Jen Knuepfer

Last summer I had the great privilege to photography Jen's wedding and get to know her. She is absolutely awesome, laid back and seriously talented. She is a singer and sings for Deja Vu which also does weddings. They played at her wedding and they were really fun and high energy which kept the dance floor packed all night. I recently did some head shots for her and braved the cold for some urban Chicago shots. Looking forward to seeing her perform again!

Haiti Mentor Marathon

To all you photographers out there or just aspiring photographers, there is going to be a mentor marathon on Wednesday where you can possibly get your images critiqued or just listen in and ask questions as some of the most notable photographers in the wedding business critique other photographers. This is THE best way to learn and improve in my opinion so sign up as it is closed after the 75 participants due to the technology of dimdim.

One session is $100 and 100% of proceeds go to Haiti relief efforts. This is too great to miss! Click on the picture below to find out more info on facebook. Or if the link isn't working just look for Mentoring Marathon 4 Haiti

Impact Tip - Spilled Ink Press

Every now and then I like to spotlight a vendor that I have met that has great style and a desire to make an impact through their business. These are the kind of people I get excited to share with my clients and anyone out there looking for great people to work with on their wedding day.

I recently had the pleasure to meet Amanda and Tony of Spilled Ink Press and photograph several of their amazing designs. They are trained designers and architects which is evident in their great style. They love to get to know their clients so that each invitation is a original piece that reflects their clients style and personality. Much the same as how I like my photos to be so of course we hit it off great! Check them out and there are many more samples on the Vrai fan page.

Shannon and Jeff's engagement session

I was so excited to shoot Shannon and Jeff's esession, I haven't done a winter session in awhile and I was excited for the possibilities. The Art Institute provided a nice escape from the cold too. Can't wait for the wedding!

Aaron shoots Shannon and Paul's wedding

Shannon and Paul were such troopers! They insisted on going out for photos last Saturday for lots of fun portraits despite the frigid temps! We were also knee deep in snow but that didn't stop them from smiling and having a great time. We are so happy for you both. Thank you for sharing this day with us.

Venue: Metropolis Ballroom

Happy 2010 and time for some resolutions!

I have a very specific memory as a middle-schooler of my mom telling me the importance of goals...followed by me rolling my eyes in typical teenage fashion thinking that somehow at 13 I knew more than her! Well despite my need to do it my own way, I filed that information in the back of my brain and put it into practice a short while later and she was right, setting goals is such a great way to stay on track or make changes to your life or routine.

So every year I sit down and think of all my goals in life, health, business, whatever category I can think of and when then I get to work. Sadly my goal list was the least checked off it's ever been for 2009 but I have an excuse...I had a baby! And clearly no idea just how much work it is to be a mom. So this year I will make my list, cut it in half and then maybe it will be a little more realistic :)

So I encourage all my readers to start the new year by making just 12 changes (that's only 1 a month!) to help the planet, your community or even just yourself to be a healthy, happy place/you!

Here are 12 ideas to start you off:
1. Terrapass (probably the easiest way to make an impact) and carbon offset your life!

2. Green City Market: Still open at the Peggy Notebart Museum all winter, help local farmers!

3. Volunteer: Your local Nature Conservancy Chapter is always looking for volunteers and of course hundreds of volunteer opportunities around.

4. Plan an eco-friendly party to show others that you care. Don't we all have at least one party to throw this year (bday, baby shower, bridal shower)? There are tons of tips just on this blog.

5. Start keeping reusable bags in the trunk or carry with you so you don't have to use the plastic ones from the store.

6. Of course we can all stand to drive less so take public transportation at least 10% more than you do now and see how it makes a difference or just carpool!

7. Start a compost (I know this is hard if you live in the city and you already have litter boxes stinking up your apartment! haha but if you can, do!)

8. Dispose of all your electronics and batteries properly and recycle them including your ink cartridges. I always see that car in the burbs driving around that does this for you so take advantage. These people will pay you for them!

9. Aaron's contribution: shorter showers!

10. Turn your thermostat down (I know I hate this one, I like to be warm and cozy in a t-shirt but that's no good!)

11. Avoid farm-raised salmon and eat less meat (also hard but good).

12. Saving the best for last, take a class with I Want to Walk the Talk and support a local non-profit designed to get you active in your community.

Molly Grace shoots Shaina & Grant's New Year's Wedding

I was so excited to welcome the New Year in with Shaina and Grant and their families! I told the grooms mom, it was like, the party you'd always dreamed of going to, and very, " When Harry met Sally " style! (remember all those parties in that movie) This party was dressed to the nines, Grant's mom, Mrs. Law, designed the decor and had a crew of friends and family to make this party over the top fun. Shaina and Grant were as sweet as ever, they were excited to be with each other and excited to join their friends on the dance floor, just like it should be. Also if anyone would like to purchase the decor, for their bash, it's available just let us know.

Venue Bolingbrook Golf Club
DJ Music Mania Inc.
Photo Booth First Class PhotoBooth
Make up Monica Ruban and Gabby Lejeck
Florist MiKim from Wildflower





Grant's cousin carried his Grandma to the dance floor for a special birthday dance, she was celebrating her 90 Birthday that night!

Aaron shoots Shannon and Paul's engagement session

It was so great to spend some time with Shannon and Paul just before they get married next weekend. Can't wait for the wedding!