In December, I went to Chicago to have a girls weekend out. The first day I photographed my friend’s engagement session around downtown Chicago. The following day I shot an edgy day after session at the Miracle Mile Marriott in downtown Chicago. The two, Jessica and David, were unbelievably gorgeous, sweet, and very up for the paparazzi.
We started the session in the modern ballroom floor. The session was semi-styled by me as I brought a large ivory fascintator and long sweeping veil to add to the dramatic surroundings. Also we utilized some Venetian masks I had picked up recently in Italy along with some old Rollie’s which added the perfect touch of vintage.
On New Years Eve there was a spectacular themed wedding reception held at Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor and Museum in downtown Columbus, Indiana. I was asked by Kim King Smith Events to photograph all the small details she put into this event. From ice cream bowls over flowing with bubble gum pink flowers, candle votive, to the infamous Green River Soda’s lined up on the antique marble counters , this event was planned perfectly by Kim and her team.
Wow, right? Ashley is from Columbus, Indiana now living in Indianapolis. We met up in the spring and when she mentioned peacock feathers as a main element in her vintage style wedding, I was ecstatic. Her location at Crowne Plaza in Indianapolis had so many great backdrops, textures, and colors. It was a tad freezing outside which limited our photo-time outside, but we made due with the classic Union Station interior. Ashley’s smile really lit up the room every time she entered. Along with her bridesmaids that was one gorgeous, fun bridal party to hang out with. Each bridesmaid had an elegant hair style with a feather or two for adornment.
The boys in their cool, calm, collected ways were a riot. They teased each other mercilessly while I clicked away. I’m a big fan of real moments as they are the elements that make up the heart of a wedding.
Those peacock feather corsages. Wait until you see the bouquets!
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Flowers done by Claudia’s Florabunda in Columbus.. great job!
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The Union Station part of the hotel is amazing.. they have train cars you can sleep in… and take photos of wedding dresses on…
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Where do I begin with Jen and Logan’s wedding? Located at the Moon Palace in the Mayan Riviera, from the crystal turquoise blue waters, white sand beaches, conch shells, warm sun set lighting, and a mariachi band, this wedding was a plethora of inspirational photo opportunities for me.
Jen, the radiant bride, was beyond stunning in her off shoulder gown. Her bridesmaids (3 of which were her super sweet sisters) glowed in coral cocktail dresses. The groom, Logan and his groomsman looked smart in their suits yet playful with their matching flip flops. Logan and Jen live in San Francisco and wanted to have a wedding that their family from all over the States could attend. They tied the knot a couple days after Thanksgiving and had many family and friends there to share the celebrations. This family really got down like no other family and danced, laughed, and really enjoyed the warm Mexican sunset.
Jen has killer style.. look at her rings timeless yet modern!
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Here is Jen! STUNNING bride!! This photo I plan on submitting to a brides magazine as it’s too gorgeous!
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The groom and his entourage chillin’ at the pool
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Jen, with her radiant bridesmaids 3 of which are her sisters
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I was having Jen look off into the distance and low and behold those three flower girls were being hilarious…
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The 3 Amigas dropped a flower in the pond… seriously every time I turned around they were being ridiculously cute
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A Mariachi played tunes while Jen glided down the aisle. Perfect touch!
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We chased that falling sun in order to get a shot like this…
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Their first dance to a Mariachi band who kept posing for me… funny guys…
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Slideshow Time!!! Please feel free to send to friends/family and post a comment if you love it! I love comments!
Thank you Jen and Logan for having me there as your wedding photographer. I had so much fun capturing your big day as well as getting to know your amazing family! ~ Stacy
After nearly three weeks in Italy, I’m finally back home in Columbus, Indiana and going through so many amazing photos. Starting with the Italy Workshop hosted by the AMAZING Jose Villa and Gene Higa which was held at La Selva Giardino del Belvedere in the Chianti Region of Tuscany about an hour south of Florence. If you EVER wanted to do a destination wedding this is the place!
All of the above photographers are amazing and when we had our closing slide show with some shots we took at the workshop I had shivers run down my spine at the talent. The three days we spent together everyone was so helpful, friendly, and open with each other. Answering questions, giving good critiques, and even swapping lenses, all the attendees and hosts were the best. Everyone at the workshop I miss terribly and have all touched my heart. I can not wait until our girls reunion in Chicago in December as well as WPPI next year. So refreshing to meet kind, open photographers and good, honest, crazy intelligent people!
The hair and make-up was done by the makeup goddess: Mar. Styling was done by the impeccably dressed tom shoes sporting Matthew Johns. The models: Omar, Georgia, Giordano, and Valentina all were local Italians and did an amazing job at varying their poses and expressions. The gowns worn by the women were made by Olia Zavozina out of Nashville, Tennessee.
Last but most certainly not least, Jen Curtis, Ann Hamilton and Joel Serrato we’re essential for helping Gene and Jose keeping things running smoothly and certainly mingled and answered questions with the attending photographers.
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The model was given a snake skin and all the girl photographers jumped back.. laughing ensued.. those moments are the best!
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Omar and Valentina… smoking! Great dress on Valentina by the way!!
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I don’t think I can utter the right words to thank Jose Villa & Gene Higa enough for hosting their amazing Italy Workshop. There were over 20 photographers from all corners of the world who came together to improve. Everyone put their twitter and iphones down and became an Italian family. Another huge kudos goes to those who ran the behind the scenes: Jen Curtis, Ann Hamilton, and Joel Serrato. Last but not least, styling was done by Matthew Johns and Hair and Makeup by Mar.
Every morning the fiery reddish orange globe of a sun rose over the Borgo di Fontebussi which is close to Montevarchi and Arrezo, in the Chianti region of Tuscany. The soft yet warm light that awaited us all can’t be explained due to it’s infinite beauty. Gratzi to the amazing staff, cooks, and workers of the Villas for taking on our shutter happy crew.
Enough babbling, you want to see some photos pronto, si?
