Francis Marie Photography

Wendy and Chris Sneak Peek!

2011-09-30T11:07:00.000-05:00

Last weekend we got to keep it local, as we were fortunate enough to photograph the wedding of Wendy and Chris! They got hitched in the Ravenswood neighborhood in Chicago, then hopped on the El to head to their reception at The DANK Haus (best rooftop view in the City, by the by) up in Lincoln Square. Yes, you read that correct: no limos for these two superstars, they took the CTA. We were there to capture every moment...

Wendy and Chris, Chicago, 2011

Wendy and Chris, Chicago, 2011

Wendy and Chris, Chicago, 2011

Wendy and Chris, Chicago, 2011

Wendy and Chris, Chicago, 2011

Wendy and Chris, Chicago, 2011

Wendy and Chris, Chicago, 2011

Wendy and Chris, Chicago, 2011

Wendy and Chris, Chicago El, 2011

Cheers to Wendy and Chris!

Annaliese and Brían Sneak Peek!

2011-09-20T08:58:00.000-05:00

Last weekend we traveled to South Bend, IN to the campuses of St. Mary's and Notre Dame to capture a superbly planned wedding, which was by far one of the most honest-to-goodness-joyous affairs we've ever been lucky enough to document. We're spoiled, plain and simple. These two, Annaliese and Brían, made our job so easy it wasn't even fair.

Annaliese and Brîan, South Bend, IN, 2011
Seriously, these two couldn't have more warm, congenial families who were an absolute pleasure to work with. We want to shoot this wedding every weekend, Irish band and all.

Annaliese and Brîan, South Bend, IN, 2011

Annaliese and Brîan, South Bend, IN, 2011

Annaliese and Brîan, South Bend, IN, 2011

Annaliese and Brîan, South Bend, IN, 2011

Annaliese and Brîan, South Bend, IN, 2011

Annaliese and Brîan, South Bend, IN, 2011

Annaliese and Brîan, South Bend, IN, 2011

Annaliese and Brîan, South Bend, IN, 2011

By the end of this wedding we felt more like guests than the hired help, and that is an unbeatable feeling. Cheers to Annaliese and Brían!

Cindy and Jacob Engagement Session Sneak Peek!

2011-09-12T09:29:00.000-05:00

We recently met up with new pals Cindy and Jacob in the Fulton Market neighborhood here in Chicago for an evening portrait session. Engagement shoots are great for a multitude of reasons; the main being they can be very relaxed and spontaneous. Also, they give future bride and grooms a preview of our work-style, so they have a better idea of what to expect on their wedding day. We can safely say that after spending a few hours with these two fine people we're confident that their wedding next Spring is going to be spectacular.

Jennifer and Peter Sneak Peek!

2011-08-29T09:54:00.001-05:00

Last weekend we were lucky enough to document the wedding of two fantastic folks, Jennifer and Peter. The couple, who currently reside in New York, had a beautiful ceremony at a church in a near-Chicago suburb, and then threw a great party with a consistently packed dance floor. Jennifer and Peter were both so warm and welcoming, and they joy they were feeling throughout the day really shines though in the portfolio.

Jennifer and Peter, Countryside IL, 2011

Jennifer and Peter, Countryside IL, 2011

Jennifer and Peter, Countryside IL, 2011

Jennifer and Peter, Countryside IL, 2011

Jennifer and Peter, Countryside IL, 2011

Jennifer and Peter, Countryside IL, 2011

Jennifer and Peter, Countryside IL, 2011

Jennifer and Peter, Countryside IL, 2011

Jennifer and Peter, Countryside IL, 2011

Jennifer and Peter, Countryside IL, 2011
Felicitations to Jennifer and Peter! May all our clients be as lovely as the two of you!

Amy and Sam Sneak Peek!

2011-07-06T10:25:00.000-05:00

For our most recent shoot we traveled down to the south side to the University of Chicago's campus to capture the wedding of two lovely people, Amy and Sam. The beautiful surroundings and ideal weather, paired with this wonderful, photogenic, couple made for a delightful day. Amy and Sam and their families and friends were an absolute pleasure to work with.

Amy and Sam, Chicago, 2011

Amy and Sam, Chicago, 2011

Amy and Sam, Chicago, 2011

Amy and Sam, Chicago, 2011

Amy and Sam, Chicago, 2011

Amy and Sam, Chicago, 2011

Amy and Sam, Chicago, 2011

Amy and Sam, Chicago, 2011

Congratulations to Amy and Sam, and cheers to you both for hosting such a personal, intimate, wedding day!

Chazmin and Ryan Sneak Peek!

