Callie & Mark’s Perfect Heritage Prairie Farm Wedding

Callie and Mark met in high school through their close mutual friend, Something Blue’s very own Conrad. Conrad had a feeling way back then that these two would be perfect for each other, and it turns out that he was right all along. As Callie and Mark’s high school friendship grew into flirtation in college they started a long-distance relationship in 2015.

After dating long-distance for five years Callie and Mark finally moved in together in February 2021 to an apartment in Uptown Chicago with their beloved dog Buzz. A few years later they decided to buy Mark’s parent’s house – in preparing to move Callie asked Conrad if he would come capture some photos of her and Mark at their first apartment together before their lease ended. Little did Callie know that Mark and Conrad had hatched a plan for the photoshoot to be extra special, and Mark proposed outside their first apartment with Conrad there to capture the moment.

Over the years I have loved spending time with Callie and Mark through Conrad, and I was beyond excited to hear that they got engaged and wanted Something Blue to capture their wedding. We planned to do their engagement session in Chicago, starting first at the lakefront and ending in Uptown to honor the time they spent living together there. I really loved getting to know Callie and Mark better at their engagement session, they are so in-sync and their love feels like it is the most natural thing in the world.

When the Friday arrived for Callie and Mark’s wedding I was so nervous and excited to head to Heritage Prairie Farm with Christy to capture the day. We truly believe that Heritage Prairie Farm is THE perfect venue – it’s so welcoming and beautiful there and the food is without question the best wedding food we have ever experienced. It was a beautiful September Friday and so much fun to see so many friends when we arrived – having Conrad there as a groomsman and guest was definitely a wild experience! And it was so special seeing his fiancé Ami and friends Eve, Doyle and Pat not to mention the many guests that were there to celebrate Callie and Mark. We love all of these people and were so thankful to spend this time with them at our favorite place!!

Callie looked absolutely gorgeous, which Mark sweetly told her the second he saw her at their First Look. He didn’t take his eyes off her for the rest of the day, and he later delivered perhaps the most touching and romantic vows we have ever heard from a groom. As we all wiped away tears Callie and Mark kissed and joyfully toasted their signature drinks outside in the sunshine. And of course everyone then had to toast an Underberg together (those reaction shots might be some of my favorites from the day!)

The tent at Heritage Prairie Farm looked extra beautiful thanks to the talented floral team at Purple Rose. After giving a beautiful and heartfelt speech Conrad took a few moments out of enjoying dinner to fly his drone for some stunning sunset photos of Callie and Mark. Once the sun set we gathered together and “sent off” the newlyweds with sparklers (well, we took some fun pictures and then headed back to the tent for dancing and rejoicing!) Our friend Karen came along to create a beautiful live painting of Callie and Mark’s first dance – they danced to Phoebe Bridgers’ beautiful version of “Friday I’m in Love” that may just be my new favorite because it reminds me of Callie and Mark’s perfect love. This was truly the best day, what an honor and joy to be there to celebrate Callie and Mark!!

Congratulations, Callie and Mark, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!

To see all of Callie and Mark’s beautiful wedding photos click here

VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue

VENUE
Heritage Prairie Farm

FLORIST
Purple Rose

HAIR + MAKEUP
Hair’s 2 the Bride

DJ
DJ Marty B

LIVE PAINTER
Karen Sako

ENGAGEMENT RING
Brilliant Earth

BRIDAL GOWN BOUTIQUE
Altar Bridal

BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES
Birdy Grey

MENSWEAR
Men’s Wearhouse

Michelle & Nolan’s Salvage One Engagement Session

We first connected with Michelle and Nolan when she scheduled an Extended Family session for her family. Michelle is a ray of light and after Christy photographed her family she had such a great time meeting this sweet couple she recommended we connect to talk about their wedding plans for next year. Well, within about thirty seconds of meeting Michelle and Nolan I was in love, this couple has such a warmth to them and a natural connection. I was overjoyed when they hired us to photograph their wedding at Salvage One for next September!!

I was so excited when Michelle and Nolan asked if I would come downtown to Salvage One for their engagement session, I always feel inspired when I am in this amazing space! I had the idea to invite Conrad to join us and shoot some film on his vintage cameras, film photography and Salvage One seem felt like a match made in heaven. So he loaded up some color and BW rolls in his Minolta TC-1 point-and-shoot, his Leica M6 and Mamiya RZ67 and went with me to shoot this engagement session on film. After he sent off Michelle and Nolan’s rolls to The Darkroom and got the scans back we were SO excited about these images, can we just shoot EVERYTHING on film please??! I mean, how stunning are all of these?

Conrad’s film scans are so gorgeous I can’t help but feel tempted to shoot every session on film now! But I think these digital images that I shot are pretty good too :) It was SO much fun to photograph these two at Salvage One, honestly this was such a dreamy afternoon!!

