Joshua Albanese Photography Blog

Featured on Design My Shaadi

joshuaalbanese7 — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 20:05:40 +0000

We had so much fun with Akta and Ankur at their Engagement Party this summer and we are excited to relive the experience in our feature on Design my Shaadi!

The team over at Design My Shaadi interviewed Akta and Ankur and asked specifically about their experiences with some of their vendors – ourselves, Brookfield Zoo, Saffron Restaurant, DJ Damaniac, and Chicago LimoNet. We’re so flattered by their kind words and so glad they were so pleased with our work! Check out the whole post at: http://www.designmyshaadi.com/plannerscorner/posts/engaged-with-a-touch-of-the-motherland-ankur-and-aktas-engagement/

Thank you so much, Akta and Ankur!

Chicago DIY Wedding – Andrea and David – Chicago Wedding Photography

joshuaalbanese7 — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:52:29 +0000

I have been super excited for Andrea and David’s wedding since their first consult with Joshua – we immediately recognized each other as ‘kindred spirits’. They shared their proposal story with their family and friends at www.ourproposalstory.com, and it was a dream proposal! David planned a series of surprises during a trip to Canada based on Andrea’s love for the Anne of Green Gables movie (I share the same love for the book series) and you absolutely must read the story – long or short version. Not only did they visit the Green Gables home from the movie, David also surprised Andrea with a trip to Prince Edward Island to visit the home of the author, check out the Lake of Shining Waters, and hold hands and walk along the same Lover’s Lane that Anne traveled in the book/movie.

Oh. My. Goodness.

Perfection.

Just like the perfection that was their wedding. We met up with Andrea at the Lynfred Winery in Roselle, Illinois, where Andrea had booked their gorgeous French Suite for the girls to get ready.

Andrea’s stunning Casablanca gown waited patiently while the girls enjoyed a few glasses of champagne, opened gifts and primped. Andrea slipped into her gown and the ladies made their way over to the St. Walter Church.

With joyful tears in her eyes, Andrea met David at the end of the aisle and they were married by Father Guiney in a ceremony that engaged their loved ones in the blessings they were to receive. Kasia from Flowers by KH did an excellent job tying the flowers into Andrea and David’s overall wedding vision – the eclectic, vintage feel of the bouquets perfectly complemented Andrea’s gown.

Andrea and David departed the church to bubbles and the sound of ringing bells, toasted to their new marriage, and hopped in the limousine to take some couples photos at the Lynfred Winery. We couldn’t resist taking advantage of the beautiful sunset and the hand-carved spiral staircase in the winery.

On our way to the reception, we stopped at the Meacham Grove County Forest Preserve where we did our best to recreate the rolling hills and fields of PEI.

The perfection continued when we reached the reception at the Empress Banquets in Addison, IL, starting with their entrance to Green Day’s Today. Andrea and David put Martha Stewart to shame with their DIY projects – from the burlap LOVE flags to the totally, completely, and amazingly handmade centerpieces and the magnet guest favors. Jaws seriously dropped when you saw how much work and love they put into this wedding – they shared this video at their reception and it is another must see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJdsnK3ngDU. When I say they made their centerpieces, I mean they really made their centerpieces – from scratch. From selecting the branches and mason jars to pouring in and painting the plaster molds to stamping and stitching the LOVE flags – the care they showed in the planning of their wedding can foretell only great things for their relationship.

The guys from MDM Entertainment started spinning beats that kept the dance floor full the rest of the night while we stole the bridal party away to take advantage of some great vignettes around the Empress Banquets. So fierce.

Andrea and David, we’re humbled that you chose us to capture the celebration of love that was your wedding. You put so much care into every detail and we thoroughly enjoyed joining you on this blessed day. We’re sure to cross paths again both professionally (you can check out Andrea’s photography here: Andrea Dennis Photography) and personally – after all, we are kindred spirits. We can’t wait to see you again soon!