2011-06-06T13:01:00.000-05:00

Over this past Memorial Day weekend we had the opportunity to photograph a truly elegant wedding here in Chicago. Chazmin and Ryan are life-long friends, and a magnificent couple, who hosted a personal, intimate, ceremony and reception in downtown Chicago. I wish we could simply copy into this post the beautiful piece which was read during the ceremony that perfectly summed up Chaz and Ryan's autobiography. But alas, our job is to convey the sense of love these two amazing people have for each other in images. Looking at their radiant smiles, it's safe to say they made our job quite easy.

Chazmin and Ryan, Chicago, 2011

Chazmin and Ryan, Chicago, 2011

Chazmin and Ryan, Chicago, 2011

Chazmin and Ryan, Chicago, 2011

Not only do Chaz and Ryan share a deep history, but they also go way, way back with many of their closest friends.

Chazmin and Ryan's Bridal Party, Chicago, 2011

Chazmin and Ryan, Chicago, 2011

Chazmin and Ryan, Chicago, 2011

Chazmin and Ryan, Chicago, 2011

Chazmin and Ryan, Chicago, 2011

Chazmin and Ryan, Chicago, 2011

Chazmin and Ryan, Chicago, 2011
Congratulations to Chaz and Ryan! Cheers to a lifetime of love and happiness!

Rebekah and Luke Sneak Peek Pt. 2

2011-06-02T11:28:00.000-05:00

Some weddings can't be contained in a single day. It just wouldn't do them justice. You need proof? Then look no further
than Rebekah and Luke, who hosted the second act of their fantastic wedding extravaganza this past weekend in
Chicago at Fulton's on the Lake, followed by an encore at Timber Lanes bowling alley in the city's North Center neighborhood.

Rebekah and Luke, Chicago, 2011

Rebekah and Luke, Chicago, 2011

Rebekah and Luke, Chicago, 2011

Rebekah and Luke, Chicago, 2011

Rebekah and Luke, Chicago, 2011

The easy metaphor would be to say Rebekah and Luke scored a Strike, or rolled a 300 Game. But only one word is needed
to describe this couple: perfection.

Rebekah and Luke, Chicago, 2011

Rebekah and Luke, Chicago, 2011

Rebekah and Luke, Chicago, 2011

Rebekah and Luke Sneak Peek Pt. 1!

2011-05-25T18:41:00.001-05:00

Last weekend kicked off the 2011 wedding season here at Francis Marie, and it couldn't have been more special. We were honored to document the intimate ceremony for our dear, dear, friends Rebekah and Luke. These two amazing people got hitched at a private ceremony up in Milwaukee, and will be performing a wedding encore this coming weekend with a bash in downtown Chicago. Needless to say, plenty more photos will be on the way, but for now have a look some pictures of Chicago's coolest newly weds.

Rebekah and Luke, Milwaukee, 2011

Rebekah and Luke, Milwaukee, 2011

Rebekah, Milwaukee, 2011

Rebekah and Luke, Milwaukee, 2011

Rebekah and Luke, Milwaukee, 2011

Rebekah and her Father, Milwaukee, 2011

The Nowak Gentlemen, Milwaukee, 2011

Genie, Andy, and Lisa, Paying Respect, Milwaukee, 2011

Rebekah and Luke, Milwaukee, 2011

We couldn't be happier for these two, and can't wait to see Bekah bowl a few frames in her gorgeous wedding dress this Saturday!

Rebecca and Judd Sneak Peek!

2010-10-29T10:48:00.001-05:00

Last weekend was a special one, to say the least. Why? Because these two lovely people went and got hitched...

Rebecca and Judd, St. Joseph, 2010
Many of you will recognize the dame in the dress as being Rebecca, or Becky, or the lady that puts the Marie into Francis Marie Photography. Last Saturday it was her turn to be on the other side of the camera, and she couldn't have looked more stunning. And that handsome gentleman, that's Judd, and you're going to be hard pressed to find a smarter, funnier fella that will learn you a thing or two about music, movies, books, or any other thing that needs discussing. Needless to say, this is a Power Duo.

Rebecca and Judd, St. Joseph, 2010

Rebecca and Judd, St. Joseph, 2010

Rebecca and Judd, St. Joseph, 2010

Rebecca and Judd, St. Joseph, 2010

Rebecca and Judd, St. Joseph, 2010

Rebecca and Judd, St. Joseph, 2010

Rebecca and Judd, St. Joseph, 2010

Rebecca and Judd, St. Joseph, 2010

Make some noise for Judd and Becky!!!!

Nikki and Nick Sneak Peek!

