to just go to a hostel or hotel and ask for one because tourists leave them half-full, since they can't bring them on planes. So you can start there to save a few dollars... or you can just buy one to save time. They really are not too pricey and the grocery store and camping store are both walking distance from Reykjavik Coffee Roasters (the original location), which is where we grabbed two cappuccinos before setting off on our long and beautiful drive across the south side of the country.
For coffee breaks, we also brought an Aeropress so we could have some of our friend's coffee (locally roasted in Edinburgh), called Obadiah. And let me tell you, no coffee tastes better freshly ground on a cold morning in front of the bluest icebergs I've ever seen.
Also, for anyone wanting to go to the Blue Lagoon, unless you are going on your honeymoon, it can be fairly pricey for the average traveler, so bring some all natural or organic face masks and enjoy them while soaking in one of the natural hot springs all over Iceland... for free. The views are all stunning at the hot spring locations that I've seen, and you'll be surrounded by way less people. And in some locations you will have the hot spring all to yourself!
The main highway is the route we took in the southern region, as there are plenty of sights right near the road to maximize your time if you don't have very long. We were able to visit all of the places in the images below with under 24 hours of daylight and driving in the dark during the other hours. And it was all worth it.
I can't wait to go back and properly explore some more. So if you only have a little bit of time or a small budget... you can definitely visit Iceland!
Can you find the little yellow jacket roaming around? This waterfall was huge.
That pipe on the bottom left is what heated the hot spring, as well as a light hot stream running off the mountain to the left into the pool. This pool is more warm than hot...unless you hang out by the pipe...like me. :)
We, or I should say Ross, drove throughout the night for hours through intense wind and rain. It was worth it to see this as daylight arose. location - Jökulsárlón
This sweater was definitely fit the surrounding. The color fit the natural tones landscapes, and the warmth was just enough to not need a jacket during midday. The lines on the sleeves are my favorite part.
Also, some may be amazed or not surprised, but the image above and the two images below this text were all taken by me standing in the same exact spot and just turning from side to side. location - Dyrhólaey
Just remember, when getting close to Skógafoss, the smallest gust of wind will have your whole body soaking wet. And you will have to change and your hair will be drenched like you just hopped out of the shower. Memories. So only get super close if you have a change of clothes.
Below is my "what would people on ANTM do" faces. Probably missed the mark, but the sunset on the black sand beach was the most beautiful one I've ever seen.
If you’d like me to capture your elopement in Iceland or see if your date is available for 2020 or 2021?
reach out below and I would love to document your love and create something beautiful together!
Beautiful Barn Wedding Venue | The Farm at Dover
Their love is a thing of beauty, storybooks + lots of laughter.
Gabe + Karla. Two of the most beautiful individuals I know, inside and out (and who I also get to call my family). When Gabe introduced her to the family I instantly knew I loved her. She plays and teaches music to little kiddos for a living (at Little Parade in Chicago), so I guess that bubbliness is needed! But even for adults, her smile is vibrant enough to make the whole room happy!
They were both born + raised Chicago and are the epitome of city people. But for their wedding, they wanted to get away from it all, as we all do sometimes. They ventured north just over the Wisconsin border and found the most lovely little barn wedding venue called The Farm at Dover. Karla got ready in the pink house on the property, their ceremony was in the woods and their coffee hour and stunning reception was in the two-story renovated barn. The day was just perfect. The weather was overcast and the colors were perfectly romantic. Darker tones always tend to make me feel something from each image, more than vibrant colors. The tone of the day was somber and sweet and I'm so grateful I was able to capture the moments from the start of their new season together as Mr. + Mrs Lopez.
Cheers to new beginnings!
HIS / HERS DETAILS
Shoes: bryr clogs / aldo
dress/suit: BHLDN weddings / zara
watch: komono
handkerchief: Una Mae's
caterer: Chef David's
car: vintage VW
donuts: krispy kreme
flower crown: pistil + vine
table decorator: Sasha Kisiel, Mylene Raspado, Yolypix
coordinator planner: Divine delgado
coffee roasters: Ipsento
barista: Jeremy Mercado
If you’re looking for a beautiful barn wedding venue and live in the midwest, the Farm at Dover is such a lovely choice! And if you’d like me to capture your wedding day, whether in a barn or farm or elsewhere, I would absolutely love to create something beautiful with you! Reach out below!
