Page One Pilates | West Loop, Chicago | Workout Classes | Branding Photography
Page One Pilates | West Loop, Chicago | Workout Classes | Chicago Lifestyle Photographer
If you are searching for a place to workout in Chicago. Seriously, look no further. Page One Pilates is centrally located, right in the heart of the industrial and happening West Loop of Chicago. Their interiors are gorgeous, as they renovated an old factory to be a modern industrial and cozy space with a soft and warm color palette. It’s one of the most beautiful and relaxing spaces to workout. And with their lounge areas and lovely community of ladies here, it’s a great way to make new friends if you’re new to the city or just looking to find like minded and awesome new friends to hang out with!
I can’t recommend this team of instructors enough either. Not only do my friends rave about them, but upon meeting them myself, they are true gems and the sweetest humans. They are not only certified and knowledgable in what they are teaching, but they are so helpful and care about guiding any level of person who comes in to workout with them, from beginner to advanced. The details don’t go unnoticed and I’m just so proud to have been able to capture such lovely women and this beautifully designed workout space.
They have classes with machines, on mats, online, or even remotely within the city sometimes! There are so many ways to get involved in community, but doing it through working out is a really fun way to go! So again, if you’re searching for a solid pilates class or pilates gym to start attending in Chicago, this is your place! Page One Pilates is a beauty! Below are a few shots of the classes and instructors in Page One Pilates’ beautiful West Loop location!
Laguna Beach Engagement Session | Hotel Joaquin Boutique Hotel | California Wedding Photographer
Hotel Joaquin Boutique Hotel | Laguna Beach Engagement Session | California Wedding Photographer
Christine and Wade decided to have their engagement session at one of their favorite Boutique Hotels in Laguna Beach, Hotel Joaquin! It’s an incredibly well designed boutique hotel with a beautiful restaurant and pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The beach at the bottom of the street is the most relaxing and secluded cove to sit, lay or run around and take images on. The shoreline is lined with sandy shores and a rocky cliff topped with beautiful palm trees swayed in the wind. If you ever find yourself out in California or are looking for a romantic getaway or relaxing solo retreat, I would highly recommend Hotel Joaquin. This boutique hotel is now one of my favorites and I can’t wait to visit with Ross soon. x
Christine and I have been keeping up with each other for many years, as we connected with each other online over her denim brand, Just Black Denim, which you all should also look into for some solid styles of denim. When she asked me to fly to California to capture her and Wade on digital and film, I could not be more excited to finally meet and hang out! I flew to LA and then drove down to Laguna Beach to spend the day with Christine and Wade! We met in the restaurant of Hotel Joaquin first and grabbed a bite to eat and caught up. Afterward we ate, we started the session by taking images in their super beautifully designed room. The neutral palette with pops of color, eclectic mid century furniture and the unique tapestry art work on the wall really made the space a lovely one to document. After shooting in the tiled stairwell, bar area, stylish lobby and then the pool and lounge area, we walked down to the beach, just a short 1 minute walk away! We then strolled up and down the shoreline of Shaws Cove until the sunset.
After our session was over we decided to hang out in the lobby of Hotel Joaquin for a few hours just chatting away! I had the best hot chocolate drink I’ve ever had and their charcuterie board was amazing! All in all, this day was so life giving, relaxed and a beautiful one! Already can’t wait to not only visit Hotel Joaquin again with my husband, but to be able to hang out with these two gems of humans again! x
The Peninsula Chicago Hotel Wedding | Downtown Chicago Elopement | Luxury Chicago Elopement Photographer
The Peninsula Chicago Hotel Wedding | Downtown Chicago Elopement | Luxury Chicago Hotel | Chicago Elopement Photographer
Karina and Matt started their elopement in downtown Chicago by doing a champagne toast in their suite at The Peninsula Hotel on Michigan Avenue. After they opened a few gifts, Matt saw Karina in her dress for the first time, they headed down Michigan Avenue for a stroll to meet the officiant and say “I do!”
Karina had a beautiful bouquet of jewel toned flowers that matched her chic and jewel toned green dress. I loved how minimal yet beautiful it was! Once we met up with the officiant at the Fourth Presbyterian Church, she led them in their vows and exchanging of rings. After they committed to spend the rest of their life together in the stunning church courtyard downtown, they signed their papers and were officially newlyweds!
We took a few more portraits in the courtyard and then strolled back down to The Peninsula Hotel, where we parted ways and they continued onto a beautiful and private evening together. I honestly love when couples do what feels right to them on their wedding day.
All of this to say, if you want to wait and spend your day with your loved ones, then do that, because it’s important to you and that definitely matters. And in the same vain, if you want to take your next step into married life with just your fiancé by your side, then do it! either way should be celebrated and I am here for all of it! I personally eloped to St. Lucia this past November with my husband and can really appreciate this kind of wedding day as well as the larger ones, because we also still want to have a larger wedding with all of our family and friends in the years to come!
I truly loved how romantic this day was and am so grateful for every couple who asks me to document their day, no matter how large or intimate! x
New Mexico Elopement | El Monte Sagrado Taos Wedding | New Mexico Wedding Photographer
New Mexico Elopement | El Monte Sagrado Taos Wedding | New Mexico Wedding Photographer
I met Ann in 6th grade. We went to middle school together and naturally got close because of being in band classes together. Throughout the years we became even closer and realized we lived close to each other on neighboring islands in Savannah and would hang out at each others houses watching movies and joining all of the same clubs and sports. I mean, I wasn’t athletic at all, but joined cross country and soccer just because Annie and a few other friends were on the teams. ha. We also were very dedicated marching band, orchestra, chess and art club members. As well as being in advanced classes, we basically were overachievers, had similar personalities and got along well because of it. Over the years we have visited each other wherever we lived, from visiting her at University, to wherever our lives brought us, from GA, to DC, to NYC, to Chicago to Colorado. She’s just a gem of a human…. so why wouldn’t I also come along to document her marry the man of her dreams in New Mexico!
