JWiley Photography Photoblog

2012: Anne + Rick: Downtown Chicago Rookery Wedding, Part I

JWiley Photography — Sat, 12 May 2012 16:35:57 +0000

And now for Anne & Rick’s preview! (I am terrible at narrowing down photos, so I’ll be breaking this post up into two parts, with more from the Rookery and their ceremony to follow.) My favorite architect in the world is Frank Lloyd Wright, so I was beyond thrilled when Anne & Rick contacted me about their wedding at the Rookery Building. So much happiness! We managed to not get rained on for the photos before the ceremony, and the couple masterfully handled all the directions from us photo and video paparazzi… though I think our antics may have been the cause of their five minute laughing fit in front of the Wrigley Building, but that’s what makes for even better footage, so it’s win-win! More photos soon!

Catering: Jewell Catering
Florist: Vale of Enna
DJ: Spin Productions
Design/Lighting: Art of Imagination
Cake and Sweets: Bittersweet Bakery
Officiant: Ben Knox (friend of the couple)
Makeup and Hair: Kim Piech
Planning: Sweetchic Events
Video: XO Pictures
Dress: Watters
Suit: Balani Custom Clothiers
Bride’s accessories: Haute Bride
Groom’s accessories: Bruno Magli
Wedding Party Attire: Monique Lhuillier, Men’s Wearhouse

2012: Kristine + James: Chicago Engagement Session

JWiley Photography — Tue, 01 May 2012 17:52:20 +0000

Kristine & James are a fabulous couple who braved a really chilly day for their engagement session in Lincoln Park. (Though you’d never know it by the photos — these guys are troopers!) The location was meaningful to them because it’s where they got engaged, so it was well worth it. Halfway through the session we started talking about horses, and I recalled this amazing iPhone app called Horse Lovers Camera. It automatically puts a horse in any photo you take. Ridiculously fun, right? We attempted to download it while we talked, but weren’t able to get it until after their session, so I took the liberty of horsing up one of their photos afterwards. (Don’t worry, I only put horses in the photos of couples’ whose sense of humor is as dorky as my own.) I think we can all agree that it’s truly the best shot of the day! If the engagement session is an indication of how much fun these guys are, we’re going to have a total blast on their wedding day.

And now the photo you’ve all been waiting for:

Too funny.

2012: Madeline: Newborn Photography Session

JWiley Photography — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 02:33:00 +0000

I met with Amanda & Steven last week in their lovely, modern home for some newborn photos of baby Maddie. How cute is Maddie?? Cute as a button. In a hat. That’s how cute. And oh my gosh, when they wrapped her up in that little swaddling blanket she looked just like a giant pea pod. I die. …And her eyelashes! And just when you think it can’t possibly get any cuter, check out her “big sister” Stella when she joins the rest of the family on the bed. Love!

2012: Clare + Josh: Chicago Knickerbocker Hotel Wedding

JWiley Photography — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 19:38:15 +0000

Clare & Josh’s Irish-inspired wedding took place on St. Patty’s day weekend downtown at the Knickerbocker Hotel. This incredibly fun and down-to-earth couple clearly had the luck of the Irish on their side, because that weekend proved to be one of the warmest on record for March in Chicago! One of my favorite moments of the day was when Clare sneaked a peek at the ballroom all decked out before the ceremony and gasped at how beautiful it was, then grabbed my arm, laughing, and said, “We’re not this fancy! We’re really not!” The whole day really did feel effortless and had a surprisingly casual vibe that was just my style. And best of all, this expressive couple and their guests gave me so many fantastic opportunities for candids — my favorite! Such a wonderful, warm group of people to spend the day with.

Additional Information:
Catering: The Knickerbocker
Florist: Anna Held
DJ & Video: Fig media
Cake: The Knickerbocker
Officiant: Judge Sheila Murphy
Dress: Macy’s
Accessories: jewelry; Susan Anthony

2012: Kass + Cornelius: Maternity Photos

JWiley Photography — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 19:45:28 +0000

My dear friends Kass & Cornelius are having a baby! Yay! (I’ve dubbed the baby “Kassnelius.” We’ll see if it sticks.) I visited them recently in their lovely Brooklyn flat and in addition to helping put a nursery together, which is surprisingly challenging by the way, I also got to spend some time doing my most favorite thing — taking pictures! I’m so excited for them, and can’t wait to be honorary Aunt Jen!

