A Rainy City Hall Elopement in Chicago

A couple flew in from Texas to elope in Chicago — no big production, just a sleek, modern day built around architecture, mood, and a little rain that followed us everywhere.

They got ready at the Chicago Club Association. The space is classic, but the rooms are small, and the photo permit fee is the highest in the city. Beautiful for details, but not something I’d recommend for getting-ready photos unless you’re fully prepared for tight quarters.

We stopped at the Chicago Cultural Center, made our way to the Board of Trade, and ended at City Hall for their ceremony. It rained all day but honestly it added to the story and felt more real than anything, They always say its good luck for rain on your day. it washes away all the sin.

City Hall was busy, you never know what you will get there. Waiting was a little more fun to add to all the stories for everyone in there.

A Chicago elopement doesn’t need perfect weather or an empty street. It just needs two people who are all in ,the rest falls into place.

Italian-Inspired Baby Shower in Chicago — Tomato Red & Tuscan Themed Celebration for Mama to Be

When an event blends beauty, meaning, and personality so effortlessly, you know it’s going to be a favorite. This Italian Bella inspired baby shower in Chicago celebrated mama-to-be @dr.danielle.dds in the sweetest, most charming way, with fresh tomatoes, herbs, gingham linens, and all the timeless warmth of an Italian summer.

Designed and brought to life by the talented team at @chicfromchicago and a group of friends, this celebration felt like stepping into a Tuscan courtyard but in Chicago.

1. The Custom Striped Bar

A bold red-and-white bar instantly set the vibe for the entire design. It was playful, stylish, and distinctly Italian—evoking beach clubs from the Amalfi Coast and vintage gelato stands.

2. The Tomato & Herb Tablescape

Instead of traditional florals, the team created an herb garden table runner using basil, mint, and rosemary, mixed with overflowing clusters of tomatoes and pasta. It smelled incredible and photographed even better, perfect alternative to fresh flowers.

3. The “Slice Slice Baby” Pizza Moment

Pizza from the best Pizza place, according to me. Roberts Pizza on the river.

4. Personalized Touches

Every place setting was styled with:

• A custom embroidered napkin

• A petite tomato clutch

• A handwritten menu

• Fresh produce accents

• Glassware and linens chosen for visual harmony

One of the most beautiful and unique baby showers I have ever attended.

Yes, Anyone Can Join My Chicago Mini Sessions!

Engagements • Families • Couples • Portraits • Branding • Pets

One of my favorite things about having Chicago mini sessions at the Art Institute of Chicago South Garden is how unexpectedly magical they can be. Every time. It's such a stunning location that doesn’t feel like Chicago at all.

Recently, a couple sent me a message that made me smile:
“Can we use one of your family mini spots for a quick engagement session?”

My answer?
A big, happy, absolutely-yes!

Mini Sessions Are Not Just for Families

If you’ve ever wondered who mini sessions are really for, here’s the secret:
They’re for anyone who wants beautiful photos… without the pressure of a full session.

My 20-minute Chicago mini sessions are perfect for:

• Newly engaged couples

• Families

• Solo portraits

• Branding refreshes

• Best friends

• Dog parents

Whatever you want to do in those 20 minutes, let’s make it happen.

A Quick Engagement Session at the South Garden

This couple turned their mini into the sweetest, quickest engagement photo session. The Art Institute South Garden gave us that dreamy mix of Chicago architecture, greenery, and soft light, perfect for clean, romantic images that still feel modern.

In just 20 minutes, we created:

• natural, effortless poses

• editorial-leaning portraits

• a handful of timeless engagement photos they’ll treasure

Why Minis?

They’re fast.
They’re fun.
They’re low-pressure.
And they still look high. end, timeless, and editorial, just like the full experience.

If you’ve ever said,
“We just want a few beautiful photos,”
this is your sign.

Paris Fashion Week: Willy Chavarria Huron

This season I had the honor of going to Paris Fashion Week with Webster Capital and photographing Willy Chavarria’s Huron show.

Before the runway, I spent time at the Plaza Athénée with Izabel while she got ready. Suky, the makeup artist, was there too, and we actually had time to hang out in between looks. Those are the moments I love—less staged, more real.

Paris itself was alive in every way. K-pop is massive right now, and you could feel it everywhere—crowds chasing idols outside hotels, fans camped at show doors. Add in the constant celebrity sightings, and walking the streets felt like a scene. Of course, I had my film cameras with me. I can’t go to Paris without shooting film—it catches the city exactly the way it feels.

The show itself—Huron—was pure performance. It opened with 35 local models in oversized white T-shirts and shorts, kneeling on the runway to an acoustic version of “California Dreamin’.” A reference to ICE detainees, it set the tone immediately: political, emotional, and unapologetic. From there, color exploded—bubblegum pink, butter yellow, mint, and cerulean green—all inspired by factory uniforms. The tailoring was fluid, genderless, and full of movement. Adidas pieces were reworked into sharp, street-informed looks, and the energy in the room was electric.

The finale was emotional—Willy himself handed roses to his family. The show wasn’t just fashion; it was storytelling about identity, resistance, and presence.

Scroll through for photos from the hotel, Paris on film, and the Huron show at Salle Pleyel.

A Sunrise Chicago Proposal | A Family Love Story

As a Chicago wedding and proposal photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing countless love stories but this one will forever be the most personal. My brother, Ivan, asked me to help plan and photograph his proposal to Desi. And with only one week’s notice, I knew this had to be something unforgettable.

