TO THE BLOG

Hello! Hope your fall is going well. The beauty of this season always has me in awwww 🙌

Question for ya, how long have your known your longest friend?! When I was in fifth grade, I was reunited with a preschool buddy. Our mothers told us, we shared a locker in preschool and were always together. I will say I remember having a locker and thought it was so cool, being so young. My little red headed friend, another bonus to preschool. So in fifth grade we went right back were left off. In the same class, same interests, both having a really strange haircut. We kinda needed each other to get thru that awkward stage of adolescence! And we have been friends ever since! Forever friends.

Now in our 40’s…whoa, time flies. Still friends. Even when life has naturally guided us in our own directions, we can still have a good ol’ time together. We have shared many, many great times! From parties in the woods, trips to her cabin in Wisconsin, scary movies in October, having great laughs, got into some trouble we could always find our way out of! One time we went to what we thought was a Halloween party, we were the only two dressed up…at least, we had each other!

I always loved Cari’s family as well, her sister Courtney, adoring mom- Cathy & her hilarious father. RIP Jimmy. Amazing, aunts, uncles cousins. Remember, we go back. Good people.

Let’s move on to Cari & George! A wise person recently told me, “what is meant for you, will find you.” That really reminded me of Cari & George. They ended up, being each other’s person. Knowing each other for a very long time, but at the end, they were meant to be together. And I love fate, destiny if you will. George is the kind of guy who will make you laugh no matter the circumstance. We all need a George in our life. He turns nothing, into hilarious. I also, love laughter. It is medicine. If I might say, I feel like George helps fill the void of Cari’s father. Just as funny, a good person to have by your side. Sadly, he lost his battle to cancer.

Cari & George planned an epic Chicago wedding weekend! Married on a Friday on the Gargano’s (George’s parents’) rooftop! Celebrating Saturday at the beautiful riverfront restaurant, Gibson’s Italia . It was an honor to be asked to photograph this very special occasion!

Before I share some of the pics of this fabulous weekend, I must also add, the Garganos are also, truly an amazing family. So two wonderful families were united that weekend, it was so beautiful to witness! Welcoming, warm, friendly, funny. Top notch! Plus, George’s daughter (who officiated the ceremony) gave the most heartwarming speech. The entire room was so touched!

Cheers to a glorious weekend & couple! 🥂

Love you, Cari! George, you are an amazing addition to Cari’s life. Thank you for bringing her endless laughter.

xo

Renèe

Hello again! Summer is just passing us by as we approach August! I have had a busy summer with more garden sessions then ever before! That makes me very happy. To take advantage of the flowers and all the colors, it is just the opportune time in this photographer’s eyes!

Today, I share the session of Iririan and Sam! Sam popped the question on Valentine’s Day 2025! When I heard from this adorable couple earlier in the year, they shared they would love to take their engagement photos at the Chicago Botanic Garden! That is honestly one my favorite places to be! And sadly it had been too long since my last visit! SO a happy dance was happening on my end!

On my drive over to the garden the day of their session, I heard the “Forever Young” Remix! 😉
A classic song (with a catchy new beat) about remaining young and free, well forever. It had me thinking how I used to think being in your 40s was old. Well, twenty some years later, 40 is no where near old, just more experienced and wise.

Meeting Iri & Sam in person, I felt that youthful energy thru their presence. They are young, they are in love and have both of their futures to look forward to. It really is a wonderful feeling. And, you know, life is short! So enjoy each day to fullest. I feel like Iri and Sam have the same mindset!

This adorable couple share a love of music, food, attending sporting events & spending quality time together. Each date, thoughtfully planned. We walked around the gorgeous grounds capturing the scenery, just is awe of the all beauty surrounding us. These kids are the sweetest, and I am so thrilled I was about to capture their love story!

Walking thru the gardens, with your love by your side, that is a good day! You would never even know, we waited for hours for a rain storm to pass that day. Good thing you can check the weather before a long drive! So excited for these two! They sure have a lot to look forward to!

Until next time,

Renée 💕

Hello, Hello! I hope you have been enjoying your summer! It tends to go faster than those cold months, doesn’t it. YEP, it is HOT, I’d rather cool off than be COLD. The days are long & full of sunshine!

Any how, I’d love to share my most recent elopement with you. Coordinated by Simply Eloped, this ceremony was sweet and full of gorgeous scenery too! The event was held at the Morton Arboretum in the Fragrance Garden. Walking thru the grounds, you felt a sense of calm, and gratefulness. They both nature, so this venue was spot on!

They started off with a First Look. Such a wonderful way to start your day and ease your nerves. You are both present and in the moment. I hope they can look back at their images and can just relive how they felt. The joy showed from behind my lens.

It was HOT, but that did not stop these love birds from making the most of their magical moments. The colors chosen by Stephanie were bright, beautiful and vivid. A vision, in white, Stephanie was glowing from the moment she stepped onto the property. Chase, calm and collective. Both ready for the next step in their relationship.

Stephanie & Chase wanted to celebrate their vows with their closest family and friends. The ceremony was intimate and tender. It was a true honor to capture their story that day. After a touching ceremony, Stephanie & Chase exchanged their vows privately. I am sure they counted their blessings that they crossed paths back at the University of Iowa. From that time on, they have been in each other lives one way or another, and now, as husband and wife.

After, we convinced the pair to take photos around different areas of the Arboretum.

Surrounded by love ones, in stunning scenery, a gorgeous bride, and happy couple- the day was a WIN WIN!

It is always my pleasure to capture your special moments. Cheers to Stephanie & Chase!

Until next time, friends. Be well.

Hello hello! SUMMER is here! Are you enjoying this season? I sure am. Pool is open, the days are long and the sun is shinning. I may hide in AC during those peak heat hours, but hey, you gotta make sure you do not melt!

