Where to begin except to express how truly grateful and blessed my husband and I were to find such incredibly, talented photographers and wonderful, genuine people such as Sarah + Ryan!
I am addicted to capturing all of life's moments, photography and turning any opportunity I get into a theme party. Sarah and Ryan did just this and beautifully and uniquely captured every moment.
My husband and I had an extended engagement and with that I had spent many hours researching and investigating for the right photographer. I wanted work that did not have the soft 90's glow edged around every photo or awkward poses of all of our bridal party jumping mid-air. We were looking for a photographer that utilized modern photographer capabilities by capturing crisp, quality photos but also maintained the softness and vintage, classic elegance. I wanted classic photos that we could have to cherish, hang throughout our house and in our wedding album-timeless. That is when I found Sarah and Ryan. From the moment I came across their blog and website I was in love (I am pretty sure I have read every post and viewed every piece of their work!)! Right away Sarah was attentive and even though our date was further down the road she showed interest in assisting us. When we had to change our date due to weather, Sarah was on-top of everything trying to work with us on switching our date. I swear she is a Farmer's Almanac with weather, a wedding planner with her quality referrals and covers everything else in between!
The first time we actually met was for our engagement shoot, but from all of her assistance prior and our correspondences I felt like we already knew them. My husband and I also maintain a very busy and hectic lifestyle and the day of the engagement was nothing different, this was mixed with my husband not being big on taking photos or posing. Sarah and Ryan brought such a comfortable, calm atmosphere to the shoot and directed us so well, that our photos came out so natural and truly captured the moment and day. Also, they found such unique spots in Downtown Chicago that one could pass every day and not realize the potential of the photos that could be captured there. The best is that they let creativity flow and go with it! From one day, all in downtown Chicago, we have such a variety and genre of moments captured (sporting, country-field setting, water/beach, city, Chicago skyline and more!)
Following our engagement photos, I worked with Sarah and Ryan for my husband's wedding present which was a themed-personalized boudoir photo book. As I mentioned HUGE on themes, so the amount of outfit changes, and décor props I brought was a lot! Prior to arrival I thought this would be a piece of cake, as I started the shoot I had become nervous! Within a few photo shots, I was completely at ease. Sarah and Ryan were phenomenal and so patient with my quirky ideas and making me comfortable. The environment was comfortable, made me feel confident and there was a lot of laughing involved as well. I really don't think I could have done this with anyone else or receive such phenomenal results. The end results were tasteful, classic, fun, intimate but not trashy. The quality of photos and the actual book my husband received looked like professional book-magazine spread.
When our wedding day arrived, as I am sure it is like this for all brides, it was non-stop action. Also, I learned that no matter how small the question a lot of it gets asked to the bride. Sarah was fantastic, she was so extremely helpful and attentive but at the same time in the background capturing it all without being obtrusive. On our wedding day, there was a snafu and our means of transportation, a wedding trolley broke down prior to picking up the groom, his side of the bridal party and all our wedding guests. Amidst all of this chaos Sarah+Ryan remained calm and led by example. They were efficient and still able to capture our key requested shots. Not only did they capture the main ones, but they captured moments that we had no idea even occurred. From the finest detail of the scenery, to a glance caught in a moment in time, Sarah and Ryan got it! They are such a wonderful team, directing others when needed and at other times, hidden on the wall but capturing it all. On such a beautifully yet chaotic day, it was so wonderful to view all the details we missed and relive all the moments that occurred.
To sum it up-Sarah and Ryan want the best for their clients, it seems as each shoot is a personal challenge for them to capture that perfect shot. They only use the highest quality of materials, equipment, software and their undivided attention. They are a phenomenal team, personally and professional and we are truly blessed to have met them and build the relationship we have with them. Thank you again for everything and we look forward to working with you on many more of life's moments! read more