Jenna Cole Photography-Chicago, IL » Lifestyle and Wedding Photographer

The first dance is always a chance for me to play a little bit. I spend some time “playing it safe” making sure I get at least one shot that I know the couple will love, but once I know I have one of those, it’s time for me to play with my settings, the lighting, etc, to see if I can come up with something  unique for that couple to enjoy. I’m going for something wall worthy!

One of my very first shoots with my new camera was a tiny wedding ceremony (the first photo you see below),  in the groom’s family’s church, held before a larger ceremony the next week. The entire thing was done in another language (please excuse me for forgetting which Lynn, it’s been a long time since then!), but the language barrier didn’t prevent me from understanding the sentiment and love being expressed that day. I’ve found over the past year that the love and devotion I tried to capture at that very first wedding is present at each and every ceremony, no matter the size, length, location, or denomination. What a wonderful honor it is to be a part of a commemoration that will become one of the most treasured events the couple will ever experience.

The moment when the dress slips on and woman becomes bride… pure magic, and the giggles and smiles that come along with it facilitate some of the best photos of the day. Summer is almost here, which means a whole new round of beautiful brides to work with. I can’t wait!

The reason why I won’t ever give up weddings? The details my dear! I was a very detail-oriented bride myself, and I find myself able to relive that part of the experience each and every time I show up to photograph a wedding. I have to say, my favorite shot from this bunch is of the flower girl writing to the new couple, “Brad, Kimberly, I hope you have a lovabul time!!” I’m also a bit partial to cake buffets though, as I had one at my own wedding. You can never have too much cake!

Lucky me, I’ve been able to do more engagement sessions than any other type of session over the past year. I’ve said it many times, and I really mean it… if I could run my business solely on engagement/duet sessions (and maybe a few bridals thrown in there as well!) I would definitely do so. Each location, and the couple I meet at that location, are so unique and I adore the excitement and sweetness that I find waiting for me at each one. A big thank you to the many couples who were willing to give me 2 hours of their life over the past year!