As I sit down to create this post next to the twinkling lights (multicolored this year) of my Christmas tree, my heart is full as I look back on this year in weddings. I have known for a few months that I wanted to close out the blog this year with a collection of all of the best photos from the Brides I have had the pleasure of working with, and take this as an opportunity to show off some images I have never shared until now. Before I begin, it is important that I mention that the weddings featured are from the Brides and Photographers whom I was able to maintain contact with after the wedding day. There are also a small handful of women who where married later in the year and I have not been able to collect photos from yet, it's nothing personal- just a matter of timing. In my efforts to make this post a visual experience and light on text, let us begin!
January
Amanda and Jon celebrated their marriage on New Year's Eve! I am always a sucker for a Bride who goes all out glam and non-traditional. Just check out her rose-gold sequined gown, STUNNING! I styled hair for Amanda and her party, while Nancy C. did all of the makeup. Photography by Eric Floberg.
April
Christen and Kyle's Spring Wedding was an absolute dream! It's no wonder that this celebration was featured in Boho Weddings. I styled hair for this party along with Mary, and Anjelica Bannos did all of the makeup. The beautiful photography that pulled this all together is by Rachel Mae Photography.
May
Gwendolyn and Jake's wedding in May had a true elegant vibe. I am still so in love with this intricate up style that I designed with Gwendolyn's input. Do you recognize some of the scenery in these photos? It's an interesting coincidence that the Renaissance Hotel and Ovation are common venues among my Brides. I styled the hair for Gwendolyn and her party, and Photography is by Esther Baban/Oh So Lovely.
Caroline and Scott's wedding fell on a rainy morning in May. The gloominess did not slow them down a bit, and as it appears, made some pretty lovely photos a possibility. One of my favorite things about Caroline's wedding day look is her choice of wearing her hair half down and using a dramatic, cathedral length veil. Mary, Kim, and myself provided the hair styling for this large party and Anjelica Bannos was the makeup artist. Photography by Cristina G Photo.
Shawna and Robert got married on one of the first really hot weekends of the year. So humid in fact, that I showed up to Shawna's room at the Langham that morning and she said, "Don't be mad at me, but I want to change my hair style." So we tossed out the plan from the trial run of leaving Shawna's hair half down and created this up style to keep her just a few degrees cooler. While the hair from her trial run was nice, the up style that resulted from the last minute change of plans was absolutely LOVELY! Kim provided makeup for Shawna and her party while Rebecca Haley is responsible for the beautiful photography.
June
Kelsey and Colin shared their vows on another humid summer day. All of the preparations took place at the Gold Coast Neighborhood's Ambassador Hotel, where Kelsey chose an intimate setting with her Best Friend and her Mom and Mother in Law. I provided the hair styling while Nancy C. did all of the makeup. The surrounding area provided the backdrop for some pretty amazing photography by the talented Esther Baban/Oh So Lovely Photography.
July
Alex and John got married on the ideal summer day in early July. Her room at the Gwen had the most amazing private terrace where the ladies were able to relax and sip mimosas between their hair and makeup appointments and enjoy the warm summer breeze. I'll bet you can guess that I was SO into her choice of sparkly Bridesmaid gowns! I styled hair for Alex and her party while Anjelica Bannos did all of the makeup. Photography by Lilly Photography.
Sukhvir and Tony combined the best traditions from both of their cultures to create this Summer wedding that was uniquely "them". Christopher, Nancy C. and myself were in awe of Sukhvir's elegant style and bold cobalt blue gowns. This is where we met Katy (pictured with the fishtail braid), who has become one of our new Brides for 2019! Images by Ryan Brandoff Photography.
Audrea and Ryan shared their vows on a Sunny July day in Naperville. Audrea spent the morning prep time surrounded by a great group of close girlfriends and family. About a month after her wedding, Audrea reached out and was ready for her post-wedding-chop (it's a thing, Ladies). She looks so chic in the wavy bob she wears now! Wedding day hair and makeup by Nancy C. and myself. Photography by Patrick McBride Photography.
September
We had so much fun helping Amy prepare for her wedding with Drew in mid September. Amy is such a down to earth girl who happens to be just about the biggest fitness fanatic I know. Not even a change of venue (not her choice) could bring this girl down. Just look at this smile! Nancy C. provided all of the makeup applications while I styled hair for Amy and her girls. Photgraphy by Cage and Aquarium.
Annemarie and Lawson celebrated their Marriage in late September and it's hard to believe that three months have already passed. Annemarie sees me in salon for her hair cuts and blowouts, so we were able to create our vision for her intricately detailed hair style (which she affectionately called her Princess hair) in little brainstorming sessions over the course of the year. Mary joined in to help style Annemarie's party with me which included the sweetest flower girls. Photography by Mackenzie Maeder.
Cheers to the close of another amazing wedding season!