Posted in Baby BumpNo comments

 

I know I’ve said this a million times before but I LOVE the couples I get to work with.  Yes, I love meeting them and getting to know them throughout the planning process.  And I love shooting their weddings and being a part of the happiest day of their lives.  But what I love the most of all is getting to document their lives as it unfolds.  As they go from a couple to a family.  Being there as little by little their family grows.  It’s something so special and it literally gives me all the feels.  Like every single one of them.  So when Tricia and Trent asked me to do their maternity photos it made me all sorts of happy!  I honestly couldn’t be more excited for them and know they are going to make such amazing parents!

 

by laurenwakefield

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Posted in WeddingsNo comments

 

I don’t think I could fit into one blog post the love I have for this family.  When I shot Nat and Erin’s wedding 4 years ago I immediately fell in love not only with them but their entire family.  They are so fun-loving and a total blast to be around.  They immediately make you feel like part of the family and over the last few years I’ve had the chance to get to know them even better so they may not know it but I’m just going to say I’m basically part of the family now.  😉  (Just kidding.  Kind of.)  So when I saw Jacqueline got engaged I was secretly praying I would hear from her.  And sure enough…here we are.

 

Jacqueline is one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever met…inside and out.  She is so easy-going and incredibly kind and thoughtful.  She brings such a light to every situation and just makes you feel happy to be around her.  And Brian is no different.  You can see how effortlessly they fit together.  Constantly laughing and completely perfect for each other.  From start to finish their day was absolutely incredible.  From the vibrant colors to the perfect weather to the bubbles that never stopped popping…it was a day I will for sure never forget.  As I edited their photos I found myself smiling the entire time because it’s people like them who make me absolutely love what I do!

 

Jacqueline and Brian – thank you so much for including me in your perfect day.  I love you guys and your family so incredibly much!  I hope you guys had such an amazing time in Hawaii and if your wedding was any predictor of your life together…it’s going to be a total blast.  I wish we lived closer but maybe one of these days we’ll end up in Naples at the same time and can pop some bubbly on the beach together.  Love you guys!!!!!!  xo

 

 

A HUGE thank you to my second shooter, Karina Mora-Metts for all her help.  I couldn’t have done it without her!!

And another giant thank you to all the vendors that made this day happen:

Wedding Planner: Jaci Weber / Clementine Events  |  Florist: Ashland Addison Florist  |  Venue: Skokie Country Club  |  DJ/Band: The Chicago Players  |  Cake: Amy Beck Cake Design  |  Videographer: Vanilla Video  |  Makeup: Outer Beauty Makeup – Dominica Szwajnos  |  Hair: All About You Chicago – Cristi Covelli

by laurenwakefield

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Posted in WeddingsNo comments

 

We were sitting at a table, sipping wine, trying to decide what to order for dinner.  Her wedding was just around the corner and we were commiserating about the carb-free life (why can’t carbs be good for you?!??!).  We were finalizing timelines and details and making sure everything was perfectly in place for her big day.  As we finished up the “business” end of things she went on to tell me that she wanted to wear Healing Heels as her something blue in honor of the people in her life who have been touched by cancer.  I remember sitting there in that moment amazed at how thoughtful and outright incredible it was for her to even think about Healing Heels when it came to her wedding day.  But that’s who Julie is.  She so full of kindness and even on a day that should be about nothing but her – she finds a way to make it about others.  I still get all the feels when I think about it because it’s people like Julie and Jim that constantly remind me how lucky I am to do what I do.  For people like them who are so selfless and genuine.  And their day was a perfect reflection of that.  From start to finish it was effortless and so full of love.  Not to mention a total blast.

 

Julie and Jim – Your day was so perfect.  Every single part.  I am so grateful that we have gotten the chance to become such great friends over the last year.  I have no doubt there will be lots of outings and Sushi Bar nights (whether we mean to be there at the same time or not) and lots of fun times ahead.  Thank you for being such great people and including me in your absolutely perfect day.  I love you guys so much!!!! xoxo

 

 

 

Oh you know, that one time 15 wedding guests got stuck in the elevator and the Fire Department had to come.  Obviously it needed to be documented because…best story ever.

