Category Archives: Weddings
Live, Laugh, Love: Nikki and Tom’s Spring Wedding
Nikki and Tom are two people with grace. It’s hard to believe that almost a year ago we met them downtown for their engagement session, and were so taken with their easy laughter, their adventurous spirits, and their genuine kindness, that we couldn’t believe we had to wait a year for their wedding!
The day finally arrived on Saturday and it passed quickly with the warmth and love of a large group of family and friends truly excited and happy for this lovely couple.
I just loved the sparkle in Nikki’s eyes and Tom’s sense of calm. Can you tell how fun they are to be around?
When we arrived at Nikki’s house to capture her preparations, we were struck by the beautiful artwork on the walls. Nikki’s father was an accomplished artist, and Nikki obviously shares his creative soul. We couldn’t help but show off her love for awesome shoes with a piece of her own art.
I admit it, I could not get over Nikki’s shoes. And her ring is just so cute!
Nikki and Tom were married at the Church of the Holy Nativity, which Tom’s family has been a part of since before the current church was actually built. The church was beautiful, but the looks on Nikki and Tom’s faces at this moment was even better.
After the ceremony we headed out to Carriage Greens Country Club for the reception. We managed to sneak Nikki and Tom outside for a few minutes of calm and quiet before the partying got started.
I will leave you with the first dance. Congratulations, Nikki and Tom! Thank you so much for making us a part of this beautiful day.
We can’t forget to give credit to the other vendors who worked so hard on Nikki and Tom’s wedding day:
Makeup/Hair: Ying Bass
DJ: Cage and Aquarium (truly awesome, great music and very professional!)
Reception Venue: Carriage Greens Country Club
Ann Oleinik is a Chicago Wedding Photographer who serves Chicago, Illinois, Wisconsin, and beyond. Check us out on our website or facebook, and Contact us to learn more about having us shoot your event.
FAQ: Wedding Day Timeline | Chicago Wedding Photographer
For most of our couples, it can be hard to know how much time they will need on their wedding day for photography coverage. It can be hard to know how much time you will actually need at different times of the day, and how to schedule your day so that you have enough time to actually enjoy it. We’re always happy to work with couples based on their individual schedule, but I thought it might also be helpful to be able to look at a sample timeline based on our experience.
This timeline is based on having a first look, which I wrote about in more detail last week. As you can see, when we do a first look we are able to do the majority of your photography early in the day so that you can fully enjoy your time with your friends and family once the ceremony starts. Trust me, it’s great. 
1:00 – Photography Begins:
Detail shots of your dress, shoes, jewelry, invitation, bouquet, etc.
Final hair and makeup touchups
Candid shots of bride, bridesmaids, and family
2:00 - Bride Dresses
Candids of bride putting on dress
Portraits of bride in her dress with fresh hair and makeup
2:30 - First Look
Bride and Groom see each other for the first time
Bride and Groom portraits
3:30 – Bridal Party Photos
4:00 – Bride arrives at ceremony site, out of sight from guests, to refresh and compose herself for the ceremony
Shoot ceremony details, guests arriving, etc.
4:30 – Ceremony Begins
5:00 – Ceremony Ends
5:10 – Family photos
5:30 – Cocktail hour
Photograph Reception Details
6:30 – Grand Entrance, cake cutting,
6:45 – Dinner, toasts, etc.
7:30 - Depending on time of year, Sunset shot with bride and groom
8:00 – Father-Daughter, Mother-Son, First Dance, dancing dancing dancing
9:00 – Photography Coverage Ends
Every wedding is different, but this should at least give you a place to start. Remember to leave yourself extra time if your ceremony and reception are in different locations, or if you plan on going to a separate location for your portraits. Always plan for more buffer time than you think you will need. Everything takes longer on your wedding day.
Finally, remember to consider what time the sun will set on your wedding day. We will want to plan on doing as many of your portraits as possible with sunlight, and we will also want to try and capture a sunset image if we can.
Best of 2011: Best Vows | Chicago Wedding Photographer
Happy Monday, Everybody!
Each couple’s vows are special. Whether you write them yourself or follow tradition, they simply and forever bind you to your loved one.
But we will remember Charlie and Karen forever and ever for their vows, because they not only said their vows, they SUNG them. When Charlie pulled out his guitar in front of everybody, our hearts melted.
So, Karen and Charlie, congratulations! You definitely had the most memorable vows, we loved it!
Ann Oleinik is a Chicago Wedding Photographer who serves Chicago, Illinois, Wisconsin, and beyond. Check us out on our website or facebook, and Contact us to learn more about having us shoot your event.