Bridgeport Art Center Wedding: Lauren + Jeff

I fell in love. Documenting Lauren & Jeff’s first day as husband and wife was way more magical then I could have ever imagined. From the tears Jeff shed when he saw Lauren for the first time to the electrifying dance Lauren and father surprised all of the guest with during their Father/Daughter Dance—the day was filled with so.much.love.

After getting ready with her best girlfriends, Lauren met Jeff at Aster Hall @ 900 North Michigan for the sweetest first look. In the car ride over, all Lauren kept saying was “I just need to see Jeff”. And when she did, all the anxiety she felt just melted away. She was at peace. He truly is her “calm”. Their first look was so sweet, even I needed a tissue to regroup.

Once portraits commenced, we headed over to the Bridgeport Art Center where Lauren shared another tearful first look with her father before the ceremony. Together they walked down the aisle and he gave her away to thee most amazing and deserving young man, Jeff. The ceremony was full of joy and laugher and even included a musical selection by a small choir. Everyone in the room rejoiced as they vowed themselves to one another and jumped the broom!

The celebration continued into the night where there was a delicious meal, drinks galore, crazy wild dancing and late night burgers (yum!). It was a celebration that truly spoke to who Lauren and Jeff are as individuals and as a dynamic couple. I am so honored to have been able to share in their special day. Lauren & Jeff, thank you for entrusting me with the opportunity to capture all these wonderful memories. I wish you both a lifetime of love, happiness and beautiful babies! xoxo

“About 5 minutes into our first conversation [on our first date] I was overwhelmed with a sense of stillness that I had never experienced before. I was so present and felt so comfortable and it was if we had known each other for years. I was able to be 1000% my most authentic self without hesitation. There was no doubt in my mind that this man was going to play a special role in my life. To this day he is my calm and I pray that feeling will never go away.” ~Lauren

“I Love You …With My Whole Heart”

“I’m my most authentic self when I’m with Jeff and felt that immediately, even friends and family noticed the way I talked about him was different and that I was “me”. He was so trustworthy and so generous and we just fit together.” ~Lauren

“I’ve never had so much fun with another person doing the mundane. We could be having the time of our lives just driving, cleaning, or waiting for a flight. She makes the special occasions matter so much more. My life with Lauren is more than I could have ever hoped to have.” ~Jeff

“I fell in love and keep falling in love with her because she’s never been anything besides her most authentic self. She said something to me on our second date that took me by surprise. It wasn’t just the content, but it implied that she’d also be giving her opinion at face value regardless of whether or not it was a popular opinion or not. That same kind of honesty, coupled with her sense of humor, passion, and work ethic is what drew me to her and continues to drive me to loving her.” ~Jeff

“I used to work for a restaurant group and would go hours without eating late into the night. On his way home from work when we first started dating, he used to drop off snacks and treats to make sure I never went without eating. As our relationship progressed he started to add flowers and/or sweet notes. One particularly busy night, Jeff dropped off a snack with an encouraging note written in purple pen on the back of a photocopy of one of his textbook pages. I noticed that there were letters circled with the same purple pen on the text book copy. I quickly tried to decipher it but couldn’t take much time away from work. The next morning something told me to reread the circled letters and I was able to decipher his message of “I’m so in love with you”. The next day he picked me up from work to take me to class and before I could tell him I found the note and let him know that I was in love with him too, he blurted it out for the first time. It was so genuine and thoughtful, and to this day he never ceases to amaze me.” ~Lauren

“She’s so stunning, but the thing that made, and makes, her so endearing is how her eyes light up when she talks about something she’s passionate about.” ~Jeff

“The most important thing to Lauren is that we have a life together based on love and affection, and that communication is always open.” ~Jeff

“Jeff’s kind and gentle spirit won me over on our first date. He is so handsome that sometimes I catch myself just looking at him. He has gorgeous piercing blue puppy dog eyes and look right into your soul. During our first date, his stunning good looks were paired with a soft-spoken and somewhat timid demeanor that caught me off guard. I later learned that he was nervous and I thought that was the cutest thing in the world.” ~Lauren

“Lauren has the most expressive eyes I’ve ever seen. Her smile is so much more than just her mouth, her entire face lights up.” ~Jeff

“We laugh together and learn together and as simple as it may seem, we can actually talk to one another. It’s like we have our own language and are always on the same page. Jeff is selfless and nurturing and we balance each other out. Even in trying moments, we choose to love each other every day. I can’t imagine my life without Jeff and my life before him seems like a distant venture. He was put on this Earth for me and I thank God everyday for that.” ~Lauren

Many thanks to the amazing team who brought this celebration to life...

