It is hard to deny the chemistry which is so clearly visible in these images between Grace and Nick! When Grace called me inquiring about wedding photography and explained that she and Nick loved Chicago and wanted to have a simple wedding celebration surrounded by their daily friends at Nick's family's restaurant in Andersonville, I knew this wedding would be special! On March 11, 2017, Bonphotage Associate Jessica, met Grace and Nick at their home for some getting ready photos (didn't Grace look stunning!) before heading out around town for playful photos in iconic Chicago locations. Next was the party at Calos Restaurant and as you can tell by the photos, it was all fun and laughter all night long!
We approach every wedding we shoot as a new opportunity to create unique and beautiful art. On this morning, as Madeline and I prepare to shoot Ashley and Nate's wedding at the lovely Bridgeport Art Center, I am thinking back on beautiful past shoots which have inspired me. My mind drifts to a recent sunrise editorial which was gorgeous beyond words...
PHOTOGRAPHERS Lynzie Hazan and Rachel Reizen of Bonphotage | CREATIVE DIRECTOR & STYLIST Lucia of Utterly Engaged | FLORAL DESIGNER & STYLIST Catalina Neal | MAKEUP ARTIST & HAIR STYLIST Hikari Murakami | CREATIVE ASSISTANT Caroline Cervantes | FILM LAB Richard Photo Lab | WEDDING GOWNS Carol Hannah | HEADPIECE HEART OF GOLD DESIGNS | CALLIGRAPHY Sarah Ingram | WEDDING RINGS Susie Saltzman | SILK RIBBONS tono & co. | MODEL Angelei Schulman | WORKSHOP Donny Zavala
It's Friday and a perfect occasion to share one of the most beautiful shoots I have had the pleasure of capturing. I have long been in awe of the grace and beauty of movement created by ballerinas and it was a personal dream of mine to capture it myself. On a beautiful Paris day in February, I met with McKeely Borger and Graham Kotowich of the Ballet de l'Opera De Metz Metropole and made my dream a reality! I am still mesmerized by how stunning these images are and I hope they make your day as well!
xo, Bonphotage
photo taken on Contax 645, fuji 400 film | scanned and processed by Richard Photo Lab | wedding dress and veil from Sibo Designs.
One of my favorite parts of being a photographer is meeting other talented photographers across the globe! Last month, while in Paris, I had the pleasure of meeting and capturing Harriette and her super adorable family at the beautiful Luxembourg Garden! What could be more fun than playing with sweet kiddos in such an idyllic setting!
Danny and Sarah tied the knot on February 25, 2017 in the winter wonderland of Chicago! Their elegant affair included a classic black, white and red color pallette and endless emotional moments. Sarah got ready surrounded by her family and friends at her family home. Lots of laughter and tears were shed when she opened a heartfelt note from her love, Danny (and the pearl earrings that followed!) Their ceremony took place at their family's church in their hometown of Tinley Park, Illinois and the reception at Parmesan's station. A true ode to their beloved Chicago, this couple didn't want to steer too far from their roots and as you can see in their beautiful images, it was a good decision!
Congratulations you two! We are honored to have been a small part of your special day and hope you enjoy this sneak peek!
xo, Bonphotage
photos taken on a Contax 645 on fuji 400 film | processed and developed by Richard Photo Lab
This beautiful shoot, photographed in film by Bonphotage, took place at the Illuminating Company in downtown Chicago. We can't wait to see this gorgeous shoot featured on Trendy Bride Magazine but couldn't help but share just a few of the images!
Wrap it Up Parties envisioned, planned and styled a playful daytime luncheon vibe with a unique modern twist to complement the black and white touches of the venue. The classic feel of black and white mixed with the natural look of greenery created a crisp, fresh, and modern look for the wedding day inspiration. We kept the black and white from looking too too stiff with playful touches like unique china, ribbon additions, and oversized white balloons. Bottomless coffee and cocktails as well as fresh fruit popsicles added to the playful daytime vibe!
