Chicago Wedding Photography | Maypole Studios Photography Blog

{Christin+Brian: On and Off-stage Romance}

09.25.17

This is the kind of love story that’s worthy of a stage. Two actors, dancing on a stage in England, and falling in love in a castle. Not too shabby… and actually the rest of the story is even better (and keeps getting better). Our engagement session was a small attempt to capture some of their favorite things. They are each other’s “favorite people,” so that part was easy enough. Christin and Brian have a TON of personality, not to mention a lot of talent, so my job was pretty, pretty, pretty good. Insert two beautiful huskies and PRESTO! Photo magic.

These two are pure happiness, and I hope this collection of laughing, smiling, playing around, holding and kissing gives a little insight into just how wonderful they are.

From Christin: “We first met when we were paired up as dance partners in a show that took us on tour in England. After spending weeks traveling the UK together we realized our connection and love was undeniable. We like to say we fell in love in a castle. Windsor Castle to be exact because that is where our biggest “ah ha!, this may be love” moment took place.

Three years later, on March 22, Brian took me back to the theatre where we first met. He told me he had a rehearsal and asked if I would attend. He rented the theatre and hired a string quartet. When I arrived the quartet began playing “The Beginning of the Partnership” from Shakespeare in Love, the first show we saw together while in London. He grabbed my hand and led me to the stage. He got down on one knee and made me the happiest woman in the world.

Fun Facts:

We both wear a British Pound around our necks as a symbol of the hope and love that England brought us.

Since 2014 we have traveled together to Mexico, Ireland, Scotland, England, Italy, and France. Our travels have shown us that experiences far out weigh material things.

Our engagement photo shoot was beyond amazing. We chose Montrose Harbor because we spend a lot of time there walking our beautiful, furry children Kaia and Loki.

We welcomed our first “baby” grand into our lives in 2016. We sit at our piano multiple times a week and play duets together. While dropping off the dogs back at the condo, Bethany was introduced to our “baby” and took some beautiful candid photos of us at our piano. It perfectly captured our day to day lives in our home.

Next we visited an underground cabaret theater, Uptown Underground. Once while performing at this theater, Christin met eyes with Brian in the audience during a song titled “Our First Christmas.” It was in fact our first Christmas together. Brian later surprised Christin at his church concert by arranging the song with his twin brother, Brandon and dear friend Joe by singing the song back to her. Tears were flowing down everyone’s faces and hilariously the rumor was that he had proposed. That was 2015.

Our final location, was the iconic skyline of our home city. It’s hard to pass up those views.”

{Nicole and John: #youhadmeatshutup}

09.06.17

“I want to be your watermelon, let me sing into your radio
Let me be the yeast inside your bread,
let me be the new thought inside your head”
-Poi Dog Pondering

The Jerry Maguire love story has nothing on these two. He, a talented chef and restauranteur, and she, a fiery marketing and PR queen… but really they are so. much. more. The way they compliment each other is something too special for words, and the circle of love surrounding all those present on the day of their wedding was truly magical. Not one detail was picked “just because,” every single item had special meaning and was chosen with a purpose. It’s hard not to gush about a day like this one (not one but TWO mariachi bands!), with photo worthy moments from start to finish.
Some stand out details:
Because it would have been impossible to narrow down their plentiful pool of friends to a reasonably sized wedding party, they instead made lovely hair adornments for the ladies and bouts for the guys.

“I come from a very close family, my cousins are my sisters, my sister-in-law is my best friend. I have a group of women that I have been friends with since the 10th grade. I have women that I have meet in the ten years I have lived in Chicago I call family. When the question about a wedding party was asked, I couldn’t narrow it down so I decided against it. I did however what to recognize all the wonderful women in my life that have been there for me throughout the years. I made each one a hair piece that was an arrangement of flowers sprayed gold. It was my way of acknowledging them as my “bridesmaids” and saying thank you.

John gave his friends traditional boutonniere with sprigs of rosemary, it’s his favorite. “

The yellow rose for her Dad’s boutonnière.

“When I was born my dad gave my mom yellow roses. Every year on my birthday he gave me yellow roses for how old I was. They are either delivered to the house or to school if it was a Monday – Friday. He stopped when he hit two dozen. It was a wonderful memory. When John and I were planning the wedding we wanted everything to come from the heart. I thought that this was a perfect way to honor my dads tradition. “

Their officiant was their dear friend Frank, the singer from Poi Dog Pondering (who makes musical appearances at John’s restaurant La Sirena Clandestina).

