Purvi and Mohit’s Engagment Session at Millenium Park and The Magnificent Mile

When Purvi brought up their engagement session, she told me she really wanted pictures captured beneath Christmas lights. She also hoped for snow, not for the whole season, mind you, but rather for the sake of the pictures. “It’s funny because for the pictures, I am hoping for snow on the ground, but in reality, I’m hoping the snow never comes! ”

Unfortunately the snow did come, but not soon enough. Still, there’s one redeeming factor in the streets being dry–it made it much easier for Purvi to cross the streets in her Christmas gift from Mohit, classic black Louboutins, with that signature red strip that matched perfectly with her darling peacoat.

Chicago wedding Photographer Maggie Rife Engagement winter session 017 Purvi and Mohits Engagment Session at Millenium Park and The Magnificent MileChicago wedding Photographer Maggie Rife Engagement winter session 018 Purvi and Mohits Engagment Session at Millenium Park and The Magnificent MileChicago wedding Photographer Maggie Rife Engagement winter session 019 Purvi and Mohits Engagment Session at Millenium Park and The Magnificent MileChicago wedding Photographer Maggie Rife Engagement winter session 020 Purvi and Mohits Engagment Session at Millenium Park and The Magnificent MileChicago wedding Photographer Maggie Rife Engagement winter session 021 Purvi and Mohits Engagment Session at Millenium Park and The Magnificent MileChicago wedding Photographer Maggie Rife Engagement winter session 022 Purvi and Mohits Engagment Session at Millenium Park and The Magnificent MileChicago wedding Photographer Maggie Rife Engagement winter session 023 Purvi and Mohits Engagment Session at Millenium Park and The Magnificent MileChicago wedding Photographer Maggie Rife Engagement winter session 024 Purvi and Mohits Engagment Session at Millenium Park and The Magnificent MileChicago wedding Photographer Maggie Rife Engagement winter session 025 Purvi and Mohits Engagment Session at Millenium Park and The Magnificent MileChicago wedding Photographer Maggie Rife Engagement winter session 026 Purvi and Mohits Engagment Session at Millenium Park and The Magnificent MileChicago wedding Photographer Maggie Rife Engagement winter session 027 Purvi and Mohits Engagment Session at Millenium Park and The Magnificent MileChicago wedding Photographer Maggie Rife Engagement winter session 028 Purvi and Mohits Engagment Session at Millenium Park and The Magnificent Mile

The Ponce Brothers

Dan and Anthony Ponce are well known local reporters for news stations WGN 9 and NBC 5, respectively. Now they’re being recognized for additional coverage on a different kind of medium, airwave-radio. Tune into WLSAM.com or a.m. 890 on Sundays from 1:00-3:00 p.m. to hear The Ponce Brothers discuss national and local topics from the week.

I refer to Ponce brother Anthony, as fiance, and Dan as my soon-to-be brother-in-law. Obviously, I know them well. So, I wasn’t surprised when they spent the entire shoot rifling off nonstop movie quotes, and cracking each other up. I’m glad they have each other, so someone thinks they’re funny. Just kidding guys, you’re great comedians, but please keep it on the radio and out of my photo shoot.

Dan and Anthony learned from their father, Phil Ponce, longtime host of Chicago Tonight. Phil will be a frequent guest on the The Ponce Brothers show, and even fill in on occasion.

Keep up the good work guys.

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Barbara Berrones - January 25, 2012 - 8:21 pm

These pics are great Maggie ! I love the second one from the bottom….

Lili - January 24, 2012 - 11:30 am

Gosh they are both handsome! such great smiles.

Little 3 month old Reed

A week ago I flew back to Nebraska to visit my family and spend some time with my nephew Reed.  My last visit in October, he was only two weeks;  at three months, he’s now starting to look like a little man, rather than an old man.  It’s amazing to me how babies start their life resembling the way they’ll look at the end-bald, wrinkly, and maybe just a little crabbyicon smile Little 3 month old ReedI’m sure my sister’s shaking her head reading this.  It’s just, being an aunt is so marvelous.  Really!  I marvel at this little baby boy every time I have him in my arms, trying to take in the reality of his existence. It’s pretty out of this World.

Well, enough of my ramblings.  On to the pictures.  Without further adieu, three month old baby Reed:

Agustina - January 19, 2012 - 4:44 pm

OMG1 He is so so sooooo cute!!!!!

Hope - January 16, 2012 - 12:18 pm

He is GORGEOUS! LOVE the feet pic! : )

Patti and Alfred’s Winter Wedding at Old St. Mary’s

“We have been a couple since before either of us was of a legal drinking age.  We met at the recreation center of our college.”

Eleven years later, the couple, who scored higher than anyone EVER for knowing the other best in their marriage preparation class, sealed the deal.  This self-described quiet, introverted couple, said their vows in an intimate winter ceremony  in front of their immediate family and very close friends.

In an e-mail to me before their wedding, Patti wrote, “we really just enjoy each other’s company.” I could see this from our first meeting.  They laugh easy, and seem utterly comfortable with each other. It was a joy to see them marry and celebrate at their reception afterwards.

I have to give the couple props (especially Patti-you’ll see why in the pictures) for bearing the cold during their portrait session.  They were troopers!  Thankfully, their reception was quite cozy at the Keith House also known as the Prairie Avenue Gallery.  In this beautiful building in one of Chicago’s historical districts, they shared in laughs, cheers, dancing, and even a little karaoke!  Congrats Patti and Alfred.  All the best to you both!

