Lake Geneva Wedding Photographers | Wilder Mansion - Matt & Bailey
Where to begin with Matt & Bailey? Besides the fact that these two are the very definition of #couplegoals, they're also kind and hilarious.
Where to begin with Matt & Bailey? Besides the fact that these two are the very definition of #couplegoals, they're also kind and hilarious. Last year, while we were getting ready for their Lincoln Park engagement session, we asked them if they were still on for it if it was raining. ...to which Bailey replied: "Yeah we're still on! We're not made of sugar. Let's do it!" Dang, we just love her! Every wedding photog's dream bride. And it's a good thing they aren't made of sugar because they would have melted on their 97 degree outdoor wedding day! We also just loved the way they so openly, affectionately, and sweetly love each other. Matt & Bailey’s first look was one for the books. After we captured them having those first moments together, we stepped away to track down Matt’s boutonnière for portraits. ...and when we came back, Matt didn’t think we could see him. Well, we could. And we caught those tears. And our hearts were melting. Ladies, marry a man who believes that you hung the moon just like Bailey.
Many thanks to this incredible team who made this day so lovely:
Venue - Wilder Mansion
Reception - Abbington Banquets
Videography - Robert Cawthorne Wedding Films
Florals - Shamrock Garden Florist
Cake - The Baking Institute
DJ - Admit One Dj's
Hair & Makeup - Tamara Makeup & Hair Artistry
Lake Geneva Wedding Photographers | Country Club Wedding - Pat & Rachel
From the moment we met up with Rachel this weekend, we knew this day was going to be the sweetest.
From the moment we met up with Rachel this weekend, we knew this day was going to be the sweetest. We hadn't had the chance to meet in person with Rachel & Pat, as they had been planning their wedding from out of state, but we felt like friends instantly after we knocked on the door of her childhood home. Their families represent everything we love about down-to-earth Midwestern families and hospitality. Pat & Rachel were a dream. Kind, smart, light hearted, and so sweet with one another. Their wedding day happened to have a high of 97 degrees and even though their portraits happened to line up with the hottest part of the day, they were still all smiles. Their bridal party was a joy to capture and we couldn't have felt luckier. We left with our hearts full after getting to spend the day with these two and their incredible tribe. Thank you Pat & Rachel, for letting us be the ones to capture this incredible day! And many thanks to the amazing staff at Ruth Lake Country Club for being so wonderful and making this celebration so perfect!
Venue: Ruth Lake Country Club
Florals: Bella Foral
Cake: Toni Patisserie and Cafe - Hinsdale, IL
Hair & Makeup; Pin Me Up Chicago
Gown: La Sposa Bridal
Bridesmaid Gowns: Weddington Way
Tux: THE BLACK TUX
DJ: DJ Benny
Lake Geneva Wedding Photographers - Baby Scarlett | Family
We had the honor of capturing Stephanie & Zane's wedding day on a chilly November 4 years ago! It was the biggest honor getting to meet their first born daughter this summer and capturing their first portraits as a family of three. Scarlett couldn't look more like the both of them. These two are incredible parents already! We welcome you to the world, Scarlett! You are sweetness and peacefulness, and such a little beauty queen. Congratulations Stephanie & Zane!
Lake Geneva Wedding Photographers | Midlothian Country Club Wedding - Ryan & Natalie
FInd someone who looks at you the same way Ryan looked at Natalie on their wedding day. When Ryan saw Natalie walk down that aisle, the tears and smiles were contagious. These two were adorable together. If every married couple had as much fun together as these two do, the world would be a much happier place. Seriously, even when they were being eaten alive by mosquitos during portrait time, they were all smiles. And I have NEVER seen that many mosquitos. Their classic wedding day had a hint of a modern twist with the prettiest combination of metallics, a bit of sparkle, and just the right amount of whites and pastels. And their first dance gives us all the heart eyes. It's a must see! Three cheers to the incredible staff at the Midlothian Country Club for making their big day come together so beautifully! And thank you Natalie & Ryan for being so darn cute and for giving us the honor of capturing such a sweet celebration!
