Black & White Indian Engagement Ceremony

My first exposure (!) to photography was taking a black and white film class while in college. I was always drawn to high contrast black and white Ilford film and I have always wanted to do a black and white only edit of a wedding day. I don't shoot film anymore, but I used VSCO presets to emulate Ilford film for some select shots from Joe & Nikita's day. This day was FULL of color - seeing these images in black and white and then seeing the color versions makes for an interesting experience. I'll put one color at the end so you can see the difference.

What did you think about these black and white images? To me, they feel so emotional and timeless.

Congratulations Joe & Nikita! See you in Chicago! Or at Thanksgiving, whichever comes first.

Chicago Engagement Session

I headed up to the Windy City this month to take some engagement photos for Rob and Allison! Rob is a friend I met through the wonderful world of Twitch, and when I found out he was engaged to the love of his life you know I had to take photos. Their wedding will be in Texas this summer and I can't wait! Rob insisted we visit the Art Institute of Chicago so he could get a photo in front of his favorite painting, 'Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte' by Georges Seurat. We ended up spending a TON of time taking photos there! There were so many wonderful pockets of areas with great light and we were able to get some pretty unique stuff. Check out some of my favorite shots from the session below!

Kevin + Emily | Shades of Grey | St Louis Wedding

I have been good friends with Kevin for well over 10 years now. I've said this a million times, but he is one of my favorite humans. He is an inspiring force to be around - so energetic, creative, enthusiastic and genuine. He's someone who values real connections, real passion and real, shout-it-from-the-rooftops love.

There is a song Kevin wrote, many many years ago. I remember one of the nights he was writing it. It was at Donny Schaefer's house (because wasn't it always?) and it was probably 2 AM. I remember the excitement he had in his eyes as he was picking the melody on his ukelele - or mandolin? I'm not quite sure which instrument it was, but what I do very vividly remember is Kevin remarking that this song was going to be for his future wife. Life is a maze that has a destination There was a time I had no way

You came along and caught me by surprise

You were the one that was my saving grace Oh, those shades of grey My time of need I had no inspiration

You showed me what it means to love again

I pictured the times that we've spent together

I've pictured the times that roll around the bend

It's when we're old and grey We've been through hell and back

Life hasn't been too kind

But we'll hold on to the moments we know are sublime

So take my hand Tell me you're mine Life is a maze that has a destination Cause I've found you, my source of inspiration I know it will last Cause when I think of me and you I think of shades of grey

Oh baby, when I think of you

It's when we're old and grey Kevin ended up proposing to Emily while recording this song in a studio. I was there to capture it on film for them, and it was one of the coolest moments I've had the opportunity to experience. And after meeting Emily, I am 100% certain that Emily is Kevin's soulmate. I am so happy I was there to document Kevin and Emily's wedding day. She was a flawless bride and their love for each other was evident throughout every moment of the day. Keep your eyes on these two, they are going to accomplish huge things together!