Thank you, Michelle and Nolan, for inviting us to share in your love story. We are beyond excited to celebrate your wedding next Fall!!

To see all of Michelle and Nolan’s gorgeous engagement photos click here

Sharon & Jon’s Romantic Chevy Chase Country Club Wedding

Sharon and Jon’s love story started over eight years ago in San Jose, California. They met the year after graduating from college when they worked at the same elementary school for the education program “City Year”. They got to know each other really well during the long hours working together and bonded over similar upbringings, shared values, and their dreams for the future. This eventually led Sharon and Jon to start dating and new adventures together.

Even early on Sharon and Jon knew what they had was special. Before their year in California was up they were in love. Sharon then made the big decision to move to the East Coast just to be with Jon, and they started a life together in New York City. They quickly realized life in the Big Apple wasn't for them, so they moved to Jon's hometown of Princeton, New Jersey. They then spent three wonderful years in Princeton which included many great times with Jon's family.

In 2017, they moved to Sharon's hometown Chicago (it's not truly her hometown since she's from the north suburbs, but everyone from the suburbs says it is) for Sharon to get her Masters in Special Education and for Jon to go to law school. Over our five years in Chicago, they built a beautiful life together. They both received our graduate degrees and began their careers. When they got engaged in January 2021 it felt like the most natural, obvious next step in their relationship.

When I met Sharon and Jon for their engagement session in Lincoln Park I was struck by how kind they are and how comfortable it was to spend time with them. I had such a lovely time with them on that sunny summer day in the city! Conrad and I had the best time celebrating these two on their wedding day at one of our favorite venues, we are so thankful for the opportunity to know Sharon and Jon and to have been part of their wedding day!

Congratulations, Sharon and Jon, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!

To see all of Sharon and Jon’s beautiful wedding photos, click here

VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY
Something Blue

VENUE
Chevy Chase Country Club

FLORIST
Blue Daisy Floral Design

HAIR AND MAKEUP
Chyla

WEDDING CAKE
Lovin Oven

DJ
An Enchanted Evening

Bianca & Jacob’s Glamorous Belvedere Events Wedding

Bianca and Jacob met during their freshman year at the University of Iowa where they became friends. Throughout the years they lost contact and reconnected during senior year when Jacob sent Bianca a picture of pizza. Who would have thought that a picture of Lou Malnati’s pizza would have brought these two together? From that moment on Jacob and Bianca formed an instant connection. Soon after graduation, Jacob moved to Denver, Colorado for work and Bianca began graduate school in Charleson, Illinois. However, the distance did not stop them from pursuing their relationship. The long distance helped them grow stronger individually and together. They talked daily and were each other's support system throughout difficult and stressful times.

Jacob decided to move home to be closer to Bianca and the chemistry they established while being long distance would continue to flourish being closer together. At this point Bianca and Jacob were able to see how seamlessly they fit into each other's lives. The only downside was that they lived an hour away from each other and he would be called “the weekend boyfriend” to her family. As COVID began Bianca and Jacob were able to spend more time together and started to discuss and visualize a future together. COVID was an extremely difficult time for everyone, however, it helped to accelerate Bianca and Jacob’s relationship. From going on walks, exploring hobbies together, experiencing new things, and learning Italian they both recognized that their love was one that would last a lifetime. After three and a half years of dating, Jacob gathered their families on the beach in Miami and proposed. Bianca said yes even before Jacob asked to marry her.

I loved getting to know Bianca and Jacob at their engagement session last year. They are down to earth and fun to be around, and their love for one another is palpable. When their wedding day arrived we met Bianca’s family and friends at her parents’ beautiful home before heading to the gorgeous Cathedral of St. Raymond in Joliet. Jacob was so sweetly emotional when he read a letter from Bianca before their ceremony, and he cried when his stunning bride walked down the aisle. We loved spending time with these two throughout their wedding day, they are so kind and easy to be with. It was the perfect day and one that we wish we could relive over and over again.

Congratulations, Bianca and Jacob, we love you and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!

To see all of Bianca and Jacob’s wedding photos, click here

VENDOR DETAILS
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY
Something Blue

CHURCH
St. Raymond Nonnatus

RECEPTION VENUE
Belvedere Events & Banquets

FLOWERS
Blooming Flowers

CAKE
The Baking Institute

DJ
An Enchanted Evening

MAKEUP
Makeup by Jaycie

Michelle and Andrew’s Glam Chicago Riverwalk Engagement Session

Michelle and Andrew met through mutual friends in college. And while they didn’t attend the same school their connection grew stronger and their long-distance relationship soon became something more. Next summer these two will say “I do” at the River Forest Country Club, and after getting to know them both at this perfect engagement session I am SO excited to celebrate their love next year!!