The ceremony location was a transformation of the parking lot (yes, really) of Tenzing in the west loop. I applaud Nicole for her incredible vision to see the amazing potential in this brick and concrete space.

And one of their favorite chef friends Bill Kim hosted their reception at Belly Q, it was amazing to say the least! (Get comfy, this is a long one)

Best. Day. Ever.

Photography by Bethany Fritz.

2nd photographer: Jon Allegretto, all ceremony and reception details by Monika Sommerfeldt.

Hair and makeup: Hair: Jessica Tiddes (Solo Salon) Makeup: Hannah Richard

Florist: Alice Hanson of Verdant Company

Ceremony location: TENZING

Reception location: bellyQ

Event Planner: DIY – John and Nicole (with the help of friends to execute)

Day Of Coordinator: Mia Lieberman

Officiant: Frank Orrall

Cake: We chose to skip cake and do a tower of alfajores from La Sirena

Invitations/Stationary: Nicole Ess

Dress: Vatana Watters

Accessories: Earrings and Bracelet – Nadri

Suit/Men’s accessories: Suitsupply, Hermes

DJ/Band: ‘Lady D’ Darlene Jackson

First Dance: Cucurrucucu Paloma by Caetano Veloso

Parent dances: Summertime Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong

——————————————–

What was the most memorable moment of your day?

Nicole: Omg, I don’t know that I can pick just one, the day was full of so much love and excitement. I think for me, my favorite moment was when I was upstairs waiting, I was watching everyone I love trickle in. I was going to marry my favorite person in the whole world. I turned around and my dad walked in. He was smiling from ear to ear and looked SO handsome. In that moment I felt like I was 8 years old, daddy’s little girl. Today was the day he was “giving me away”. We waited 34 years for this moment. It was perfect.

John: Seeing my beautiful wife come around the corner with her dad, both beaming. To be surrounded by your best friends and family in a location that we completely made our own was magical.

What was your favorite detail?

Nicole: The flowers. The flowers expressed who we were, they transformed the spaces to reflect us as a couple. AND THE MARIACHI BANDS!!! NOT ONE BUT TWO! HAHAHA

John: The music. Frank put together an improvised band of some of the best musicians in Chicago and arranged songs for each moment… not one but two surprise mariachi bands (one hired by Frank, the other by a group of our friends) and Lady D getting asses out to seats and onto the dance floor.

Funniest memory from your wedding day?

Nicole: My dad’s ‘roast’ speech.

John: Nicole’s surprise at the reception mariachi band.

Any advice for future brides/grooms?

Nicole: Stay true to you as a couple, it’s easy to get caught up on trends – do what you love. If you can, have the reception in a restaurant. The service will be amazing and the food will be perfect, it’s what they do.

John: It’s stressful, but try to enjoy the process. People always told me “it flies by, you won’t remember it”, but I totally lived in and cherished every single moment. If you allow yourself to be present, it is a magical day.

If you could do it all over, would you change anything?

Both: Not a single thing.

Where did you go on your honeymoon?

Nicole: Our official honeymoon will be in Feb, still deciding where. However, we were able to get away after the wedding to Argentina for a work trip.

Anything else worth mentioning?

Nicole: A great photographer is important. Yes, they can be expensive but these are your priceless memories. Bethany captured the day perfectly. Every picture I see I remember how I felt, the moment that lead up to the picture and the moment that followed it. Every picture she took shows emotion and tells a story that I will remember forever. I repeat, a great photographer is important.

Pre-wedding info (a little history):

How did you meet? (How long have you known each other?)

Nicole: Both being in the industry, we knew of each other. It wasn’t until the opening of the karaoke room at bellyQ that we truly met. He was there with coworkers getting ready to open LSC and I was there with friends. When the party wrapped up John invited us back to LSC for a night cap. We sat on two stools in the middle of the bar. We talked for hours but neither of us remember a word that was said.

John: In the back of a taxi on Pearl Harbor Day, 1941. The world was going to hell in a hand-basket, but we knew we had each found our soulmate and would not let history tear us apart.

When did you know he/she was “the one”?

Nicole: I don’t know the exact moment because it’s a feeling that I have all the time. John makes me feel like I can do anything, he’s my biggest cheerleader. He let’s me be me, weird and all – we are weird together. With him by my side anything is possible. I feel stronger, smarter, prettier, and all around a better person. I love harder, laugh harder and am so grateful he walked into my life.

