Olivia Leigh Photographie :: Photos and Experiences from a Chicago Wedding Photographer

Standard Club Chicago Wedding | Lillian + Josh

2013-06-11T14:26:37+00:00

After our great shoot in NYC last fall, I couldn’t wait for Lillian and Josh’s wedding this spring. There are some couples that you just can’t imagine being with anyone else, and Lillian and Josh are certainly that way. They are just absolutely perfect together, and I rarely see a couple that have as much fun together as these two do. I was laughing throughout their shoot in September, and their wedding was no different! They and their families just have such a wonderful sense of humor that made the entire day a pleasure to shoot. From Lillian and her dad “blowing up” their fist bumps during the reception to Lillian doing the “worm” in a couture gown, there were so many small and large moments that were an absolute blast to photograph!

Lindsay + Beau : Cuneo Mansion + Gardens Wedding

2013-05-15T16:02:02+00:00

Lindsay and Beau were married at the height of fall, my absolute favorite time to shoot. The colors were spectacular, and the ceremony was perfectly timed for the most dreamy light that made a perfect environment for the romantic yet understated event that Lindsay and Beau planned. It’s very rare for me to be able to photograph an outdoor ceremony, and I am elated when I’m able to as we have so much more to play with in terms of color, light, and freedom of movement to capture the moments. I try to capture the connection between a couple, whether that be fun or romantic or relaxed, and Lindsay and Beau certainly had a passionate but beautifully graceful and understated way between them. I loved the portraits we were able to do in the beautiful gardens at Cuneo, a lovely mansion where “My Best Friend’s Wedding” was filmed. The day was also filled with laughter, with some of the best vows I’ve ever heard, a very fun wedding party, and a great sister-brother dance to the oh-so-classic, “mmmbop.” Thanks, as well, to the great team of the day with many of my favorite vendors on hand. Coordinator: LK Events (Lauren) | Floral: Fleur Couture | Venue: Cuneo Mansion + Gardens | DJ: Toast & Jam | Assistant: Casey Winkleman

Eranthie + Srinu

2013-05-02T17:44:20+00:00

In the midst of the high season now, so I’m lacking time to do a full write up, but wanted to share some of these images of this absolutely beautiful couple (inside and out). The forecast called for thunderstorms all day, and instead we ended up with one of the most lovely days of spring. Eranthie has just the most amazing smile, no? Radiant.

2012 | In Review

2013-04-25T17:38:50+00:00

2012.

What a year. I had delayed doing this post, as every time I sat down to select the photos and write a bit about the year, it seemed an insurmountable task. I’m so glad I did it though. The “year in review” is a popular post amongst photographers, and I really enjoy seeing what everyone selects as their “best of,” as more than any other post, I find this recap is the best way to see what really resonates with each photographer. Condensing the 35,000 images I delivered last year down into an incredibly small percentage of my favorites really allows me to see what rises to the top. I love looking at this set and seeing what stands out, to see what I am obviously drawn to while shooting. For me, as it has been year after year, it’s color + emotion—especially joy and laughter.

2012 was probably the most intense year of my life, both personally and professionally, in both good and bad ways. It was a year full of travel around the world, happiness and heartbreak several times over, friends leaving and new friends arriving, celebrating 5 years of my business, thinking I had it all figured out then realizing I had nothing figured out, and ringing in 2013 in seattle, a place I surprisingly fell in love with that provided the start for the year I really needed.

In the midst of all of this, last year was a year full of, on the whole, just the most amazing clients. I love looking at this set and remembering just how special everyone was. My clients and their kindness were one of the biggest constants in 2012, and I was so grateful for their kinds and trust throughout the year. An especially huge thanks to everyone that so generously brought me around the world to shoot—London, the Cotswolds, Paris, New York four times over, St. Louis, San Francisco, the Redwoods, and the shores of Michigan.

While I am always striving to improve, I feel that I reached a consistency that I was really proud of this year. Only took me five years, of course. :) I am truly proud of the work I created at every event and would happily show the work from any wedding. I’m really looking forward to taking this foundation and being able to hopefully continue to push myself artistically and creatively in the coming year.

Thank you again to everyone who helps to make my business what it is—my wonderful clients, great friends, spectacularly talented vendors, incredible other photographers I’ve been fortunate to work with, and the unknwn strangers that so often refer me to their friends. I’m incredibly lucky to do what I do and it would truly be impossible without support from so many people.

to a great 2013, just a little bit late,
olivia

Kristin + Ted : Saint James Chapel + The Drake Hotel

2013-04-10T19:54:00+00:00

Kristin and Ted were married last summer in a truly gorgeous and very classic Chicago wedding. Kristin and Ted are a case of opposites attract, with Kristin’s incredibly outgoing and bubbly personality being complemented by Ted’s more reserved and sweet nature. Kristin told Ted she wanted him to be by her side throughout the wedding, and during their couple toast, Ted pulled a set of Chinese finger traps out of his pocket to the delight and amusement of Kristin and the crowd. They really are such a great couple, with the balance their personalities create and the different ways they show their affection with and for one another being so enjoyable to capture throughout the day. Kristin and Ted are a preppy, traditional couple—a little different than my usual couples, but I had *such* a great time working with these two, from the engagement session on Ted’s sailing club’s boat to capturing all of the amazing, classic details orchestrated by the amazing Renny Pedersen of Bliss Weddings & Events and the amazing, amazing floral by Cornelia McNamara. It was an amazing team for an amazing day! Hope you enjoy all the images. :)

