A New Simple Way to Make Wedding Invitations

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Recently, I had the pleasure of trying Basic Invites.  It’s a super simple way to make wedding invitations. The best part about Basic Invites is they have an address collecting service.  If you are like me, who doesn’t stay up to date on the ever changing addresses of friends and family, you need to use this service. It is the simplest way to get everyones information without really being involved.  Planning a wedding is a heroic feat, involving so much detailed planning and collecting addresses shouldn’t be another task on your list. Basic Invites uses a free address collection service to request addresses with just three simple steps. Share a link via social media or email, collect addresses, and get free envelope printing.

Another great thing about them is they offer free, completely customizable websites for wedding. The mobile friendly templates are super easy to use. You can instantly upload all of your wedding details, along with engagement photos, and a convenient map with directions for your guests. Choose from 180 colors, and a design suite to perfectly match your wedding invitations!

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My favorite is the Seal & Send Wedding Invitations, your guests will love it because they include a tear-off RSVP piece included!  Below is a photo of one of the seal and send invites. The printing even has fully customizable foil options to set your invitation apart from all of the others. The guest's addresses are printed on the front of each invitation so no envelope is necessary! All you have to do is use their address collecting service and upload them onto your design. Once they make the invitations and send them to you, all you have to do is add postage, fold your and secure them with a sticker! It doesn’t gets easier than that. I wish this was available for my wedding. 

Basic Invites will send you out samples so you get to actually touch and hold your invites before placing a full order. Be sure to check out the clear cards or any of the gold foil. I ordered both for samples for a couple of my flat lays and they are all great quality. It’s so refreshing to deal with their responsive customer service too.  

Highlights

Free Wedding Websites - Completely customizable wedding websites! They're mobile friendly and super easy to use. You can instantly upload all of your wedding details, along with images, and a convenient map with directions for your guests. Choose from 180 custom colors, and a design suite to match your wedding invitations!

Almost Unlimited Colors - Basic Invite is one of the few websites that allows customers almost unlimited color options with instant previews online. You can change the color of each element on a card, with over 180 different color options. The card can be exactly how you want it, down to the littlest detail. This is what sets them apart from any other online stationery company and is their biggest draw.

 Custom Samples - Basic Invite allows customers the ability to order a printed sample of their invitation so they can see the card’s paper quality and how it will print before they have to place their final order.

 Over 40 Different Colors of Envelopes - Just as colorful with their enveloped as they are with their invitations. You can choose from over 40 different envelope colors so that you can make your invitation stand out even before they are opened. All of the envelopes are peel and seal so the envelopes can be closed quickly and easily. 

 Over 900 Wedding Invitation Sets - Each of the wedding invites are part of a set. They have all the wedding stationery you need, like save the dates, wedding invitations, enclosure cards, wedding menus, wedding programs, and even matching thank you cards!

 Free Address Collection Service - Use their free address collection service to request your addresses with just three simple steps. Share a link via social media or email, collect addresses, and get free envelope printing.

Seal & Send Wedding Invitations - The seal and send wedding invitations are an all-in-one wedding invitation with a tear-off RSVP postcard included! The Seal & Send is the newest collection. Currently, offered in over 30 designs including foil options and they are all customizable. Guest's addresses are printed on the front of each invitation so no envelope is necessary! All you have to do is share a link, collect guest addresses, and upload them onto your design. Once you receive your order, add postage, fold your invites, and secure them with a sticker! Simple and easy.

Get Social with Basic Invite - @basicinvite

Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | Twitter

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Chicago Wedding with a touch of Disney

I had the pleasure of photographing this beautiful wedding which featured subtle hints of Disney, including a “mermaid bouquet” that constituted of vibrant pops of purple and turquoise.  The bride opted for artificial flowers so that she could preserve a fond detail of her wedding. The planning and execution of their wedding reflected who the personality of the couple perfectly.  Not only did they take shots, but beers were shotgunned at the altar. We had so much fun shooting the newlyweds and their great group of friends.  Many cheers to Mike and Stephanie.