Lake Geneva Wedding Photographers - Chicago Illuminating Company - Vas & Krista
As we rolled on up to the city on this June morning, we could only see half a skyline. The fog rolled on through the night before and we couldn't be more excited about it.
As we rolled on up to the city on this June morning, we could only see half a skyline. The fog rolled on through the night before and we couldn't be more excited about it. Foggy, overcast days are our favorites when we shoot portraits in front of our pretty skyline. (And lots of Chicago wedding photogs agree with an Amen!) This was the kind of couple you can't help but want everything to go perfectly for. Vas & Krista are a dream. They had planned and prepared for so long that by this day, they were perfectly relaxed, confident, and able to bask in the beauty of their union with their closet family and friends. (These two are LOVED and it's easy to see why!) Their first look took place on the rooftop terrace of the Ambassador Hotel followed by bridal party photos in front of the skyline at Olive Lee Milton Park. And in perfect "cue the sunshine" request, the sky opened up to give them the most gorgeous and vibrant ceremony at the Chicago Illuminating Company. Just wait until you see the decor, especially the floral draped cross, that Revel Decor filled this already gorgeous venue with! Two families become one as Krista and Vas said "I do" before God and before their loved ones. And Revel Decor took this space to the next level with tables dripping in florals, greens, candlelight, pastel glassware, and gorgeous coordinating two tone tables. (It's insanely gorgeous. Just keep scrolling for all the pretty!) We're thrilled to share some of our favorite highlights of their day below and sing the highest praise of this entire team who came together to make this dream a reality:
Planning - Lk Events LLC
Hotel - Ambassador Chicago
Venue - Chicago Illuminating Company
Florals & Decor - Revel Decor
Hair - Erin Graham
Makeup - Hannah Elisabeth
Gown - Vera Wang
Bridesmaid Gowns - Bella Bridesmaids
Tux - The Black Tux
Officiant - Reverand Tom
Cake - Limelight
Food Truck - Firecakes
Videography - Imagination Designers
Lake Geneva Wedding Photographers | Monte Bello Estate Wedding - Jeremy & Jackie
There are some days that stand out to us for a 1,000 reasons and this day was one of them. I could go on and on about Jackie & Jeremy's wedding day at the Monte Bello Estate. One of the very first things we noticed about Jackie & Jeremy is that they not only love each other, (the romantic lovely dovey love that no wedding is complete without) but, they're genuinely each other's best friend. Their laughs, the inside jokes, the way Jeremy looked at her the entire day, and the way Jackie was so calm, peaceful, and confident from the moment we met up with her; This day was so refreshing and a reminder that love, in its truest form is patient, kind, honoring, protects, and trusts. We started this day off with one of the most beautiful first looks and vow readings that we've ever witnessed. Jeremy waited for Jackie on the pier and his tears had us all tearing up. They promised themselves to one another privately on that dock and we were humbled to have been the witnesses. These two were so at ease. So calm. So ready to be married. I really could go on and on, but I'll let these sun-kissed images speak for themselves. Jackie & Jeremy, it was an honor and a privilege to document this day. We're humbled and we're so thankful! And many thanks go out to their entire team who made this day such a joy:
Venue: The Monte Bello Estate
Videography: Now and Forever Memories
Florals: Flowers by Steen Productions
Band: The Connexion Band
Hair & Makeup: Tamara Makeup and Hair Artistry
Gown: Made with Love Bridal
Bridesmaid Gowns: Show Me Your Mumu
Suits: GQ Formal
Ceremony Musicians- Ken Rothacker, April
Characterartistis: Barton McGee& Hurtado Arts & Design, Inc.
Lake Geneva Wedding Photographers | Fountain Blue Banquets - Dane & Kim
The first time we met with Kim & Dane, it was over FaceTime as they had the challenging task of planning their Downtown Chicago wedding all the way from South Carolina. So, the very first time we met these two in person was on the morning of their wedding day! We had so much in common despite the distance. They both grew up just a few miles from where we live. It was important for them to tie the knot in their childhood stomping grounds surrounded by their closest family and lifelong friends. We fell in love with their siblings after watching them support these two and take care of all the details. Dane and Kim were surrounded by so much love and it it was a treat to witness. Kim's romantic details, soft touches of pastels, and whimsy were a dream to shoot on this foggy grey Chicago day. It was perfect. And we're so excited to share some of our favorite highlights below. Congratulations Dane & Kim! Thank you for giving us the honor of being a part of this day!