To see all of Michelle and Andrew’s gorgeous engagement photos, click here

Nicolle and Billy’s Elegant Chicago Engagement Session

Billy proposed to Nicolle at the rooftop bar at London House overlooking the Chicago Riverwalk. It was only fitting that we circled back and did their elegant engagement session in that same area. We first met at Union Station and explored that area together while getting to know each other better. From there we made a quick stop at the gorgeous Chicago Board of Trade before settling in at the Riverwalk. After first meeting on Zoom it was such fun to get to know Nicolle and Billy better during their engagement session, I can’t wait to celebrate their New Year’s Eve wedding with them next year!!

Danielle and Eddie’s High School Romance Engagement Session

Danielle and Eddie met at Hersey High School – granted, she was older – but as their paths continued to cross through athletics and mutual friends they grew closer together. They started dating in college and the rest is history, now they are excitedly planning to get married in May of 2022. They both ran track (and Eddie played football) and thought it would be sweet to do some of their engagement session at the field at Hersey. We met their former coach there who hugged them before unlocking the gates for us so that we could explore together. From the very first photo Danielle and Eddie had each other laughing (and me too!), these two are absolutely perfect together! Scroll through these cute shots to find my favorite – I told them to walk and act like they were helping each other home after a night at the bars and Eddie got REAL dramatic on me!! I am laughing still looking back on this sweet session!

After wrapping at Hersey we drove south to Busse Woods where Danielle and Eddie (very quickly!) changed outfits before we did some more romantic photos near the water. Honestly, by the end of this session my face hurt from smiling so much, I absolutely LOVE these two and can’t wait to celebrate their wedding next year!!

Thank you, Danielle and Eddie, for being such great sports and keeping me laughing throughout your entire engagement session. I can’t wait to celebrate your wedding with you next year!!

To see all of Danielle and Eddie’s sweet engagement photos, click here

Tessa and Piotr’s Loyola Engagement Session

Tessa and Piotr met their first week at Loyola University and have been inseparable since. They both lived at the Simpson Center and fell in love while studying – she became a teacher and he is now in his residency. I was so happy to meet these two at the place where they fell in love for their engagement session. It’s always so beautiful to take engagement photos at a location that means something to a couple – I love imagining that someday they can show their grandchildren these photos and retell their love story through them. We had such a lovely time exploring Loyola’s campus together before heading to Lincoln Park for more photos. Tessa and Piotr are a wonderful couple and I can’t wait to celebrate their wedding with them this summer!!

Susan and Zach’s Love is Essential Engagement Session

Susan and Zach applied for Love is Essential after hearing about it from a family friend. They didn’t think it was legit at first, and I suppose that makes sense. In what has been a negative and heavy year it does seem unlikely that something like this could be possible. Love is Essential is an act of radical generosity to gift a FREE wedding to a deserving couple, to two essential workers who are serving our community and had to put their plans on hold during the pandemic. We fell in love with Susan and Zach from their application video and Zoom interview and we knew they were our perfect Love is Essential couple. Susan and Zach both serve our community, veterans and the homeless population at James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago. We surprised them with the big news at their sweet new home and then continued the surprise at her sister’s with their closest family for the “engagement party they couldn’t have.” We love this couple and are so excited to share their story with you as we plan their dream wedding!

The last weekend of October we scheduled an engagement session with Susan and Zach. It was THE most fun day, a chance for us to get to know each other better while exploring their favorite spots in the city. Our amazing planner Jenny of JPB Designs arranged for us to use a tandem bike from the cool guys at Bobby’s Bike Hike for a day of adventure and romance. Conrad and I met Susan and Zach at one of their favorite coffee shops, Ipsento 606. It was a beautiful fall day and these two had so much fun learning to ride the tandem bike together, an adorable visual for any relationship.

After some fun at the 606 we quickly stopped on the rooftop at the Robey to take in the amazing city views. From there we headed to the lakefront where Susan and Zach seemed to really hit their stride with the tandem bike, and soon they were talking about wanting to get one for themselves!!

After dark we met back up with Susan and Zach at Metro Chicago, the venue where they got engaged last year at a Kishi Bashi concert. We loved ending their romantic day in the city in front of Metro, reminiscing about that romantic night when they got engaged and dreaming of the day when they will celebrate their wedding in the heart of our beautiful city.

Susan and Zach, we love you and are SO excited for your wedding in 2022! We can’t wait to get to know you better as we continue to plan your dream wedding through Love is Essential!!!

To see all of Susan and Zach’s adorable engagement photos, click here

Meredith and Okoye’s Lincoln Park Fall Engagement Session

I first met Meredith and Okoye at her friend Catherine’s wedding years ago. I remember snapping this picture during the cocktail hour and telling them that I wanted to shoot their wedding one day!! Because, COME ON, HOW ADORABLE ARE THESE TWO?!

