Without further ado, below are the rest of the photographs from Sam and Ben’s connection session (my new term for engagement/lifestyle/couple session) here in Chicago. I had been  having a rough business week; while business has been “good,” I had a few things crop up that left me feeling a bit frustrated. I was so thankful Sam, Ben and I went out and shot these photographs, though, as it made me remember why I love what I do. The session was incredibly perfect, and I could not have asked for a better couple to photograph. Sam and Ben just so obviously get each other; they have such a wonderful time together and just radiate joy and love. Almost everything below was their own doing–I was just along to capture it. I can’t wait to shoot their wedding next month, another Thursday wedding at A New Leaf!

 Sam was wearing her “bad day socks,” a cheer-me-up gift from Ben when she was having a bad day.

They both have stunning, stunning tattoos.

One of my favourites. Would love to see this huge.

After wandering around downtown, we went to Margie’s Candies by the Western blue line, as it was the site of their first date. I’d somehow never been there before, and I don’t think I knew what I was in for. Here’s my rootbeer float.

I did not ask for this! They are just so absurdly cute.

Filed under: connection session, chicago wedding photographer, Chicago
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Sam, Ben and I went out early this morning for a connection session (my new name for my engagement sessions–will discuss later!), and we had an amazing time. I don’t think I’ve worked with a couple that was as easy and natural as they were, and it was probably the easiest, most relaxed shoot I’ve ever done.  I was up late tonight finishing up a wedding, but I was so eager to work on Sam and Ben’s photos that I went to their set, without looking through hardly any, and selected this one to work up. A full set with this amazing couple coming within the next few days.

Filed under: connection session, chicago wedding photographer, Chicago, Engaged
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I am finishing up a bunch of weddings this week, and wanted to share this slideshow I made for Adam and Emily’s wedding. One of my favourites!

Filed under: A New Leaf, Chicago
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It’s a bit late notice, but I am so excited to tell everyone about a wonderful event I am taking part in this Saturday at one of the best children’s boutiques in the city, zozo for kids, located on Clark in Andersonville. As part of the “Back-to-School Give Back,” I’m offering 10 minute photography mini-sessions for your little one from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. this Saturday, Aug. 23.  For a $50 donation to fabulous kid’s writing and tutoring center, 826CHI, your little one will receive an on-the-spot mini-session with me, and you’ll also be able to choose one professional 8×10 after they’re edited to the signature Olivia Leigh look! Please note that these sessions are really best for toddlers and those a bit older, as we’ll be shooting more urban sessions outside in a cute area zozo has, so boys and girls that can stand alone are preferred for safety’s sake! zozo will also be full of sales for your tots and 10 percent of the sale profits will also go to 826CHI. This is a wonderful way to get an affordable fine art print of your little one in one of his or her cutest outfits before school starts, while also ensuring that children in Chicago learn how to improve their writing skills and find a creative outlet.

Very limited slots are available, and a reservation is required. Call zozo today at 773-506-6120 if you or someone you know would like to help give back this Saturday!

Also, a huge thanks to Daily Candy Kids Chicago for featuring a blurb about our event!

Filed under: charity, Chicago, Children
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Earlier in the summer, I was in the planning stages of an upcoming, fabulous charity event I’m doing with hip Andersonville kid’s boutique, zozo for kids (will be blogging info about this later this week). Everything was going great with our plans, and out of the blue, I was asked if I’d be up for a rare Thursday wedding with the owner’s sister, Kara and her fiance Mike, both of whom live in L.A. I’m so thankful that karma apparently paid it forward in this instance, as I was able to be a part of a truly fantastic wedding, filled with more laughter and tears than any wedding I’ve been a part of. While I could ramble on incessantly about the people and details involved in this wedding, I’ll let the photos do the talking, as we have many for this one, all shot in downtown Chicago at at one of my favourite venues, A New Leaf.

Kara was wearing a variety of stunning estate jewelry.

Kara and Mike had a personal, lovely and emotional first look.

Stunning views from the Intercontinental.

I often say Chicago is the biggest small town. It is next to impossible to have a day in which you don’t run into someone you know, apparently even if you’re from L.A.

Aptly timed Good Humor truck…

The ceremony was funny and emotional, just like Kara and Mike.

First dance.

Mac and cheese bar from Finesse Cuisine was a hit, as were the cupcakes from always-reliable Bleeding Heart.

The girls from Toast and Jam did an awesome job. The crowd was dancing all night.

Filed under: chicago wedding photographer, A New Leaf, Chicago
2 Fantastic People Have Spoken

Elaine and John were married in July in a day that was equal parts touching and fun. I came to be a part of this wedding through my dear friend Peter, Elaine’s brother, whom I met when we were both working for Chicagoist. Elaine and John were so affectionate throughout the day, and it was a wedding that just felt “right.” I was so thrilled to be a part of their oh-so-special day, and thank you to all of their friends and family for being so kind and welcoming to me.

Elaine and Peter are from a wonderful Greek family, so the day naturally started off with lots of food and toasts.

Off to the city for portraits…

Elaine and John did an impromptu dancer performance in front of a crowd in Millennium Park.

Little girls love brides, and Elaine was passing out flowers from her bouquet to all of the ones that approached her.

Onto the reception, which was held on a boat on Lake Michigan.

The cake topper was a hit

The city looked stunning at sunset

And fireworks topped off the evening

Filed under: chicago wedding photographer, Chicago suburbs, Chicago, weddings
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