Davide + Michela | London Love | London Photographer
London Engagement Session | London Fashion Street Style | London Wedding Photographer | Hackney Street Style
Davide and Michela are two of the most beautiful individuals. They met in Italy (where they are from). She is an artistic and talented fashionista. He owns Establishment Coffee in London. Together they make the sweetest couple. I'm always abundantly grateful to capture a love like theirs. The memories spent with these two and their kindness will last with me forever. And on top of all of that, they came prepared for this photo shoot with multiple of the most stylish outfit changes! I'm thankful that I have the opportunities to meet people online and then have clients turned friends from all around the world. The internet really makes the world so small.
Enjoy these images of these two gems roaming around Hackney, London a few weeks ago!
Davide and Michela, you both are so incredibly precious. Never stop being passionate about each other. Your joy, your smiles, your laughs and just your unending love for life is so contagious. Appreciate you both so much! Can't wait to hang out in London with you both again soon!
If you’d like me to capture your lifestyle fashion session, engagement session or wedding day, fill out the form below and I would love to help you create something beautiful together!
Homies LA x @Melodyjoyco
I couldn't be more grateful for the season I'm in. For plenty of reasons I could go on about in person, but for this post we can just focus on this view of downtown Chicago. My flat is in the heart of Wicker Park and this skyline view just reminds me how small (but significant, and so are you) I am in this huge, beautiful world. I've never been more excited for the future and what God has in store for my life.
So back to this view...I love to hang out on my roof with friends. From eating Chipotle with friends, to watching fireworks on the 4th of July with 360 views into all hours of the night. to many fun photo shoots and afternoons of grabbing some rays on my blanket and drinking coffee. This blanket from Homies, I take with me everywhere! From the beach to the park...but mainly on my roof is where it's seen the most sun, literally. If you're looking for a beautiful yet functional blanket to throw in your backpack for a fun day out, or even just any other kind of beautiful decor...check out Homies (and tell your homies)!
Cheers to many more funny, sunny days in Chicago with this blanket!
Edinburgh City Chambers Wedding | Scotland, UK
Edinburgh Wedding Photographer | Scotland Wedding Photographer | City Chambers Elopement
This wedding day was filled with so much beauty and stillness.
Victoria and Theo have a beautiful history of love that started when they met in Canada many years ago, then they both eventually ventured down to London to reconnect later in life and are now settled in Edinburgh, Scotland with their incredibly adorable children. I love sweet stories like these. Mainly because no two stories are the same. Every couple inspires me and I am so grateful to be able to not only capture wedding days but to genuinely celebrate their love alongside their family and friends (and maybe, quite possibly, sing and bop around a good bit during the dancing).
And when I mentioned stillness, I meant that, with "The Fringe" happening in Edinburgh, Scotland during the entire month of August, The Royal Mile is completely packed with tourists. But we found the most lovely nooks and alleyways for portraits around St. Giles Cathedral, The Royal Mile and Advocate’s Close, for plenty of quiet spots amongst the noise. It was so fun feeling like we were hidden away when there are thousands of people on the other side of the building. If anyone was concerned about getting married during festival season in Edinburgh because of the tourists, don't be. It was perfect! Their ceremony was also tucked away in the gorgeous hall inside of Edinburgh City Chambers right off of the The Royal Mile.
Victoria and Theo, thank you so much for choosing me to capture your wedding day! It was such an honor to photograph your wedding in the beautifully historic old town of Edinburgh. Wishing you many blessings on the many years ahead of you!
I am officially in love with kids in kilts.
Every dinner table was named after their most memory giving pubs in London.
I'm definitely a fan of men in kilts as well. Especially dancing! Way more entertaining.