A Proposal for a Professional Hockey Player

Ivan isn’t just my brother, he’s also a professional hockey player. His career has taken him across cities and countries, and soon he and Desi will begin an exciting new chapter together as they move to England, where Ivan will continue playing hockey. With so much change on the horizon, this proposal marked not only the beginning of their engagement, but also the start of an entirely new season of life for them.

A Styled Shoot with a Twist

The plan was clever: Desi, who has modeled for me before, thought she was helping with a styled bridal photoshoot. Little did she know that sunrise by Lake Michigan would be the setting for her own love story.

With the help of my amazing friend @alluringbeautybylorraina, who started hair and makeup at 4 a.m., Desi looked effortlessly elegant. The skies had promised rain, but just as the sun began to rise, we were able to capture before any rain.

A Sunrise Moment to Remember

When Ivan dropped to one knee, everything stopped. Desi’s reaction was pure joy, tears, laughter, and that once-in-a-lifetime moment of saying “yes.” For me, as both sister and photographer, it was emotional to capture not only a proposal but also a milestone that officially welcomed Desi into our family.

Love, Legacy, and New Chapters

What made this proposal even more meaningful was knowing that Ivan and Desi will soon be starting their married life abroad. Moving to England to pursue his hockey career is a huge step, and this proposal was the perfect way to celebrate their past, their present, and the exciting future ahead.

As a luxury Chicago proposal photographer, I know that proposals are about more than just the moment they’re about creating a legacy. These photographs will become the first page of Ivan and Desi’s next chapter, one they’ll carry with them no matter where in the world hockey takes them.

Planning Your Proposal in Chicago

Chicago is a city filled with iconic backdrops: the lakefront at sunrise, rooftop views of the skyline, historic landmarks, and hidden gardens. Whether you’re planning an intimate sunrise proposal or something grand, I love helping couples create an experience that’s both authentic and unforgettable. From scouting the perfect location to ensuring the light and details are just right, I provide full planning support so you can focus on the person in front of you.

If you’re dreaming of a proposal in Chicago, or anywhere your love story takes you, I would love to help bring it to life.

Chicago proposal photography is about more than a beautiful photo; it’s about capturing the start of your forever.

Are you planning a proposal in Chicago?
Let’s make it extraordinary. Reach out to learn more about my proposal photography and how I can help you create a moment that will be remembered forever.

In the Clouds: Izabel & Tony’s Vow Renewal at Christ the Redeemer

I photographed Izabel and Tony Olson’s vow renewal in Rio de Janeiro, a celebration recently featured in Modern Luxury Weddings. Izabel and Tony first met at Carnivale in Rio 20 years ago. They married in 2008, built remarkable careers here in Chicago, Izabel as the founder of Salt & Light Coalition, a nonprofit for survivors of human trafficking, and Tony as CEO of Webster Capital.

The day started with a sunrise ceremony at the base of Christ the Redeemer, surrounded by clouds and sweeping views. Their children delivered personal speeches before guests joined in a prayer tunnel, a moment that set an emotional tone for the day.

By evening, the celebration moved to Fasano Hotel, where guests dressed in all white while Izabel stood out in a crystal-embellished Dolce & Gabbana mini. Their nine-year-old daughter surprised them with an original song, a highlight that drew both tears and applause.

Photographing events like this, where personal history, style, and meaningful locations come together is exactly why I do what I do. My role is to create images that feel as intentional as the day itself, whether it’s a destination vow renewal in Rio or an intimate wedding close to home.

Read the full feature here: In the Clouds: Izabel & Tony – Modern Luxury Weddings

WEDDING VENDORS

Venue & Catering Fasano Hotel, fasano.com.br/en

Wedding Planner Manu Gonçalez, instagram.com/manugoncalez

Bride’s Dresses Vivienne Westwood, viviennewestwood.com; Dolce & Gabbana, dolcegabbana.com

Groom’s Suit Tom Ford, tomford.com

Rings Ring Concierge, ringconcierge.com

Florals & Decor Patricia Vaks, instagram.com/ patriciavaks

Videographer Gabriel Queiroz Films, gabrielqueirozfilms.com

Photography Victoria Chukarov, victoriacphotos.com

Downtown Chicago Winter Engagement Session

Chicago in the winter isn’t for the faint-hearted. The streets are cold, the light fades fast, and if you’re standing still, you’re doing it wrong. But that kind of weather has its own appeal stripped down, honest, and just unpredictable enough to make things interesting.

We met near the Art Institute ,cClassic architecture, soft afternoon light, and we need to keep moving from the cold. No overthinking. Just walking, pausing when the moment called for it, and letting them settle into each other naturally. We wrapped with hot chocolate near Millennium Park. Call it practical romance.

This wasn’t our first time working together. I photographed the bride-to-be’s brother’s wedding a few years back one of those early jobs that stayed with me for all the right reasons. Getting the email from her felt like a full-circle moment. There’s something about returning to familiar families that adds depth it’s not just about documenting a new story, but continuing one. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone again on the wedding day.

When I shoot engagement sessions in Chicago, I keep it efficient and effortless. No elaborate set-ups, no awkward posing marathons. I’ll give you just enough direction to make it easy, then step back and let you take it from there. The goal is always the same: images that look and feel like you.

If you're planning a winter engagement session, a downtown elopement, or a city wedding, don’t let the season scare you off. The best photographs aren’t always taken on perfect days they’re made when people show up, trust the process, and let the story unfold.