Venue: Bridgeport Art Center

Event Planner: Lauren Robinson (the Bride)

Day of Coordinator: Stephanie Spence

Makeup: Danielle Rochon Makeup

Hair: Kesha “Keystylist” Levy

Photographer: Nicee Martin Photo & Design

Catering: Cocina Fusion

Draping/Lighting: Art of Imagination

Florist: InFlorEsence

Ceremony Music: Trinity United Church of Christ

Cake Designer: Bjorn Bakery

Music: The DJ Firm

Bridal Gown - Bella Bianca Couture

Dress Designer - Hayley Paige

Groom & Groomsmen’s Tuxedoes - Black Tux

Bridesmaid’s Dresses - Brideside

Nails - Lady Legs

---

Click Here to view the entire gallery of images from this Chicago Wedding at the Bridgeport Art Center by Chicago Wedding Photographer, Nicee Martin.

If you enjoyed reading about this lovely couple, why not tell them so?! Spread the love by leaving well wishes and congratulations in the comments section below. They'll enjoy reading your messages in the years to come! xoxo

---

2017 Chicago Styled Shoot

2017 Chicago Styled Shoot with Miss Motley Photography + Nicole Marie Events

March 31 | Great Gatsby Inspired Wedding & Rehearsal Dinner | 1:00pm - 6:00pm

Location: Private Residence in Hyde Park - Chicago, IL

Nicee Martin of Miss Motley Photography + Nicole Pittmon of Nicole Marie Events are teaming up to create a phenomenal styled shoot here in Chicago for new and seasoned photographers alike. This styled shoot allows photographers, like you, to capture luxurious details & portraits without the stress of an actual wedding day. Here, you'll be able to practice finding your own creative photographic voice, or just capture some fresh images for your website or for marketing purposes. It also provides you with an opportunity to network with other fellow creatives here in the Chicagoland area.

The color palate that has been selected for this Great Gatsby inspired shoot is black and gold, with white accents. The styled shoot will take place in an elegant Victorian private residence on Chicago's Southside. With its 20-foot cathedral ceilings, Juliet balconies, chandeliers, polished Grand Piano, and open spiral staircase, this venue is sure to provide the perfect backdrop for our elegant styled shoot.

Who's it for?

• New or aspiring photographers looking to advance their skills
• Intermediate photographers looking to build their portfolio
• Professional photographers looking for new marketing images

Our Itinerary | Your day begins with a meet and greet at 1:00pm. We will begin shooting at 1:30pm with groups of two photographers each rotating through designated "stations" throughout the residence. Stations include, but are not limited to: "bride" getting ready with hair/makeup, bridal details, wedding cake/dessert table, invitation suite, full tablescape, specialty drinks & hors d'oeuvre, couples exit outdoors with a Rose-Royce Phantom, etc.

There will be 4 main models: a bride, a groom and a man and woman posing as an engaged couple. That way you'll have an opportunity to capture bridal images, as well as, party images for more versatility. There will also be several other models coming later in the day to give the space an actual party feel should you wish to capture interactive photos. A full list of contributing vendors will also be provided so that you can tag the appropriate vendors when sharing your images online after the shoot.

Attendees | This styled shoot will be limited to 12 photographers. You are encouraged to bring all the necessary gear that would be used to photograph an indoor event. Lunch will be provided.

Registration | $175 early bird rate EXTENDED through March 31..

CLICK HERE to reserve your spot today!!

Questions? Please email Nicee at nicee@missmotleyphotography.com.

We hope to see you soon!

- View the images below for sneak peeks into recent events by Nicole Marie Events -

Lincoln Park Conservatory Engagement Session: Delisha + Robert

Delisha & Robert met through mutual friends while in college at Northern Illinois University. From the moment they met their connection has been electrifying. The journey has taken them through graduation, starting new careers and then moving across the country to Settle. Yet, Chicago is still home and where they plan to marry come August 2017. So it was only fitting that they choose to capture their engagement photos here in Chicago at the Lincoln Park Broadwalk. It was a great day to get together minus the 20 degree weather, snow flurries and overcast skyline. These two snuggled up and made the best of it--they are the true MVPs! xoxo

I just love these two <3

Delisha’s smile, its beautiful and the first thing I noticed about her. ~Robert

There is not a moment in time when I don't feel loved or appreciated. ~Delisha

I feel like Robert is always surprising me with things when I least expect it. He does a great job listening to my needs and wants.  ~Delisha

Delisha was for me because she has always pushed me, never let me settle, supported my dreams and has a kind heart.  Whether that was helping me collect signatures to run for President in college, making my birthday special, or encouraging me to move halfway across the country to follow my dreams, she has always been there for me and I will always love her for that. ~Robert

---

Click Here to view the entire gallery of images from the event.

If you enjoyed reading about this lovely couple, why not tell them so?! Spread the love by leaving well wishes and congratulations in the comments section below. They'll enjoy reading your messages in the years to come! xoxo

---