Fast-forward a year later and we needed to find two beautiful people to model for a styled shoot we were putting together in honor of Harry and Meghan’s royal wedding. Meredith and Okoye generously came and modeled for us and our dream team of vendors for this gorgeous Royal Tea Party styled shoot at Room 1520. And we all officially fell in love with Meredith and Okoye that day, these two are just the kindest most generous people and so truly in love with one another. I remember when Meredith came out in the beautiful tea-length dress that Concetta of Cettina Bridal and Okoye became emotional seeing her as a bride. He told me later that he was glad that the “look” of this styled shoot was so different from their personal style and that it didn’t spoil the idea of what Meredith would look like on their real wedding day. SWOON . . .

Fast-forward another couple of years and Okoye FINALLY popped the question to Meredith in July and I squealed with excitement when I saw the news on social media. I was even happier when Meredith reached out and they asked if we would photograph their wedding on New Year’s Eve next year, what a truly bright spot for me in this otherwise difficult year!

I met Meredith and Okoye at the Lincoln Park Nature Conservatory for their engagement photos at the end of October. It was a perfect fall day, and we had so much fun together exploring the boardwalk and taking these beautiful pictures. I truly can’t wait to be there when these two exchange their vows and become husband and wife, it will have been SO worth the wait!!

Congratulations, Meredith and Okoye, I am so honored to be a part of your love story and can’t wait to celebrate your wedding next New Year’s Eve!!

To see all of Meredith and Okoye’s gorgeous engagement photos, click here

Nada and Rami’s Romantic Lincoln Park Proposal

We first got a call at the studio from Rami’s cousin, she was helping him plan the PERFECT surprise proposal for his girlfriend, Nada. From that first conversation with his sweet cousin to the moment he dropped to one knee we had butterflies for this beautiful couple! Rami worked SO hard to make sure every detail was perfect before proposing to his gorgeous girlfriend. He enlisted friends from work to set up a romantic boho-backdrop overlooking the water and skyline at the Lincoln Park Nature Conservatory. While his coworkers scrambled to set the stunning scene, Rami and Nada walked the boardwalk hand in hand and saw several other couples get engaged. Nada wondered to herself if Rami might be ready to ask too, but figured that their moment had not yet come.

As the sun started to set and his squad put the finishing touches on the vignette, Rami asked Nada if she wanted to take a selfie by the pretty backdrop. In that moment he dropped to one knee and asked the love of his life to be his wife. It was a happy blur of tears and laughter and hugs, and in the chaos Rami mistakenly slid the gorgeous solitaire by European Jewelry Inc. onto Nada’s right hand instead of her left. Of course she said yes and was completely blown away by her new fiancé’s thoughtfulness in pulling off the perfect surprise. They could not stop smiling as they popped open a bottle of champagne, high-fived his coworkers and snuggled together against their beautiful backdrop. It was just magical, the most romantic proposal, Conrad and I were completely honored and overjoyed to be there to witness this new chapter in Nada and Rami’s life together. We can’t wait to follow their love story as they now excitedly plan to become husband and wife!!

Congratulations, Nada and Rami, and thank you for letting us be a part of this unforgettable moment!! We wish you a lifetime of happiness together!

To see all of Nada and Rami’s romantic proposal pictures, click here

Michelle and Eric’s Rom Com Love Story

One of my favorite things about engagement sessions is that I get TIME to talk with each couple. Time is fleeting, especially for me, especially in this busy fall season. But in an engagement session I am gifted with a beautiful little window of opportunity to slow down and really just talk with each couple as we explore and make beautiful photographs together.

Michelle and Eric both grew up on Sandy Pass Road in Lake Zurich. Their childhood homes were just down the street from each other. And while they weren’t close, they played capture the flag and tag together as kids. Their parents were friends and their neighborhood was closely bonded together.

Fast forward to their early 20s, and Michelle and Eric didn’t know one another, wouldn’t recognize each other. Michelle was invited to a friend’s wedding and went alone on a bit of a whim. She was sitting in the church waiting for the ceremony to start when a sweet couple asked to sit in her pew. They asked Michelle if she was alone, and told her that she could be part of their family for the day so she didn’t have to feel alone at the wedding. That sweet couple then told Michelle their son (Eric!) was standing up in the wedding as a groomsman. Michelle and Eric “met” that day and there was an immediate connection, like a good gentleman he walked her to her car after the reception and they starting texting and then dating soon after that. I just love their story so much, I think it would make an amazing romantic comedy! This was such a beautiful love-filled evening, I am so thankful for this wonderful couple!

Michelle and Eric, thank you so much for sharing this beautiful evening with me and for sharing your epic love story. I can’t wait to celebrate your wedding with you next year!!

To see all of Michelle and Eric’s fall engagement photos, click here