Couples

Bridgeport Art Center Wedding: Lauren + Jeff

black wedding photographer in Chicago

I fell in love. Documenting Lauren & Jeff’s first day as husband and wife was way more magical then I could have ever imagined. From the tears Jeff shed when he saw Lauren for the first time to the electrifying dance Lauren and father surprised all of the guest with during their Father/Daughter Dance—the day was filled with so.much.love.

After getting ready with her best girlfriends, Lauren met Jeff at Aster Hall @ 900 North Michigan for the sweetest first look. In the car ride over, all Lauren kept saying was “I just need to see Jeff”. And when she did, all the anxiety she felt just melted away. She was at peace. He truly is her “calm”. Their first look was so sweet, even I needed a tissue to regroup.

Once portraits commenced, we headed over to the Bridgeport Art Center where Lauren shared another tearful first look with her father before the ceremony. Together they walked down the aisle and he gave her away to thee most amazing and deserving young man, Jeff. The ceremony was full of joy and laugher and even included a musical selection by a small choir. Everyone in the room rejoiced as they vowed themselves to one another and jumped the broom!

The celebration continued into the night where there was a delicious meal, drinks galore, crazy wild dancing and late night burgers (yum!). It was a celebration that truly spoke to who Lauren and Jeff are as individuals and as a dynamic couple. I am so honored to have been able to share in their special day. Lauren & Jeff, thank you for entrusting me with the opportunity to capture all these wonderful memories. I wish you both a lifetime of love, happiness and beautiful babies! xoxo

Many thanks to the amazing team who brought this celebration to life...

Venue: Bridgeport Art Center

Event Planner: Lauren Robinson (the Bride)

Day of Coordinator: Stephanie Spence

Makeup: Danielle Rochon Makeup

Hair: Kesha “Keystylist” Levy

Photographer: Nicee Martin Photo & Design

Catering: Cocina Fusion

Draping/Lighting: Art of Imagination

Florist: InFlorEsence

Ceremony Music: Trinity United Church of Christ

Cake Designer: Bjorn Bakery

Music: The DJ Firm

Bridal Gown - Bella Bianca Couture

Dress Designer - Hayley Paige

Groom & Groomsmen’s Tuxedoes - Black Tux

Bridesmaid’s Dresses - Brideside

Nails - Lady Legs


Click Here to view the entire gallery of images from this Chicago Wedding at the Bridgeport Art Center by Chicago Wedding Photographer, Nicee Martin.

If you enjoyed reading about this lovely couple, why not tell them so?! Spread the love by leaving well wishes and congratulations in the comments section below. They'll enjoy reading your messages in the years to come! xoxo


Chicago Theatre Engagement Session: Patrice + Qiante

Patrice and Qiante are simply adorable together and their affection for one another is so warm and heartfelt. Their love has carried them for nearly 10 years, many miles away and back home again. Through thick and thin, they have withstood the test of time and have built a foundation to get through the years ahead. I cannot wait to document their winter wedding this December at Stan Mansion here in Chicago! Cheers!


Click Here to view the entire gallery of images from their session.

If you enjoyed reading about this lovely couple, why not tell them so?! Spread the love by leaving well wishes and congratulations in the comments section below. They'll enjoy reading your messages in the years to come! xoxo


Bolingbrook Golf Club Wedding: Eman + Vincent

What a fun celebration Eman & Vincent’s wedding day was. Not only did I get to work with one of my favorite creative teams Pamela Hewlett Events, Danielle Rochon Makeup and Penthouse Sweets for this Bolingbrook Golf Club wedding, but I got to work with this very fun, cool, and affectionate couple. Eman & Vincent are every wedding photographers dream! They have crazy chemistry with each other, they trust their wedding vendors and give them creative freedom to do what they do best, and they are just all around fun loving people!! They literally flowed through their wedding day so naturally and carefree— just living in the moment! Which made things super easy for me, because I never had to force anything. I just came along for the ride and captured all the genuine emotions that unfolded throughout the day. The laughter, the awe, the dancing, the excitement. Nothing contrived or forced here. All genuine. All natural. All love. 

Many thanks to the amazing team who brought this celebration to life...

Venue: Bolingbrook Golf Club

Event Coordinator: Pamela Hewlett Events

Florist: Floral Events

Cake Designer: Penthouse Sweets

Luxury Invitations: IJORERE, Inc.

