Moonlight Studios Chicago Wedding - Claire & Michael

Mar 27

Creative wedding night portrait outside Moonlight Studios Chicago.

Working with Claire & Mike started off with one of the best small-world stories I have. Claire was referred to me by the sister of a former bride (Sarah...you know who you are, and I cannot thank you enough). In corresponding with her to setup a consultation, she tells me that her fiancé's name is actually Mike Traut....who I grew up next door to! My family has since moved to Denver, but my folks and the Traut's do keep in touch. Still, never in a million years did I think I'd be reconnecting with Mike and his family.

Claire & Mike are truly a dynamic couple with a vision, and who love a good party. Both the ceremony & reception took place Moonlight Studios, with Revel Decor and Sound Investment transforming the venue and making their dream wedding a reality. Claire use to work in corporate event planning, so she knew exactly what she wanted in creating a visually exciting space. Although technically a winter wedding, it ended up being 70 degrees outside. We had almost zero plans to shoot outside, but I'm so happy we got to use the new Ignite Glass Studios mural right next door.

As a photographer, I'm always drawn to things I've never seen or experienced. I have to give a shout-out to DJ Timothee Lovelock of Lovelock Music Group. He's one of the best wedding DJ's I've seen, and he's also a violinist. As a finale to the evening, he plays while wearing a blue LED suit and lighting sparklers on his violin (check out the last few images). It's an unreal show!

I cannot thank Claire & Mike enough for making me a part of their day! Such an inspirational start to my 2017 season!