My 2-year-old daughter Adelaide loves the Disney’s Tangled right now. So for Christmas, I bought Santa brought her an official Tangled Princess Rapunzel costume dress. Needless to say, she loves it. And she looks super adorable wearing it, right?

Bridget (aka Boo) and Patrick (aka Peaches) were married inside the gorgeous Saint Margaret of Scotland Church, on Chicago’s south side, and had a rip-roaring backyard reception behind Bridget’s parents and neighbor’s houses in the neighborhood of Beverly.

Bridget gets ready for her big day at her parent’s house.

Bridget wears the new earrings she just received as a gift from her soon-t0-be husband Patrick.

Bridget’s sister and a close friend help tie her wedding dress.

Bridget’s bright yellow wedding shoes.

Detail photograph of Bridget’s wedding dress.

Full-length view of the wedding dress hanging from a curtain rod.

Childhood photographs of Bridget in her parents house.

The wedding announcement.

Saint Margaret of Scotland church.

Stopped by Ridge Country Club for a few photos.

Peaches + Boo 4 Ever

Rainbow Cone showed up and made their famous ice cream cones for everyone.

One of my favorite photos from the day. Hilarious.

Bridget plays the trumpet along with several members of The Gentlemen of Leisure Band.

A pregnant woman (pink dress) and several guests touch the not-so-pregnant belly of a man.

Bridget does a quick set of pushups on the dance floor.

Late night eats were provided by a hot dog cart from Woody’s catering, serving Chicago-style hot dogs.

It was a great time documenting Bridget and Patricks wedding, and I’m not just saying that. They, along with their friends and family, were a dynamic and lively bunch and it shows in the photos. Congratulations to you two!

The morning after the blizzard, I grabbed a camera and explored my new, snow-covered (20 inches!) neighborhood and took some photographs. I wasn’t the only one excited to get out and play in the snow, several other people had the same idea. Since majority of the sidewalks were not yet shoveled the best method of travel was by walking down the empty streets. It was surreal.

An adventurous couple walks down a Chicago street the morning after the great blizzard of 2011.

Snowshoeing tracks. I was surprised by the number of people with snowshoes in the city.

Man, it’s hard to believe my daughter Adelaide is going to turn 2-years-old in three short months. She is growing like a weed, and becoming quite fearless.

I recently gathered some of Adelaide’s outgrown clothes & toys and headed to the nearby Salvation Army to donate them. While we were there, I found this awesome jelly bean covered kid’s helmet made by Nutcase (great name, BTW). Adelaide put the helmet and loved it. $2? SOLD!

No, I don’t make her wear the helmet in the house, she voluntarily put it on before riding (ghost-riding?) her firetruck scouter.

Mari and Mark exchanged vows at Fourth Presbyterian Church, located along Chicago’s “Magnificent Mile” on Michigan Avenue. Their reception was held at W Hotel City Center. Many thanks to Mari & Mark for allowing me to photograph your wedding. Here are a few images captured throughout the day. Enjoy!

Mari’s camera-shy grandmother realizes I’m photographing her.

Mimosa!

Wearing a heirloom veil worn by her grandmother.

Ceremony: Fourth Presbyterian Church
Reception: W Hotel City Center
Hairstylist: Strange Beauty Show
Shoes: Kate Spade
Florist: Stem
Wedding Cake: Alliance Bakery
Preparation Location: Park Hyatt / W Hotel City Center
Transportation: Chicago Limo

Second Photographer: Veronica Hinojosa

Two weeks ago, we officially celebrated Adelaide’s one year birthday–Yo Gabba Gabba! style. Two of Danialle’s co-workers and a friend dressed as characters from the popular children’s TV show Yo Gabba Gabba! and entertained the kids at the party. Continuing the Yo Gabba Gabba! theme, we commissioned a Brobee-shaped cake from Bleeding Heart Bakery. Along with the Brobee cake, we also got Adelaide a smash cake for her to destroy. This being the first time Adelaide was subjected to nearly pure sugar–she didn’t seem to care for it.

It was an absolute blast. Thanks to all that came out to celebrate.

adelaide-1st-birthday-party-1 adelaide-1st-birthday-party-2 adelaide-1st-birthday-party-3 adelaide-1st-birthday-party-4 adelaide-1st-birthday-party-5 dj lance rock brobee birthday party yo gabba gabba adelaide-1st-birthday-party-7 brobee dj lance rock birthday party yo gabba gabba dj lance rock birthday party yo gabba gabba brobee dj lance rock birthday parth yo gabba gabba brobee dj lance rock plex birthday party yo gabba gabba adelaide-1st-birthday-party-12 brobee cake yo gabba gabba bleeding heart bakery adelaide-1st-birthday-party-14 adelaide-1st-birthday-party-15 adelaide-1st-birthday-party-16

One year ago, my life was forever changed with the birth of my amazing daughter, Adelaide. It’s hard to believe how much she has changed in one short year. Her personality becomes more apparent with each passing day. Watching her first experiences with the seemingly mundane things we grown ups take for granted is incredible. I am so excited to watch her continue to grow.

Adelaide, if you happen to read this years from now — I love you. -Dad

Her beautiful eyes

Her heartfelt smile

Her hilarious personality

The very first photograph of Adelaide.

I had the opportunity to shoot my first marriage proposal. Beau called and explained to me that he and his girlfriend, Amanda, were taking a trip to Chicago in a few days and he planned to propose to her while here. Beau flew in from Arkansas, and a few hours later, Amanda joined him from Washington, D.C. Beau wanted to propose that evening.

The plan was to follow them in stealth-mode from theWit Hotel to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion (outdoor concert venue) at Millennium Park. The proposal was to occur in the open area between the seating and lawn. Beau would drop to his knee and I was to remain undercover until she said yes.

The challenge: it was dark, cold, drizzling, and we didn’t have the opportunity to rehearse.

Danialle (assistant) and I waited secretly in the lobby of theWit hotel for Beau and his soon-to-be fiancée to leave the hotel. Not having met either one beforehand, I had to rely on a photo of them and a brief description of what Beau would be wearing. We recognized Beau & Amanda – the chase was on. Fortunately, Amanda wore a bright red coat, which made tracking them amongst the downtown Chicago crowds A LOT easier.

We made our way to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Danialle and I tried to remain at a safe distance, convinced that our cover had been blown. The area was people-less and we had no way to blend-in. Danialle and I stood there for what seemed like forever and thought maybe Beau had changed his mind and wanted us to back off. So, we backed off. And about that time Beau dropped to his knee. I hauled ass to get closer.

She said YES!

This is a photo of my 10 month (actually 10 1/2) pregnant wife, Danialle. Seven days later, our beautiful daughter, Adelaide, was born.

Knowing that Danialle could go into labor at any moment, I wanted one last opportunity to photograph my amazing wife’s progression. At sunrise, we grabbed some photo gear, jumped in the car, and made our way to Montrose beach, in Chicago. It was a very cold morning.

To me, this photograph captured the moment perfectly.

And the following photograph was taken after we finished the session and headed back to our car. The impetus for taking this photo was realizing, very soon, we would be joined by a third shadow.

Today marks the 8 month birthday of my daughter, Adelaide.

Developmental milestones:

• Has two emerging bottom/front teeth
• Recognizes her name when called
• Crawling over small obstacles
• Stands (with assistance) at coffee table, bathtub, etc.
• Feeds herself finger foods like cereal “puffs”

I am a proud father.