Makeup Artist: Danielle Rochon Makeup

Wedding Gown Designer: Pantora Bridal

Groom’s Attire: The Dapper Club, Inc

Music: DJ Commando 

Officiant: Pastor Frederick Wilson

Secondary Photographer: Michelle Vergara

Click Here to view the entire gallery of images from this Bolingbrook Golf Club Wedding by Chicago Wedding Photographer Miss Motley Photography.


If you enjoyed reading about this lovely couple, why not tell them so?! Spread the love by leaving well wishes and congratulations in the comments section below. They'll enjoy reading your messages in the years to come! xoxo


Noah's of Naperville Wedding: Courtney + John

Courtney & John's love story dates all the way back to their teenage years and their wedding was a testament to their history and unyielding love for one another. Their wedding celebration was a merger of two families which have already been so closely connected over the past decade. Everyone was so thrilled to finally see these two tie the knot, even the brides parents presented them with "True Love 2017" jerseys to commemorate the occasion. It was a joyous celebration indeed!

Many thanks to the amazing team who brought this celebration to life...

Venue: Noah's Event Venue

Event Coordinator & Florals: Olivia Grace Events

Caterer: Chef by Request

Makeup: Danielle Rochon Makeup

Hair Stylist: SP Hair Studio & Extensions

Cake: Alliance Bakery

Music: DJ Kid Clay

Click Here to view the entire gallery of images from this Noah's Event Venue wedding by Chicago Wedding Photographer Miss Motley Photography.


If you enjoyed reading about this lovely couple, why not tell them so?! Spread the love by leaving well wishes and congratulations in the comments section below. They'll enjoy reading your messages in the years to come! xoxo


River North Engagment Session: Eman + Vincent

Eman & Vincent met through mutual friends while on their way to Statesville Haunted House several years ago. While hanging out together, Vincent thought she was already taken, while Eman was secretly plotting on how she could see him again. Luckily, as fate would have it, Eman was "single & ready to mingle" ;-) They have been laughing, loving and growing together ever since.

I am so honored to have been asked to document their journey to the altar and I cannot wait for their fall wedding at the Bolingbrook Golf Club in Bolingbrook, IL.


Click Here to view the entire gallery of images from their session.

If you enjoyed reading about this lovely couple, why not tell them so?! Spread the love by leaving well wishes and congratulations in the comments section below. They'll enjoy reading your messages in the years to come! xoxo


St. James Farm Engagement Session: Emily + Mike

Emily + Mike both grew up in Wheaton, IL and met through mutual high school friends about three years ago. What I love most about this couple's story is the way in which Mike has fully embraced Emily's 6-year-old daughter, Ava, as his own. It is very reminiscent of me and my stepdad. Being with them during their engagement session made me think back to the memories that I have from when my stepdad first came into my life. I thought back on how he taught me how to ride a bike, that time he surprised my brother and I with a puppy, how he would always pick me up off the floor when I'd fall out of the bed in the middle of the night, and how he always surprised me with candy and a teddy bear on Valentine's Day.

Mike is the same way with Ava. He is protective of her, playful with her and sets a great example for her of how a man should treat a woman in how he loves and cherishes Emily. When he proposed to Emily this past August at St. James Farm, he even gave Ava a mini-ring too, so that she would be included in this journey that they are on to becoming a family. Mike recalls the moment he proposed to Emily & Ava:

I remember the entire world disappearing. I'm typically a very in-tune person with all of my surroundings, the people, weather, nature, etc. But for that moment, it all vanished. I was only focused on Emily and Ava. Both of their reactions, body language and excitement.

One day Mike helped me put Ava to bed and we were just snuggled up with her. Everything about that moment felt so right and I knew he was the one. I had never introduced Ava to anyone else like that before. I love the way he treats Ava and I. I know that Mike is the type of man that I hope my daughter dates one day. Respectful, funny, hard working, passionate…I could go on and on! ~Emily

I would without a doubt have her mental strength. Its actually one of those things that amazes me every time I think deeply about it. I replay memories in my mind of times when I haven't been sure about things and have been given confidence from her. She's strong and I wish I had the ability like her to be 100% with decisions I've made and the ones that are yet to come. ~Mike

Emily, Mike and Ava are so excited to "officially" become a family next July at Fishermen's Inn and I am honored to be along for the journey.