I have been around from the start of Clint and Annie’s relationship, and it’s basically a romance movie. To sum it up in a short and sweet way, they were both flying home for the holidays and had the same layover, they met at the airport and realized they were going to the same city but never met before. When they got there they kept in touch, met up with friends downtown and never stopped talking. The rest was history! There are loads more details of sweetness and the journey in between meeting and marriage, but in the end, their similar respect and love for each other makes these two one of my favorite couples!
Annie and Clint decided to say “I do” with just the two of them in one of their favorite ski resorts they frequent, El Monte Sagrado! El Monte Sagrado resort is located in the heart of Taos, New Mexico. They booked a moroccan themed suite that included a hot tub in the backyard and two rooms for them to get ready separately on the morning of their wedding day to have a first look. Clint waited in the greenhouse on the property of the resort, the very place that he proposed to Ann. When she walked up he was speechless. They said their vows to each other and then Ann surprised Clint by singing and playing a song on her ukulele for him. They then signed their marriage license back at the suite and Ann made an incense alter and had a moment of silence for her late father, who was the sweetest man. She also read letters that all of her loved ones wrote her, that her younger sister had collected from anyone who was close to Annie. They really were surrounded by the love of their community on their wedding day, even from afar.
After their ceremony afternoon at El Monte Sagrado, they both put on their hiking boots and we headed for the Rio Grande Gorge for wedding portraits! The timing worked perfectly in the end, because we were able to shoot in the desert at sunset and into that magical blue hour at dusk. The canyon, the landscape, the light and the mountains in the background all made such a beautiful end to this special day for two very special humans. Truly could not have loved documenting, witnessing and celebrating these two anymore than I did. Cheers to everyone who has found a way to marry the love of their life during this season of so much change. x
The Willows at Ashcombe Mansion Wedding | A Romantic Pennsylvania Elopement
The Willows at Ashcombe Mansion Wedding | A Romantic Pennsylvania Elopement | Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer | Melody Joy Co.
This elopement weekend was such a beautiful one, snow storm and all.
It started with me flying to Harrisburg, PA a few nights before because of a snow storm rolling in and flights were starting to be canceled. I thankfully, with getting there a few nights before we were able to to get dinner and catch up over a solid Italian meal. Briana and Taylor were so welcoming and fun to hang out with! What started as a casual meal, ended with a lively night of Taylor teaching me how to properly hold a sword and move my feet while fencing at their apartment, as he is a legit fencer and even is a part of a local swordsmanship fencing chapter and takes classes!
On the morning of their wedding day they got ready in their beautiful apartment that overlooks the capitol building in the center of the historic downtown of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. They got ready with their two cats, in separate rooms while Taylor made drinks for them and they listened to their favorite playlists. When Briana walked into her living room to have Taylor see her in her dress for the first time, she wanted me to surprise him and put on the theme to Outlander just before she walked out, which always makes him emotional, and it definitely worked.
We then drove in the snow storm (“we” as in Taylor) to The Willows at Ashcombe Mansion for bridal portraits. They knew they wanted somewhere beautiful to commemorate their special day and The Ashcombe Mansion could not have fit their aesthetic any better. Taylor and Briana even brought their favorite swords from their collection, to have in a few of their images with them. When walking around The Ashcombe Mansion we found a room with wallpaper of knights riding on horses…with swords! It was the perfect backdrop to document them with their swords. I just love that they both fence and both can share in such a unique and historic hobby together.
On the fencing note, after we left The Willows at Ashcombe Mansion, we returned to their apartment where they surprised their fencing class on Zoom, and got legally married in front of them! One of their classmates was ordained and married them before their fencing history class started. They read their vows in front of their swords that were surrounded by candles. And in the candlelight, they were finally married and ended the day with port and sharing in their passion for fencing with friends.
I love that they found a way to take portraits somewhere beautiful, without having to have a formal wedding there. I think that during this season of life, as elopements are becoming a more regular occurrence, I think everyone should consider going to a venue for portraits, even if just for an hour! I thought it was a lovely idea and in the end, even with endless snow coming down on their wedding day, it ended up with them as husband and wife, and lifelong memories documented to remember this special day with! x
Chic Downtown Chicago Micro Wedding | Madelyn + Paul | Elopement Wedding Photographer
Chic Downtown Chicago Micro Wedding | Madelyn + Paul | Elopement Wedding Photographer
Elopements at city hall are some of my favorite! And Madelyn and Paul truly did it right! They started the day getting ready with their favorite people, and then did their first look just outside of the Thompson Hotel in the center of downtown Chicago. They then hopped in a limo with some bubbly and headed off to the Chicago Cook County Marriage Court. After they went in with their marriage certificate in hand and their masks on their faces, they came out with their arms in the air and rejoicing as they just got married during this craziness of a year! They had their parents and siblings waiting just outside the courthouse doors to cheer them on right after they left the courthouse and to give them all of the hugs!
Then the newlyweds went for a limo ride through Chicago and we stopped by a few of their favorite neighborhoods and some beautiful streets downtown. We ended up in the fashion district of downtown and roamed around the streets by shops like Dior and Versace, before heading to Gibson’s Steakhouse, where their immediate families were waiting to celebrate and enjoy a meal with them upstairs in a private dining room. All in all, this was a simple day, filled with beautiful little details that all focused on the bride and groom! In the car ride they opened up a bag of gummy bears their friends gave them, popped champagne and took Fujifilm Instax photos to have little take aways straight away from their special day!
This day was such a memorable one, and not just because of the beautiful bride and groom and their amazingly city chic attire, but because they just did what they wanted! These two, just like many couples had another plan before this one, and when this year became what it became, they just had to figure it out. And in the end, when you want to get married, you just figure out a way to make it happen, even if that means just the two of you in your city at the courthouse, dressed in your best! Madelyn and Paul were so relaxed all day long and were truly just so happy to finally become husband and wife and to start their “forever” together. I loved being able to witness their joy on this day. From start to finish, there was just so much love, joy and laughter, and that, to me, is what makes a wedding day the most beautiful of all! x
Dress - Sarah Seven // Hotel - Thompson Hotel // Wedding Reception - Gibson’s Steakhouse // Wedding Ceremony - Chicago Cook County Marriage Court // Flowers - Bride’s Mother (She did amazing!)
