We shot these engagement photos a couple of weeks ago, and as you can see from the photos there was still a lot of snow on the ground. Plus it didn’t get above 30 degrees that day. Since they live in Southern Indiana, and were only here for a couple of days- we were going to have the session regardless of the weather, and were all prepared for the snow and cold.

After talking with them about the type of location they wanted for their photos we knew that The Danada House in Wheaton would be a perfect location. We have to give a shout out to The Danada House, as they were very gracious in letting us photograph the session that day inside and on the grounds!

Katy is a veterinarian, and Austin had horses growing up so shooting in the stables was a perfect fit for them. Plus it was a great way to warm up after being outside for a bit! As we were making our way over to the white fence Austin stopped and picked up Katy so she wouldn’t have to walk in the snow. Awwww…how sweet is that.

We are soooo excited to photograph their wedding late spring in Southern Indiana. We know it’s going to be a wonderful day!!

This wedding took place on a beautiful day in the late spring last year. I was so excited when I learned the ceremony & reception would be taking place on a boat traveling along both the Chicago River, and Lake Michigan.

It would be a first for me. Having lived, and photographed many, many weddings in Colorado- I’ve been in many a gondola, ski lift and mountain resort towns with awe inspiring views, but never had a wedding on a boat.

The boat stayed docked during the ceremony, then went up and down the Chicago River during the cocktail hour. It was so awesome, and fun! Once we moved downstairs for dinner, the boat headed out to Lake Michigan for the rest of the evening.

The first dance was held on the top deck, with a view of The Chicago skyline as a backdrop. Magical.

It was an amazing day, and I look forward to my next wedding on a boat!

We wish them all the best.

We are currently looking for people to host portrait parties.

Portrait parties are a unique opportunity for you to have a professional photographer come to your home or favorite location and create images of your children, family, friends and even pets! You and each guest family will receive a 20 minute photography session. In that time period we will capture as many creative images as possible. It is our goal for you and your guests to be comfortable, have fun and end up with great photos from a very memorable experience. And best of all, there is no sitting fee for any of the sessions.

More details are below; you can call us anytime to discuss this further. If you or someone you know are interested, please contact us for availability.

How do Portrait Parties work?

The host will provide a suitable space for creating professional photos. We will set up our lights and backdrop, and create an on location portrait studio in the comfort of your home. Each guest and their families will all have a 20 minute photo session that can include multiple combinations from each family.

What happens next or How to order prints?

Images will be available for viewing on-line within 7 days of the party. An email will be sent to all guests with an access link and password to their portraits. It is up to each Guest to make all orders and payments to the photographer. Guests can order via the online gallery. Portraits must be ordered and paid in full to the photographer within 14 days from the date the portraits are posted on line. Orders generally take 3-4 weeks to be completed.

Finally-What’s in it for the host of the party?

* Be treated to a 30 minute personal pre-party portrait session
* When at least 6 sessions are scheduled and held you will receive a hostess package consisting of 1-8×10, 2-5×7′s & 8-wallets.
* You will also receive 25% commission on the total sales from your party to be used toward portraits taken the day of the portrait party.
* In addition, for every party that is booked and held from yours, you will receive an additional $25 in Hostess Credit.

Portrait Party theme suggestions:

Children. Play groups. Family. Pets. Birthday. Tea Party. Teens. Seniors. Holiday. Sports. Cheerleading. Dance. Valentines. Christmas.

Theresa and the women got ready at the new Trump International Hotel in the River North part of Chicago. We Ropers had been watching and reading about the Trump Tower all during the various building stages. Pretty much as soon as the building was opened to the public we went inside to check it out, and it is just as gorgeous and luxurious as one would imagine. But we hadn’t yet seen what the rooms looked like in person. So imagine my happiness when I found out the Theresa would be getting ready there.

I was like a kid in a candy store that morning at the Hotel : ) The huge floor to ceiling windows are a photographers dream. The light coming into the room & lobby from those huge light sources was sweet.

Their ceremony was also in Chicago at The Queen Of Angels Catholic Church. During the full mass ceremony (which means it was about an hour long) I was going back and forth from one side to another via the rooms behind the altar. During one of my many treks through those hidden rooms I spotted the light coming through the stained glass windows and falling in a beautiful pattern across the cross. It was inspiring, and I just had to capture that fleeting moment. I love that image!

The reception was held at Maggiano’s in Chicago, close to the Trump Tower. Theresa and Daniel were so wonderful, and open to letting me play and have fun with their portraits. The whole day was filled with fun, love & laughter!

We wish them all the best!

Brittany & Adam were married in the late fall on a sunny but colder, and slightly windy day. The ceremony was held in Downers Grove at St. Joseph’s Church. The reception was at White Pines Golf Course in Bensenville.

I knew from the moment I walked into the house where the women were getting ready that it was going to be an awesome day! There were already lots of tears, hugs and laughter from all.

As you can see from the photos the tears, hugs and laughter extended all throughout the entire day.

Even when we spent time outside photographing them and the bridal party before the reception. It was so coooold by that time, and the women all braved through it even though they were freezing. They were troopers!

We wish them all the best!!