I’d love to share my most recent elopement with you. As a partner with Simply Eloped, it was an absolute honor to capture Jessica & Matt’s special day. Simply Eloped coordinated all the details, that makes it easy for couples to just show up & get married!

The location, such a neat Chicago landmark- The Firehouse. This firehouse was built back in 1906 and had four horse stables. I mean, can you imagine it all- the history is rich!

Jessica and Matt live in South Dakota, but wanted a destination wedding. They love Chicago so it was a win win! When I first met Jessi and Matt via Facetime, they shared they met in a psych ward…..both employees. I mean, what a story!

They shared a beautiful and intimate ceremony with their closest family & friends. It was perfect. They started their day with a first look.

Then, in firehouse fashion, this brave bride made her entrance in the most memorable way!

To witness the love and devotion Jessi & Matt share, was a true honor. I hope you enjoy these images with each passing year. Cheers to you both!

Until next time, friends.

Renée

Welcome back to the blog, it is now mid January and freezing here in Chicagoland! Brrrr

I’d like to think about something that warms my heart, and let me just tell you, Jean and Rob will do that!

A little background on my client, Jean, she is the cousin of my best friend. I have personally known Jean and her family for many years. The sweetest bunch of people you could ever meet.

In October of 2023, Jean & Rob booked an engagement session. I was so happy to hear Jean had found her perfect match and they were mapping out their future together!

This session was so sweet, they are soulmates and you can feel that when are around the two of them. It was calm, loving and tender.

Wedding planning began for their intimate wedding for fall of October of 2024. I was so honored to get the call to capture their big day! I thought we connected at the engagement session. That became clear once they wanted to book again. (Repeat clients mean so much.)

Look at these two, just so happy to have each other.

Jean and Rob got ready at their venue, we were able to capture their couple photos before the ceremony which was scheduled for sunset (it was stunning.) Their event was small, but the love that filled their day was anything but. I personally love small weddings, they really focus on the couple and the most important people in their lives.

Jean’s daughter was in the get ready room. I love how Jean spoke of both her children. They have such a connection rooted in love and care. P. S. -Those pearls belonged to Jean’s grandmother!

Both Jean’s son and Rob’s son were also there to share these moments.

Who could make a better best man, than your son?!

Jean looked so beautiful! Just glowing with joy. They both the outdoors and their venue showcased that stunning time of year. Fall and full of splendor. When I saw the tears in Jean’s eyes as Rob recited his vows, I knew their love was based on unconditional love. The sun set as they were pronounced husband and wife. Their next chapter had now begun.

Jean and Rob, I wish you all the best as husband and wife. Thank you for allowing me to capture your romantic, heartfelt and meaningful wedding.

Cheers, Renée!

Hello, happy New Year! Wishing you all the best in 2025! 🥂

My next blog will feature my cousin’s wedding back in October of 2024. I was lucky enough to book two fabulous weddings last October, they were both amazing. Very grateful for both opportunities indeed!

I love history, so here is a little history about my cousin Vinny, LOL! I had to throw that one in there. Ok, Vince Bukowski. Our mothers are sisters and for most of my young life we would see each other at the holidays and family get togethers. Vince is older so he was off on adventures before I even entered junior high school.

One of my first major memories of Vince was his big return to American soil once the Gulf War ended. All of our family joined together at the airport to give him a huge WELCOME HOME! And thank him for his service. I remember the hot summer day in 1991, we were all so proud and feeling lucky he made it back. We made signs and cheered as he walked into the airport! I was just 9 years old, and by then he had done so much in life.

Another fun memory was when Vince and his young family had come back home for Christmas. He shared this amazing video of his job at the time. As Vince describes it, he “flew military helicopters that prevented migrants from entering the US and flew armed counter narcotics that severely affected the maritime delivery chain of transporting illegal drugs distributed by the cartels from eventually making their way onto US cities. ” The video he showed us was like an action movie, but it was real and this was our cousin! I was proud of him! I also always enjoyed listening to his stories. Vince currently transports critical patients to hospitals via helicopter. He has had some very impactful careers post the military.

Flash forward to 2024, I get a message from Vince asking me to give him a call. Ok, we had not talked in long time, but I am always happy to connect. Vince met a really nice woman named Kimberly by this time. His young kids were now grown and he was starting a new chapter in his life. Vince and Kimberly were going to get married….wow!! In Chicago!! Awesome!! They asked me to be their wedding photographer! I was soooo excited to be considered. AND their wedding venue would be at the Beaknik on the River!! This venue is an epic Chicago location, that alone was an amazing opportunity. I said YES immediately ! Here are some highlights from their big day.

I had not met Kimberly in person until August of 2024 at my sister’s wedding. I spoke with her over the summer a couple of times to discuss photo details. The first time I ever spoke to Kimberly, I KNEW, she was the woman Vince needed in his life. She softens his edges and sweetens his ‘tude. He is her knight in shining armor and they were lucky to find each other! October 19,2024 was a perfect fall day in Chicago-even more perfect that you can imagine! An amazing day to celebrate this beautiful couple and unite two families!

Kimberly is just stunning, her wedding dress actually got lost in transit and she bought a new gown just before the wedding day! She rocked it, with jaw dropping pink Jimmy Choos. Kimberly is a gem, she is a nurse practitioner with a heart of gold filled with Southern hospitality. My cousin, he is a lucky guy.

Kimberly is also blessed to have a special group of gals in her life, called the Giggle Girls! They were so cute and such a great group of ladies to have by your side on one of your biggest days!

Thank you Kimberly and Vince for asking me to capture your special day! I wish you nothing but happiness as you both enter this next chapter of your lives. Cheers!

xoxo
Renée