I first met Shadia and Doug a number of months ago, at Starbucks in Lincoln Square…I remember liking them instantly, they are both so relaxed and warm – definitely the kind of people that any photographer would love to work with! I also remember realizing during that meeting that wedding photography was a very important piece to them – so knowing that, I hope I’ve exceeded their expectations.

This was an awesome wedding in every way – two people so obviously in love, who have so much fun together…personal touches everywhere, it was just my ideal kind of day! Shadia and her ladies…her Maid of Honor Eden, good friend Erika, Shadia’s two Sisters, Doug’s two sisters and both Doug and Shadia’s moms were all there!
You can’t really tell in this one…but the garter was Bears themed! Thats what etsy can do for you!Ok. Stunning!! Right? Shadia was such a stunning bride!On the elevator! Goin’ to the chapel…Here is Doug arriving at the church – thank-you Sam! Sam Auger was my second shooter for this wedding. He is super creative, has a great eye and is just a good person to have around – I definitely appreciated his talents at Doug and Shadia’s wedding.
St. Vincent De Paul church – gorgeous.
This is Doug’s serious face…probably the only time you’ll see it on here. Most of the day he was smiling from ear to ear, I think he was pretty thrilled to be marrying Shadia! The opening words that the priest said were absolutely raving about Doug and what a wonderful person he is – it was pretty cool to hear what he had to say.So Happy!The adorable little flower girls – I love their headbands!SO we headed right down to Michigan Avenue for the wedding party photos…I was a little nervous because it was July 3rd and the tourists were flocking even more than usual to the Magnificent Mile but in the end it was PERFECT and I’m so glad that is where they chose to shoot.The only place without people was the middle of the street – good thing the medians are wide…Just a little break to dance with the street-performers! So fun!This was an instant favorite of mine…just such a classic shot, and the skyscrapers made for great reflectors!This is sort of a throwback picture, the sign was made to look exactly like the one on the back of Doug’s parents’ wedding vehicle.This room for the cocktail hour at the Embassy Suites Lakefront was lovely, Doug and Shadia chose gladiolus as a centerpiece for the place card table because they resemble fireworks – I think they’re so striking in the center of the room like that. Helping the entire day run smoothly were 2 coordinators from Sweet Pea Wedding Studio they were so helpful throughout the day, and really fun to work with!Watching a video created by Shoot the Bride – such a fun film showcasing Doug and Shadia’s love story and engagement.Best Best Man speech I’ve heard…hands down.I LOVED the chair dance – I think it should happen at every wedding? No? Ok, maybe not but I loved it at this one.Ok so…I could definitely have kept going with this shoot, but you have to stop somewhere – right?!
I’m so happy for you Doug and Shadia, congratulations! I hope you enjoyed this little glimpse…
~E