John: She had me at “shut-up”!

Describe the proposal.

Nicole: It was Thanksgiving, we were at LCS waiting for our friends (every year we have a friendsgiving), we were outside and I was telling John how much he meant to me. Jokingly I turned away from him and said “thank you all for coming, mom-dad, I love you.” (pretending it was our wedding and I just gave my vows). John laughed, “all I have to do is ask your dad”. I handed him my cell phone, sort of kidding. He grabbed it and called him. It was amazing being as close to my dad as I am and hear that conversation, to hear my dads reaction. When the phone call was over John went inside, I stood there like ‘what just happened’, thinking I need a glass of wine. I headed inside where John met me with a ring. He had it in the safe for over a month waiting for the right moment, and that moment was perfect.

John: A tornado of emotion. Nicole told the story, but from my stand point, it was the right time. I knew I could not let that moment pass, it was so true and just so… right.

Five words that best describe your significant other:

Nicole: John is strong, kindhearted, extremely handsome, loving and a perfect match.

John: Beautiful. Generous. Kind. HILARIOUS. Dance-machine. Love of my life (I took some liberties with the amount of words allotted here, but you get the idea).

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{Lindsay+James: Cookies and Cocktails}

04.30.17

I frequently ask couples to share with me the things they love doing together, and try to work a couple of those things into their portrait session. Don’t get me wrong, I love the views from Lincoln Park as much as anyone else (there’s a good reason why the South Pond Pavilion is so popular). But if I can sprinkle in some unique locations (and maybe a drink or two!) during an engagement session I am all for it!

James and Lindsay provided me with a hefty list of wonderful options, sadly many of them involved hiking and as you know… Chicago is flat! The midwest is not exactly a dynamic landscape, and mountains are pretty hard to come by. Luckily James is an awesome self-taught mixologist and Lindsay loves to bake, so we decided that’s where we would start. Their bright and cozy condo was the perfect backdrop, and their dog waited patiently while we tinkered in the kitchen. He was rewarded with treats and a snuggle session before we headed out around the city! It was still really cold outside so we picked a few spots that allowed us to hop out of the car quickly for a few photos. Our last stop required some bravery and a lot of walking. We wanted to capture some photos of them in their hiking clothes, and I thought the rocky landscape by Northerly Island would be perfect. Of course I didn’t factor in the drop in temperature as we got closer to the water, and as the sun was setting. It was freezing! But honestly, I would hike through those muddy puddles all over again to get these photos… such an amazing perspective of our great city! I can’t compliment these two enough for their willingness to try just about anything, and for being unabashedly sweet and tender in front of the camera. You have found a wonderful match in each other and it shows!

How they met….

“It was a balmy Saturday night on that 5th of July 2014. Lindsay was expecting a much needed girls’ night out with Jami and Barb, excited to dance out the evening at Beauty Bar to the tunes of the 2000’s. Little did she know that Jami and Barb invited Thomas and James to crash their night.
The night started at Jami’s place. James arrived a little late but was quickly welcomed in and introduced to Lindsay who was still getting ready. After some initial drinks and laughs, everyone headed to Beauty Bar to get the dance party started. Once inside, the music was loud and nostalgic. Jami and Thomas made there way to the dance floor while Barb, Lindsay, and James headed to the bar for that first drink. Barb left to check on Jami which gave Lindsay and James just enough time to hit it off. The two then headed to the dance floor and danced the night away. As the night ended, James told Lindsay that he’d be sure to call her the following day. He did to set up their first date at the Old Oak Tap and the rest is history.”

How did James propose?

“For the proposal, I wanted to make sure that I surprised Lindsay, that it was in Minnesota where she is from, and that it would be intimate with only her and our dog Quincy around. We had a trip to New Zealand coming up where we would be doing some hiking, so I suggested we hike in Minnesota to get some practice. Although Lindsay agreed, she was suspicious for why it had to be Minnesota since Wisconsin was so much closer. On the way up, she even asked when I might think of proposing in the future (gave me a heart attack!). Luckily, I was able to deflect any suspicion.