K&C write little love notes to each other and stick them around the house. I grabbed this one from the front door to document for their baby how much in love mom & dad are.

2012: Ariella + Tom: Chicago Engagement Session

JWiley Photography — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 21:52:36 +0000

Ariella and Tom’s super fun/edgy/pretty/rustic/adorable and oh-so-uniquely-Chicago engagement session! I’m totally stoked about photographing their wedding later this year at the gorgeous University of Chicago. Engagement love!

2011 Unscripted: Kids

JWiley Photography — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 20:07:20 +0000

Kids are awesome to photograph. They’re rarely self-conscious and their general obliviousness to me and what I’m doing makes for great candid moments. (Some weddings do happen to include more kids than others, so not all of my 2011 weddings are featured in this post.) Here are some of my favorite photos of little kidlets doing their thing!

2011 Unscripted: The Processional

JWiley Photography — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 00:37:13 +0000

Here’s something funny… I originally intended to make this a post of my brides’ and grooms’ “getting ready” moments, but after quickly becoming overwhelmed with emotion, I decided I’d pick a “less emotional” part of the day, like the walk up the aisle. I really don’t know what I was thinking; the look of excitement and joy and anticipation on everyone’s face is so beautiful, and it’s a completely emotion-filled time. (Even *after* most of my couples had already seen each other all morning – I don’t think it takes away from this moment of exhilaration a bit!) So, here are my 2011 couples’ beautiful processional moments! As always, I love all the different variations on this tradition.

Marisa & Kevin

In keeping with tradition, Marisa’s dad walked her up the aisle, but I love that he unexpectedly grabbed them both at the last second and pulled them in for a group hug!

Ella & Nick

Both of Ella’s parents escorted her and exchanged happy hugs before the ceremony.

Mary Anne & Nathan

I love Nathan’s expression as he watched Mary Anne’s processional with her parents.

Carla & Rich

Carla’s mom gives her a parting kiss after walking with her up the aisle.

Jennifer & Robert

Jennifer, escorted by her smiling dad, walked up the aisle to her beaming husband-to-be.

Caitlin & Jeff

Caitlin & Jeff walked up the aisle arm-in-arm. A beautiful start to their married life together!

Jenny & Dan

Jenny’s dad fought back tears all the way up the aisle.

Audra & Paul

I wish I could say I planned the photograph above, but it was just a happy accident that a guest’s flash (thank you Mary Anne!) went off at the exact moment my second photographer got this shot from the balcony of Audra’s brother walking her up the aisle .

Brigid & Joe

Brigid’s brother walked her up the aisle. She stopped for just a moment to give her mom a quick kiss before reaching Joe.

Natalie & Jay

A blissful Natalie walked up the aisle with her mother, and was then joined by her sister. She held a photograph of her father on her bouquet to keep him with them as well.

Julie & Andy

Julie’s parents walked with her to join Andy for their walk together up the aisle.

Joanne & Drew

Joanne joined her parents halfway up the aisle for their walk together.

Sauming & Carlos

Sauming was escorted up the aisle by her parents, and I love the look on her dad’s face as he gives her a final hug before the ceremony.

Jordan & Jim

Jordan & Jim had a very small civil ceremony at the Chicago Cultural Center. Their wedding had many non-traditional moments, and their laughter-filled walk together up the aisle was one of them!

2011 Unscripted: The First Look

JWiley Photography — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 20:42:34 +0000

The moment when couples get to see each other for the first time on their wedding day is so awesomely emotionally charged. Seeing each other before the ceremony has become more and more of an established wedding day moment, and a really great opportunity for couples to spend even more of their wedding day together. I’m always happy to hear, “I’m so glad we saw each before the ceremony. I instantly felt more relaxed and calmer afterwards.” But of course, as I always say regarding traditions, it’s important to do what feels right for you. I like to present options because I think the more informed couples are, the better choices they can make, but ultimately I don’t want anyone to feel pressured into *not* carrying on a tradition that’s meaningful to them if waiting until the ceremony is what they really have their heart set on. Everyone brings their own personalities to their wedding day, and it’s lovely to see a variety of First Look moments! (*Warning: you might want to have a box of tissues on hand…)

Brigid & Joe

This shot always makes me imagine that Brigid is silently going “Score!!!!!!”

