Ashley & Dustin came in from out of town for their engagement session. Luckily for all of us it was a gorgeous day. A little chilly overall, but a beautiful fall day!!

We started out at Morton Arboreteum in Lisle, and spent some time wandering over the massive grounds photographing at their favorite places.

Then we headed over to Danada Farms in Wheaton to finish up the session. They both love horses and it was a perfect ending to a perfect day.

They are both gorgeous, nice, down to earth and madly in love!!
We are really looking forward to photographing their wedding next spring in South Carolina : )

Back in the Springtime I went to a networking event at Black Finn’s in Downtown Naperville. It was there that I met fellow Naperville Mom’s Networking member Cinnamon Bergeron. We hung out that evening, and she told about her plan to expand her business “Monogram Madness” into a retail space and out of the garage where she had been for a few years. Her business was growing and it was time to move into a bigger space.

Then she told me of an even bigger plan of having other women artists who had products to sell join her in the store. It would be a co-op of women supporting other women. Before the night was over I wanted to be a part of this venture. She exudes such optimism and an endless positive energy that is infectious!!

It has been an amazing experience throughout the process. From that first meeting held in the empty space where we all met for the first time to the ribbon cutting ceremony with the Mayor held today.

The portraits below were taken in the grounds outside the store-which is located next to the train station and the 5th Ave Station Mall just north of Downtown Naperville.

These bios are framed and and displayed throughout the store. Here are 11 out of 18 artist bios, when the remaining ones are finished-they will be added to the blog(mine included). It has really been a fabulous experience getting to know all these incredibly gifted women!!

Another project we’ve done is to photograph some of the product line, and these images are displayed throughout the store.
If it’s a clothing line then we’ll have the kids of these women in photos modeling the clothes. And since I’ve taken a gazillion photos of kids for their model comp cards-it’s a natural fit for me.

We’ll have another blog post with the product & store photos.

There are extended holiday store hours and lots & lots of fabulous gifts for family and friends. BTW- any item in the store can be custom made just for you…how cool is that!!

Monogram Madness
190 E. 5th Ave #7
Naperville, Il 60563
630-780-2977

We started out at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers with Bethany on this sunny but chilly day. The atmosphere was hurried all around Bethany as the preparations for the day were underway. Yet Bethany was calm, focused and ready to marry the love of her life!!

As I mentioned earlier-it was a chilly day, and the women all braved the cold for the photo session without complaint!! Luckily they had shawls to help keep them warm.

I LOVE the photo of Bethany on the bench at the bus stop. She looks like a model posing as a bride. If you look at the other people in that photo-you’ll see how many layers of clothes they are wearing. This will give perspective as to just how cold it was that day.

We met up with the guys at Holy Name Cathedral. WOW…This is an impressive church to say the very least.

After the ceremony we got on the party bus and headed back to the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers for a fun and rowdy party. The band was amazing and had most everyone of all ages on their feet dancing for hours.

We wish these two all the best in their new lives together!!

This day was a beautiful spring day with almost perfect weather for Jimmy & Stefani.

The ceremony was held at the St. Sophia Bulgarian Orthodox Church. It was fun to watch the crowns being placed over the heads and the candles being lit. I love learning about, and capturing the different types of ceremonies we witness!

Afterwards, we headed out to a park in Arlington Heights for some fun photos with the bridal party! As you can see from the photos-the day was filled with love, laughter and smiles.

The reception was held in Schaumburg at The Hyatt Regency Woodfield. Great day. Great ceremony. Great reception. Fun, fun, fun…

We wish them all the best : )