Vendor Love goes to:
Hotel - Sheraton Grand Chicago
Florals - Little Shop on the Prairie
Makeup & Hair - Pin Me Up Chicago
Gown - Vera Wang Bride
Cake - Central Continental Bakery
DJ & Photo Booth - An Enchanted Evening
Venue - Fountain Blue Banquets & Conference Center
Lake Geneva Wedding Photographers | Chicago Engagement Session - Nick & Lorielle
May, 2018
Grant Park & North Ave. Beach - Chicago, IL
Lake Geneva Wedding Photographers | Ian & Symone - Drake Hotel Wedding
Their story is as sweet as they are! Ian and Symone grew up across the street from one another. It took him some time, but Ian finally asked her out and she said yes! Fast forward to this perfect day: Their classic & elegant Chicago wedding at the historic Drake Hotel. This day was a true fairy tale and the perfect way to celebrate the first day as Mr. & Mrs. Sherwood! The skies opened up once or twice, but it made it all the more lovely. Y'all, Chicago is just beautiful come rain or shine! And these two never worried once about it! When we stepped foot into their reception at The Drake, it took our breath away. Polly's Petals & Particulars completely out did herself! Every inch was dripping with florals and hundreds of candles. The room was just as gorgeous as Symone was in her classic Enzoani gown! What a pleasure getting to work alongside her team: Cora Downing from Bella G Makeup and her hair artist, Caila Gillespie! Also, let's not forget about what a treat it is to capture all the joy alongside their videography team from Leap Weddings! This wedding day has everything. So much joy, happy tears, and the perfect inspiration for the classic bride! Thank you, Symone & Ian, for letting us have the honor of capturing your gorgeous celebration! Special thanks and love go out to this entire team who made this day so perfect:
The Drake Hotel
Leap Weddings (videography)
Polly's Petals & Particualrs
Vanille Patisseries
Cora Downing from Bella G Makeup
Caila Gillespie (Hair Artist)
Toast & Jam
Lake Geneva Wedding Photographers | Loews Hotel Chicago O'Hare - Jason & Lindsay
This gorgeous day was the product of 10 years of dating and the support of the most united group of childhood friends that we've gotten to capture. Lindsay & Jason's bridal party go all the way back to childhood. The hugs and celebration right after the signing of the Ketubah were powerful and a reminder that a marriage thrives best when it is honored and supported. The stars aligned when these two received a surprise upgrade to the Presidential Suite at the Loews Chicago O'Hare. Naturally, we had to use that perfect modern space for their first look and portraits. "Sigh." It just doesn't get better than that. This wedding is pure inspiration for the modern bride. And let us not forget one of the stars of this day: Lindsay's masterpiece Calla Blanche gown. Special Thanks and love go out to the entire team who made this day such a dream:
The Loews Hotel Chicago O'Hare
The wonderful Vasso and her fabulous staff at The Loews
Elise Hirsh Brill from Lessi B Cosmetics
Floral design from Flowers By KH
Hours of dancing and entertainment by the TVK Orchestra
Lake Geneva Wedding Photographers | Westmoreland Country Club Wedding - Dan & Meredith
September, 2017
Westmoreland Country Club - Wilmette, IL
Vendor Love:
Florals - Four Finches
Cake - Gigi's Cupcakes
Band - The Walk-ins
Gown - Robert Bullock
Lake Geneva Wedding Photographers | Chicago Wedding - Jin Soo & Chanel
September, 2017
Chez Event Space - Chicago, IL
Vendor Love:
Planning - Events By L
Hotel - The James Chicago
Florals - Kimberose
Hair & Makeup - Ann LaCorte
Videography - Beloved Wedding Videography
DJ - X Fade Entertainment
Strings - Innocenti Strings
Catering - Limelight Catering
Cake - Alliance Bakery
Gluten Free Bakery - Defloured
Donuts - DoRite Donuts
Lighting - Elegant Event Lighting