Edinburgh Wedding Photographer - Melody Joy Co. | Dress - Charlotte Balbier | Dress Boutique - Kudos Couture Bridal | Shoes - The White Ribbon | Hair - Ceri Sutherland | Makeup - Victoria Watson, Toto Makeup | Groom Kilt & Sporran - Kinloch Anderson | Jackets - Davison Kilt Hire | Shoes - Loake Inverness Brogues | Cufflinks & Tie - Gieves & Hawkes | Ceremony - City Chambers, Edinburgh | Reception - Osteria del Tempo Perso, Edinburgh | Champagne - Alfred Gratien | Flowers - Narcissus Edinburgh
Somerset House Wedding | Spring Restaurant Wedding| London, England | The Connaught Hotel
Somerset House Wedding Venue | London Wedding Photographer | The Spring Restaurant | The Connaught Hotel
I now know that miracles do happen, because I met you...
Every wedding should start with coffee or champagne on a London balcony, and end with a beautiful room full of loved ones giving the most heart-warming speeches I have ever heard. Thank you for inviting me and trusting me to capture your wedding day, Meryl and Hugh. You two couldn't be more beautiful together and your story is so inspiring to me. Your day was magical to capture! Cheers to your beautiful journey of life together!
Hotel - The Connaught / Ceremony - Farm Street Church / Reception Venue - Spring Restaurant at the Somerset House / Makeup Artistry - Bethan Makeup / Wedding Dress - Riki Dalad / Tailored Suit - Thom Sweeney / Hair Dresser - George Northwood
I just loved this wedding day. The Somerset House is one of the most beautiful wedding venues in London. If you are looking for a London wedding venue full of history and stunning architecture, then The Somerset House is the wedding venue of your dreams. Meryl and Hugh chose Spring Restaurant for their intimate reception with their closest family and friends. The Spring Restaurant is located right inside of the Somerset House. Spring restaurant is one of the most highly acclaimed restaurants in all of London, and if you value a solid chef and fine dining, then this location would be the perfect location for your wedding reception. Meryl started her day getting ready in the high end Apartment Suite at The Connaught Hotel for her getting ready moments on her wedding day. The Apartment Suite is a two-bedroom penthouse with high ceilings and endless details, as it was designed by David Collins! Just stunning and the rooftop terrace had the perfect views of the surrounding area of London. The Connaught hotel has been my favorite hotel to capture wedding “getting ready” photos in London. The Connaught Hotel is also just a short drive away from The Somerset House, so the travel to the wedding reception was very convenient. We took their bridal portraits in the epic courtyard of the Somerset House, then walked over to Spring Restaurant where they ended the night with the sweetest speeches and world class food. This was my first wedding I was asked to capture in London and it will always be so special to me. The Connaught Hotel, The Somerset house, and Spring Restaurant will always remind me of my favorite London wedding day and I’m so grateful to Meryl and Hugh for trusting me to capture their special love in a few of their favorite places in London. If you are looking for a London Wedding Photographer, I would love to create something beautiful with you!
If you’d like to Inquire about me capturing your wedding day or see if your date is available for 2020 or 2021?
Fill out the form below and I would love to help you create something beautiful together!
Schwinn Bike Love.
I've never had the pleasure of living in a city where I never need a car for anything, besides when I'm overseas, and I have to say...I love it! Living back in Chicago has not only been life-giving and refreshing, but so incredibly fun as well! Riding the "L" train, hopping on my bike, or even walking most of the time (because I chose to live in a location where all of my favorite coffee shops are) has been so lovely. My block alone also includes a Jeni's Ice cream, Stan's Donuts and a La Colombe Coffee, talk about dangerous. A lot of my family lives closer to the Logan Square area and since I live directly in the middle of Logan and downtown, my bike is perfect for those quick commutes to see the family or go see a concert downtown, like the talented and soulful Gregory Porter or Ben Harper that I've been able to see this summer.
This Schwinn Bike is also wonderful because of it perfectly fitting into my life's color palette. Neutrals are everything in my life, from my clothing, to my bedroom, to coffee shop interiors that I can work from and don't drive me crazy from too many vibrant colors.
