What is a bridal shower in 2016? It's friends gathering to share in the excitement of a bride-to-be's upcoming wedding! Dani Zellmer was the guest of honor at a bridal shower we hosted yesterday for her at Starved Rock Lodge. It was a lovely party! There were games and sangria, laughs and delicious desserts. I made the decorations. Amy took care of all the fun games and Jenny was in charge of the food. I think Dani felt very special and there's nothing better than a room filled with people who care about you sharing in this happy time in your life. Everyone who came to this party works at the Lodge and it's rare that we get to relax and celebrate a special event. It was beautiful from start to finish. Best wishes to Dani & Ryley!

See Magnolia Bridal: the best, new boutique in Saint Charles, IL!

en·tre·pre·neur·i·al

ˌäntrəprəˈnərēəl/

adjective

1. characterized by the taking of financial risks in the hope of profit; enterprising.

   "an entrepreneurial culture"

I have loved weddings and everything bridal since I was a little girl. On March 5th, my son's sweet girlfriend, Ashley Patyk will open her own Bridal Boutique in St. Charles, IL. Magnolia Bridal is going to be amazing. I was overjoyed when Ashley asked me to go the the 2016 Bridal Show for buyers at McCormick Place earlier this year. She had to make hundreds of decisions to make her vision come to life. Seeing this kind of courage and entrepreneurial spirit in action is pretty awesome. My son has been by her side, traveled to New York with her to buy some of the designer bridal gowns she would feature in her store and much more. Together, they are embarking on something quite remarkable at their age! I am so proud of them. Here's to the success of Magnolia Bridal!!

The start of the 2116 Wedding Season is just around the corner! I can't wait. I am going to a wedding in Chicago at Old St. Pat's Church this Saturday and it's always a joy for me to be a guest at a wedding--even though I love photographing them! I love seeing how the weeks, months and maybe years of planning comes together for one, great day. I pay great attention to every detail--why did the bride choose that dress, those colors, those flowers, that venue??

Of all the weddings I have ever shot there are only a few that stand out in my mind. I wondered today if they had a common thread. Every wedding is unique and beautiful in it's own way, but when a bride and a groom exchange vows and all their friends and family share in that ceremony, there's an energy created. I think the weddings that stand out were the ones that had positive energy in common.