I need a hero

Bryan likes superheroes.  Bryan LOVES superheroes.  I thought Jay, my husband, was the biggest superhero fan on the face of the Earth...until I met Bryan.  I thought I loved my superhero loving man more than any woman ever could love a superhero loving man...until I met Maggie.  He's Captain America and she's Jane Austen.  She turns the pages for Mr. Darcy while he fights the Red Skull.  And it just works.  They're beautiful together.

I got to hang out with the guys for a few hours while Kelly shot the girls.  This was truly one of the nicest groups I have ever worked with. Truly. They were so cooperative and up for anything. Groups like this make my job so easy!

Check out those socks!

There was a slight wardrobe malfunction, so the guys had a little time to kill.  Nothing like a game of Hangman to get you in the mood for a wedding.  

 I tore them away from their game for a few more shots.

 Bryan had a Best Man and a Best Lady. 

I love when a bride and groom decide to do a first look.  It's a chance, before the pressure of the ceremony, to see each other and just enjoy the moment.

Mr. and Mrs. Roush.

 Maggie surprised Bryan with a lightsaber tunnel. 

 Maggie and Bryan, I had so much fun photographing your wedding.  Best of luck for many years of happiness.  Live long and prosper...oh wait, is that Star Trek???

Totally Family

Rachel is Super-Mom.  No joke, no lie.  Over a year ago I went on Meetup.com to look for a 'mother of twins' group.  Thanks to a neighbor (with twins), I found Rachel's group, Twingenuity, but I always seemed to have something else going on when there were outings planned.  The months rolled on until finally this past December I decided to attend a Mama's only brunch.  Rachel and I were the only ones who showed up!  We grabbed a table, ordered waffles and chatted about life with twins.
Her boys, Carter and Jasper, are older than Jake and Bode, so I like to watch them to find out what I have in store.
Speaking of stores, Rachel happens to have an etsy shop where she sells her totally awesome, 'Totally Rachel' tie dyes. Check her out! :-)

You might recognize Rachel's sister, Sydney, from her senior session a few weeks ago.  Their grandma was in town for Syd's graduation, so we put together this family session.  I dragged them out to Hawthorne Nature Center in Elgin.  High heels and muddy paths don't mix well, but no one complained and they all smiled for the big group shot. ;-)



 Happy Monday!

Eric & Laura: Love Life

I have to stop!  Maybe it's because I've known Eric since he was like six years old, but I want to include every detail of his wonderful wedding to his beautiful love, Laura. 

They got married in Springfield and their reception was at Washington Park.  I loved the elegant touches that transformed the pavilion into a DIY paradise.

Eric and Laura made these place card holders.  I think they had a little help drinking all the wine it took to get those corks.

 Laura's mom made the centerpieces.

Kelly was working overtime as SOG (sister of the groom), MOFG (mother of flower girl), WOG (wife of groomsman), BM (bridesmaid), and SS (second shooter).   She doesn't mind me name calling ;-).  She rocked all her roles.

Laura is a classic beauty.  She picked the perfect dress and the perfect accents.

I just love this picture of Eric and his dad.  Eric is the baby of the O'Reilly clan...this is that 'baby boy is all grown up' moment.

One of Eric's best friends, Ryan, is the director for North Side Brass.  He blessed everyone with his talent throughout the ceremony.

 Married!

I have seen A LOT of best man speeches.  This one was by far the most creative and heartfelt speech I've heard.  Come on, he had a flip chart!  Great job Greg.

Congratulations E & Laura.  I hope you continue to have a wonderful life together.