The details on this bike are amazing. I recently rode some fixie bikes in Denver while visiting friends, and they were cool but I am definitely more interested in comfort and cruising, and this Schwinn Gateway 700c Hybrid bike is perfect for that. The seat is super cushioned so you don't have to buy a cover or another seat, the handles are also soft and never make my hands cramp, and the brakes and wheels are wide and smooth enough that I never fear of falling over (even when I have a squirrel moment). And one of the most valuable parts is the large utility rack on the back that holds my camera bag super securely with its clamp alone. Basically, this bike is perfect for cities and my aesthetic and I wouldn't trade it for any other bike in the world.
Cheers to loving your ride!
My Favorite Office Space | Chicago, IL
I like to start my days working out of my bedroom. It's my favorite office space. Not only do I get to stay in my pj's for a bit longer, but it gives me to time to enjoy my favorite home brewed coffees in one of my favorite spaces. My bedroom is completely me. It's minimal in items and in color palette. I've also learned week by week as I get older that I am more like Monica from "Friends" than I realized. Coasters are key, always, and everything has it's particular spot at all times.
In order to make my room more cozy I wanted to fill it with brands and companies that I love!
First, there is the Color Cord Company. Their simple brass cord and new "T-hook" that is coming out soon with some other new products, hangs so elegantly and beautifully from my high ceilings. It's simple design was inspired from the scandinavian culture and now are hand built here in America. I was so ecstatic when I learned that their offices were in Denver, Colorado. I was visiting one of my childhood best friends last week and knew I had to visit their warehouse as soon as I put two and two together. The owner is so passionate about his work and detail of design is everything with this company. If you're a small business(or large business) or just looking for an adorable light to complete your space, seriously, check out their website. They have so many colors and metals of every kind! It's an interior designer's dream, because they even do custom work.
Next, there is this beautiful modern end table from Overstock. When I was searching for modern end tables I kept seeing ones that were super chunky or too thin or just overly designed. I like that this one was still simple enough, but had two drawers for storage for the important things(like notebooks, The Bible, my latest Archie Comic, Sudoku book, and Crossword book) but not big enough to cram a lot of junk in them and have things get lost in them (like my last nightstand). I also love this nightstand because it seems like all of my furniture from all of the different companies all had the same wood shade and that can be difficult to do. And it all matches my original hardwood floors as well. I like in a historic building and I have to say, I really do appreciate the details of this home...but more about the other rooms for a different post.
Lastly, There is my "Bind my Wandering Heart to Thee" flag above my bed. It's always a beautiful and blunt reminder daily. I always find myself humming this hymn now more often than not while in my bedroom. Everyone needs one, and you can them at Charlotte's beautiful Etsy Shop, Wild Flower Eyes Co!
Some other little details of my room are this simple designed Modernica planter that I believe really "makes" the whole room with it's ceramic cylinder shape and perfectly matching wooden stand. I am also very impressed with myself for not killing this banana plant thus far, as I so easily do. Working on my nurturing side, in all aspects of life.
And the rug that is the center of my room is from Rugs USA. It's fuzzy, white and feels amazing when I am barefooted in my room. So yes, I would say it's perfect and everyone needs one. The real inspiration was my niece Ella, who also has a similar white rug, and playing with her quite often I knew I needed one for myself. Inspiration can come from the most adorable places.
I'm also going to be incorporating more of my lifestyle collaborations for interior design, coffee and fashion onto my blog as well as my usual wedding posts! So you all can see a little bit more about my editing process and life in between shooting the most beautiful weddings of the sweetest couples!
So cheers to more blogging! x
P.S. I've never owned a window AC unit before, but I have to say...this Frigidaire unit from Amazon is absolutely amazing! It's made working in my room an ice box dream. I love being cold!
My Coffee Corner | Wicker Park
My coffee corner is a place where I make my daily cups of joy.
My love for Chicago...
This Wild Standard flag I thought would be the perfect addition to my new home, elegantly placed above my beloved coffee corner. A little bit about my thoughts on Chicago. Even though Chicago was the first place I lived as a child, my whole family was born and raised here, and I moved away at a very young age. All of the years growing up, the only teams my family rooted for were teams from Chicago. Mainly the Cubs, Bulls and Bears. We had Sammy Sosa, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippin and Dennis Rodman on large posters in our game room. So many childhood holidays were spent visiting family in Chicago, and I always remember vividly my grandpa and his Dunkin Donuts and being silly with my cousins. So, for this next season of my life, I chose to live in the city that is home to the majority of my family members (over 40 in one place) and the history of where my family came from. Living life with my cousins and going to church with family has been so lovely. It's been a beautiful thing exploring this city and I couldn't be more excited about living in the heart of the creative community here as well. I also love run-on sentences.