If you enjoyed reading about this lovely couple, why not tell them so?! Spread the love by leaving well wishes and congratulations in the comments section below. They'll enjoy reading your messages in the years to come! xoxo


Ohio Street Beach Engagement Session: Briana + Chris

Briana + Chris' story began in 2013 when they met in Race & Ethics class on the first class of the semester. Briana, a Chicago native, was new to Huntsville, Alabama and struck up a conversation with Chris after class inquiring about what recreational actives were available in the area. The rest was history, Chris has been offering advice, loving, protecting and caring for Briana ever since, and vice versa. 

These two have already gone through some very difficult situations together--I'm talking "for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part" situations. But through all of the obstacles that they've faced, their love for one another has prevailed, and their bond, strengthened. Briana, recalls one such moment when she writes:

During one of Chris’ hospital stays. He was hooked up to a respirator, highly sedated and strapped to the bed. At this time his only communication was with pen and paper. On a piece of paper he wrote, “Are you sure this is what you want.” What surprised me in that moment is his wanting to ensure my happiness even if it cost him his own. He wasn't thinking that he could possibly die, but he was thinking of me. It was in that moment that I assured him that I was in it for the long haul.    

I mean, seriously, how could you not love these two?! After hearing about how the two of them have overcome so many obstacles together I knew that I had to make this engagement session something special. Not only was this a celebration of their engagement and their love, but it was a celebration of their lives--and that is the greatest gift of all. 

So we began the engagement session at Jane Addams Memorial Park, which is next to the Ohio Street Beach. 

We then took a short walk over to Milton Lee Olive Park which overlooks the beach.

The view from this pier is one of the best views of the Chicago Skyline--perfect for engagement photos!

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"Briana has the ability to see the positive in every situation… she is everything I need, want and more…" ~Chris

"Chris is always who he says he is. He is honest and loving despite his hard exterior. I always feel safe with him and know that he will always look out for my best interest and make sure that I am happy." ~ Briana

2016 has been such a big year for Briana & Chris. Not only did they get engaged this past May, but they both graduated with their Masters in Social Work from Alabama A&M University this past spring! So of course we had to incorporate that milestone into their engagement session!! 

Navy Pier's ferris wheel, Centennial Wheel, provided thee perfect backdrop for the these photos as we wrapped up their engagement session. 

Briana & Chris, you both are already an inspiration to so many people in your lives. Congratulations on this wonderful accomplishment!!  I'm honored to be able to document another great milestone in your life come next July--your wedding day!!! xoxo


If you enjoyed reading about this lovely couple, why not tell them so?! Spread the love by leaving well wishes and congratulations in the comments section below. They'll enjoy reading your messages in the years to come! xoxo


Adler Planetarium Engagement Photos: Heleen + Aly

Heleen and Aly are a well-traveled, international and adventurous couple. With Heleen being Dutch and Aly, Pakistani, there is never a dull moment with these two. They love to explore new places and activities together. Aly enjoys scuba diving and together they have swam among whale sharks and even climbed "Child of Krakatao", an active volcano in Indonesia. Even their engagement was so perfectly planned to fit their international taste.

While on a sabbatical in Indonesia earlier this year, Aly proposed on a beautiful beach in Lombok during sunset. He had the entire proposal planned so perfectly. Remembering Heleen's love for puzzles, he had jewelry made in Egypt with hieroglyphics engraved on it which spelled out 'would you like to marry me' in Dutch. Heleen had spent the day fasting with Aly and when they were breaking their fast on the beach, he gave her the jewelry and a key and had her decipher the message. It was an engagement that was true to their love and appreciation for different cultures. So naturally, they wanted to be sure that their engagement portraits celebrated both of their rich heritages. Therefore, we started the engagement session at the iconic Kinzie Street Bridge in traditional Pakistani attire.

After a quick wardrobe change, we hoped in an uber and headed to Adler Planetarium for the second half of their engagement session.

We arrived just in time to witness a gorgeous sunset. I was in awe of the warm golden haze that we captured...

...and these two were in a world of their own.