Lake Geneva Wedding Photographers - Hinsdale, IL - John & Liz
August, 2017
Hinsdale Covenant Church - Hinsdale, IL
Hyatt Lodge at McDonald's Campus - Oak Brook, IL
Vendor Love:
Videography - Something New Media
Florals - The English Garden
Cake - Lezza Spumoni & Desserts
Entertaiment - Push the Limit
Makeup - Angela Goss
Gown - By Matthew Christopher
Suit - Calvin Klein
Photo Booth - Shutterbooth Chicago
Lake Geneva Wedding Photographers | The Gardens of Woodstock - Jake & Alex
August, 2017
The Gardens of Woodstock - Woodstock, IL
Vendor Love:
Venue - Gardens of Woodstock
Florals - Bridal Bouquets By Debi
Makeup - Cassandra Morello
Gown - Madison James
Suit - Men's Wearhouse
Entertainment - Spin N' Play DJs
Lake Geneva Wedding Photographers | Chicago Wedding - Bret & Kelli
August 12th, 2017
Chicago, IL
Event Planners - Estera Events
Hotel - Ambassador Chicago
Venue - The Ovation
Catering - Paramount Events
Florals - HMR Designs
DJ - Style Matters DJ
Donuts - Stans Donuts
Hair - Rosemary Monica
Makeup - Shannon O'Brien
Officient - Chosen With Bonnie
Lake Geneva Wedding Photographers | Three Cheers for 2nd Shooters
Thanks Kristina Lorraine, for making this postpartum momma feel like a million bucks!
Hey Friends! It's me. Meg Imhoff. The other half that makes up Jordan Imhoff Photography. For those of you who don't know who in the world I am, I'd love to introduce myself! At first, I wondered if it was a mistake to have graduated with a BA in Theater, but you know what? Those skills are exactly what I needed for my life and this incredible job I get to be a part of! Because, I wear a whole lot of hats in this current season of life. (And a whole lot of baby food on Disney World sweatshirts too, but that's a different blog post.) If I had to break down all of my titles right now, I'd break them up in this order:
- Wife to Jordan Imhoff (bow chicka wow!)
- Momma to my babies. My treasure.
- Co-Business owner of Jordan Imhoff Photography. (I love this gig.)
...and this is what I look like most days! Comfy pants, babies, and mom bun.
- Professional 2nd Shooter (sounds boring and a little bit blah right? But, it's become something that I LOVE and feel proud of! I'll tell you why down below!)
- Unofficial wedding day timeline guidance counselor
- Wedding Day cheerleader, bag holder, veil & dress fluffer, and sometimes a human light stand
Me and my BFF. He always knows how to make me laugh. And it doesn't hurt that he's a heck of a cook either. Photo Credit to the fabulous Kristina Lorraine!
- Wedding Album Designer
- Blogger
- Head of all our Social media handles
Just the other day, we had a really fun meeting with fellow artists (we cannot WAIT to shoot their wedding this year!) It's always so refreshing to get filled up and inspired by the joy and creativity that other artists and entrepreneurs carry! One of the questions they asked us specifically was about the roles we each play in this gig. As we went back and forth about our different jobs and responsibilities, I realized that when I mentioned that little part about being our 2nd shooter, I didn't just throw it out there as if I were the 2nd rate photog in this duo, but I was seriously PROUD of being our 2nd shooter. When we first started out about 7 years ago, the thought of picking up a camera (or even learning how to work a camera) gave me a nervous breakdown. I didn't go to school for it. Jordan did. Plus, I did NOT want any pressure of being responsible for capturing someone's greatest day of their life. Yeeeeaaaaaah, No. Then as we started to book more and more weddings, Jordan really started encouraging me to learn and even practice a bit while we were on the job. No pressure and just for fun. Well, let's just say that eventually I feel in love and we started offering packages with a 2nd shooter. Today, we wouldn't have it any other way.