 

A HUGE thank you to my second shooter, Lane Lewis!  I couldn’t have done it without her!

And another giant thank you to all the vendors that made this day happen!

by laurenwakefield

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Posted in Engagements3 comments

 

Let me start this by explaining just how important the Indy 500 is to Hoosiers.  Ok…maybe not all of them – but most of them.  It’s a tradition that we take very seriously and when you step foot in Indy, Race Day is like our own personal version of Christmas.  And if Race Day is like Christmas, the track is like Santa Claus.  This magical place where so much tradition lives.  Where endless amounts of fun has been had and memories have been made. Bottom line…it’s a very, very special place.  So when Erica emailed me that we might be doing their engagement session at the track I literally almost died.  Followed by extreme stress  because how do I document just how big and meaningful this place is?!  But I was up for the task.

 

As we pulled in we met the security guard who was going to show us around.  As we pulled onto the track (about 20 feet from where we were going to start) the security guard asked us if we wanted to get started or do a lap first.  We all tried to control ourselves and very calmly said…a lap.  A lap would be good.  So the three of us took a lap around the *$@#ing track which is one of the coolest things I’ve ever done.  All while trying to remain calm because holy sh*t that just happened.  And then compose ourselves because, oh yeah, we have photos to take.  I literally was like a little kid in a candy store.  There were times I think I forgot to breathe because I was out of breath for most of our session.  It was like one cool, amazing thing after another and all three of us basically couldn’t believed this was real life.

 

We ended the night on the top of the Pagoda (like where the snipers sit, Carl to be specific) followed by some celebratory beers in Speedway.  It was truly one of the greatest days ever.  If I’m being honest, I’m still kind of on cloud nine about it all.  But enough from me…here’s just a little piece of the magic we created that night…

 

 

 

by laurenwakefield

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  • Julie Moeder - August 30, 2017 - 10:36 pm

    ❤️
    Too cute! Great pics!!!ReplyCancel

  • Dara Jones - August 31, 2017 - 7:18 pm

    Love these pics!! ❣️ReplyCancel

  • Kellie Urban - January 3, 2018 - 2:51 pm

    Hi there! I have been searching and searching to figure out how to get access to the track to have engagement pictures done early spring before racing season starts! My fiancé and I have dreamed of doing this but I cannot get anyone to return my phone calls regarding this. Would you happen to have an idea of how to gain access to the track and if so would you be interested in doing our pictures?
    I look forward to your reply!!

    Thanks!!!

    Kellie UrbanReplyCancel

Posted in WeddingsNo comments

 

I can’t say enough good things about Micaela and Steve.  They are the most fun, laid back couple.  From start to finish their day was effortless and a total blast.  We hopped around the city taking photos and sipping mini bottles of champagne (well, not me but you get the idea).  There was some impromptu drum-line dancing and a whole lot of laughter.  And don’t even get me started on the reception.  There were literal *gasps* when people walked into that room.  It was like something out of a dream.  Between the stained glass windows and the impeccable style it was so perfectly done.  Moral of the story, from start to finish Micaela and Steve’s day was nothing short of amazing.  Not to mention so. much. fun!

 

Micaela and Steve – thank you for including me in your special day.  I’m so grateful I got to be a part of it!  I wish you guys so much happiness and can’t wait to see you the next time you’re in Indy!!!!

 

 

A HUGE thank you to my second shooter, Audrey Simper, for all her help!

And another giant thank you to all the vendors that made this day happen:

Wedding Planner: Michelle Speight  |  Florist: Into the Woods  |  Venue: The University Club of Chicago  |  DJ/Band: TVK Orchestra  |  Dress brand: Lela Rose  |  Makeup: Cait Clark  |  Hair: Jen Hayes

by laurenwakefield

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