Romantic Micro Wedding in Chicago | Amina & Vinnie | Chicago Elopement Photographer | Melody Joy Co.
Romantic Micro Wedding in Chicago | Amina & Vinnie | Chicago Elopement Photographer | Melody Joy Co.
Amina and Vinnie revived my love for intimate micro weddings! This wedding day started with Amina and Vinnie getting ready together in their downtown high rise flat. We then walked around downtown Chicago to take portraits in some of their favorite pieces of architecture. The first stop was The Chicago Theatre, next was The Board of Trade building on La Salle, then there was The Art Institute of Chicago on Michigan Avenue. We must have walked a couple of miles downtown, but we had so much fun together strolling around and Amina was extra impressive with how good she was at walking long lengths in heels! She said her Thunder Heel Pumps from Prada were plenty comfy!
After we took their portraits we walked up Michigan Avenue to the ceremony and reception venue, The Skyline Club. The Skyline Club is the Penthouse of a high rise overlooking the Chicago River. If you are looking for a stunning rooftop view surrounded by skyscrapers as your outdoor rooftop wedding ceremony backdrop, then The Skyline Club would be the perfect fit for you! You can also have indoor or outdoor seating for your cocktail hour or reception!
The night resumed with endless family time, a thank you speech, their cake cutting, a delicious meal and a table of homemade desserts! All in all, I would say having a micro wedding with just twenty of your closest family and friends is the way to go to be able to enjoy these season, specifically with the laws in different countries, or if you simply want to provide a higher quality of celebration for your loved ones. The less people you have attend your micro wedding as well, the more time you have to have full conversations with all of them too! Overall, it’s a sweet way to have a celebration while still making it feel intimate and just about you both. If you ever need any advice on elopements or a micro wedding, I would be happy to share my thoughts on venues, styles, details and timelines that will work well for a beautiful micro wedding day! x
Wedding Dress - Emilia Wickstead Bridal // Wedding Shoes - Prada // Wedding Head Piece - Jennifer Behr // Wedding Portraits - Board of Trade Building and Art Institute of Chicago // Wedding Florals - Design de Flores // Chicago Wedding Venue for outdoor Ceremony and indoor Reception - The Skyline Club //
Destination Elopement Portraits on a Lake | Romantic Canoe Wedding Portraits | Melody Joy Co.
Destination Elopement Portraits on a Lake | Romantic Canoe Wedding Portraits | Melody Joy Co.
Gabe and Karla were married in 2017. They are some of the sweetest humans and creative couples I know. I watched a thriller movie about a cabin in the woods with Karla one evening and thought to myself… let’s go to a cabin in the woods and do a shoot! So I went straight to Airbnb and found a cabin in Michigan for us to do this elopement wedding shoot. We were able to capture wedding portraits of them in a canoe that came with the lake house. Not only was it a way for me to create something beautiful during this season, but I love giving real life couples memories that they can cherish forever. They both are so full of creative juices from Karla running a music school for children with Little Parade Music, and Gabe doing music production, Illustration for children’s books, recording, leading worship, a talented barista and all around loving human to everyone around me. I’m so grateful for these wonderful and inspiring cousins of mine and I’ll never tire of capturing the different seasons of their life. Enjoy these moody portraits of them in a canoe on a lake. x
And if you’re interested in my capturing couple or bridal portraits of your love and you, please reach out here.
I would love to create something beautiful with you!
Varca Bridal | Chicago Wedding Dress Designer | Melody Joy Co.
Varca Bridal | Chicago Wedding Dress Designer | Melody Joy Co.
I’m always amazed at the detail that Sarah puts into her gown collections. Varca’s latest bridal collection has so many interesting sleeves, cuts, fabrics and even removable extensions! So anyone from the more minimal to the more extra bride has something they can relate to! Varca names all of her gowns after names of women who has inspired them and her! Go check out Varca’s Instagram to see the names for each individual gown. Below are a few of my favorite images of each wedding dress, taken in her new studio space.
Sarah, of Varca Bridal, designed and is making me a custom wedding dress! I could not be more excited about having one of her custom pieces. Ever since she reached out to me about a shoot a few years ago, I instantly fell in love with her style and her as a person! If you’re looking for someone to make you a custom gown that will feel 100 percent like you mixed with Sarah’s creative energy, then definitely reach out to be one of her few custom brides that she takes on each year. I feel so honored to be one of them for this year!
Let me know if you all have any favorites, my favorite from her collection is definitely the VERONICA, and not just because I grew up collecting and ready Archie Comics endlessly. The sleeves are just amazing and totally give the dress that 19th century glam. The earrings that Sarah paired with each dress for this shoot were handmade by Ashley Jordan, of the Fashion Collective. Her earring line is called Akin Studio. Ashley’s statement earrings are all made of polymer clay and compliment Varca’s wedding gowns beautifully.
The hair for this shoot was done by Juan José of Hair by Juan José. His personality is exactly what you want on your wedding day, smiley, fun, just a joy to be around! And of course he created the perfect relaxed updo’s to compliment these beautifully detailed and structured gowns. All of the makeup for this collection shoot was done by the lovely Alyssa of Makeup by Alyssa Cruz. Her soft smokey eyes and natural tones are exactly what a bride should want on their wedding day so they feel a bit done up, but also feel like themselves. These soft hair and makeup I believe are the perfect way to feature your Varca dress or any wedding dress on a wedding day. I’m just all about the natural hair and makeup look for any occasion, personally.
Well enough of my words and badly written sentences, enjoy scrolling through all of the beauty that Varca has created for her brides this year. Truly honored to capture such beautiful works of art, as that is exactly what they are. x
Wedding Dress Collection - Varca Bridal / Makeup - Alyssa Cruz / Hair - Juan José / Photography - Melody Joy Co. / Wedding Jewelry - Ashley Jordan of Akin Studio, Fashion Collective / Models - Vinithra + Leilani
Tarlair Swimming Pool | Open Air Pool in Scotland | Travel Photographer
Tarlair Swimming Pool | Open Air Pool in Scotland | Travel Photographer
I love visiting new places. They don’t need to be the most epic mountains or popular locations in the country, just a place that is new to me. I will always find a way to connect to the atmosphere wherever I find myself, by strolling around the area and taking it all in.