But, hold up. Can I be really honest about something? The first couple years of being a 2nd shooter did NOT come natural to me. I had to learn. Not just about how to use my camera, composition, lighting, yada yada yada, but what it really means to be a kick-A second shooter. For two years of my job, I actually kinda felt a little bit useless. I felt like I was basically a safety net. In some instances, I even felt a bit bored. Because I knew that Jordan could shoot the entire day and delivery a gorgeous wedding gallery without me. And in all honesty, he could. I didn't want to feel bored or just the safety net any more. I wanted to find purpose in my role every weekend. Not just purpose in being the encourager, the cheerleader, the dress/veil wrangler, bag holder, and in some instances, the human light stand, But purpose for my role behind the camera. I knew that Jordan was capturing all the main events. I know he knows to focus on the bride, the groom, and all the closest people to them. So, what the heck would he need my shots for? Especially since he is most often stationed in the most flattering angel to shoot from.
My job as the 2nd shooter is never 2nd rate. I get to capture every single moment that Jordan doesn't have the luxury to capture while he focuses on the main events. I remember one particular reception. We were capturing the Father of the Bride's speech at the reception. I knew Jordan was grabbing everything important. The father speaking at the mic and the Bride & Groom's reactions to the speech. I happened to be standing behind the Bride and Groom and I noticed how adorable they were holding hands at their sweetheart table. Now that is something that he, as the head shooter, wouldn't have the luxury of noticing during that moment. But I did! Heck, that's what I was there for. So, I've made it my challenge to grab as many photos that Jordan wouldn't be able to see as possible. Will those little moments most likely be framed and hung above the bed or the big wall above the couch? Probably not, but you never know!
When it's time to start designing our couples' albums, I always ask them to send me their top 25 favorite images from their day. The images they want to be sure are showcased as the focal points. It NEVER creases to surprise me which photos they favorite! In all honesty, it's very rarely the perfectly light and composed photos that we get all excited about and want to make a part of our portfolio! It's usually the photo that took place in the church basement between the Bride and her father just moments before he walks her down the aisle. ...The church basement that is still stuck in the 1970's with fluorescent lighting and dark walls. It's her favorite photo because she will always remember exactly how she felt in that moment. It's not necessarily going to be showcased on our website's portfolio, but it's going to be showcased in her album. Because to her, despite the brown walls and the fluorescent lighting that inevitabley forced us to make it a black & white, that photo is what the day is all about. What our jobs are all about. Making sure we do not miss out on the most important moment. Whether those moments are aesthetically pinterest worthy, or 1970's church basement worthy. Wedding photography happens SO fast. We can't re-stage that tender look between her and her dad. We can't necessarily ask his to give her a kiss on the cheek again. We just have to make sure we are anticipating those moments and capturing them in the best way we possibly can when they take place.
...So, back to celebrating the joys of being our 2nd shooter. Do you want to know the only person who gets to bare witness to a whole lot of those behind the scenes moments? Your's truly. Because, there's no way Jordan has the luxury of leaving the front of the church where he's stationed to grab the processional shots. Now, if there's no better reason why you can't afford to NOT skip out on a second shooter, then I don't know what is.
Photo Credit to our fabulous 2nd Shooter, Natalie Viard.
Not only do I have the luxury of getting to capture those sweet private moments taking place behind the scenes of the main events, but sometimes I get to be stationed in safety net places that can save a few really important moments. If we could plan out every single wedding to be perfectly lit from arrival to departure, trust us, we would. We're light obsessed. But, that's not real life. Sometime we have to shoot an outdoor ceremony at noon and there's not a cloud or shade from a tree in sight. (Every wedding photog's biggest challenge. We've all been there.) So, that's when I get the luxury of shots and angles that can sometimes help to save the poorly lit area Jordan has to be stationed at so he doesn't miss the main event.
Example:
This photo of the Bride walking down the aisle was captured by Jordan from the front of the aisle. Super sweet moment of the two of them, but, the sun was intense, so what was usable were the moment when the Bride and her father happened to be walking through a random patch of shade.
Here is what I could see from my perspective at the 2nd Shooter. I wasn't able to see the sweet glances exchanged between the two of them. But, if I wasn't there, they wouldn't be able to see just how epic and grand this processional was from Jordan's main event station.
