Documentary Wedding Photographer in West Loop Chicago

I was honored to document my cousin’s wedding day with her spouse, Theron. My favorite parts of the day were spending time with Val and my other cousins while we caught up, had snacks and watched Val get ready. We’ve spent our lives together growing older, enjoying gatherings with our big family at many other weddings and parties, but each time a relative of mine gets married, it’s just as beautiful. I’ve truly lost count of how many family members we technically have, but it’s somewhere around 50! Our enormous family grows by one at each wedding and that excitement makes an such an impact. I had a fun time wrangling our family members and had the advantage of knowing everyone’s name on our side of the family.

Getting Ready at the hotel

I met up with Val, Vicky Alyssa and my Aunt Cathy at a hotel downtown. I took lots of detail images of shoes, jewelry, invitations as well as candid moments while they listened to a mix of happy and sad, emo pop music from the early 2000’s per Val’s preference haha

their First look

Theron and Val had their first look at Bartelme Park. Their bridal party plus a few friends were there to witness it. Emotions were flowing as my other cousins watched their big sister go about this special day. Val and Theron were happy to finally see each other for their first look.

exploring west loop, plus an ice shot at federales!

Next, we stopped at Federales for an ice shot! Val and Theron were treated like celebrities everywhere we went. We walked into the bar and everyone who saw them started clapping, cheering and congratulating them. Val and Theron took turns throwing the shot glass made of ice and we celebrated Val’s perfect aim. Afterwards, we walked over to Green Street Smoked Meats to take advantage of the lovely cobblestone roads there.

couples portraits

Some final couples photos back at Bartleme park before we left for the ceremony at Loft Lucia!

the rooftop Ceremony

Loft Luica has a gorgeous rooftop space that Val and Theron utilized for their ceremony. Theron’s mother was an amazing officiant and the weather was great for the rest of the evening!

The Reception

Val and Theron’s custom games were incredible. A pack of cards with their picture on it plus their dog, Baxter! A game of “Guess Who?” with each family member’s photo on it and a crossword puzzle to see who knew the most about their relationship history.

Crested Butte Wedding Photographer

Documentary Wedding Photographer in Crested Butte, CO

Here are some things that Andrew and Shelby included in their day that they loved and I would recommend.

  1. A secluded first look

    This private, scenic spot outside of downtown Crested Butte gave Shelby and Andrew the chance to slow down and connect before the day really began. They even spoke their vows to each other during this time! It’s a beautiful option if you’re a bit more reserved and want your vows to be heard privately only by your partner.

  2. Getting ready photos

    I spent time with Andrew plus the groomsmen in the morning while they talked and got dresses. I was able to document Andrew practicing an original song that he wrote as a surprise for Shelby after their ceremony! It was special to capture him practicing before the moment actually happened. Sometimes getting ready photos aren’t too exciting, but they do usually include a few quiet and special moments like these ones.

  3. “Sparkler” Exit

    A sparkler exit is a good way to get everyone together at the end of the night and have some fun night time photos. Andrew and Shelby used light up wands for their exit which are always a good idea for preventing fires in Colorado and they’re easier to light and time a photo for than actual sparklers!

*photographed for indy pop photo

Autumn Self Portrait Challenge

Challenge hosted by Kas at The Humble Lion

Day 1: Wonder - photograph yourself from the back looking at something you want to learn more about:

Outer space, galaxies, black holes, constellations have always made me feel anxiety about the endless unknown and endless darkness. Through accepting more of the unknown, I am learning that the dark is not to be feared and that the unknown is not always meant to be uncovered in totality.

Day 2: Rage - photograph yourself thinking about something that makes you feel angry

Day 3: Pride - Something you’re proud of:

Living in a safe home with peace, quiet and space has been something that feels incredible.

Day 4: Fear - Something you’re afraid of:

Being perceived by my neighbors and people who can see me taking photos of myself in my backyard. I grew up being taught that I was supposed to try and read others’ minds constantly, being told I’m not smart, being told indirectly that women are inferior to men etc. So standing outside taking photos of myself makes me wonder if other people will think that I’m vain, self centered or stupid. As I remember each day who I am, what i believe in and care about, I remember that the opinions of others are just that- opinions. We all have them and they aren’t there to dictate my life. Taking these photos was a bug challenge for my anxiety but I accomplished it and as usual, nothing bad happened!

Day 5: Joy - Something that brings you joy:

Aromas, candles and things that in the past, I’ve “saved” for special occasions always bring me joy. Life is the special occasion, so I make sure to burn the candles I love, wear my new, clean shoes and savor the goodness each time.

Self Portrait Inspiration

I typically obsess over daily challenges and especially love the one that KaS puts on. Her semi-annual self portrait challenge The Humble Lion contains themes, prompts and writing prompts for 5 days in a row. The reflection and creative outlet makes me feel rejuvenated each time I participate in one of her challenges.