For this trip, my birthday weekend to be exact, we ventured to the north east of Scotland in Aberdeenshire. We stayed in the Aberdeen countryside in a remote hut with a wood-burning hot tub. It was simple and all we needed for a simple and sweet getaway. We stopped at so many abandoned castles, structures and quiet coastlines along the road up north. But one of my favorite places I laid my eyes on was the Tarlair Outdoor Swimming Pool. It was commissioned in 1929 and opened in 1931. Between Tarlair’s Art Deco architecture and the history it has during the war times has made this a Grade A building by Historic Scotland. It’s truly a beautiful sight. Even with all of the buildings and pools clearly unmaintained, there is a bit of happiness that you can still see when imagining all of the times that were had there when it first opened. The designers were so thoughtful with the structure and the location could not be more perfect. It is perfectly placed just below a cliff, right on the beach front. The architects had designed pumps to bring in the ocean water to the multiple layers of pools. The steps into the pool were so thoughtful and well designed. Overall, the Art Deco architecture design had me over the moon.
And as a side note, as there may be others who will visit this beautiful piece of Art Deco architecture in the future, just to remember to be mindful of where you’re walking, because depending on the water and tide, this particular area can be extremely wet and slippery around the pool edges. Locals are there usually walking their dogs and it is a really peaceful place for a mindful stroll, reading a book or taking a few images, but not a place for masses to gather, play loud music or disturb locals in this peaceful little area (as well as any area in The Highlands, truly).
This location was just a dream for me, as someone who loves architecture and the stillness and quietness of a historic, desolate structure. This was such a great place to think. In fact, shortly after Ross and I arrived, we both parted ways to stroll around the area and look at the details of the area, as it felt more like a sacred sanctuary, unlike the usual natural scenery locations in Scotland that we visit. I love visiting places with Ross and love how these road trip experiences bring us closer together with the many memories made. From the music we listen to in the car, to our conversations about how these abandoned structures used to be thriving, to the snacks we choose at local markets, to the crazy weather and random ways we end up spending our evenings (like figuring out how to get the best temperature from a wood-burning hot tub in the rain). We always have so much fun together and make the most of any situation, and I’m so excited to continue to experience new places and making beautiful memories with Ross for the rest of my days. x
Edinburgh Wedding | Ruth + Mark | Edinburgh Wedding Photographer
Edinburgh Wedding | Ruth + Mark | Scottish Bride | Edinburgh Wedding Photographer | Scotland Wedding
Edinburgh Weddings are some of my favorite! The architecture in this city is like no other. But truly, my favorite part of this wedding day is that Ruth and Mark are some of our best friends in Scotland and we were honored that they wanted Ross and I to capture their wedding day! Ruth and I actually were introduced by a mutual friend on Instagram telling us to meet at Cairngorm for coffee simply because he “thought we would get along well.” Well, he was completely right, because now she is one of my best friends here in Scotland!
Ruth started her wedding day at The Place Hotel with a morning of drinking mimosas and having a stunning view of the rooftops of Edinburgh. Mark spent his morning with his groomsmen at his home overlooking The Fourth Bridge in South Queensferry. His guys were doing cartwheels in kilts (good thing Ross was there to capture that craziness in person, because of course I couldn’t post all of those) and drinking coffee from The Manna House, their favorite local cafe. Both Ruth and Mark are such laid back individuals and both just wanted relaxing mornings with their best friends. Those are my favorite kind of mornings.
The Place Hotel is right next door to their ceremony location at P’s & G’s Church, so she was able to easily walk down the street and straight down the aisle for her ceremony. Ruth had the entire sanctuary of P’s & G’s transformed into a whimsical space full of nature and the outdoors. I even spent a day walking along the beaches of Scotland collecting sea glass to use as decor with Ruth. If you are looking for endless beautiful sea glass, the shores of the Dalmeny Estate have a lot that get washed up along the shore. In the end, they were able to gather enough blue and green sea glass to hang on all of the branches that they foraged from a local estate. After their ceremony, everyone caravanned down to the cobblestoned waterway of Quay Commons, in Leith, for an afternoon cocktail garden party in the sun! We then strolled through Custom Lane for their bridal portraits. They played a bit a ping pong in front of Williams and Johnson and just relaxed for a while, just the two of them, before greeting a couple hundred of their closest friends and family back at P’s & G’s for a night of Scottish wedding traditions and wedding party!
The guests (just a few, 400ish of them) were all greeted with a custom drink and handmade wedding favours, a bar of soap from the Isle of Skye company, Skye Soap. There were dances, speeches, a live band the whole evening and some solid ceilidh dancing! It was just the perfect evening and there is nothing better than walking away from a wedding and not wanting it to end. I’m so happy to have celebrated this wedding day with Ruth and Mark. With every unique wedding I capture, I’m left with memories that I’ll cherish forever and I couldn’t be more grateful for beautiful wedding days like this one.
Just in case you wanted to see Ross and I in action, these above photos show us in our happy place, dancing alongside everyone while capturing the fun happening all the way until the final dance, which is my favorite one! I truly love my job and celebrating the couples I’m documenting!
The images below are from the day-after shoot! We started at Fortitude Coffee and had flat whites before we headed off to roam the streets of the city where these two fell in love.
