Engagement Photos in Chicago, Illinois (Post by David) – We got up early on Friday morning, stuffed ourselves full of banana nut muffins, blueberry scones and Starbucks and headed down to the Field Museum. Then I dragged Cathy, her eyes bleeding from boredom, past dinosaur bones and important looking rocks. Afterwards we had a little time left so we went through the first floor of Shedd Aquarium. Outside we met up with Rob and Valerie at the Man with Fish statue, which is just as bizarre as it sounds — a lumberjack hugging a giant carp. Seriously, I can’t make this stuff up.

When Cathy and I first suggested this as the starting point for their engagement session, we were surprised at how fired up they were about it. For us it was a really cool location to shoot with open water and views of the city, where a man yelled at me for trying to save a fish that a seagull had dropped on the sidewalk. For them it was the place where Rob had proposed. It was the start of their engagement and they couldn’t think of a better spot to take pictures. For us this is so important, in having memories behind your photos. It’s why we encourage our couples to make it a day just for them. We want them to remember that day for more than just the pictures.

After shooting all over the museum complex and gawking at the giant jellyfish banner outside the Aquarium (which I want a print of if anyone can find it anywhere), we headed downtown for some night photos. We walked all over downtown, past hotels, down alleyways, through the train stations and had fun with vibrant window displays. These two were up for anything and Cathy and I were so sad when the night was over. On our way home we passed Jose Garcas’ restaurant, Mercat. Beneath it is his little place called Bodega No. 5 and filled our growling stomachs with empanadas. Honestly, we probably think about new restaurants as much as we do taking pictures.

Valerie and Rob, thank you so much for being so enthusiastic about your having your photos taken, for patiently listening to us jabber on about food, and for laughing at our bad jokes. You guys were so fun to work with and we can’t wait for your big day at Aberdeen Manor in Valparaiso this August. It’s going to be awesome!

Much Love,
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Valerie and Rob / Chicago originally appeared on Chicago Wedding Photographers | Cathy and David (www.cathydavidphoto.com) on June 29, 2011.

Wedding Photography Coverage at The Palmer House, Hilton – Chicago, Illinois
Post by Cathy – Cathy and David Photographers

Nov. 28, 2009 – To start off with, I have to say that Annie is one of our sweetest brides ever. While we were in Chicago shooting Dyanne and Reid’s Oak Park wedding (which was coordinated by Kate, one of Annie’s bridesmaids!), she drove an hour just to meet with us and talk about the details of her wedding: Chandeliers, vintage hairstyles, black floor-length gowns, a warmly-lit ballroom at the Palmer House — one of the oldest hotels in Chicago. Everything about Annie and Josh’s wedding was full of simple elegance and tasteful sophistication. We could not wait to shoot it!

So, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, on a chilly morning in downtown Chicago, we headed to the Palmer House, by Hilton, where the girls were running in and out of the bridal suite with dresses and shoes, makeup and jewelry. And at the center of the storm, was the calm and cheerful Annie. Her bridesmaids were willingly at her beck and call, whether it was gluing on eyelashes, writing out placecards, or just giving an opinion on jewelry, they were there for her. Definitely one of the best group of bridesmaids and one of the best maid of honors I’ve seen yet. And then came time to help Annie into her Kenneth Pool dress …. oh the dress. This had to be one of my FAVORITE wedding gowns ever. It is so breathtaking and suited Annie perfectly as she was walked down the aisle by both her mom and dad toward her handsome groom, Josh.

The ceremony and reception were so full of love and joy. The band was over-the-top AMAZING and played their heart outs all night long while the guests danced and partied just as hard. And I have to mention that for a guestbook, Josh and Annie laid out a collection of vintage postcards for their guests to write messages on. What an awesome idea!! Anyways, this wedding was an amazing celebration to photograph. The night fled by so quickly and we were sad to pack up and leave at the end of the night. Annie and Josh – Thanks so so much to you and your families for being so gracious, so real, and so full of joy. Hope you enjoy the photos!!!! And here they are…

Chicago Wedding Vendors:
Hair: Tigerlilie Salon (They specialize in vintage hairstyles and did an AMAZING job!!!)
Flowers: Barrington Flower Shop
Ceremony and Reception: The Palmer House Hilton
Caterer: The Palmer House, Jane Himmel – Senior Catering Manager.
Cake: Take the Cake
Music: Don Cagen Orchestra
The Dress: Kenneth Pool by Armale, 2010

The Palmer House Hilton
Palmer House Wedding Website
17 East Monroe – Chicago, Illinois 60603
Ph. 312-917-7308

Just a couple last things. A VERY special thank you to the staff of the Palmer House, Hilton. Your hotel was one of the absolute best places we’ve ever worked. Not because of how gorgeous it is, but because of how courteous and attentive the staff were, treating us like guests of the wedding party and not just as vendors, and for their super-fantastic catering director Jane, who has the thing down to an art form. THANK YOU! If you’re getting married in Chicago, Illinois and want an amazing downtown location for your wedding, look no further.

Thanks again to Annie and Josh. You guys were so kind and awesome to work with. We had such a fun time with the both of you and your bridal party and family. Thank you!

*A special thanks as well to Ruffled, for featuring her amazing vintage hairstyle on their wedding inspiration blog.*

*Another special thank you to Style Me Pretty for listing this as one of their top three favorite weddings on 2009!*

Thanks for reading! – Cathy.

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Palmer House Chicago Wedding Photography | Annie and Josh originally appeared on Chicago Wedding Photographers | Cathy and David (www.cathydavidphoto.com) on December 14, 2009.