As we wind down 2024 and make way for 2025, we’re reflecting on our 2024 wedding photography highlights. It was a year of soaring new heights (literally, thanks to Zach’s drone license), heartwarming milestones, and, let’s be real, navigating a few tearful moments along the way. But hey, that’s life—it’s messy, beautiful, and sometimes involves adopting two ginger cats and a 29-year-old tortoise.
Let’s recap, shall we?
Hello, Chicago!
This year, we planted some serious roots in Chicago, and wow, what a city. Between the iconic architecture, working along side some seriously talented fellow photographers, the deep-dish pizza (obviously), and the incredible couples we worked with, it was love at first skyline. We had the honor of capturing love stories at stunning locations like The Rookery Building, Cuneo Mansion, Armour House, the Riverwalk, The Union League Club of Chicago, the Wrigley Building, and The Chicago History Museum.
And the best part? We’re heading back next year with even more Chicago weddings lined up! Amanda and Jordan and Molly and Jim, we cannot wait to celebrate with you at two gorgeous Chicago estates. We’re already dreaming about the photos (and the cake, let’s be honest).
Favorite Wedding Moments of 2024
This year was packed with unforgettable weddings and heartwarming moments, but here are a few that will live rent-free in our minds forever:
- Molly and Jeb’s confetti exit: Nothing says “just married” like a cascade of colorful confetti as they exited their church. Talk about a moment!
- Courtney and Austin’s puppy, Stanley: The award for cutest wedding party member ever goes to Stanley, who stole the show and melted every heart he encountered.
- Maggie and Isaac’s sparkler exit: Their epic grand exit at Black Iris Estate, complete with cold sparks lighting up the night, felt straight out of a movie.
- Katie and Alec’s garden party wedding: Katie’s mom surprised everyone with a “Mamma Mia”-inspired dance, and let’s just say, it was iconic. ABBA would be proud.
- Ryan and Kerry’s backyard wedding: Intimate, whimsical, and filled with the warmth of family and friends—it felt like a magical little escape.
- Francesca and Tim at the Cuneo Mansion: It was like being transported straight back to Italy with the romantic setting, timeless architecture, and pure amore.
- Julia and Will’s celebration in Ohio: A room bursting with jaw-dropping florals set the stage for an unforgettable day filled with love, laughter, and plenty of champagne.
Each of these moments reminds us why we love what we do. Being trusted to capture memories like these is a privilege we’ll never take lightly.
(Read more about each of these weddings and more here.)
The Sky’s the Limit
Big news: Zach officially became a licensed drone pilot this year, which has taken our work to a whole new level—literally. From epic aerial shots to dramatic venue reveals, his new skills have added a wow factor we’re obsessed with. Plus, who doesn’t want their wedding captured from an angle only the birds can see?
2024 Wedding Photography Highlights
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
We had the absolute joy of collaborating with some of the best planners in the business this year—Jenny Reber Events, Olive Fine Weddings, Stephan Weddings, Simply Sacred Events, Ooh La La Events, Thoughtfully Designed Co, LCB Weddings, and Fleurish Event Design. Together, we created magical moments and details that were as unforgettable as they were beautiful. (And trust us, we saw a lot of beauty this year.)
One of our favorite things has been diving headfirst into the creative process with our couples. Designing mood boards, swapping ideas, and then watching everything come to life on the big day? That’s the stuff that makes our hearts sing.
Oh, and in December, I upgraded my film camera – something I have wanted to do for several years now. Hooray! I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me in 2025. Spoiler alert: it’s going to involve a lot of timeless, dreamy photos so stay tuned.
The Highs, The Lows, and Everything In Between
2024 brought its share of joy, but it also held moments of deep heartache. We faced the difficult loss of Zach’s mom and unexpectedly said goodbye to our sweet cat, Clementine. These moments reminded us not only of the fragility of life but also of the profound importance of preserving memories. Photos became more than just images—they became a way to hold onto the people (and pets) and moments we treasure most, even when they’re no longer with us.
But life has a way of balancing the scales, and there were plenty of high points, too. We welcomed two ginger cats, Juniper and Jade, into our lives, who have taken up residence as full-time chaos coordinators. And Tiny, Zach’s 29-year-old family tortoise, now slowly roams our back yard on nice days, eating grass and following Willow and Nova around. I have to say, it’s pretty cute, even if he is a bit of a grumpy old man.
Tiny is not so Tiny
On the home front, we renovated my office—turning it into a space filled with tons of beautiful, natural light and soft blues that feels like a dream. We also doubled down on antiquing, paid off our car and made countless memories with our niece, who reminds us daily how to find joy in the little things. This year also marked a turning point as we got serious about our health, making intentional choices that have left us feeling stronger and more grounded. But we also spent many nights cooking dinner together while listening to classical Italian music because life is about balance, right?. And to top it all off, Zach whisked me away to Chicago for my birthday, where we geeked out over Monet at the Art Institute. Is it any wonder we love what we do when life is this full of inspiration?
And just as the year was wrapping up, we celebrated one more beautiful moment—my cousin, Kacie, got engaged to her now fiancé, Jack, at the Christmas tree farm his family owns. We’re so excited to look ahead to their wedding and all the love and joy it will bring!
Here’s to 2025
As we look to the year ahead, we’re filled with equal parts excitement and gratitude. 2024 taught us to celebrate the wins (big and small), and treasure every moment with the people—and pets—we love most.
To all our clients, friends, and family: thank you for being part of our story this year. Whether we captured your wedding or cheered you on from afar, we’re so grateful for your presence in our lives.
So, here’s to 2025—a year of intention. Let’s make it one for the books.
With love (and maybe a little cat fur),
Alison & Zach