Edinburgh Wedding Photographer - Melody Joy Co. | Edinburgh Wedding Venues - Ps & Gs Church (ceremony + reception), Cafe Tartine (starter), Papillion (main) + Quay Commons (dessert) | Edinburgh Celebrant - Rev. Michael Mair | Edinburgh Wedding Videographer - Sandy Butler Videography | Edinburgh Wedding Dress - House of Mooshki (bespoke) at Edinburgh Bridal Boutique - Pretty Woman | Jewellery + accessories - Róis Scottish Sea Glass Designs | Bridesmaid outfits - Coast | Scotland Groomswear and kilts - The Kilt Store, Edinburgh | Edinburgh Wedding Florist - Narcissus | Edinburgh Wedding Band Entertainment - Corra | Edinburgh Bridal Make-up - Alicia Avenzzano | Custom Scottish Wedding Favours - Isle of Skye Soap Co. | Edinburgh Set design - Big House Productions
Bohemian Bride | Boho Bridal Fashion Editorial | Chicago Wedding Photographer
Bohemian Bride | Fashion Editorial | Chicago, IL | Destination Wedding Photographer
The dictionary definition for Bohemian as a noun is “a socially unconventional person, especially one who is involved in the arts” and as an adjective is “socially unconventional in an artistic way.” I wanted to give background to the word that is really trending in weddings and style nowadays. The technical definition is about someone who is artistic and unconventional in their society, a going against the grain type. The reason I believe most bohemian styles tend to portray florals and the hippie style is because of the era of when the term was initially coined. Either way, that is how it is meant when used in the bridal and wedding world. This bohemian bridal fashion shoot was styled by Ariana Anderson, a stylist based in Chicago, IL. The florals in the hair and amazing blunt eyeshadow was created by Michelle of Mink loves Makeup, another Chicago based hair and makeup artist. These hair and makeup designs really feature the bohemian floral style in a minimalist way. And of course, the bohemian feelings couldn’t be portrayed without the deep emotions and beautiful modeling by Chicago based model and artist, Dominique Ashanti.
I’m so grateful to be able to have these days of creativity in between shooting weddings. Being able to come together with like minded friends in the creative field and just have the freedom to create and knowing that whatever comes from it is exactly what is was meant to be, is such a beautiful thing. These portraits were taken in my Chicago home. As I’m transitioning within the next year to living full time in Scotland after I get married, I’m trying to cherish having this beautiful open space to create inspiring editorials. This season of life living in Chicago and traveling back and forth to Edinburgh to see my fiancé has been a beautiful one, and being in one place all of the time will be wonderful, but I will always look fondly on the creativity that this space has given me during this season of life in Wicker Park, an artistic neighborhood in Chicago.
Ariana Anderson, Styled By Ariana - Chicago Stylist | Dominique Ashanti - The Lovely model + Amazing Painter | Michelle of Mink Loves Makeup - Chicago Makeup Artist
If you’d like me to capture an editorial and have ideas for a fashion shoot, please reach out below and
I would love to create something beautiful with you!
Chicago Engagement Session | Kayla + Julio | Montrose Beach Lakefront | Lake Michigan
Kayla + Julio | Chicago Engagement Session | Montrose Beach Lakefront | Lake Michigan | Chicago Wedding Photographer
I had the immense privilege of capturing these two beautiful souls on the shores of Montrose Beach for their engagement photos. These images were taken as Chicago was transitioning from winter to spring, which of course, Chicago takes a while to do so the sand had layers of snow and the lake still had a thin layer of ice over it. We enjoyed strolling along the lakefront and running around beach, it actually helped us to stay warm. Although you wouldn’t know these two were freezing most of the time, because they are not only naturals in front of the camera but thankfully their sweet love distracted them both from the colder weather.
Kayla and Julio are both lovely creatives. Kayla not only is an industry leader in essential oils, but she also makes beautiful handmade earrings at of clay. Her jewelry company is called Wind & Wild Co. If you love supporting local makers, then definitely check out her work and go give her a follow! Julio is a talented musician and knows how to pick a solid taco place! After our session they invited Ross and I to join them for a double date to their favorite Mexican restaurant in Logan Square, Chicago. It was honestly some of the best guacamole I’ve had yet! The day was really a beautiful one and these two were such a joy to be around!
I’m always really grateful to capture genuinely kind humans like these, and if you’re a kind human, couple or business, I’d be honored to photograph you in your element as well! Cheers to loving what you do and cheers to these two beauties for being such a lovely pair together, inside and out!
Boho Fashion Editorial | Fashion Photographer | Chicago Stylist
Boho Fashion Editorial | Fashion Photographer | Wicker Park, Chicago | Ariana Anderson Stylist
When Ariana, of Styled by Ariana, presented the idea to me for this bohemian summer editorial shoot, she sent me this beautiful quote by Morgan Harper Nichols below. This became the foundation for the emotion behind this shoot.
And in those moments where the sun is setting and the house is quiet and you are weary from the day, may you know that there is grace for you in that space, and no amount of heaviness or loneliness can take that away. And because of that grace, you are free to slow down. You are free to breathe and rest, no matter the things not sorted out. There might be some mystery here and there might be longing, wondering, and waiting. But there will also be boundless peace that goes beyond any understanding, running wild like a river through everything, no matter how heavy these moments feel. So rest easy, when everything is approaching. Tomorrow is surely coming, but in the hours in between, you are free to rest till then.”
― Morgan Harper Nichols
This quote really resonated with myself, Ariana, Dominique, our lovely model who brought this shoot to life, and the amazing makeup artist, Michelle of Mink Loves Makeup. So we all came together to create something beautiful in the spirit of Morgan’s wise words. The prepping started the day before the shoot with Ariana being a boss and foraging all of the greenery on her own for this shoot from the streets of her Chicago neighborhood. It was the most beautiful thing how everything came together. The location for this shoot is in the living room of my Wicker park flat. Definitely a space that I will always cherish having for as long as I’m renting in Chicago. All of this to say, you don’t need a lot to create something beautiful with your friends. This shoot inspires me in so many ways and I’m so grateful for all of the beautiful individuals I can create with.
Ariana Anderson, Styled By Ariana - Chicago Stylist | Dominique Ashanti - The Lovely model + Amazing Painter | Michelle of Mink Loves Makeup - Chicago Makeup Artist
If you’d like me to capture an editorial and have ideas for a fashion shoot, please reach out below and
I would love to create something beautiful with you!
