I recently photographed Matt and Julie’s engagement connection session here in Chicago, and it ended up being perhaps my favourite engagement connection session I’ve ever shot. Everything seemed to come together, from the lighting (finally good light here in Chicago!) to Matt and Julie’s interaction to the locations. I really felt inspired and energized by this session. We had such …

Within a week of getting engaged, I told my fiance that there was no way we were skimping on the photographer.  I made it clear that this was one of the top 3 priorities I had and would work night shifts as a waitress to make sure I got who I wanted.  I grew up with old photographs of my …

Let me start off by saying (if you haven’t already gathered) I am not a traditional girl.  I don’t like to do things the “normal” way most of the time.

So obviously my wedding wasn’t going to be any different.

See, I didn’t want poof when it came to my dress.  I didn’t want anything I’d have to carry around, and I …

A. and I just returned from a whirlwind trip to NYC for The B-List, the first-ever wedding blogger conference, organized by Vané of Brooklyn Bride and Anne of From I Will to I Do.

{Logo designed by Thoughtful Day, photography by Jenny Ebert}

It was an absolutely amazing weekend and the women that I most admire in the wedding blog world were in …

In the very early pre-planning stages of designing our wedding, I dreamed of a waterfront clam bake, bridesmaids in flip flops, a loud band and volleyball on the beach at night by the light of tiki torches. A lot of things have changed since then and I honestly couldn’t be happier with the direction we’ve gone with our planning, but …

Wedding plans will be on hold for the next couple days because of the new addition to our family.

Meet Bradley, our 2 month old baby puggle!

He has silky black fur and the most adorable eyes.  Although he loves to play outside in the grass, he is very calm and loving.

Bradley even shares the same birthday with me (Feb 17!)

Me and …

So, for the longest time, I was convinced…. I absolutely cannot and will not do my own hair and makeup on my wedding day. it. is. simply. not. happening. a) I seem to have a penchant for curling iron burns before big events, and b) my hair is wildly unpredictable. Also, I’m a bit of a makeup …

I’m feeling confessional; a few weeks ago I took on a completely unnecessary project.  Most of you don’t know me well, but I have a long history with unnecessary projects.  My work friends have started asking about the latest, no doubt waiting for me to start weaving chair covers out of my own hair.  But anyway.

The barn still has a hayloft, although …

It started on a page in a bridal magazine — actually several pages in several magazines. My mother, sister, and I all bookmarked the same advertisement in different magazines for a stunning gown from Priscilla of Boston. It was fabulous … and out of our price range.

I lusted after the dress for days and came across a former bride selling …

Finding my mom a dress was surprisingly easy.  When I saw it, I just knew it was the one.  All other dresses were dead to me.  She just looked radiant in it.  But what was truly awesome, was what a steal it was!

It was being sold on sale for $130… a good deal, sure. My mom has the purple color …