There have also been occasions where my safety shots were life savers. Here's an example: At this particular wedding, we were capturing the Bride and Groom being introduced into their reception. Jordan was stationed in the front so he could see the Bride & Groom's reactions. I was shooting from above and behind. At the exact moment when Jordan was shooting, he was moved out of the way by a guest with their phone. The guest (out of excitement, not malice) jumped out of their chair and blocked Jordan's camera at the exact moment and was then joined by about 10 other excited guests with phone cameras. Honestly, it happens all the time these days. But, it didn't matter because my view was their as a safety net and that moment wasn't forgotten. Here's an example of those alternate safety shots:
Thankfully, he was able to grab one decent shot from the main perspective just in time and in between guests
So nice to have a whole bunch of perspectives to choose from instead of one!
And just for fun, here are our two perspectives earlier on this wedding day during the ceremony. The flower girl was just not into having to walk down that aisle. Her brilliant mom & dad let her play a favorite game on one of their phones just so she could walk down the aisle, and in all honesty, watching this sweet little darling struggle and finally get coaxed into walking was adorable, So, naturally all eyes were on her. Jordan was able to get her once she was closer down the aisle, but I got a bird's eye view watching the initial struggle. I'm in love with the image from above of watching that phone gift and her aquiescence below.
^Meg's perspective ^
^Jordan's Perspective ^ It's just so much fun to see this moment from both angles!
I think it goes without saying that our most favorite times to capture two different perspective are during this first looks (Of course, the Bride & Groom's first look, but also the family member's first looks.) Here is the Bride's father's series of reactions as he saw his daughter in her gown for the first time. Jordan was focused on the bride at this moment and I was focused on mom & dad. This series of images is EVERYTHING that the day is about. This sums up the very reason we should all have two photographers there to capture both perspectives on our wedding day. No, these shots are not perfectly composed. They aren't staged. We didn't set this up or tell them where to stand and where the best light it. But, they were captured and this bride gets to forever member this tender moment with her parents.
And last, but not least, do you want to know my absolute favorite moments I seem to catch and focus on throughout the day? It might be because I'm a mom, but I am obsessed with watching the wedding day through eyes of the kids there! We both naturally gravitate towards them because we just plain love our kids and find pure joy in childhood, but again, I get to be the one who has the luxury of taking the time to focus on those perspectives while Jordan focuses on the Bride, Groom, and main events. Here are just some of my most favorite moments I've noticed while Jordan is focused on the big moments:
So, to all of my fellow 2nd shooter homies out there, you are so important and irreplaceable! OWN what you do! Strive to find as many moments and perspectives that your head photog doesn't necessarily have the luxury to seek out! ...And Brides, don't let your wedding take place without us.
Much love,
Meg Imhoff
Lake Geneva Wedding Photographers | Morton Arboretum - Jeremy & Jackie
September, 2017
Morton Arboretum
Lake Geneva Wedding Photographers | St. Charles Wedding - Kevin & Brigid
August, 2017
Pheasant Run Resort - St. Charles, IL
St. Patrick's Downtown Church - St. Charles, IL
Vendor Love:
Florals - Paragon Flowers
Cake - Oak Mill Bakery
Entertainment - DJ for You
Hair - Jayme Golden
Makeup - Ramena Avakian
Trolley - Naperville Trolley Company
Ceremony Florist - Town & Country Gardens
Gown - Maggie Sotero
Lake Geneva Wedding Photographers | Westin Chicago Wedding - Paul & Demitra
July, 2017
Westin Chicago Northwest - Itasca, IL
Vendor Love:
Videography - Petit Four Films
Florals - Town and Country Gardens
Cake - Lovin Oven Cakery
Entertainment - DJ Taso
Gown - MoriLee
Bridesmaids Dresses - BHLDN
Tuxes - Men"s Wearhouse
Lake Geneva Wedding Photographers | Bolingbrook Golf Club Wedding - Cosimo & Lauren
July, 2017
St. Joseph's Catholic Church - Downer's Grove, IL
Bolingbrook Golf Club - Bolingbrook, IL
Vendor Love:
Florals - M and P Floral and Event Production
Cake - Sweet Ali's of Hinsdale
Entertainment - Global Music Vibes
Makeup and Hair - Tamara Makeup & Hair Artistry