New Orleans Destination Wedding | The Chicory | Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery
New Orleans Destination Wedding | The Chicory | Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery | Destination Wedding Photographer
Stephanie and Jelani are two of the most beautiful souls. I was tearing up during the heartfelt speeches the night before at their rehearsal dinner and am so grateful to their family for opening up their arms to Ross and I to document all of the love and memories that were made during their wedding weekend.
They started their destination wedding day in the historic Old No. 77 Hotel in the heart of New Orleans. Stephanie spent her morning with her best friends getting pampered and listening to music and Jelani spent his morning with his best friends getting pedicures and walking around the street of New Orleans. They had a really sweet private first look in a room just off of the hotel lobby. Then we took all of the family and group portraits before heading over to The Chicory for the ceremony.
Once we arrived at The Chicory, following the sweetest ceremony full of meaningful traditions, we headed to the rooftop to take portraits of Stephanie and Jelani as newlyweds. With the beautiful backdrop of the New Orleans city skyline in the background, they danced, strolled and just enjoyed their time alone before heading back down to greet all of their favorite people at Cocktail Hour! Once back downstairs, Stephanie and Jelani were greeted with warm embraces from their families, an amazing live blues band, a District Donuts donut wall, a sweet lady making pralines live for everyone and tons of great friends and food having the best time! Up next was the cutting of the Donut Cake and speeches that broke out into music! To end the night in the most fun and traditional New Orleans style, they had a Second Line Band lead the whole wedding party and guests down to the streets outside and had one huge party in a local gazebo! The brass band was absolutely phenomenal musically and reminded me of my marching band days in high school!
All in all, I couldn’t have been more honored to have been able to celebrate Stephanie and Jelani’s wedding day with them! I love these two together and am truly so grateful to document a sweet love like theirs!
New Orleans Hotel - Old No. 77 Hotel Chandlery | Ceremony, Reception Venue + Catering - The Chicory New Orleans | Wedding Dress - Kelly’s Closet ATL | Groom Suit Designer - Dixie Toledo | Hair Artist - Strawberri Curls | Make-up Artist - Erica Nicole | Bride’s Ring - Mejuri | Groom’s Ring - Bondwell | Reception Band - The Big Easy Groovers | Wedding Planning, Design + Florist - Rock Paper Details | Wedding Filmmaker - Eskimo Love Stories | Dessert Donut Bar - District Donuts | Live Praline Baker - Divas Sweets & Parties | Reception DJ - DJ Vaughn Dutch |
If you’d like me to capture your wedding day or just want to chat with me to see how I can help you create something beautiful on your wedding day, reach out on my contact page below!
South Queensferry Elopement | Those Were The Days Bridal | Scotland Elopement Photographer
South Queensferry Elopement | Those Were The Days Bridal | Scotland Elopement Photographer
I can never get enough of brides who wear vintage. Vintage will always hold a special place in my heart, as I love how you use your imagination of the stories that the piece previously experienced. It really is a beautiful thing. This is another example of how beautiful the vintage wedding dresses from Those Were The Days Bridal can be styled for your elopement. If you from or ever get the chance to visit Scotland, you need to make your way over to South Queensferry. They are a beautiful waterfront town with cobblestoned streets, beautiful bridges, quaint cafes and endless historic architecture that is protected by the Scottish Government. Our friends Ruth and Mark live out there, and we are constantly having sleepovers at their home with delicious meals and endless chats into the night. All this to say, we love South Queensferry and would highly recommend it for your elopement or even just a place to visit for a Saturday stroll.
If you do decide to make it out to South Queensferry, definitely check out The Manna House. It’s the cafe we frequent often when we are there. They have excellent honey lattes, delicious pastries and their French Toast platter is definitely an American portion… which I unashamedly love. Ross also enjoys their fresh baked loafs of bread and salads, you know, the healthier options. Also, if you enjoy walking, the Dalmeny estate has beautiful walkways with gorgeous pathways along the coastline, and we’ve definitely enjoyed some beautiful evenings of S’mores with our friends on the sand. It’s truly a lovely area of Scotland to visit!
Vintage Wedding Dresses - Those Were The Days Bridal | Vintage Menswear - Those Were The Days Vintage | Models - Maggie & Ben
If you’d like me to capture your elopement, wedding, brand, or would simply like a mentor session with me,
reach out on my contact page through the link below! I can’t wait to chat with you!
Best Vintage Wedding Dress Shop in Edinburgh | Those Were The Days Bridal | Scotland Elopement Photographer
Vintage Wedding Dress Shop | Those Were The Days Bridal | Scotland Elopement Photographer
There are so many talented wedding dress designers that I love to recommend to brides, because I love the creativity and uniqueness that the gowns give to each individual. With that said, you know what else is unique and custom? VINTAGE. I have always been a huge fan of vintage clothing. In college, going to the huge thrift stores with friends, I would find the best gems of vintage dresses, denim and purses (that I still have to this day!). It’s always the best feeling knowing that you have a one of a kind piece, or at least for all you know, it’s the very last garment in tact of that vintage piece, in that size, potentially in the world! You just never know. It’s exciting when you find a vintage wedding dress that you love, because the sizes do tend to vary based on the decade the designer lived in.
If you are looking for a vintage wedding dress and are eloping or having a wedding in Scotland, you have to visit Those Were the Days Bridal! Those Were the Days Bridal is a vintage boutique that specializes in hand curated vintage wedding dresses from all around the world. Claire is the owner and I’ve been shooting her beautifully selected vintage gowns for the last few years now. We’ve done so many lookbook editorials for her shop, that I’ve first hand seen how much knowledge Claire has about the dresses. She knows the designers, the decades, the materials and how best to take care of the gowns. She uses gloves and has anyone sifting through the gowns wear them, to protect their quality for their final owner. I respect Claire and her passion for vintage so much. She is the most true to herself person I know and I’m so grateful I’ve been able to work with her beautiful self and her vintage shop for all of these years.