We literally shot until the sunset. Just look at that view!! It so true, that no matter how far you travel, there's no place like Chicago…. Oooops! I mean, there's no place like home :)


If you enjoyed reading about this lovely couple, why not tell them so?! Spread the love by leaving well wishes and congratulations in the comments section below. They'll enjoy reading your messages for years to come! xoxo


Metropolitan Club Chicago Wedding: Anne + Jeff

Anne and Jeff married at Metropolitan Club on the 66th floor of Willis Tower, with breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline--perfect for a couple who loves the city as much as they do!! But even more special than the spectacular views was the love and affection that surrounded this fun couple on their BIG day.

Anne and her girls got prepared at The Hotel Chicago Downtown, Autograph Collection in a warm sun-filled room as the city buzzed below.

Meanwhile, across town in their home, Jeff and his groomsmen prepared for the big day.

Anne and Jeff opted to see each other before the ceremony, which created lots of time for wedding portraits. So we set off on an adventure around the city of Chicago!

First stop: the park outside their home. 

We then jumped on a trolley and headed to Adler Planetarium for more wedding photos. The view of the Chicago Skyline from the planetarium is simply to die for.

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We ended our journey on the River Walk outside of City Winery. The same place where I photographed their engagement session a few months prior.

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Don't you just love these two?!

Now off to the altar--the altar with a view for their wedding ceremony at the Metropolitan Club on the 66th floor of Willis Tower.

And yes, they paused for a "newly-wed selfie" before they made their exit. Such a fun pair, those two!

Anne surprised Jeff with a grooms cake that was shaped like a Michigan baseball cap. Needless to say, this Michigan fanatic LOVED it!! Way to go Anne!

There were so many laughs, memories and tears shared throughout the day as Anne and Jeff's friends and family celebrated their new union. They even took time out to commemorate Anne’s late father, Willis. Even though Anne’s father passed in 2014, he was there in spirit. He was there in the special touches, like the locket wrapped around Anne’s bouquet, and the heart patch of his favorite shirt that was stitched to the inside of her dress just over her heart.

His presence was especially felt during the reception when Anne's maid of honor stood to give her speech. She talked about the agreement Willis made with Anne before his passing and how he would let Anne know whenever he is around by leaving change, specifically silver (nickels, dimes and quarters). She then invited all the guest in the room to grab the change that she had placed in the center of their table and shower the couple with it. Before I knew it, coins were being tossed into the air and landing around my feet on the dance floor.

Love, respect, affection and honor was in the air and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. I stood there weeping like a baby behind my camera lens. Even now, as I type this, tears are welling up in my eyes. It was a special moment, very powerful and one that will never be forgotten.

Once the tears were dried, it was time to honor Willis, Anne and Jeff through dance and celebration and so the party continued.

Anne and Jeff ended their night with photos at the Skydeck Chicago on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower. It was the perfect ending to such a spectacular day!

View their wedding slideshow below!

Many thanks to the amazing team who brought this celebration to life...

Venue: Metropolitan Club 

Paper goods: Spilled Ink Press 

Florals: Davenport Design

Gown Designer: Watters Bridal

Makeup: Christine Zafiropoulos

Hair: Stephanie Minier

Cake: Bittersweet Bakery

Music: Mike Tawney


If you enjoyed reading about this lovely couple, why not tell them so?! Spread the love by leaving well wishes and congratulations in the comments section below. They'll enjoy reading your messages in the years to come! xoxo


Chicago Engagement Photos: Trista + Danny

When they first met, there was an immediate connection between them. Trista was mesmerized by Danny's blue eyes and Danny was enamored by Trista's persona and humor. Their connection was instantaneous and electrifying. They were so intrigued be one another that they spend the entire night outside sitting cross-legged on the sidewalk talking and laughing until the wee hours of the morning and the rest was history. Their love and support for one another is what every girl wishes to someday have. 

"He loves us unconditionally and everyday he wakes up and makes it the best day with his optimism. When I get home from a rough days work, he gives me a big hug and takes the weight of the world off my shoulders…" ~Trista

"I was sick and had spent time in the hospital for a scary couple of days. While there I reflected on all the different grandiose proposals I had dreamt up and threw it all away... I realized I didn’t want to wait another day, another minute to propose to the love of my life, so on the day we were celebrating Christmas I completely surprised her with the proposal and it was just a beautiful organic moment in time that I'll never forget." ~Danny

"Trista is so supportive. I feel like I could quit my job and sell peanuts at Wrigley and she’d be so happy I’m following my dreams. That kind of verbal support is empowering and satisfying." ~Danny

Trista & Danny are extremely driven, hard working and adventurous. They are also the proud parents to a beautiful boy named Connor. They are set to marry this September at Black Hawk on the River in Boise, Idaho.