The day of our hike, about halfway through the trail, we see a clearing. It’s a beautiful space with colorful autumn leaves scattered all over the forest floor and a nice calm feel to it… I know this is the place. Lindsay suggests we stop here, so we can grab some water for us and Quincy. As she begins taking care of Quincy, I jokingly tell her how frustrating it can be with how observant she is (remember her proposal question above), she replies with “Why… because I know when our dog is thirsty?”. I smiled at her, and then silently got down on one knee and pulled out the ring.”

When did you know she was the one?

“I knew Lindsay was the one when I was about to celebrate her birthday with her for the first time. We had only been dating for about a month, but I can clearly remember how excited I was planning the night and all the surprises I wanted to include; I realized I’d never felt as excited before. I couldn’t help but recall all the moments we’d already had and the prospects I felt for the future going forward. I felt like the luckiest person to be spending her day with her. After dinner, we put on some party hats I doctored up while I surprised her with a cake and gifts, and she just gave me this look… I’ll never forget it. At that moment, I had the overwhelming want to always make her happy.”

Happy family!

She’s always fixing his glasses when they slip…

And now for some “hiking”!

Just gorgeous!

What was your favorite part of the engagement photo session?

“I have found wedding planning to be extremely stressful and in all honestly, I felt like it wasn’t about James and me any more. It was about the details, the guest list, and trying to accommodate everyone. The engagement photo session was another added expense that required planning but it was worth it. We were lucky enough to work with Bethany and she was a joy. She kept things light and fun but also gave us direction. The photo session reminded me that it was about us as a couple and that was priceless. James and I went home feeling more connected and revitalized. Thank you, Bethany!”

What locations did you choose and why?

“1) Our condo – We wanted our engagement photos to reflect activities we liked doing and where we spend a lot of our time. Since we enjoy cooking/baking together, James likes mixing drinks, and we love spending time with our dog at home, it only made sense to kick off our photo shoot at our home showcasing those activities.

2) Alley across from the Chicago Theater – We wanted a few pictures with some iconic landmarks, and Bethany mentioned this cool alley across from the Chicago Theater. We were really drawn to how it felt removed and away from the city even though it was right in the heart of it. It was also nice to include the Theater because that is where we went to our first concert.

3) Northerly Island – We enjoy hiking and thought that photos that could show us doing that while still capturing the city might turn out nicely. Bethany had such a great idea and told us about a section of Northerly Island that had some hills that we could hike up and down and that would also provide some great, unique views of the lake and skyline.

4) Pickwick Coffee Shop – Lindsay and I had never heard of this place before, but Bethany sold us on it when she described it as a little Harry Potter-esque (being a tucked away store front at the end of charming alleyway).”

James’ Drink Recipe:

Fall tends to be our favorite season, and one great memory I’ve had with Lindsay took place at an apple orchard when we first started dating. So, I wanted to make a simple cocktail with that in mind.

Equal Parts:

Apple brandy

Spiced pear liqueur

Lemon juice

Simple syrup.

Lindsay’s Cookie Recipe:

James loves a simple chocolate cookie and I love eating the dough! If I had to choose one of my favorite cookie recipes, it would be Ina Garten’s

Raisin Pecan Oatmeal Cookie Recipe

(but when in doubt or when we get a sudden sweet tooth, Sweet Mandy B’s is our go to spot)

{It’s Prom Dress Season!}

03.11.17

Hey world, Spring is quickly approaching. Although the days of High School are blips in the past for many of us, for those current High School seniors Prom is just around the corner. All of the excitement, nervousness, finding the perfect date… and of course finding the perfect dress! Maypole Studios is teaming up with Farfalla Girl (a Chicago-based non-profit coaching program for young girls) to grant prom dress wishes for several lovely ladies, and we need your help!

The Farfalla Girl mission: “We believe every young lady deserves the chance to know who they are, recognize their strengths/weaknesses and discover their capabilities. This will allow them to be confident enough to make a difference in this world and in their generation.“

This year, 6 young ladies will be receiving prom dresses and accessories. Rather than just thumbing through racks of dresses that may or may not fit right, we want to make these girls feel extra special with a dress that’s exactly what they had hoped for. So we gathered their sizes and their ideal style, and we are going shopping! Here’s where you come in…

How you can help:
1. Donate! Every dollar helps, and if you’d like to contribute to this project you can visit the Farfalla Girl website and send your gift.

farfallagirl.org

(donate button is the upper right corner)

2. Do you have an extra pair of heals or maybe some jewelry you’d like to contribute? Scroll down and check out the girls’ styles and sizes and see if you have something that might work.

