Chicago Palmer House wedding: Anne & Travis
Posted Oct 18, 2010 / by Kevin / in Weddings / 5 Comments
My hire for Anne and Travis' wedding was an unusual circumstance. At least for me. Anne contacted me from San Diego while planning her wedding from 2,196 miles away.
How did she hear about me? Keith of Poetic Productions. We chatted for a short bit, and she booked over the phone. I was more or less stunned mainly because it is rare a photographer gets a rec from a videographer and then a simple, seamless booking via the phone.
Site unseen.
For the first time in my career, I get the chance to thank Keith for the kind words and direction he gave Anne. So, thanks again Keith! We all did have a great time, eh?

During consultations, I get asked what my favorite venues are in the city. Over the past 9+ years, those venues have changed. Why? Definitely not boredom due to repetition. Repetition is my friend, and a great benefit to my clients.
My emotional approach, style and the way I tackle weddings from a technical perspective evolve over time. And sadly, that means venues I used to loudly praise are not the ones I rave about today.
Sadly? Yea, kind of. It is hard letting go of venues from my "top 5 list" that I felt passionate about for so long. These venues served me well and displayed my work in its best form. However, that does mean there are new venues.
While I said "sadly," the evolution is a good thing. It means I am not resting on laurels. I continue to push, grow and change my approach to reshape my final product. When those elements change and evolve, the venues that once served as a vehicle of exceptional representations of my work change. Why do I do this? Boredom. Not with my clients, or weddings, but my approach and style. What client wants a photographer on auto-pilot? What client wants a photographer whose work is stale? And most important, what photographer can find inspiration and enthusiasm in his/her craft if he/she is bored with their own approach?
I mention a few negatives here in this post. The word "sadly" and "boredom." I am a firm believer in keeping things real. Honesty. Negatives are just as powerful and uplifting as positives. Put the two together and I have the perfect cocktail: inspiration and the power to evolve.
Having said that, the Palmer House is my new love. During the past 10 months, I have shot in each and every ballroom. The interesting part: none of the rooms are "me" one bit. But this isn't about where I would hold MY ceremony and reception. This is about my imagery and what I deliver to my clients. And where I am today with my style and technical approach, The Palmer House serves me well.
Anne Howard & Travis Bridenstine
September 25, 2010
Ceremony: Palmer House - Empire Room
Reception: Palmer House - Empire Room



















Ceremony: Palmer House
Reception: Palmer House
Caterer: Palmer House
Deserts: Take the Cake
Wedding cake: Take the Cake
Band: Josh and the Empty Pockets
Florist: Palomino
Lighting/decor: Palmer House
Makeup artist: Edra Wilson of Edra Couture
Officiant: Jim Slonoff, Travis' uncle
Videographer: Poetic Productions
Invitations: Papyrus
Wedding consultant: Casey Baldin
Wedding dress: White Chicago
Wedding rings: Balean & Sons
Bride's shoes: DSW
Groom's suit: Formally Modern
Second Shooter: Chadd Foy

Kevin you did an amazing job. I love the shot of them at the top of the stairs. Nice work.
Oct 20, 2010 / Peggy Lambert