When I was little, I used to pretend I was a horse. Or a wolf. Sometimes a tiger. Whatever suited my fancy. I was one of thooose girls. I didn't really play with dolls or put on lipstick and wear my mom's heels. Instead, I created elaborate stories in my head and played them out for hours, sometimes days, until the story was complete.

As I got older, I thought for a time that I wanted to be a writer. Instead of acting out the stories in my imagination, I tried to put them on paper. I would sit down and start these grand novels, only to begin another one after a few chapters in the first. I had every intention of finishing them. I just... never did. Apparently writing isn't my strong suit.

Then I found a camera. Jackpot. I found a way to stop time. To tell real stories. The kind of stories that should be remembered. Need to be remembered. Stories full of life and love that beg to be preserved and shared.

So I guess you could call me a story teller. A really, really ridiculously blessed and happily married story teller who can't cook but laughs a lot and has three dogs. I love my life.

And I'd love to tell your story : )

Chicago New Year’s Eve Wedding: Lauren + Alex

The sun pierced through the crisp air and hit the snow below, shimmering like the ground had been covered in white glitter. It was the morning of their wedding, and they had planned one magnificent celebration… A beautiful morning ceremony, followed by a lovely brunch reception, followed by an epic New Year’s Eve dance party. Countless hours had been poured into planning. Many hands had worked tirelessly to create elaborate, meaningful details. The dress had been chosen, the suit picked out. And finally, the day was here.

Soft flakes fell from the sky above, silently covering everything in a blanket of freshness. Inside, the celebration was well underway, and it had come together beautifully. Glasses clinked, food and laughter were shared, and gorgeous decor filled every corner of the room. Lauren looked stunning in her dress, Alex looked dapper in his suit. And it was everything a wedding should be….

But not because of all that gorgeous decor. Not because the food was abundant and delicious. Not even because Lauren and Alex looked like they had walked off the pages of a bridal magazine. No, it was because of their love. The deep, pure love they have for God and for each other that made it a wedding. Because if you stripped everything else away, all the decorations, the food, the music, the dress, the suit… If all that was left were Alex and Lauren, it wouldn’t have mattered. Because nothing that day was more beautiful than their love.

Married: Lauren + Alex

What else can I even say about this wedding? Everything about it was pretty darn magical! From the moment Alex saw her walking down the aisle, to they way Lauren closed her eyes as they danced to the song he wrote for her, to the midnight kiss they shared to ring in the new year, and all the joy, beauty, and fun in between, this wedding was simply perfect. Al and Lo, I love you guys so much!! Thank you being extremely patient with me, for entrusting me with the task of documenting your wedding, and most importantly, for just being the wonderful people that you are. SO excited to see what God has in store for your lives!! XO