Lauren and Todd’s Wedding

I quickly wrote her back, excited about the possibility to shoot at The Peninsula.  She responded the next day and said, "Thank you so much for the quick response. All the info you sent me was very helpful. Your work is quite fabulous and I am very much interested in booking you for my wedding."

I truly enjoy simple hirings.  No consultation.  No meeting.  In fact, I didn't ever meet the bride and groom until their wedding day.

Slightly nervous, of course, I set my fears aside and tapped into my knowledge database and started photographing.  Holy Name Cathedral and The Peninsula.  Two fantastic spots to shoot with backdrops to die for.

The bride and groom met in college 4 years ago.  Lauren says she knew he was the one even before they started dating.  She is definitely a gal with determination, and a strong sense of what she wants.  And, at the same time, a very easy-going young lady to boot.  

During the 2008 Holidays, Lauren came home to Chicago for the weekend while Todd supposedly was still back in Columbus, OH (where they live).  When she got off the airplane there was a message on her phone that her parents sent a limo to pick her up.  She already had plans to meet with her parents for dinner downtown, and they thought it would be easier if the limo picked her up at the airport to drive her to the restaurant.

Of course she believed her parent's story. The limo drove her through the city, but bypassed the turn for the restaurant. At first, she thought the limo driver was lost or going to kidnap her. Eventually, he pulled over and stopped in front of the Drake Hotel. The door to the limo opens, and there stood Todd.  Startled, she got out of the limo and walked with him across the street to gazebo which was lit with Christmas lights. He got down on one knee and proposed.

She ain't no fool.  She said YES.  They got back into the limo and drove around the city while drinking champagne. But Todd wasn't done yet - the limo pulls in front of her favorite bar to drop them off.  Inside a private room waited all of her family and friends to celebrate to good news.  

"Todd did an AMAZING job and I was so surprised!!!"

Who wouldn't be surprised?

Thanks Lauren and Todd for allowing me into your life for 9 hours. 

P.S. Your grandpa still holds the record for one of the most gut-busting and moving speeches I have ever heard.  He is a keeper.

Lauren & Todd

November 28, 2009
Ceremony: Holy Name Cathedral
Reception: The Peninsula Hotel

Ceremony: Holy Name Cathedral
Reception: The Peninsula Hotel
Caterer: The Peninsula Hotel
Music: Mehran (flamingo guitarist for cocktail hour) and Maggie Speaks (rock and roll band for the reception)
Flowers: Ryan Wille for Kehoe Designs
Makeup: Rebecca Clarke for Red Lip Accessible
Hair: Sarah Saltanovitz for Beauty on Call 
Officiant: Father Sunny Castillo from St. Michael Church in Wheaton, IL
Videographer: Alan Whitney
Deserts: Wedding cake by the Cakegirls
Invitations: Julie Detmer, Ink.
Dress & Designer:  Dress by designer San Patrick - purchased it from Dimitras Bridal Couture in Chicago, IL
Your Shoes: Dyeables
Suit: Kenneth Cole
Shirt & Tie: Kenneth Cole