I’d like to give a big shout out to the following vendors:
Cake: Amy Beck’s Cake Designs.  cakes@amybeckcakedesign.com

Caterer: Maison dbarranco22@yahoo.com

Florist: Flowers-Flowers. www.flowers-flowers.com joanne@flowers-flowers.com

Venue: Prairie Avenue Gallery – Keith House events@prairieavenuegallery.com

Black Hearts Hair House- 773.525.4344

Makeup Artist: Esther Soto-esther.soto@yahoo.com

Bride’s Dresses:

Ceremony Dress – Allure Bridal

Reception Dress – David’s Bridal

Bride’s Maids Dresses-David’s Bridal

Tuxes: Formally Modern Tuxedo

patti - January 4, 2012 - 11:55 pm

These are awesome Maggie! I literally went from laughing to being nostalgic to laughing again in the span of five minutes looking over these. Thanks so much for taking these pictures!

Agustina and Johann’s Day After Portrait Session in Uyuni, Bolivia

A few days after Agustina and Johann’s wedding, we jumped in a pickup truck with our guides, Joaquin and Dani, gas tank loaded on the back of the bed, and headed North.  After two days of driving, we arrived in Uyuni, Bolivia. Llama farms dotted the countryside and locals sold hand woven fabrics along the road. After having a quick bite of local fare, we headed outside of town to the salt flats. This celestial terrain stretches for miles as far as the eye can see.  The expanse of salt is remnants left over from what once was an ocean or sea.

On the dry cracked land, dressed in their wedding attire, I snapped pictures of the newlyweds. It was a beautiful setting for a couple that radiates. Thank you for having me along to document your wedding and experience Bolivia and Argentina!

AJ Chicago Wedding Photographer 01 Agustina and Johanns Day After Portrait Session in Uyuni, BoliviaAJ Chicago Wedding Photographer 02 Agustina and Johanns Day After Portrait Session in Uyuni, BoliviaAJ Chicago Wedding Photographer 03 Agustina and Johanns Day After Portrait Session in Uyuni, BoliviaAJ Chicago Wedding Photographer 04 Agustina and Johanns Day After Portrait Session in Uyuni, BoliviaAJ Chicago Wedding Photographer 05 Agustina and Johanns Day After Portrait Session in Uyuni, BoliviaAJ Chicago Wedding Photographer 06 Agustina and Johanns Day After Portrait Session in Uyuni, BoliviaAJ Chicago Wedding Photographer 07 Agustina and Johanns Day After Portrait Session in Uyuni, BoliviaAJ Chicago Wedding Photographer 08 Agustina and Johanns Day After Portrait Session in Uyuni, BoliviaAJ Chicago Wedding Photographer 09 Agustina and Johanns Day After Portrait Session in Uyuni, BoliviaAJ Chicago Wedding Photographer 10 Agustina and Johanns Day After Portrait Session in Uyuni, BoliviaAJ Chicago Wedding Photographer 11 Agustina and Johanns Day After Portrait Session in Uyuni, BoliviaAJ Chicago Wedding Photographer 12 Agustina and Johanns Day After Portrait Session in Uyuni, BoliviaAJ Chicago Wedding Photographer 13 Agustina and Johanns Day After Portrait Session in Uyuni, BoliviaAJ Chicago Wedding Photographer 14 Agustina and Johanns Day After Portrait Session in Uyuni, BoliviaAJ Chicago Wedding Photographer 15 Agustina and Johanns Day After Portrait Session in Uyuni, BoliviaAJ Chicago Wedding Photographer 16 Agustina and Johanns Day After Portrait Session in Uyuni, BoliviaAJ Chicago Wedding Photographer 17 Agustina and Johanns Day After Portrait Session in Uyuni, BoliviaAJ Chicago Wedding Photographer 18 Agustina and Johanns Day After Portrait Session in Uyuni, BoliviaAJ Chicago Wedding Photographer 19 Agustina and Johanns Day After Portrait Session in Uyuni, BoliviaAJ Chicago Wedding Photographer 20 Agustina and Johanns Day After Portrait Session in Uyuni, BoliviaAJ Chicago Wedding Photographer 21 Agustina and Johanns Day After Portrait Session in Uyuni, BoliviaAJ Chicago Wedding Photographer 22 Agustina and Johanns Day After Portrait Session in Uyuni, BoliviaAJ Chicago Wedding Photographer 23 Agustina and Johanns Day After Portrait Session in Uyuni, BoliviaAJ Chicago Wedding Photographer 24 Agustina and Johanns Day After Portrait Session in Uyuni, BoliviaAJ Chicago Wedding Photographer 25 Agustina and Johanns Day After Portrait Session in Uyuni, Bolivia

A few Outtakes:AJ Chicago Wedding Photographer 26 Agustina and Johanns Day After Portrait Session in Uyuni, BoliviaOur guide Dani strikes a pose.  He wanted to be a part of the portrait session. Dani and Joaquin smile for a photo.

AJ Chicago Wedding Photographer 27 Agustina and Johanns Day After Portrait Session in Uyuni, Bolivia

Dani uses a stick and plastic tube to siphon gas into the tank. This was a first for me!

photo1 767x1024 Agustina and Johanns Day After Portrait Session in Uyuni, Bolivia

Agustina - December 27, 2011 - 8:33 pm

LOVE ALL OF THEM!!!! Amazing work! Thank you so so much!