2010-10-22T18:50:00.000-05:00

Last weekend Francis Marie went on our seemingly weekly road trip to Detroit to photograph yet another fantastic couple's wedding...

Nikki & Nick, Detroit 2010
Let us state this first and foremost: We couldn't feel luckier to be in this line of work when shooting people as genuinely awesome as Nikki and Nick. These two were a joy to work with and planned a fantastic wedding. Plus, they were focussed and organized and still managed to have a blast throught the entire day.

Nikki & Nick, Detroit 2010

Nikki & Nick, Detroit 2010
The weather was perfect for a Fall day and they they chose some great locations to shoot at. Really, our job was easy–these two couldn't look bad in a photo if they tried.

Nikki & Nick, Detroit 2010

Nikki & Nick, Detroit 2010

Nikki & Nick, Detroit 2010

Nikki & Nick, Detroit 2010
Congratulations and all the best to Nikki and Nick! We loved every second of documenting your wedding, and wish you all the happiness in the world!

Jenna & Tom Sneak Peek!

2010-10-17T09:00:00.000-05:00

This is the moment that every bride and groom look forward to - walking down the aisle as husband and wife. And at this time, I would like to introduce Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Szafran!

Jenna & Tom, October 2010

But there is a lot of anticipation...

Jenna & Tom, October 2010

And preparations before and on the big day.

Jenna & Tom, October 2010

That is why it is always good to have your family and friends there to support you...

Jenna & Tom, October 2010

So that you can cherish moments like these...

Jenna & Tom, October 2010

And still have time for fun & laughter!

Jenna & Tom, October 2010

Claudia and Rick Sneak Peek!

2010-10-13T08:11:00.003-05:00

In early October we were lucky enough to photograph the wedding of yet another lovely and fantastic couple, Claudia and Rick. The weather was cool and rainy in Ann Arbor that day, but at least the bees stayed away.

Claudia & Rick, October 2010

Claudia & Rick, October 2010

Claudia & Rick, October 2010

Claudia & Rick, October 2010
We felt so lucky to be a part of these two's intimate ceremony, and continue to feel lucky to work with clients who we're able to become friends with by the end of the day. Best wishes to Claudia and Rick!

Kellie and Eric Save the Date Portraits

2010-10-10T08:00:00.002-05:00

Kellie and Eric are a fun duo, we can tell you that much. We set up a portrait session, and they bring oversized yellow balloons. That's how they roll. They're getting married next year in Cincinnati, which is going to be the jam of the year, mind you, but seeing they live here in Chicago they wanted some shots for their Save the Dates that allowed them to frolic in their current city of dwelling.

Kellie and Eric, September 2010, Fulton Market

Kellie and Eric, September 2010, Fulton Market

Kellie and Eric, September 2010, The Bunny Hutch

Kellie and Eric, September 2010, The Bunny Hutch

Kellie and Eric, September 2010, Fulton Market

We had some great sessions with these two, and wish them all the best. Also, if you're looking for a powerhouse couple for your softball team hit them up-Kellie's got a swing on her.

Karen & Evan Sneak Peek!

2010-10-06T15:35:00.002-05:00

We had the opportunity to go back to Detroit to photograph the lovely Karen & Evan at the Detroit Yacht Club. The day may have started out windy and overcast but it ended with a beautiful sunset...

Karen & Evan, September 2010

Karen & Evan, September 2010

Something blue!

Karen & Evan, September 2010

Congrats to Karen & Evan!

Claudia and Rick's Portrait Session Sneak Peek

2010-09-25T08:54:00.000-05:00

You see these lovely people pictured below? That's Claudia and Rick, a longtime couple who are soon tying the knot in an intimate ceremony in Michigan. Don't they look the the coolest people you could hope to meet? Well, they are. So cool in fact that when a swarm of bees took over our photo shoot in a remote part of Lincoln Park they didn't lose their minds,* and took it all in stride. True story. Claudia has the 12 bites to prove it. Let's look at some photos from before that gnarly incident though, shall we...

Claudia and Rick, 2010

Claudia and Rick, 2010

Claudia (not pictured: 12 bee stings) 2010

Claudia and Rick, 2010

We can't wait to shoot their upcoming ceremony, and are quite glad that the entire thing is taking place indoors, far away from any potential stinging insects.

*Rick kind of lost his mind.

Stacy and Jeff Sneak Peek!

2010-09-21T21:41:00.000-05:00

Last weekend we were fortunate to document the wedding of a very lovely couple, Stacy and Jeff. They held both their ceremony and reception at the MCA in downtown Chicago, and we couldn't have been more excited to shoot a wedding there for the first time. From the flowers to the food, and from the ceremony to the portrait session, every detail reflected the unique individuality of this fantastic couple.