3. Maybe you have just the right size dress….
We have gathered sizes of all 6 girls and if you have something that might be perfect for one our ladies let us know. We appreciate any and all donations (but please keep in mind that we are trying our best to stay true to what each girl wants, not just a pile of random dresses)

Style:Bollywood
Height: 5’7″
Dress size: 13 or 14
Shoe size: 11 (prefers a 4″ heel)

Style: Couture+Vintage
Height: 5’4″
Dress size: 16
Shoe size:8.5 (prefers a 4″ heel)

Style: Short Cocktail
Height: 5’5″
Dress size: 16
Shoe size: 9 (prefers a 4″ heel or wedges)

Style: Greek Goddess
Height: 4’11”
Dress size: 11 or 12
Shoe size: 7.5 (prefers a 2″ heel)

Height: 5’5″
Dress size: 5 or 6
Shoe size: 7.5 (prefers a 6″ heel)

Height: 5′
Dress size: 12
Shoe size: 8.5 (prefers 4″ wedges)
*also likes the couture+vintage style

Let’s give these butterflies some gorgeous wings!

Feel free to email me (bethany@maypolestudios.com) and/or Lauren (lauren@farfallagirl.org) if you’d like to donate dresses, accessories, or even your time. Thank you!

Check out this sweet video featuring some of the recent Farfalla Girl graduates, and see what an amazing impact this program is having:
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{Aaron & Joana: She said yes!}

02.18.17

Not much compares to the excitement and surprise of a proposal. The preparation, the butterflies and crazy nerves, the ring… and of course the hidden photographer! I love photographing these amazing moments, whether I am posing as a tourist photographing the city skyline (as was the case for this proposal), sneaking behind bushes or even hiding behind an air conditioning unit. It’s one of the rare times when stealth is part of the job, for just a few minutes I get to be a photo ninja!
Aaron had a terrific evening planned for Joana, even when they hopped out of their Uber (and we had been texting the whole time to coordinate the time and location, what they were wearing, etc.) for a very chilly walk along the waterfront she was not tipped off. I had one camera on a tripod and the other hidden under my coat, ready to snap away as soon as the time was right. They hugged and admired our great city of Chicago, snapped a selfie, and then it all happened. There were SO many happy tears, and even some serious cheering from a group nearby that saw the whole thing. It was perfect! We captured a few night photos before they left for a surprise dinner at Nomi (and I am sure a lot of happy phone calls!), what a beautiful way to start their next chapter. Congrats again to these two lovely people!
Some words from Aaron…

How did you meet? Joana and I met at a mutual friends house party. She was brand new to Chicago (it was her first weekend there) and she didn’t know many people or anything about the city, so I jumped at the opportunity of being her tour guide. We started off just as friends (even though I knew she was something special and the friends thing wouldn’t last long) and then eventually realized we were perfect for one another.

When did you know you wanted to marry her? I knew I wanted to marry Joana after we had our first bump in the road. With other girls, I would typically move on, but with her something was different. I realized then that I didn’t want to, and couldn’t, spend the rest of my life with anyone but Joana. Also, the fact that we have an equal love towards sweets helps!

How did you go about planning the proposal? I first wanted to get Joana’s father’s blessing. We had a man to man conversation (I was so nervous), but it went really well and we shared multiple drinks and built a stronger bond after this discussion. Then I wanted to make sure the proposal included elements that highlighted the different aspects of our relationship. 1) I did the proposal with the Chicago skyline because that’s where our love started 2) we went to dinner at Nomi because that’s where we go for fancy occasions and she loves the views there 3) the Peninsula Hotel’s chocolate bar was the perfect end to the night. She has always wanted to go there (for 3 years) and I told her I would take her for a special occasion. I guess getting engaged was the moment I was waiting for!

How did you know you wanted to have a photographer capture the moment? That was a no brainer. I knew I wanted to capture the moment and didn’t trust a random person using my iPhone to capture the most important day of our lives (to date). A mutual friend used Bethany before and her pictures looked amazing online, so that was an easy decision.

Did everything go as planned? Other than the ring, the photos are the thing that everyone keeps asking me about. They are by far the best pictures I’ve been a part of and definitely worth the investment. These pictures will be with Joana and I for the rest of our lives and I’m so excited with the way they’ve turned out. Bethany captured every moment perfectly and I love showing off these pictures every chance I get.