Now onto the coffee...
I love starting my day with a good cup of coffee alongside my devos, before I get ready to encounter people (which usually just entails doing something with my crazy morning hair and throwing on something monochromatic). Depending on how ready I am to go to one of my many "coffee shop offices" where I live in Wicker Park, if I am needing to quickly run off to a meeting or a photoshoot, or if I am simply wanting a down day to edit and design from home, I have a brewing method that can fit my time restraint.
My Nespresso machine is the quickest way to have a wake-up jolt in the morning. I love the latest Cuban blend and my old faithful "Arpeggio", which is pretty strong and packs a punch. If I have more time to brew coffee and enjoy it at home from my beautiful vintage chair (that one of my sweet roommates, Xochitl, let me keep in the room) I brew via Chemex. After Chemex, there would be my Aeropress (which isn't seen, but stored away because I take it with me places when I travel). After my Aeropress, the brewing options would be Single Cup V60 pour-over, French Press or Moka pot. I have a cowboy kettle that I've tried out indoors, but it's main purpose is for camping. Maybe if I do a road trip where I car can carry it to the campsite, I'll actually make some turkish coffee with it in the wilderness.
Currently I am enjoying a summer filled with Intelligentsia, and their coffee subscriptions are the bomb. More to come from coffee will be about Good Manner and Le Labo's Brooklyn Coffee Shop, so stay tuned via my Instagram!
All of these methods fit perfectly on and inside my beautiful Walnut Astro Buffet from Overstock. If you haven't checked out their furniture selections, you should. They have a piece for almost every corner of my room. I'll show you more from them later on too. And this Letterfolk board has been making my mornings brighter as well! I love switching up the text by putting scriptures, quotes and some of my favorite music lyrics on there. I recently watched a documentary on the Beatles. I have always loved them from the first time I heard their music when I was younger, so currently the lyrics "All you need is Love" are gracing my board's presence.
Okay, onto the photos...
In Home Engagement Photos | Intimate Studio Session
Intimate Photography | In Home Photo Session | Engagement Photographer | Home Studio
All her perfect imperfections made her the most beautiful creature. -Atticus
This space. This lighting. These intimate moments at home. These two humans I am so incredibly blessed to call friends. Their joy, laughter, genuineness and sweet spirits you can easily see just by spending any amount of time with them. (It also doesn't hurt that Stumptown Coffee, Bob, Bruce and polaroids are involved).
I truly love capturing the beauty of friendship.
If you’d like to Inquire about me capturing your engagement session or wedding day in 2020 or 2021?
Fill out the form below and I would love to help you create something beautiful together!
I just love capturing in home engagement sessions. Intimate photos inside of your home are probably the sweetest way to capture the season of life that you are in. If you need help with ideas or inspiration for your in home engagement session, I’m happy to help! I usually recommend that couples play their favorite music, whether that means putting on your favorite Bob Dylan song or pulling out your guitar to serenade each other. Having your favorite drink is also another way to feel comfortable during your in home session photos. You can brew your favorite coffee or go straight to a glass of wine or cocktail. Either way, make it something that you love as it will be photographed with you! If you like to shoot film or play board games or even cook in the kitchen, all things are great to do to remember the season of life you are in. Your hobbies can give you an activity to do while your engagement session or in home lifestyle photos are naturally taking place in the background. In home sessions are a way to feel comfortable during your photos as you’ll be surrounded by your intimate space and in your comfort zone. It’s so nice to document the intimate moments of any season of life you are going through. Your home always provides that safe haven and has your most authentic self sprinkled throughout the interior design, the decor and overall feel of your home. All in all, I would highly suggest trying an in home session with a lifestyle photographer to document your special love in a fun and unique way in the comfort of your own home.