Thinking back on this absolutely stunning day at Wandering Tree Estate still makes my heart skip a beat! After the honor of being published in Dear Gray Magazine, I am so excited to finally blog all about it!
When Jenni emailed me asking to capture her engagement photos in Hawaii, I was obviously so excited! This jet-setting couple loves the water and thought the big island of Hawaii would make for a perfect backdrop for their engagement session! We had a great time romping around the beach at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai and I am so pleased with how beautifully their film images came out!
Congratulations you two - we can't wait for your big day!
There is just something about film that takes my breath away every time! The skin tones, the textures, the colors, the light...it is truly a magical medium. My journey with learning film and developing my own style has come along way this past year and it is so interesting to watch a visual transformation of my images. Today, I am heading to the Donny Zavala film workshop in Honolulu and was reflecting upon where my work has come thus far. I am so excited to continue this journey!
I recently had an opportunity to photograph on film at a styled editorial shoot with Cody Krogman of Cody Krogman Photography. The shoot took place at the Warwick Allerton Hotel in downtown Chicago, in their beautifully lit ballroom. All of the details were perfectly planned by Cody and Shannon of Panache and Promises.
Excited to share a few of the images I took on a Contax 645 medium format film camera. Enjoy :)
I am SO excited to finally share this gorgeous bridal editorial recently published in Trendy Bride Magazine!
I am so EXCITED to FINALLY share the images from a fine art bridal editorial featured in Trendy Bride Magazine! Photographed with a Contax 645 with medium format film, this ethereal shoot was photographed at both the Museum of Science and Industry and Room 1520, in Chicago's trendy West Loop neighborhood.
From the Trendy Bride Feature, "For rustic minimalism, this styled shoot from Chicago, Illinois, incorporates just a few elements for a big impact, including peach blooms, a dream venue, and classic bridal style. With a whitewashed venue, it doesn’t take much to create a standout design. Neutral tones and a few romantic additions round out the look for a truly resplendent vibe.
The invitation suite is classic and simple. It features white parchment, cream-colored calligraphy and a personalized wax seal. The collection also includes the venue’s design."
When Kristina called me explaining that she wanted to do a photoshoot as soon as possible because her pup was growing so quickly and she wanted to capture his puppy-hood, I was on board! I mean, could you deny Lou's ADORABLE little self?! OMG - ALL OF THE HEART EYES! You would't even know from the photos and happy smiles that it was a FREEZING Chicago day - this is really what growing, sweet family photos are all about! Enjoy!
photographed on a Contax 645 with Fuji 400H film and Portra 800 film.
I keep telling myself that I am going to wait for the film scans before releasing the next wedding sneak peek, but THEN, I go through the digital images and find so many beautiful and heartfelt moments, that I cannot wait (instant satisfaction of being a hybrid shooter!) And so here I find myself again, scrolling through the beauty of Friday, January 20, 2017, when Kathryn and Matt said "I do."
January 20, 2017 may go down in history as one of the most divisive days in this country's history, but I am honored to say that I was fortunate enough to witness the kind of unity amongst humans that ensures that LOVE will always trump hate. Kathryn and Matt's day was beautiful from beginning to end..period.
With every wedding we do, we love taking the time to photograph all of the details to tell the whole picture of your love story. I always remind my brides to bring their cute wedding invitations to their wedding or to mail it to me in advance, so we can get all the details! With that request, often comes inquiries about my favorite invitation companies.
I recently stumbled upon Basic Invite (www.basicinvite.com) and was really impressed with their suites so I thought I'd share the news!
Aside from offering unlimited color combinations, I really liked the fact that couples are able to order a printed sample of their actual invitation before they order so they can see exactly who the invites will look and the paper quality as well! Definitely makes ordering online a little less stressful! Totally worth checking out Basic Invite's save for adorable save the date ideas too!