If you are eloping to Scotland, and don’t want to transport a dress, definitely book an appointment to visit Those Were the Days Bridal when you arrive in Edinburgh. I’m sure you’ll find something beautiful! She has vintage gowns that are short and sassy, perfect for a courthouse elopement, all the way to boho and flowing gowns, that are perfect for those Scottish elopements in the outdoors of the Highlands. Also, next door, there is Those Were the Days Vintage next door, that has both vintage women’s and menswear! Sometimes a funky, sparkly or colorful party or evening gown may be the coolest wedding dress for those really looking to stand out from the crowds! Either way, you won’t be disappointed by visiting Those Were the Days Bridal and Vintage boutiques!
Enjoy these gorgeous vintage gowns from Those Were the Days Bridal,
on the serene and majestic shores of Scotland.
Vintage Wedding Dresses - Those Were The Days Bridal | Models - Maggie & Ben
If you’d like me to capture your elopement, wedding, brand, or would simply like a mentor session with me,
reach out on my contact page through the link below! I can’t wait to chat with you!
Modern Wedding | Art Institute of Chicago | The Publican | Chicago Wedding Photographer
Modern Wedding | Art Institute of Chicago | The Publican | Chicago Wedding Photographer
Tim and Ivy are two of the loveliest humans I’ve had the pleasure of documenting. Their wedding day had so much personality in it. Ivy’s wedding dress was her mom’s vintage wedding gown, that she slightly customized to make it her own. They had their beautiful dog be a special part of the day by having him be their adorable “Ring Bear.” I love when couples include their animals, who are more like family, into their wedding day. They now live in New York City, but since Ivy grew up in Chicago, it held a special place in her heart. Also, the Art scene in Chicago is amazing. With The Art Institute of Chicago being one of their favorite museums and them both being Whitney museum members in NYC, it was an obvious choice for where they wanted the majority of their wedding portraits taken.
Ross and I started the morning documenting Tim and Ivy in their hotel suites overlooking the beautiful Chicago skyscrapers. We then walked down with them individually, to have them meet on a bridge overlooking the Chicago River, which weaves beautifully throughout the city scape. Even though they were in the middle of a bustling city, it still felt like they were the only ones around to each other. We walked down the river for a bit before hopping in a cab and heading to The Art Institute of Chicago. At the Art Institute, we walked by all of their favorite works to take portraits of them while they strolled and viewed the artwork together. From the Thorne Miniature Rooms by Mrs. James Ward Thorne, to the Marc Chagall Windows, to the Claude Monet Water Lilies and Stacks of Wheat, to the entire Modern Wing. It really was so special to wander around the museum with someone who values and appreciates art as much as I do. Side note, I’m a member at the Art Institute of Chicago and I can easily get lost in the works of art weekly. Artists of all methods and time periods inspire me so much.
Once we finished our stroll at the Art Institute of Chicago, we headed to Oak Park for their intimate wedding ceremony. The Ceremony took place in the beautiful cathedral of Grace Lutheran, where Ivy’s family attended growing up. They had their dog be the “ring bear” and he really was such a sweet touch. I love when couples want their animals, who are more like family, to be a special part of their wedding day. The ceremony was incredibly beautiful and serene, which was perfect way to honor the most important moments of the day.
When the ceremony ended we drove back to the West Loop to end the wedding day with a reception at The Publican. Of course, when you have a wedding reception at The Publican, your food is going to be the absolute best.. and theirs most definitely was! They rented out the entire restaurant, which made for an intimate evening of food, speeches, drinks and dancing! They moved the restaurant tables into beautiful long lines that surrounded a dance floor in the center of the room. Ivy had to ring their huge cowbell on the wall to announce to all of the guests that dinner was being served! All of the food was the top level from The Publican and it all came out family style for all of the guests to share. Family style servings really helps your guests to get to know each other and to speak to each other more. Truly a lovely way to make your wedding experience more intimate for your friends and family. They cut their cake, which had an adorable cut out of the two of them and their sweet dog sitting on the top of it! With an open bar, a dessert table and happy hearted guests, The Publican turned dark, and the DJ from Toast and Jam (Who I highly suggest for any wedding party!) led the night into a fun dance party! All in all, this was a truly beautiful day filled with family, friends and delicious food. Tim and Ivy, you both are amazing humans and I hope you’ve had the loveliest time together as Newlyweds!
At the end of this wedding day, I headed home after the last dance and was so filled with joy while looking out of my Uber as the Chicago skyline passed by, and just thought to myself “wow, I have the best job and the best couples.” I’m just truly so grateful for couples, like Tim and Ivy, who allow me the privilege of documenting and celebrating their love. It’s such an honor and always so memorable to me. Melody x
I love that in just a few miles from the heart of downtown Chicago, you can be in the quaint and beautiful neighborhood of Oak Park. Ivy grew up in this Church during her childhood years, so having her ceremony here was really meaningful to her. I love that even though Tim and Ivy’s portraits and and reception are in the urban city area of Chicago, that their ceremony could be in this intimate church setting in a quiet neighborhood. This is honestly what makes Chicago so unique and this couple so incredibly beautiful, to choose a meaningful place to start the rest of their lives together.
Wedding Portraits - Art Institute of Chicago | Wedding Dress - Vintage | Wedding Florist - InFlorEssence | Wedding Reception - The Publican Restaurant | Wedding Planner - Chicago Vintage Weddings | Ceremony - Grace Lutheran | Wedding Filmmaker - DeepEnd imagery | Hair - Paul Rehder Salon | Hotel - Virgin Hotels Chicago | DJ - Toast and Jam
If you’d like me to capture your wedding day or just want to chat with me to see how I can help you create something beautiful on your wedding day, reach out on my contact page below!
Wedding Dress Designer | Carolyn Baxter | Edinburgh, Scotland
Wedding Dress Designer | Carolyn Baxter | Edinburgh, Scotland | Edinburgh Wedding Photographer
Since I’ve been here in Edinburgh for half of the year for the last few years, until I start living here full time soon, I am always making new friends in the wedding industry! The reason I love genuinely getting to know individuals in the Scotland wedding world, is because when I know who they are as a person, I can confidently refer them to all of my future Edinburgh or Scotland brides here. You can only see suppliers work online, but when you get to know wedding suppliers in person, you will be able to refer them with more confidence and match them to future brides that share the same passions and personalities as them. For example, I’ve been said to be more soft spoken, quirky and silly in person than anticipated. Many say my personality is different than what they expected from my images (in a good way it seems!) when you know me in person, and I think that it’s so important to meet people face to face and have that personality connection, as well as loving their beautiful work online. So if you can meet local suppliers in your community, then I would highly encourage you to spend time with them, not only for shoots (which is a great way to help each other and create beautiful work for fun!), but grab coffee, keep up with them online, be genuinely invested in their life behind the scenes and not just in repeated comments for others to see.