Wedding Team

Wedding Planning: Olive Layne Weddings
Getting ready and first look Venue: The Robey Chicago Hotel
Venue : Greenhouse Loft
Caterer: Feast and Imbibe
Dj: Toast and Jam DJ’s
Make up : Alluring Beauty

Chicago Wedding
Disney Themed Wedding Bouquet
Chicago Bride
First Look at the Robey Chicago Hotel
The Robey Hotel Chicago Wedding
The Robey First Look
The Robey Hotel Chicago Wedding
Chicago Wedding Couple
Union Station Wedding Chicago
Union Station Chicago Wedding
Groom Union Station
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Groom Party at Union Station
Chicago Wedding Bus
Chicago Bride and Father
Chicago Bride and Mom
Shotgun at the Altar
First Kiss
First Kiss
Disney Table Set up
Wedding Father Speech
Bride and Groom during speeches
Speeches
Mom during speeches
First Dance
First Dance
Father Daughter Dance
Son and Mother Dance
Father Daughter Dance
Outdoor wedding family photo
Wedding Family photo

Best Chicago Locations for Holiday Photos

Chicago’s beauty becomes even more evident during the winter season, a great city to be in for the holidays. With all the lights and decorations through the whole city, you’re bound to stumble on an ideal location for shooting photos. I have ranked my top 3 locations in Chicago to achieve the best Christmas atmosphere. If you are looking to get either family photos or seasonal engagement photos around downtown Chicago, these definitely are contenders for the best holiday decor.

1. Wrigley Building

One of my favorite spots to photograph weddings and engagements. There is a huge tree standing in the middle and garland draped all around the building. Be sure to snap some photos by the river, as well. I highly recommend going on a Sunday morning to avoid the crowds.

Chicago Holiday Photos
Chicago Christmas Photos
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Chicago Wrigley Building

2. Chicago Water Tower

Not only is this a historic site that is open for the public to venture inside, but another favorite spot for holiday photos. It’s always decorated so tastefully and all the trees are overflowing with lights. To be extra romantic, take a carriage ride; the horses park right there. Once again, if you want to avoid the crowds come on a Sunday morning. This is a popular spot and a great break the middle of all the Magnificent Mile shopping.

Chicago Water Tower Holiday Photos
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Chicago Water Tower Holiday Photos
Chicago Water Tower Christmas Photos

3. Millennium Park 

Millennium Park has so much to do around the holidays. Starting with a large Christmas tree that is lit up with a fun lighting ceremony and a large ice skating rink right under neath the Bean. You can cross off a lot of touristy destinations with this location and have some fun at Maggie Daley Park, rent skates at the ice rink or visit the Art Institute next door.

Millennium Park Holiday Photos
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Millennium Park Christmas Photos
Millennium Park

Happy Holidays - Victoria

Fall Mini Sessions

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The season for family photos is here and it’s time to think about those holiday cards. This year I did my best to make it super easy for you, where you can schedule the minis yourself. I am offering 3 different locations and dates.

What you get - 20 minute photo session with up to 6 people. 15 fully edited digital images with all printing rights.

Simply click on the date and location you are interested in to pick your time slot. The location at Winnemac Park does not allow dogs, but feel free to bring your furry family member to the other locations.

If you have any questions, please reach out either by email or phone. I respond faster to texts.

Sunday, September 22 at Winnemac Park - 5100 N Leavitt St, Chicago, IL 60625

Wednesday, October 9 at Wilder Park- 175 S Prospect Ave, Elmhurst, IL 60126

Sunday, October 13 at At River Trail Nature Center - 3120 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook, IL 60062





Tips for Fall Mini Sessions

Chicago Family mini sessions

You finally booked your family sessions and are super excited to get some snaps of everyone, but now what? Here are some helpful hints to get you started and hopefully make life easier. Please don’t stress , I know a lot of moms stress about this day. Take a deep breath, you just got everyone out of the house and they all look nice. Thats an accomplishment itself.

Fall Family sessions
Fall Family session
  • Avoid bright colors, they reflect on to your face and cause a color cast.

  • Avoid Large logos.

  • Don’t match too much.