Taking self portraits is always a mental challenge, but the technical skills come to me a bit more easily each time and it’s encouraging to see and feel my growth there.

Day 1: Wear or wrap yourself in something black.
-While considering the parts of myself that I'm leaving behind with winter, I think about the ephemerality of each day and each moment ☯️ The spring time brings cold mornings and warm afternoons. As I shed past versions of myself, I honor my growth and give myself all the love and grace I can to move forward. There is so much love, light and abundance to be discovered in the shadows of our souls. I thrive with daily challenges and these projects bring me so much life and creativity ✨

Method: I took these photos of my reflection in a glass door outside of a house. I like the triple exposure, blur effect and it helped me ease into the directness of this challenge.

Day 2: Find something blue in your home that you love.

This tapestry was passed down to me from my sister years ago.
Sometimes I look at it and I like to pretend it's what I see out my window when I sit on the couch.
It reminds me that I can keep peace in my mind even if my environment is chaotic.
Sometimes these types of photo projects can seem random, but they're so important. I won't live in this house forever. I won't look this way forever. So, finding beauty and meaning in an ordinary day is what inspires me most. 💖

Method: I took this tapestry off the wall and brought it to my front door where the light was warmer. A storm was rolling in so I was working around the light fading faster than I expected, but still found ways to get the light to bring out the bright blues of the fabric.

Day 3: Find something green and alive to admire. 🌱
The spring makes me giddy with excitement about color from the cherry blossom trees and tulips popping up in places I didn't realize they've been hiding beneath the soil all winter.


Method: Today's photos were taken after a busy day of work and commuting. I was hungry and couldn't get the focal point where I wanted it to be. I was inspired by some branch shadows that showed up on my head to add a braid to my hair the next time. I had cute dogs assisting me and I continue to find myself patiently waiting for Kas to send the email prompt out each morning!

Day 4: Find something orange that promotes physical or mental health. Hold it in front of you where you feel it benefits you most.
Orange like the sun, it's not typically the first color I choose when picking up my coloring book. Orange feels energizing and full of life. Usually, I color to help slow my thoughts and blue or purple is my first choice.
Coloring helps my mind to place frantic energy on paper in beautiful shapes and colors. It allows me to put my swirling thoughts aside and remember life isn't as serious as I think it is 🌞

Method: It was a rainy day spent in Boulder and I wasn’t sure I’d be able to find something orange for this prompt. After picking up my coloring book, I was happy with the subject and photos from this prompt.

Day 5: Wear something white and find a neutral background. Lean in and look straight into the camera.
I noticed that I felt like my photos weren't as valid today as the other days because I couldn't follow the prompt as closely by wearing white and because my images seemed less lively.
But, the goal of today's prompt was also to look straight into the camera and not shy away from being vulnerable.
After each one of these seasonal or annual challenges, I feel reinvigorated as a creative. I also feel more confident. Sometimes my anxiety takes over and says that my neighbors will think I'm a vain, idiot for taking photos of myself in the backyard.
I overcame that nagging and untrue voice each day this week!
I take photos of myself to challenge my inner creative and to capture the ordinary, but important parts of my life. Because I'll never be this young again, I'll never have this day again. And I'm going to take pictures of it all ✨🌱
THANK YOU for this challenge KaS!!!!

Documentary Engagement Photographer in Denver at the Botanic Gardens

Documentary Engagement Photographer in Denver at the Botanic Gardens

Jessie and Remy are good friends of mine and such wonderful people. Their love and kindness is always noticeable. 🌸
I felt so energized and overwhelmed with gratitude after this photo session. Connecting with incredible people and documenting their lives and love will always be my favorite thing to do.

Documentary Wedding Photographer in Denver

Denver Documentary Wedding Photographer - Brooke and Randy

This wedding day was a hot late summer afternoon filled with so many fun moments. Before Brooke and Randy’s first look, Randy was nervous. But his groomsmen helped him stay composed and distracted as we waited for Brooke to be dressed and ready. We spent some time in this fantastic hallway taking photos and their energy and kindness made the day go by so quickly!

They all mentioned they weren’t used to having photos taken- which is usually the case for all of the people I take photos of! With most weddings, I offer prompts and guidelines to get into poses. Which involves motion and action instead of being put into a pose and standing still.

Once Randy and Brooke had their first look, they were both so much more comfortable! While still offering prompts and posing at new locations and getting all the details possible, but they were happy to be with each other and didn’t need as much direction.

Regardless of how you and your partner feel on your wedding day, I will always be directing and guiding you while keeping your vision board photos nearby of course.

*photographed for indy pop photo

Boulder Wedding Photographer - 2026