Laura + Wesley | Sunrise Engagement

2013-03-29T16:51:06+00:00

We had to reschedule Laura and Wesley’s shoot more than probably any other couple I’ve ever worked with, as it wasn’t just calling for overcast, but absolutely dreadful weather on every day of their scheduled shoot! We ended up giving up on an afternoon shoot and instead tried for a sunrise shoot, which I was so glad we did. The light was just stunning, the city was quiet, and it was a perfect way to start the day. We had planned out a few locations in the city, but on my way over to meet them at their home, I was so taken by how beautiful it was within walking distance, that I suggested we just shoot around there. I loved the results we got, with locations they actually spend time in, and the gorgeous end-of-fall golds playing perfectly off of Laura’s orange top. These two are so adorable together—I think it’s more than obvious how much fun they have together and how much they enjoy being in each other’s company! I can’t wait for their summer wedding at the Drake!

Cafe Brauer Wedding | Caitlin + Michael

2013-03-28T15:24:48+00:00

I met Caitlin and Michael at Indie Wed two years ago, and immediately after they walked away from the booth, I began secreting that they would hire me. I just adored them on first meeting and knew we were a perfect fit. I was saddened as time went by, and suddenly, over a year later, I received an email asking if I remembered them. “Of course!” I said. We had a meeting set up a week or so later, where I learned more about the lovely and intimate wedding they were planning at their dream venue, Cafe Brauer. I was immediately struck by their grace, kindness, and the obvious connection and love between them. I was so happy to be asked to be a part of their day; it was one of my favorites of the year as it was truly about them and their friends and family, all of whom had such a wonderful relationship. I wish I could go into all the details of why and how this couple is so amazing, but just trust that they are—I teared up more than once, and I just loved all the little moments during the day, from Caitlin becoming overcome with emotion before seeing Michael to the incredible relationships between Caitlin and her siblings, from the fathers’ gangnam style dance off to some of the sweetest toasts I have heard. Despite all the rain on their day, it was one of the warmest weddings of the year, and such a treat to photograph. <3

Ceremony + Reception: Cafe Brauer | Florist: Kloeckner Preferred Flowers | Cake: Lutz Continental Cafe & Pastry | Music: Toast & Jam | Assistant: Jacqueline Barkley (contributed a couple photos below!)

Sarah + Andy :: Los Angeles Engagement Session

2013-02-05T17:33:43+00:00

I kicked off 2013 by flying out to Los Angeles to do an engagement session for Sarah and Andy. We partially shot out there, wanting to avoid the Chicago chill, but it ended up being one of those freak weekends where it was actually warmer in Chicago than in LA. Despite the chilly temperatures, we had such a fun day. Sarah and Andy are one of the kindest and most gracious couples I have worked with; they are incredibly sweet and make the perfect match, smiling and laughing throughout the day. We started the shoot in Venice, the cutest little neighborhood, and after being stuck in typical LA traffic, made it over to Griffith Park right as the sun was setting before enjoying an Italian dinner together. Thank you so much for your hospitality, Sarah + Andy! I am so excited for their wedding this September.

Great Fosters London Destination Wedding | Val + Dave

2013-01-23T16:28:35+00:00

I was somehow lucky enough to shoot two weddings in England this year, along with a memorable shoot in Paris. Both of my UK weddings were for sisters of brides that I had photographed in Chicago, and it was such a treat to be asked to be a part of their celebration. Val’s mom called me up about three months before their spring wedding and asked if I’d consider coming over—a few weeks later, I was on a whirlwind of a trip to photograph their celebration on a Monday in April. I always love shooting family weddings, and I especially love seeing how different siblings are in terms of personality and taste. Whereas Katy and Alex had a big city wedding with a reception at the very modern Art Institute, Val and Dave had a bit of a more intimate, relaxed and vintage wedding in the countryside just outside London—and yet both felt exactly like each of the girls. Val and Dave had selected this absolutely amazing hunting lodge-turned-hotel that was built in the 1500s for the preparations and reception. The gardens were spectacular; unfortunately it rained literally all day on the wedding day, but I loved how the sprinkles gave the day a quintessially British feel and really made the greens of the property pop. There was much to love from the wedding day with so many little nuanced moments that really came together photographically, I thought. Between Dave’s adorable and slightly mischievous little nephews to the budding spring flowers “raining” on the couple after the ceremony to sweet toasts and amazing roasts, It was such a beautiful and romantic wedding. Thank you so much for having me over!

Join me at Indie Wed!

2013-01-16T15:34:08+00:00

For the third year in a row, I’m excited to be participating at the best wedding show in Chicago, Indie Wed! This is the only show I have ever participated in, and it is very different from a super sales, old-fashioned, get-me-out-of-this-terrible-room wedding show you may be used to. The vendors are great, the vibe is relaxed, clever ideas abound, and I’ve been so lucky to meet many of my favorite couples each year at the show. If you’re a newly engaged couple looking for vendors, or if you have a rapidly approaching wedding and just want a few ideas or little accessories to fill in the final details, the show is a great opportunity to find some unique vendors and ideas. I’ll be on the first floor, and hope you will stop by!

I have 10 tickets to give away to the event. If you’d like to be entered, please like my page on Facebook, and leave a little comment saying if you’d be looking for 1 or 2 tickets and the season/year in which you’re planning your wedding. Winners will be randomly selected and you’ll be contacted on Monday.