Carolyn Baxter is a dress designer, based in the heart of Scotland. She not only designs, but hand sews all of her gowns in her Edinburgh studio. Carolyn not only designs wedding dresses, but also bridesmaid dresses and event gowns! Her work amazes me because it’s so custom. I love the creativity and admire the craftsmanship that goes into the process of making all of her own gowns. Each dress has it’s own unique details and gives the person wearing it endless confidence. Carolyn’s gowns are a combination of femininity and elegance, while still having an edge to them. If you’re searching for a place to have a locally designed wedding dress from Scotland for your wedding or elopement, you should definitely reach out to set up an appointment to visit Carolyn’s Baxter’s boutique in Edinburgh.
For this editorial shoot, I captured the “Julianna” and “Glimmer” gowns. We wandered the streets of Edinburgh and the harsh Scottish winds really showed all of the texture and movement of these beautiful dresses very well. These gowns are listed under her Event Dresses page on her website, but this shoot is a prime example of how any dress can be styled for your wedding day. You don’t have to just look in the bridal section for your wedding dress. I’ve even seen brides wear dresses meant for bridesmaids and they looks stunning! There are no rules when looking for your wedding dress, if you like a dress, whether it’s labeled for events, prom, balls or bridesmaids, if you want to wear it as your wedding dress, you do it proudly and I promise no one will even tell it’s purposed intention because the only definition of a wedding dress is the dress you end up wearing on the day you get married to your best friend… and that will always be your wedding dress.
Dress Designer - Carolyn Baxter | Makeup - Roo Bell | Models - Sofia + Alishba |
Edinburgh Wedding Photographer - Melody Joy Co.
Ace Hotel + City View Loft | Chicago Wedding Photographer
Ace Hotel + City View Loft | Chicago Wedding Photographer
This beautiful wedding day started with getting ready in a beautiful suite at the Ace Hotel and ended with a modern, industrial wedding reception and dance party at City View Loft. Nicki and Ryan, along with their amazing bridal party, really made this day an incredibly memorable one! Every friend they had by their side was truly there for them throughout the day, and that was beautiful to see. One bridesmaid would be holding her daughter, the other would be fixing her hair, the other was holding her dress, and of course, someone was always making sure she had food and a drink in her hand! The bridal party had such a beautiful understanding of the blend of having the most fun while understanding the seriousness of how special this day was to Nicki and Ryan!
I always love showing up to get more “getting ready” moments than planned, because there is usually so much going on. The little moments of seeing what everyone is doing to help prep the bride for her special day, most times go unnoticed, but I try to document each person doing something that is helpful and a memory that the bride may have missed because of being in her hair and makeup seat already. It’s just beautiful to catch the details of the lodging alongside the candids of how the morning of a wedding day goes. So showing up at the Ace Hotel an hour early to capture those extra moments were worth it for me, and for the bride’s reaction to her photos as well! Before we headed to the ceremony, we did a walk around the Ace Hotel to take photos of the bridal party and we found the most epic street art under a bridge it was such a fun moment with every person laughing and enjoying themselves. There were even a few candids of people walking by who jumped in to be in the photos with them. The bridal party walk was definitely one of my favorite memories from this wedding day!
Nicki and Ryan had the most beautiful ceremony in a vaulted room inside of a restored factory, called City View Loft. It’s one of Chicago’s most lovely renovated wedding venues. It’s on the outskirts of downtown and have beautiful skyline views of downtown Chicago. City View Loft has one of the best catering teams, LM Catering, so you don’t have to search for caterers who know the space and beautiful food! Nicki and Ryan also had a taco buffet bar in the middle of their dance party, which was one of my personal favorite parts of the day! Everyone loves a bite to eat in the middle of dancing for hours… especially when dancing with a camera in hand! And of course, the DJ’s at Toast and Jam brought amazing tunes all night long! Overall, this day was filled with memorable moments that will last a lifetime and that is what every wedding day special. Those moments happen with your favorite people, and that will always be unique to you both!
Nicki and Ryan gave me this genuinely sweet review on Junebug Weddings, and I couldn’t be
more grateful to have been there to document and celebrate these two on their wedding day!
”I was lucky enough to have a friend refer me to Melody. I looked at her website ONCE, fell in love, and reached out immediately. Having young kids and living quite a way's away from the city, Melody was more accommodating, flexible, and understanding than she ever had to be. On our wedding day, Melody wasn't just a photographer. It honest to God felt like she was part of the wedding and part of the family, the way she helped organize events of the day and helped with the little important things. That alone makes you feel comfortable in front of her camera. I never truly understood how important finding the RIGHT photographer was until I laid eyes on my own wedding photos. I guess there just aren't the right words to describe how much I appreciate how perfect and beautiful they are. Every detail that I hoped to remember was caught. Every amazing move someone busted on the dance floor was captured. From the tiny details in the decor, to the food, flowers, guests, and everything in-between. When I look at my wedding photos from Melody, I relive one of the best and most important days of my life, vividly! I don’t want to sign off without giving mention to the second photographer Melody brought in for the day, Ross, who captured some amazing photos of the guys! Just goes to show she really knows what she's doing!
I wish I had more room! Trust Melody xo”
- Nicki + Ryan
Lodging - The Ace Hotel Chicago | Ceremony + Reception Venue - City View Loft | Wedding Florals - Flowers For Dreams | Wedding Dress - White Satin Bridal | Catering - LM Catering | DJ - Toast + Jam
If you’d like me to capture your wedding day or see if your wedding date is available,
fill out the form at the link below and I would love to
create something beautiful with you!