Leah and Kyle both grew up in Wauconda, Illinois and every location they chose for their engagement session has sentimental value. Starting with the ice skating rink they frequent, to the antique shop where Kyle's dad has been keeping his finds collected over a lifetime, to their wedding locations - amongst the pretty cattails in the background of their family's property! Cody, of Bonphotage Photography, had a fabulous time hanging out and exploring the area for their engagement session and we are seriously swooning over their pretty pics! That light! We can't wait for your big day - congrats you two!
When an engagement session involves pajamas, a cheese board and a Christmas tree, you know it's going to be cozy and awesome! Ana and Tony wanted their engagement session to reflect their love for the holiday season and their fun-loving relationship and I can honestly say, their engagement session accomplished all those things! Ana even had matching Christmas pajamas which Tony happily obliged to wear :) I can't wait for their wedding at the gorgeous Palmer House Hilton in downtown Chicago!
Congrats you two and enjoy this sneak peek! xo, Bonphotage
Portra 400 film scans taken on a Contax 645 and scanned and processed by Richard Photo Lab
Jackie and Barth's elegant downtown Chicago wedding was STUNNING, to say the least! The beautiful day took place in the Drake's Hotel Gold Coast room with it's rows of crystal chandeliers. Jackie looked absolutely breathtaking in a an open back, tattoo lace gown with cathedral veil when she walked down the aisle adorned with tall, large bouquets of hydrangeas and candles. Her bouquet was a mixture of green and white hydrangeas, while her bridesmaids carried white bouquets of calalillies. After emotional speeches, happy tears, and lots of dancing, the night ended with a canon of confetti for a perfect New Years Eve wedding! You don't want to miss this gorgeous affair!
Enjoy this sneak peak Jackie and Barth and congratulations on your beautiful day!
What is more precious than new life for the new year?! Welcome to the world Lena Jane! 2016 has exceeded my expectations in so many ways and I have had the opportunity to work with so many wonderful clients. In little Lena's case, I was lucky to work with her pretty momma to photograph her bridal shower, maternity and now, her first born baby girl. It is the biggest honor to capture such momentous life moments. Now, go enjoy these precious baby toes!
Photographed on Contax 645 | Fuji 400H and Portra 400 film | thanks to Bonphotage Associate Rachel for beautifully assisting :)
They wanted snow and they wanted art, so snow and art is what they got! This sweet couple studied art and history in college and so it was only fitting to choose the stunning Art Institute in Chicago for their engagement photos! With Bexy in town from England for the holidays and the perfect sunny, bright winter day, it was a perfect time for the shoot Amanda had planning for months! I had a lovely time with them at the Art museum and Millennium park and am looking forward to their wedding in 2018! Enjoy this sneak peak and congratulations you two!
If you thought that a little snow was going to stop Katie and Dan from their winter engagement session, think again! While we patiently await the film scans, I can't wait another minute to share a sneak peek of their Chicago engagement session! After all, how much cozier and sweet can it get than big warm bear hugs, sweet smiles and knit hats and scarves?! Enjoy this sneak peek you two - we can't wait for your wedding next year!
This stunning bridal editorial shoot was inspired by wild flowers and took place at the Grotto in Portland, Oregon. I was inspired by the different shades of green found in the woods and wanted to create an ethereal, woodsy atmosphere for the photoshoot. Using medium-format film photography and a Contax 645 camera and combine with the talent of some of Portland's best, my vision became a reality!
The bride (model Jennelle Fedrizzi) wore two different looks by Sweet Caroline's, one with a black crop top and the other, a lace tattoo long sleeve beauty. Hair and makeup was natural and flowy by Glam Girl Designs owner Jenny Kerr. The shoot was featured on November 28, 2016 on Adorn Magazine and the full feature can be seen here - http://adornmagazine.com/wildflower-ethereal-bridal-portraits/.