  • Rich colors and patterns are great for fall, I know a lot of moms tend to lean towards leopard print and it looks great in photos.

  • You can’t go wrong with a natural pallet.

  • Heels will sink in the grass and you will have to walk in the gravel, plan head for that. If you need hight, boots and wedges are recommended for outdoor sessions.

  • Make sure there are no hair ties on wrists.

  • Pack an extra outfit for kids in case of spills and messes.

  • Wear comfortable clothing, if you are not comfortable it will show in the photos.

  • For younger kids please bring a toy or whatever gets their attention.

  • Wipes for snacks and noses.

  • Be rested and well fed. If you plan to eat after the shoot please have some snacks before hand.

  • Let your child’s personality shine, not every photo they will smile for.

  • Kids will be kids - just roll with it.

  • Have fun with the family and enjoy each others company.

  • Do not stress, trust your photographer.

To book fall mini sessions in October. Click here for availability.






Paris in Chicago

This Chicago wedding photoshoot was inspired by 18th century France Rococo, mostly a painting called “The Happy Accidents of the Swing” by Jean-Honoré Fragonard.

Since we can’t fly to France and have a wedding at the Versailles, we found a contender. Cuneo Mansion in Vernon Hills is the Versailles of Chicago. The building is pink, it is surrounded by gardens decorated with statues and fountains. Everything inside is meticulously preserved from the gold leaf bathroom to the original tiffany china in the kitchen. The delicate chandelier that hangs in the breakfast room will remind you of Marie Antoinettes Petit Trianon in Versailles. It’s what fairy tales are made of.

We incorporated pastel colors and tea stained sepia paper for the invites. Veronica Sheaffer brought her incredible talent with delicate yet modern pieces to match the aesthetics of the property. Small details like flowers and feathers on shoes tied into the cake colors and decorating.

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Venue: Cuneo Mansion & Gardens
IG: @loyola_cuneomansion
www.luc.edu/cuneo/

Dresses: Veronica Sheaffer
IG: @veronicasheaffer
www.veronicasheaffer.com

Flowers: Persephone Floral
IG: @persephonefloral
www.persephonefloral.com

Model: Sierra Campbell
IG: pLeaseleavebynine
www.sierradesiree.com

Stationery and Calligraphy: Maison Blanche Lettering

IG: @maisonblanche_lettering
www.maisonblanchelettering.com

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Hair & Make Up: Jennifer Jade Alvarez / Refined Beauty
IG: @RefinedBeautyBoutique
Www.refinedbeautyboutique.com


Rentals : The Festive Frog
IG: @thefestivefrog
www.thefestivefrog.com

Linens: FS Linens
IG: @fslinens
www.fslinens.com

Cake: Grannys Cakes
IG: @grannyscakeschicagoland
www.grannyscakes.net


Jewelery: Eskell
IG: @eskellchicago
www.eskell.com

Photography: Victoria Chukarov
IG: @Victoriachuk
www.VictoriaCphotos.com

Natasha and Marco

Natasha is an incredibly talented artist and when she asked me to photograph their wedding I was so flattered. Natasha and Marco had a huge map mural that was perfect for the setting of some of the photos, along with the map they had these deep teal chairs. I couldn’t make this up in my dreams if I wanted to. Their big fat Serbian wedding featured all the traditions, parade, pig roast and plenty of rakija to go around.

Chicago Wedding Ring
Bride Father and Mom
Bride and Brother
Chicago Serbian Bride
Chicago Bride
Chicago Bridesmaids
Serbian Groom
Chicago Serbian Wedding
Serbian Groom and Groomsman
Chicago Serbian Wedding Parade
Bridesmaid
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Serbian Bride Barter
Father of the Bride
Father of the Bride
Serbian Wedding Church
Serbian Wedding
Chicago Serbian Wedding
Chicago Serbian Wedding
Chicago Serbian Wedding
Chicago Serbian Wedding
Chicago Serbian Wedding
Bride and Groom in Church
Bridesmaids
Chicago Bride and Groom
Bahai Temple Bride and Groom
Bahai Temple Wedding
Chicago Wedding Party
Chicago Wedding Party
Wedding Table Decor
Wedding Cake
Writing Wedding Speech
Chicago Wedding Bridesmaids
First Dance
First Dance
First Dance
Father of the Bride
Mother of the Groom
Chicago Serbian Wedding
Mother of the Groom
Wedding Speech
Groom and Bestman
Jewish Wedding Dance

