Alison & Geoff's Green Wedding

Alison & Geoff were one of my few couples planning to incorporate eco-friendly vendors and details as much as possible. Beyond that, they were just a really fun couple to share the day with. I am so excited to share their photos with them. AND, just to torture me, they went to France for their honeymoon which everyone knows is where I want go SOOOO bad, but I can just live through them for the time being :)

More on facebook!!!

Salon: Michael Anthony which uses Aveda products (very eco-friendly)
Hotel: Palmer House
Dress: Nicole Miller
Invitations: Star Shaped Press (eco-friendly, recycled paper)
Flowers: Fleur (one we recommend for her efforts to use organic and local flowers)
Wedding Rings: Leber Jewelry (conflict free diamonds)
Venue: Columbus Park refectory (outdoor ceremony and ceremony and reception at the same site, supports City parks too!)
Catering: Berghoff
Cupcakes: Sweet Mandy B's
Mass Transport: Eved
DJ: Beep Media

I love this face of Geoff when he sees Alison! This is impressive, full pike position, all points off the ground!

Shmooze fest!

Last week was I want to Walk the Talk's annual Shmooze Fest! If you missed it, it's not too late to sign up for their classes but don't delay. We are proud to sponsor them for another year.

Aaron shoots Candace and Ken's wedding

Candace and Ken had a beautiful outdoor wedding at Idlewild Country Club. We were introduced to her through our great friends the Wirken's. I have to say, this is one wedding where the butterflies actually flew out of the box like you always want them too! Thank you for sharing your day with us!

Molly Grace Shoots Greg & Kristen's Wedding

What a glorious day and what a beautiful sunny sky we had on Saturday! Kristen looked amazing (oh how it was so hard to pick just these few pictures) and the sun light came out at just the right time. What a beautiful day!

Reception Armour House at The Lake Forest Academy
Videographer Ken Czechanski of Poetic Productions
DJ Nick Hatzopoulos of Premier Events

Vrai is on Facebook!

I know I am slow but we are finally on facebook. Come and join us as a fan. Just go to your home and type in Vrai Photography and you will see us first on the list! We will be sure to share more pictures from weddings, show you album designs, share updates on anniversary's and how our clients families continue to grow. Should be fun so join us today!

Impact Tip - Green Diva

Green Diva is an eco-friendly custom jewelry store started by my long time friend Kathy. I am so excited for her as she continues to use and support earth friendly practices for gems, recycled metals, and organic seeds and stones into her jewelry. She will be launching a new bridal line soon that is sure to be amazing (more on the story soon!)

I am lucky enough to receive one of these pieces to wear, that uses coconut!! I LOVE coconut and now I have a new use for it :) Also, exciting, is her mention as one of Emily's favorites of Emily Deschanel from the hit show Bones. Check it out!

Emma

I love it when I get a call from one my past couples to come and photograph their child. What a double honor, a wedding then a child! Emma is the sweet baby girl of Colleen and Dennis and I had a great time getting to know her!

Aaron shoots Julie and Glen's wedding

Glen is an old friend so it was an absolute privilege to be asked to capture their special day. An added bonus was getting to see a lot of old friends. They got married at the Byron Colby Barn, a really fun setting for this great group of folks. This barn is part of a conservation based community that has become a model for communities around the country for incorporating sustainable living near large cities.

Molly Grace Shoots Greg & Jenny's Wedding

Greg and Jenny are the cutest! They have been planning this beautiful wedding for the past 5 months and it was one to remember. I loved the creative details, perfect touches and the moments that this wedding had. I loved that Jenny and Greg planned for their guests to enjoy cocktails before their ceremony, and loved that the ceremony and the celebration had an emphasis spending time and chatting with the people that mean the most in your lives. Truly, what a beautiful day, and what an amazing couple!

Ceremony & Reception Heritage Prairie Market Love the charm and character, Great Organic Wholesome Food, and Fabulous Staff! Special thanks to Porta Belloc Lowndes!
Jewelry Therese Crowe Deigns, LTD

Caryn and Zach

Caryn and Zach had a beautiful traditional Jewish ceremony this past Sunday of Labor Day weekend. However, there was nothing traditional about Zach walking down the aisle to the tune of the theme from the Office that his sister played on the piano, classic! It turned out perfectly with the help of some great players...

Dress: White Chicago
Make up: Mary Kay
Venue: Intercontinental
Day of Coordinator: Square One Productions
Video: Lad4 Creations
Band: Sway