Sauming & Carlos

I think it’s safe to assume that Carlos was pretty excited to see his bride!

Natalie & Jay

Love the set-up here!

Mary Anne & Nathan

Such a sweet range of emotions in just two frames.

Joanne & Drew

I think Joanne literally took Drew’s breath away!

Julie & Andy

Simply beautiful.

Jenny & Dan

Love the groom’s AND the officiant’s expressions here.

Marisa & Kevin

The sunlight filtered through the tress, making the perfect spotlight on this moment.

Audra & Paul

Such a sweet moment of anticipation!

Carla & Rich

I love the range of emotions that can happen so quickly during the First Look — excitement, relief, passion & serene happiness in just a few seconds.

Caitlin & Jeff

Overwhelmed with happiness.

Jennifer & Robert

Everyone’s expression in this photo makes me smile. More of that anticipation-building I love so much!

Nick & Ella

Yaaaaaaaaaaay!

2011 Unscripted: First Dances

JWiley Photography — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 16:34:10 +0000

The first dance. It’s often the only time during the wedding day that a couple just gets to be together with full permission to completely ignore everyone else in the room — no direction from the photographer, no guests to converse with, just the couple. Some people like to put their own flair on it and choreograph a dance, and some couples forgo this tradition altogether. (My take on wedding traditions? If it will mean something to you, do it. If you couldn’t care less, scrap it. Don’t feel pressured to carry on traditions just because you think you “should.”) This is one tradition that I personally really love because I get a full 2-3 minutes to just shoot emotional candids to my heart’s content. (This also brings me to my Photographer’s Public Service Announcement: if you’ve choreographed your dance, make sure you’re 110% comfortable performing it. Brides & grooms who are trying really hard to focus on remembering the steps look… well, stressed out in their photos, which may not be what you’re going for.) I also love parent dances and first dances with other family members for many of the same reasons. Emotion, emotion, EMOTION. These are some of my favorites…
Carla & Rich
Carla and Rich were lucky enough to get a beautiful venue (Promontory Point) with huge windows overlooking Lake Michigan. Their First Dance coincided with the perfect twilight hour, filling the sky with aqua-blue overtones and (with a little help from my flash) created really beautiful light for this romantic shot.
Ella & Nick
Yep, it’s exactly what it looks like. Nick and Ella shared a really sweet first dance, and then Nick swept up his new wife and spun her around, much to the surprise and amusement of their guests!

Audra & Paul
One of my favorite things about this couple is their ability to express crazy, happy excitement just as easily as quiet, serene love for each other.

Audra also shared a first dance with her brother. Their had father passed away, and I thought this was a really wonderful way to to continue to celebrate their family.

Julie & Andy
Pure unadulterated bliss.

Brigid & Joe

I just love how Brigid was completely caught up in the emotion of the moment.

Joanne & Drew
Props to J&D for choreographing their dance and still looking like they were having tons of fun performing it!

Joanne & her dad.

Jennifer & Dan

Jennifer’s dad wrote a song for her that was played during their first dance. Just a few steps into it and it was almost too hard to keep from crying.

Jennifer & Robert
Such beautiful expressions of happiness crossed their faces, just as the sun was setting and pouring golden light onto the dance floor.

Jennifer’s dad was so overwhelmed with emotion during their first dance that he started to tear up, and then Jennifer started cracking up! I just love the juxtaposition of emotions here.

Marisa & Kevin
I’m sensing a pattern here in my favorite photos. Eyes closed? Check. Foreheads rested together? Check. Beautiful blissful smiles? Win!

Natalie & Jay
It’s a new variation on my favorite shot! Eyes open! Plus I think it’s adorable how Jay towers over tiny Natalie.

Mary Anne & Nathan
Mary Anne and Nathan are for-real swing dancers who jumped right into their first dance just after the ceremony finished. Everyone clapped along with the live swing band as they played for these two hip cats.

Sauming & Carlos
The dancing didn’t end with their wedding parade — they kept the party going through their first dance!

Next up: the First Look!