Chicago Sunrise

joshuaalbanese7 — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 14:31:55 +0000

When I am not Photographing Chicago Weddings I try to keep my mind open to other things in life. Its part of the growing up and understanding of life. Having this sense of discovery keeps my sense of excitement as that of a child. Being blown by a double rainbow or a sunrise in this case is just a beautiful thing something that will never grow old to me. My roots are in the aesthetics of Fine Art Photography and my heart is always at capturing the same for all my clients. Cheers!

Helpful Tips for Brides – Black Friday

joshuaalbanese7 — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 18:26:04 +0000

It’s that time of year! What’s that, you say? Thanksgiving time? No – it’s Black Friday planning time!

My love of Black Friday shopping is pretty well known around these parts, but all secular and moral debate aside, it’s a great ‘holiday’ for brides who think outside of the box and want to save some extra cash for the honeymoon.

For my wedding in Jamaica, I planned ahead and purchased a 3-piece luggage set on Black Friday for $20 to use to haul my wedding goods down to the Caribbean. Last year, I scoped out the sales and scored a 7-inch portable DVD player for $45 – I gave it to my niece, but it would be awesome way to display a slideshow of photos of the bride and groom on the guestbook table. One of my favorite Black Friday stores, Menards, usually has jar candles for $3 each that would be great centerpiece fillers. You can also find some great gifts for bridesmaids and groomsmen, from jewelry and perfume to movie box sets and remote control helicopters.

Not to despair, newlyweds – there are deals for you, too! Even though you can’t take advantage of Black Friday with your wedding preparation, you can totally use those Bed Bath and Beyond and Macy’s gift cards to cash in on that holy grail of all bridal registries – the KitchenAid stand mixer (only $180 this Black Friday at Macys!).

My favorite ad tracker to use for Black Friday shopping is http://www.blackfriday.info/. They have a nice, easy to navigate menu, they list the times that the stores open, and they allow you to build a shopping list – they’re even starting to build their ad pages for 2011. Now that I have given you the inspiration and the tools, go forth and stay warm. May the force be with you.

xoxoxoxoxo,
Rachel

For more info about Chicago Wedding Photography click here.

Michigan Wedding at Willow Harbor Vineyard -Amanda and Mike

joshuaalbanese7 — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 18:35:39 +0000

As soon as we arrived at the Willow Harbor Vineyard to shoot Amanda and Mike’s wedding, we were hit with an intense craving for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. It was a beautifully sunny day and the air was filled with the intoxicating aroma of Concord grapes – the perfect venue for this outdoorsy couple.

On our way to the Bridal Cottage, Mike called out to his fiancée to, “go put something nice on.” Nice, indeed. Amanda’s Allure gown was simply stunning with an open back that had jaws dropping. Probably one of our favorite wedding gowns all year.

It’s a good thing the bees were distracted by the grapes – otherwise, they wouldn’t be able to resist these super sweet flower girls.

The cake, courtesy of Arlene’s Wedding Cakes, perfectly reflected the autumn/wine colors in the bridesmaid dresses.

The amazing florals were provided by good family friends, Cedar Lake Florist. We love that they took the personalities of the bride and groom into consideration when designing the centerpieces. The inclusion of bamboo was a nod to the bride’s passion for environmental sustainability, and the fire truck arrangement was a tribute to Mike’s service with the Chicago Fire Department. Great job, Charlie and Marilyn!

Amanda and Mike, your devotion to each other is inspiring – your willingness to go camping for 2 weeks…maybe not as inspiring, but certainly just as admirable (just kidding). Wishing you both a world of happiness as you take your first steps together as husband and wife!

NWI Wedding – Ashley and Todd – Sandy Pines

joshuaalbanese7 — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:01:48 +0000

Photographing family is one of my greatest joys. Given my profession as a visual documentarian I often spend most of my time capture these precious memories for my clients and often I will admit that I tend to burn out when it comes time to family holidays. Ashley is my cousin and when she finalized her wedding date I knew it would be my calling to photograph their day. The weather played perfectly for her and Todd’s outdoor ceremony. And I must say I love this country club as we had all the golf carts I could get my hands on.