It was a full circle moment for me to be shooting a University Club of Chicago wedding a couple of weeks ago. In 2008 I shot a wedding there in my first or second year in business. The University Club is a presteigeous venue in Chicago and walking in there 8 years ago I realized quickly that was in over my head. I repeated the words ‘fake it til you make it’ as my mantra. I was hired because the bride loved my work but it was made clear that her decision to trust me was going against the advice of the wedding planner she was working with. I’m sure everyone has had an experience like that at some point, when someone makes you feel like you’re unwelcome or not good enough. Mmm…people making you feel like that? It sucks, right? Situations like just are what they are, but it is how we choose to respont to them that is really where the impact lies. After a minute of anxiety and wanting to cry I got myself together. Thankfully I’m not too easily shaken…or I’m incredibly stubborn, and the feeling just made me want to prove the wedding planner wrong. I did deliver photos that the bride & groom loved but it was a pretty stressful experince for a brand new photographer like I was at the time. What a difference to be back 8 years later with the confidence of so much experience behind me. You better believe I soaked up that feeling! I love those kinds of moments.
Buuuuttt…enough about me! I was beyond thrilled when Carolyn contacted me about photographing she and Eric’s wedding. I shot her sister’s wedding a few years ago and one of my favorite things is when I have the opportunity to continue a relationship with families. I have to say, the dance party at this wedding was one for the books, and there is something so wonderful about a Fall wedding in Chicago. I couldn’t think of a better final wedding for me in 2016.

Vendors:
Ceremony Venue: Holy Family Catholic Church
Second Shooter: Alicia Sturdy
Hair & MUA: Lisa Pietrzak
Florist: Art Quest
DJ: Tony Ho of Sounds Abound Entertainment
Reception Venue: The University Club of Chicago Wedding