Cary + Christina (The Details)

As promised, I want to share some of the amazing work done by friends in the industry at Cary and Christina's wedding.
Greatest Expectations Special Events & Weddings
Fleur
Chicago Illuminating Company

Cary + Christina :: Chicago Illuminating Company :: Chicago Wedding

This past weekend I had the pleasure of shooting with Cary and Christina. Their day was filled with love and excitement. I could go on and on about all the fun moments and details but I'll stick to what I do best and just show you the pictures!!! Please note this will be a two part post so check back next week for detail/room shots of the amazing floral and decor.
Greatest Expectations Special Events & Weddings
St. Vincent De Paul Church
Fleur
Chicago Illuminating Company
Chicago Afrobeat Project

EARTH DAY!!!

As many of you know I love the outdoors. Camping, hiking, kayaking, snow shoeing, swimming, sailing, and of course kite flying!! Here are some shots of my niece over Easter weekend while we enjoyed the gorgeous weather. Celebrate Earth Day big or small - this weekend is supposed to be perfect so there's no excuses even if it's just a small walk around the block or enjoying morning coffee on the porch. Take time to soak in our environment, take in a deep breath of fresh air, take note of the emerging buds on trees, listen for the birds in the morning. Help keep our land beautiful for future generations. Here are some small ideas to build into your everyday lifestyle: bring a reusable water bottle to work, bring your own mug to your favorite coffee joint (you might even get a discount!), use cloth grocery bags, if there's a piece of trash that missed the can pick it up, use public transportation or carpool - take time to appreciate the small things and experience the joy our land has to offer.

AHP Sighting - A Perfect Event

Our friends over at A Perfect Event have been working hard to update their website with fabulous new pictures of their latest and greatest events. Be sure to check them out for all of your event needs, including but not limited to, their AMAZING floral and tablescapes! Below is their new homepage - you might recognize this shot from our recent James Hotel event.

'Tis the Season

For Portraits that is! It's finally feeling like spring around here and let me tell you summer's going to come quick! A limited number of dates have been reserved for portrait sessions so be sure to schedule early. Specializing in natural kids portraits and documentary family lifestyle sessions allows me to spend "real time" during these fun times and creates a relaxed stress-free environment for everyone involved.

Smitten Boutique + Magnificent Milestones

Two of our neighbors in the West Loop have joined forces and we're so happy to share the news with you! Being two of our favorite ladies in the wedding industry you may recognize them from my past posts. Kirstin of Smitten Boutique and Kara of Magnificent Milestones have officially announced their merger. Here's what the two of them have to say about their new joint venture:

"Rather than existing as competitors, Magnificent Milestones and Smitten combined to make two great companies into one amazing powerhouse in the bridal and event industry. Going forward, Magnificent Milestones will focus on the sale of custom invitations while Smitten will focus on the retail boutique. Kirstin and Kara will both offer event planning services under the Magnificent Milestones moniker, giving brides and grooms the benefit of two seasoned planners under one roof. Kara and I both want the space to be a place where people can come and hang out, have a glass of wine and get excited about the good things that are happening in their lives!"

Kirstin and Kara would like to celebrate by offering my readers with 10% off of consulting, custom invites and everything in the boutique!! All you have to do is mention Amanda Hein Photography or print this blog post and bring it in the shop for your savings. The shop has great home accents and gift ideas for baby to newlyweds - be sure to check it out!!! The boutique is located at 1041 West Madison Street in the West Loop.

AHP Sighting #2

I just received a few copies of the 2008/2009 Chicago edition of The Bump (part of the knot network). I was so thrilled to see my image on their Belly Shots full page feature. To see more of my maternity, newborn and kids portraits visit the AHP site today!

AHP Sighting

As one of the most highly preferred caterers in Chicago Food For Thought is nothing less than delicious, creative, and great to work with. Some of the venues we've worked together include: Adler Planetarium, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, and Chicago History Museum. I just got word Food For Thought rolled out a new website this week and we've got the homepage! Be sure to visit their new site to learn more about their services and while you're there search for our other images sprinkled throughout the pages!

Joe + Masami

I was so glad Joe and Masami put a little time aside to hang out this past weekend during their whirlwind wedding planning weekend. The two were in from LA putting the final touches into place for their Chicago wedding in May. We had a great time finding some "off beat" spots in the West Loop and I'm really looking forward shooting with them again in May.

A Perfect Event + The James Hotel

A few weeks back I was asked by our friends at A Perfect Event to take detail shots of a bridal event at The James Hotel. For those of you that are not familiar with The James, it's located just steps from Michigan Avenue and within walking distance to many of Chicago's hot spots. They are also making a commitment to be earth friendly by incorporating in-room recycling programs and offering a complimentary bicycle for guests. The James can accommodate up to 200 guests in their event space - which makes it ideal for a smaller ceremony/reception. For me intimate weddings are so fun. I love getting to know my clients, their families, and friends. Being so closely involved in the event allows for such personal moments to be captured with ease. Don't get me wrong I manage to find these moments at weddings large and small, but there's something about an intimate gathering that excites me. Here are some shots from the event.