Chicago River Walk Engagement Session: Anne + Jeff

Anne and Jeff are a very fun, loving and adventurous couple. They initially met through mutual friends at bar trivia and after seeing each other around a few times, they finally hit it off one night at Will’s Northwoods Inn on St Patrick’s Day 3 years ago. Anne recalls, “Jeff was wearing a 'Happy St. Patrick Swayze Day' t-shirt and I was wearing a Chi-rish shirt. I was obsessed with his and we decided it would be a great idea to switch shirts for the night. It was after the shirt switch that he asked me on our first date.”

These two are always on the go and up for a fun adventure. Not only do they have an immense love for the great city of Chicago, but they also love traveling to different places around the world and just exploring with each other. Their greatest adventure together being their trip to Europe where they visited Paris, Barcelona & Madrid. I know they will have many more exciting adventures together in the years to come.

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I am most attracted to Jeff when he looks at me from across the table or at a bar. There is something in his eyes that glimmers and the connection we have in the moment is wonderful! ~Anne

At night, right as we have both hopped in bed, we will jokingly annoy each other. I feel like I’m laughing every night before bed...and for literally no reason other than Jeff saying something funny or trying to tickle me. ~Anne

When she’s at home and it’s just us, she will talk to our plants as if they are pets when she’s watering or trimming them. It sounds weird but it makes me laugh. ~Jeff


If you enjoyed reading about this lovely couple, why not tell them so?! Spread the love by leaving well wishes and congratulations in the comments section below. They'll enjoy reading your messages in the years to come! xoxo


Pazzo's 311 Chicago Wedding: Felicia+ Bart

Felicia & Bart's urban wedding took place on a warm summer day at Pazzo's 311 in Chicago, Illinois. Their marital union is a result of dreams, fate and the childhood wishes of a three year old girl. Growing up Felicia's mom always teased her about her preschool friend Bart and how everyday after preschool, Felicia would come home and tell her that she was going to marry Bart and they were going to have 13 children! Felicia often thought her mother made the story up because after all, how could a three year old already be planning a family? Fast forward 15 years to a few weeks before Felicia is set to head off to college while she is attending her friend Britton's graduation party. Britton, walks up to a group of her and her friends and introduces them to his college roommate, Bart. Felicia immediately recalls her mother's stories and tells him, "I went to preschool with a guy named Bart." As luck would have it, this was the same Bart from preschool! A few months later the two reconnected while Bart was in Chicago during Thanksgiving break and the rest is history!

The decor for this spectacular wedding is just as unique as this couple's story. The blue and purple color scheme was inspired by Felicia's favorite flower, orchids, and a navy blue James Bond tuxedo with a black lapel. Felicia loved the idea of having gold as the accent color since it was less common then silver. Consequently, gold accents ended up being much harder to find which lead to a few DIY projects which included: table numbers, gift card box, menus, escort cards, etc. In the end, these colors came together in a very tasteful and elegant way.

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View their wedding slideshow below!

Many thanks to the fabulous team who brought this celebration to life...
Venue: Pazzo’s at 311
Event Planner: One Fine Day Events
Cake Designer: Oak Mill Bakery
Makeup Artist: Danielle Rochon Makeup
Floral Designer: Bella Flora Inc
Cinema and Video: Borrowed and Blue Productions
DJ: Charles Protege


If you enjoyed reading about this lovely couple, why not tell them so?! Spread the love by leaving well wishes and congratulations in the comments section below. They'll enjoy reading your messages in the years to come! xoxo


Wilmette Sheridan Shores Engagement: Amanda + Nick

There’s no greater feeling than walking away from a photo session feeling 100% reassured that photography was what you were created to do in life. That’s how I felt the night I wrapped up Amanda & Nick's engagement session. The chemistry between the two of them was so electrifying and they were so free and natural in front of the camera–seriously every photographers dream! We began their engagement at the Bahá'í House of Worship then took a stroll across the street to the beach just in time to catch a beautiful sunset. So excited for their wedding next summer at the Sheridan Shores Yacht Club!

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Photographed for Melissa Marie Photography