Amy & Pete :: the slideshow

While I'm getting Amy & Pete's gallery all ready, I thought I'd share a link to their slideshow. We could not have asked for nicer weather for this October wedding - and I can't wait to show you more!!!

Watch their slideshow here.

Fun Fabric Backgrounds

I have a stack of fabric sitting by my sewing machine, waiting for me to turn it into something new. But today I was hit by the inspiration bug, and decided to put that fabric to use while it waited for me to get to my sewing machine. Fun, right?

As usual, my firstborn was totally into the photo experience (especially when there was a lollypop to be earned!) and my youngest was not into it at all. While these images of her aren't "perfect," I do love that they capture so much of her independent, strong-willed personality.

I'm pretty sure I'll be making a trip to the fabric store this week to find some fabrics perfect for more portraits. I'll take any excuse I can get to visit the fabric store! ;-)

Amy & Pete (coming soon!)

October 1, 2011

Palatine Wedding Photographer at European Crystal Banquets :: Maggie & Steve

When I walked into Maggie's suite at the DoubleTree, two things took my breath away. First was the gorgeous gown hanging on the closet door, with a train more dramatic than any I've ever seen and silk so soft it felt like it was melting in my hands. "It just looks so much like Maggie," I told her mom as I stood and admired it. It was such a perfect choice!

And the second thing to take my breath away was the huge bank of windows on the opposite side of the room. I knew I'd be pushing couches and chairs aside to take advantage of the beautiful light that filtered in through the curtains.

 Too stunning for words. Maggie, you are BEAUTIFUL!
(And do you see those gorgeous flowers? Special thanks to Krystyna of Flower Art Studio for the gorgeous florals. They were totally amazing!)

It was threatening to rain all afternoon, but each time I thought the drops were going to start falling, things would suddenly brighten up a bit and the rain would hold off. I think God was smiling on us, giving Maggie and Steve the outdoor pictures they both really wanted. A little wedding present from heaven! :)

Maggie and Steve are one of the few couples I know who spent as much time preparing for marriage as they did planning the wedding. They literally spent dozens of hours taking classes, meeting with a mentor couple, and talking through their expectations of marriage. If I could give just one piece of advice to couples, it would be to prepare the way Maggie and Steve did! I'm so proud that the two of them put a high value on the quality of their marriage, and I know the hours of preparation will pay off for years to come.

Thanks, Maggie and Steve, for inviting us to be a part of your special day. You put together an amazing celebration with so many fun little details! From the candy bar to the fireworks to the live music, it all added up to a beautiful day!! We wish you much happiness as you begin your life together!

You can see more of Maggie and Steve's beautiful wedding by visiting their gallery.

Or click here to watch a slideshow of this gorgeous couple.

Chicago Wedding Photographer at Victoria Rosemont :: Stacey & Chris

It wasn't the veil or white dress that really transformed her into a bride, it with the big bright smile plastered across her face all day long. Stacey is one of the most joyful, positive ladies I know, and she was radiating happiness on her wedding day to Chris. 

I LOVE that personalized hanger. So cute!!!

Stacey and Chris we married in beautiful St. John Cantius Church in Chicago - one of the oldest (and most beautiful) in the city. It's also the church where her parents and grandparents were married, and the richness of that family tradition made her wedding ceremony something extra special.

If there was just one word to describe Stacey and Chris's day, it would be joy. You can see it on the faces of all who celebrated with them. Keep that joy, Stacey and Chris, and it'll sweeten the good times and get you through the hard times. I really loved being a part of your wedding celebration, and wish you both all the best!

You can see more of Stacey and Chris's wedding day by visiting their gallery.

Or watching their slideshow.

Maggie & Steve (coming soon!)

September 3, 2011

Elgin family photographer :: The Hartford-Hoon Family

I'm sure my opinion is biased, but I think giving a photo session as a gift is a really great idea! Deb's parents were celebrating 40 years of marriage, and I can't think of a more personal, special gift she could have given than a photograph with all three generations of family together.

This is a family that I love a lot. We go to the same church, and their youngest son is in the same preschool class as my son, Aaron. So to get the chance to create a family keepsake for them was a special treat! I often get a little nervous working for people I know well. I worry that if they don't love their images as much as I do, they might not love me. It's silly and insecure, I know. But this kind family has a way of putting people at ease, and there wasn't one moment during our time together that I felt anxious. Just one more reason to love 'em!

I got to test out my new Shutter Buddies on these boys, and the smiles that happened totally blew me away! Who knew that a silly loop of fabric on the end of my lens would be so entertaining? If you take a lot of photos of your kids, I HIGHLY recommend grabbing one!

Thanks, Hartfords and Hoons for spending the evening with me and my camera! 

To see more of their family session, pay a visit to their gallery.

Or watch their slideshow.

Do you have a special event coming up? Family portraits are a GREAT way to celebrate special birthdays, anniversarys, graduations, and more. Call me (847.697.1606) or zip me an email (sarah@imagesbysharp.com) to set up your celebration session.