PHOTOGRAPHY - ELOPEMENTS - ALBUMS
Tabitha and Matthew's spring engagement session reminded me of Albert Lamorisse's classic 1956 French film The Red Balloon. It is a simple but sweet movie about a boy and a balloon that seems to have a personality of its own. There is almost no dialogue, so you don't really need to understand French to appreciate the film.
from criterion.comI suppose a similar notion is true with couples in love. There is an unspoken language of understanding and appreciation.
© Wedding Creativo Photography
Very shiny. Very sparkly. Like Rainman, we're drawn to take pictures of the the lovely sparkly and shiny details of our brides' dresses and accessories. Many visitors to our studio comment on this beautiful necklace that bride Anne wore on her wedding day. It is unique, yet a classic, and one of our favorites as well.
All this month we're taking a look back at some favorite pictures from past weddings in celebration of our studio's 30th anniversary.
© Wedding Creativo / Giorgio Ventola Inc.
Creativity was set for warp speed for Elaine and Steve's wedding! We started out the day with a first see at the Belden-Stratford, followed by a fun walk through the zoo where we were lucky enough to have the carousel all to ourselves, before dashing off to A New Leaf for their cocktail-style wedding and reception. With a the groom's binary code ring, brides antique-styled green gemstone ring, totally awesome wedding sneakers, the ceremonial handcufs, wedding pies (instead of cake) by Hoosier Mama Pie Company, with pie topper made by the bride and groom, reception farmer-style auction, rad tunes by Toast and Jam DJs, and so much more....it was a blast!
© Wedding Creativo / Giorgio Ventola Inc.
Becky and Fuad are excellent at yoga, and it is a passion they share. For their engagement session we went to the beautiful Moksha Yoga Center in Chicago where they practice together and Becky also instructs classes. We are looking forward to their Midwestern destination wedding in Michigan later this summer.
© Wedding Creativo / Giorgio Ventola Inc.
We were saddened to hear about the fire that destroyed Chicago's Cakegirls bakery. While they are working on rebuilding their business, supporters can purchase t-shirts to help Cakegirls employees. We wish them a speedy and successful recovery.
Wedding cakes are indeed works of art. From elaborate to understated, they are not only lovely centerpieces for the reception, but they also represent the style and personalities of each couple. Giorgio is always teasing me that I take 5000 pictures of the cakes at weddings, but I can't help it. I'm always in awe of the beauty and craftsmanship that goes into these sweet wonders. In honor of all cake makers, here are highlights from some of our recent weddings. The first picture is an amazing golf bag cake made by Cakegirls for a couple of avid golfers who had an elegant golf-themed reception. Feast your eyes!
© Giorgio Ventola Inc. / Wedding Creativo
Spring is here, a time of year when many of us are reminded to try and add greener living habits. It is also Greener Weddings Awareness Month, and we try to do our part with our business, so here is a reminder of some of the eco-friendly services we offer:
If you are trying to have a greener wedding, what are some of the ideas you are including in your plans?
find inspiration and ideas for greener weddings at The Green Bride Guide
If you are having trouble determining just the right location near the lakeshore for your wedding, perhaps charting a different course is in order. With beautiful Lake Michigan at our doorstep, and the Chicago River running through the city, marina life is quite active and attractive for events in Chicago.
© Giorgio Ventola Inc. / Wedding Creativo Photography
Along with the main ships at Navy Pier, there are several boats available for private events. Here are several worth checking out that are available for weddings:
Entertainment Cruises
Odyssey – up to 200 guests
Spirit of Chicago – up to 200 guests
Mystic Blue – up to 145 guests
Located at Navy Pier
Kanan Cruise Ship
Up to 400 guests
Located at Navy Pier
Windy Tall Ship
Up to 150 guests
Located at Navy Pier
Red Witch Schooner
Up to 49 guests
Located at Navy Pier
Anita Dee I & II Yacht Charters
up to 149 and 400 guests respectively
Located at Navy Pier
Free Spirit Yacht
up to 120 guests
Located at Burnham Harbor
Valara VI Yacht
Up to 149 guests
Located at Burnham Harbor
Chicago Line Cruises
Ft. Dearborn – up to 200 guests
Innisfree – up to 90 guests
Located at North Pier Docs on Ogden Slip
behind River East Arts Center
Shoreline Charters
Celebration – up to 100 guests
Evening Star – up to 200 guests
Located on Ogden Slip in front of Navy Pier
Chicago’s First Lady
Up to 150 guests
Located at Riverside Gardens Dock
Michigan Avenue bridge at Wacker Drive
Then, there are private yacht clubs that are available for their members’ weddings:
Columbia Yacht Club
Belmont Yacht Club
Finally, if you are looking for an intimate locale to pop the question, many private charter companies also have smaller boats available that are perfect for that special romantic occasion. All aboard!
Wasn't Sophia Loren amazing at the Golden Globes! One of our all time favorites. Giorgio had a chance to take a portrait of her years ago....ask him to tell the story, it is better told in person. Anyway, came across this photo on the interwebs, no idea where it originated from, but what a fashion inspiration she is.
Thanks to all of our couples for a wonderful 2009 that was filled with magic moments.
All images @ Giorgio Ventola Inc. / Wedding Creativo
Here are five of our favorite trends from 2009....and hope to see them continue in 2010! We are lucky to have such fashion forward brides!
All images © Wedding Creativo Photography / Giorgio Ventola Inc.
#1 - Birdcage Veil
#2 - Pashmina Wraps
#3 - Peacock Theme
#4 - Something Blue Shoes
#5 - Intimate/Rustic/Vintage Venues
We recently did an engagement session with a couple who are fans of vintage 1970s styles. The first thing that came to mind for me was the Ralph Lauren type style in the classic film Love Story with Ali MacGraw and Ryan O'Neal. Ali was certainly an icon of classic American style at this time, and O'Neal wasn't too shabby either.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9blFYZArEwA]
Check out the blog Couture Allure for more vintage Ali
Greta Garbo always looked spectacular, especially when she wasn't smiling. She's a great one to study if you're trying a more serious, dramatic and sensual look.
from goldensilents.com
Both Victoria's and Marjorie's weddings reminded me of 1950s weddings of my parent's generation. Not that their weddings were overtly vintage, but there were some lovely hints there. While producing their wedding images some inspiration came from the following:
Music: The Platters "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes"
1950s Pop Culture: celebrity starlets such as Grace Kelly
Grace Kelly
Sophia Loren
Sophia Loren
Elizabeth Taylor
Elizabeth Taylor