Mother and Son Photoshoot

Danielle won a photo shoot from me in an instagram contest around Christmas time but Damien, her son had a terrible accident, it really scared me and I can’t imagine what the poor mother went through. Luckily everything turned out ok and Damien is a happy go lucky guy, who just celebrated his 4th birthday. I was still able to photograph these two just as blooms were starting to pop up but still a little chilly outside. We headed to Wilder Park Conservatory in Elmhurst right by Elmhurst College. It’s such a beautiful area, make sure to check it out if you are ever in the neighborhood.

4 years old
Mother and Son Photoshoot
Mama and Son photoshoot
Mother and Son Photoshoot
4 year old photo shoot
4 Year Old Photo Shoot
Mom and Son photoshoot
Mama and Son
Mom and Son photoshoot
Mom and Son
Mom and Son photoshoot

Ivana and Bati

Serbian weddings are by far my favorite to be a part of. Imagine, multiple days of celebrating and always surrounded by music and dance. The wedding day itself is day two, it starts with a parade and bartering for the bride! The groom comes with all his friends and family, along with a flag bearer. The Bride is hidden in the house with her bridesmaid who are preventing any of the grooms men getting in, and basically STEALING her or getting any of the bridesmaids shoes. Usually the best man is the one to negotiate a price for the bride. All while swapping back a flask ( buklijaš ) filled with rakija - a Serbian home made brandy. Once they’ve reached an agreed price, the bride is then brought out and the party starts. Amazing right?

Ivana and Bati are the two most fun beautiful souls and I couldn’t have wished for this kind of couple to contact me. Not only did I enjoy their day ( probably as much as they did), but I got to capture their love story.

Chicago Serbian Wedding Dress
Chicago Serbian Wedding Rings
buklijas filled with rakija for wedding
Groom and Mother
Groom and Mother
Groom and Mother
Groom getting ready
Serbian Pig Roast
Serbian Wedding
Bride Getting Ready
Serbian Bride
Chicago Bride
Bride with Sister and Mom
Sister and Bride
Serbian Wedding Parade
rakija
Serbian Wedding
Serbian Bride
Serbian Bride
Serbian Wedding
Serbian Wedding Couple
Serbian Wedding Party
St. Sava Serbian Chicago Wedding Church
Serbian Church Wedding
Chicago Serbian Wedding
Chicago Serbian Wedding
Chicago Serbian Wedding
Chicago Serbian Wedding St. Sava
Chicago Serbian Wedding
Father of the Bride Speech
Bride
Chicago Bride and Groom First Dance
Bride and Groom First Dance
Serbian Wedding Dancing
Chicago Serbian Wedding




Farris Wedding

I hope you have been keeping up with my Sarah posts in the past, that include her and her pup-Tucker. Sarah is just an all out beautiful person and I feel lucky to know her. I cried during her maid of honors speech, her best friend spoke of all the wonderful things that make her such a great person. Nick and Tucker will be well taken care of. Check out the post on their engagement because its such a wonderful story of how 4 generations of women in her family have touched one dress. Click here for that story.

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Chicago Wedding Details
Wedding Rings
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Chicago Wedding Details
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Farris Wedding
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Farris Wedding
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Brides mom and dad
Groom waiting for Bride
Wedding Reveal
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Wedding Reveal
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First Look
Chicago Biker Wedding
Wedding Couple
Wedding Family Portraits
Flower Girl
Flower Girls
Wedding Couple
Church Wedding
Maid of Honor
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Church Wedding
Park Ridge Wedding
Wedding Kiss
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Wedding Church
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Mother of the Groom
Bridal Party
Wedding Cake with Dog
Wedding Speeches
Wedding Speeches
Brides Parents
Mother of the Groom
Brides Parents Dance
Flower Girls Dancing