Stacy's Preparations, 2010

Jeff Getting his Son Ready for the Big Day, 2010
Forgoing a traditional portrait session, Stacy and Jeff took a few quiet moments for themselves to enjoy an exhibit at the MCA, and asked us to document them doing so.

The Newlyweds Taking in the Sites at the Museum (not Pictured, the Sites) 2010
There was a lot of laughter as the couple truly enjoyed their special day. We could have created an entire post from images of Stacy cracking up. She was a blast to work with!

Stacy Shares a Laugh During the Ceremony, 2010
We had a great time working with Stacy and Jeff, a well as their family and friends. We wish them all the best!

Susie and Demian Sneak Peek!

2010-08-19T08:37:00.108-05:00

Last weekend we had the pleasure of photographing the wedding of some dear friends, Susie and Demian. Besides being wonderful, creative people with a great group of friends, they are also are easy on the eyes, which makes our jobs as the photographers seem effortless.

Susie and Demian, August 2010

Susie and Demian, August 2010

Susie has natural, un-mess-withable posture.

Susie and Demian, August 2010

Susie and Demian, August 2010

The wedding party was comprised of a tight-knit group of family and friends who all had a contagious amount of energy. This crew knew how to have a good time.

Susie and Demian, August 2010

Susie and Demian, August 2010

Forgoing a traditional first dance, the newlyweds performed a first song. The guests were all given various percussive noise makers so they could join in on the jam.

Susie and Demian, August 2010

Susie and Demian, August 2010
The bride getting ready before the ceremony-she was always cool and collected, and was legitimately enjoying herself throughout the entire day.

Susie and Demian, August 2010

We couldn't be any happier for our pals, and feel honored to have been a part of their wedding day. Good luck you two!

Susie and Demian, August 2010

Susie and Demian, August 2010

A Single Man (For About 15 More Seconds)

2010-08-06T08:00:00.001-05:00

The moment the bride steps down the aisle for the first time, all eyes are on her (as they should be). But as photographers we can't forget about the fella who's waiting for her, as this is the first time he's likely seen her in her wedding dress.

Theresa and Chris, 2008

Tammie and Will, 2010

Liz and sam, 2009

Preparations

2010-07-29T08:00:00.002-05:00

Long before the " I do," and before the cake gets cut, and before the first dance, and before one of the bride and groom's Uncles gets over-served, there's usually a little while at the beginning of the wedding day when we get to spend time with the bride as she gets ready. These intimate moments are some of the most exciting to capture, and could easily be forgotten about if not for the photographic evidence.

Tammie and Will, 2010

Jenny and Jeff, 2008

An assembly line of Bride's maids.

Liz and Sam, 2009

It's not only about the ladies.

Theresa and Chris, 2008

Sabrina and Johnny, 2009

Tammie and Will, 2010

Portraits Between the Portraits

2010-07-25T12:28:00.005-05:00

Some of the sincerest, sweetest moments occur between a couple on their wedding day in between the times when we're setting up "formal" portraits. These images are prime examples of the moments we pride ourselves in capturing; the unplanned instances when the subjects are at ease and truly enjoying the day they've spent so long planning. And each other.

Sabrina and Johnny, 2009

Theresa and Chris, 2008

Tammie and Will, 2010

Tammie and Will Sneak Peak

2010-07-18T19:00:00.005-05:00

We had the distinct pleasure of traveling to Detroit a few weeks ago to photograph the wedding of the lovely Tammie and Will. These two were a dream to work with–they were easy going, they had game plan with a vision, and they were impossible to photograph poorly. They were like movie stars in front of the camera, minus the fits and delusions of grandeur.

Tammie and Will, July 2010

After the ceremony Tammie and Will made sure to schedule ample time to take some portraits around the city, so off to Belle Isle we went.

Tammie and Will, July 2010

The following two were taken at the old Belle Isle Casino, an ideal backdrop for the newly weds.

Tammie and Will, July 2010

It was truly an honor to have the opportunity to document Tammie and Will's wedding day. Best wishes to you both!

Why Hello There!

2010-07-15T12:33:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Francis Marie Photography blog! Thanks for stopping by! Please, pull up a seat, make yourself a drink, and feel free to stay for a while.

Liz and Sam, Summer 2009

We plan on using this space to both feature sneak peaks from recent weddings, as well as highlight images/trends/concerns that we feel are worth exploring in greater detail. Please feel free to comment away with any questions or critiques you may have (go easy, we're delicate), and if you'd like to see an entire portfolio from a particular event just send us an email and we'll get you set up.

Thanks for having a look!