journal — Bonphotage

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Bonphotage - Khalil + Meghan Drake Hotel Wedding!

Bonphotage - Khalil + Meghan Drake Hotel Wedding!

I couldn't wait a single minute more to share a sneak peek of the stunning images from Khalil and Meghan's Drake Hotel wedding! Truly like a scene out of a fairytale, the bride wore two looks and Manolo Blanhik heels (yes, the original Sex and the City blue beauties!) Her bouquet and floral decoration in bright pink, peach and ivory tones by Flowers for Dreams included gorgeous peonies and ranunculus. While she was getting ready in the penthouse suite of the Drake Hotel, he was surprised with not one, but two Tiffany pearl gifts from her loving groom.

The groom and his groomsmen wore presidential cufflinks (yes, for real) and looked as handsome as could be! After their nuptials at Hyde Park's stunning Rockefeller Chapel, the bride and groom drove off in a vintage Rolls Royce for a moment to themselves before the partying began in the fabulous Gold Coast Room at the Drake Hotel!

Bonphotage - Jose + Nicole Chicago Engagement Photography!

Bonphotage - Jose + Nicole Chicago Engagement Photography!

The hour before sunset is known as the "golden hour" and it is the most beautiful time of the day for photography. Nicole and Jose wanted a natural and organic engagement session and I knew the golden hour would be perfect! We had so much fun taking pretty pictures in Milton Lee's Olive Park with beautiful skyline views and Lake Michigan for a backdrop!

Congratulations Nicole and Jose! I am so excited to photograph your wedding in the Dominican! xo, Bonphotage

Bonphotage - Claire + Gary Chicago Engagement Session!

Bonphotage - Claire + Gary Chicago Engagement Session!

I am seriously swooning over Claire and Gary's downtown Chicago engagement session! We started this sun-drenched session in Lincoln Park where flowers were in full bloom. Claire looked stunning in an Akira dress, flower crown and butterfly-inspired shoes! Totally ethereal and just my style! To top it off, they brought a dozen colorful balloons to add to the playful flair!

We next went over to Millennium Park and took photos in front of the iconic bean and other architectural structures. A fun day and a beautiful couple!

Congratulations Claire and Gary! xo, Bonphotage

Bonphotage - Ben + Colleen - Surprise Chicago Proposal!

Bonphotage - Ben + Colleen - Surprise Chicago Proposal!

When Ben called me inquiring about photographing his upcoming proposal, I knew this was going to be a sweet event! Ben had carefully thought out the exact location he wanted to pop the question to his love, Colleen. The picturesque location he chose was on the South Bridge in Lincoln Park with stunning Chicago skyline views! Colleen was caught totally off guard and the beautiful emotion of the moment was written all over her face. To top it off, Ben arranged for Colleen's friends to be hiding nearby and just after the big moment, they came running over with a bottle of champagne!

So many happy tears were shed and I am so happy for this sweet couple! Cheers you two!

xo, Bonphotage

Bonphotage - Paris Engagement Session!

Bonphotage - Paris Engagement Session!

Paris is the city of love! Between the impeccable Parisian architecture, pristine gardens and rich artistic and historical culture, the romance is everywhere. Add a stunning Giorgio Armani red dress and the sweetest couple (that flew all the way from China for their Paris engagement photos!), and I am left swooning!

Most of the engagement session took place on Pont Neuf, one of the most stunning spots in Paris with gold statutes, beautiful lines and of course, the Eiffel Tower in the background. I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful engagement session and am over the moon happy for this lovely duo! xo, Bonphotage

Old World French Chateau Bridal Photography

Old World French Chateau Bridal Photography

Sometimes in life, all of the stars align to create something magical. This bridal shoot at the Chateau Bouthonvilliers located in the French countryside was such an event! The stunning 15th century chateau has remained in the same family since it was built and the heir still lives on the property with his lovely family, horses and a sweet little brood of ducks.

Each room of the chateau is decorated differently and elegantly. Almost like a seen out of Vogue magazine, the elegant details such as vintage YSL perfume bottles and renaissance style portrait art adds to the impeccable ambience. The charming property also boasts a gothic chapel, rose gardens, a moat and a wine cave!

The bride wore plume skirt and tattoo lace top by Sweet Caroline's and studded heels by Valentino. Flowers were provided by Eglantine Fleurs in Paris, France. Prepare to feast your eyes on this sneak peek of on one of the most beautiful photoshoots I've had the pleasure of photographing! More coming soon to a lovely magazine publication!

xo, Bonphotage

Bonphotage - Bridal Editorial with Michelle Mink

Bonphotage - Bridal Editorial with Michelle Mink

Bonphotage recently had the opportunity to work with model Michelle Mink on a stunning editorial bridal shoot. This sun-drenched ethereal shoot took place in a gorgeous loft space with exposed brick interior. The bride wore the Genevieve top and white chiffon skirt from Sweet Caroline's, heels by Christian Louboutin and her hair and make-up was beautifully applied by Carrie Novakowski from Appease to you.

Enjoy this sneak peek coming to an awesome publication soon! xo, Bonphotage

Bonphotage - Millenium Park Engagement - Caitlin + Dennis

Bonphotage - Millenium Park Engagement - Caitlin + Dennis

There is little better in this world than summer time in Chicago! Bright purple lavender made the most stunning for Dennis + Caitlin's Millennium Park engagement session. After wandering around the ivory towers in Millennium Park and snapping pretty pictures of this adorable couple, we headed over to the sculpture garden at Chicago's iconic Art Institute. Our last stop was at Union Station which made for a perfect combination of nature and architectural photos!

Congrats Caitlin + Dennis! I can't wait to photograph your wedding! xo, Bonphotage

Bonphotage - Chicago Engagement Photography - Hannah + Nick!

Bonphotage - Chicago Engagement Photography - Hannah + Nick!

Hannah and Nick are the sweetest! We started this adorable engagement session at Olive Park in Streeterville on a beautiful tree-lined street and Chicago provided it's finest weather of the year! We then walked over to Lake Michigan where Nick and Hannah wet their toes in the sand and I snapped a few more pretties. We strolled along Michigan and the love between these two was so apparent - made my job easy! Lastly, we took some fun shots in Blackhawks jerseys for these sports fans! I always love adding a touch of the couple's unique personality in every shoot <3

Congrats Hannah and Nick - I can't wait to photograph your wedding! xo, Bonphotage

Bonphotage - Beautiful light, lakeside anniversary session!

Bonphotage - Beautiful light, lakeside anniversary session!

As a photographer, you live for beautiful light! As the weather turns to summer in Chicago (finally!), the beautiful light follows. This "golden hour" anniversary shoot was so much fun and I just can't get enough of the golden hues and happy faces!

Congratulations on a beautiful marriage Rohini + Bharath! xo, Bonphotage

Bonphotage - Chicago Engagement Photography - Rachel + Juan

Bonphotage - Chicago Engagement Photography - Rachel + Juan

There is something unique about being a wedding photographer that you don't find in any other profession. As a wedding photographer, you have the opportunity to meet people at a critical and life-changing time of their lives. Couples are trusting you to capture their once in a lifetime moments beautifully and it is a responsibility I don't take lightly. This special relationship also lends itself to a trusting one, and often to the beginning of a lifelong relationship.

From my first meeting with Rachel, I knew she would be one of those special friends in life that I may have not have ever met had it not been for this fabulous job! Rachel and Juan have a beautiful and lasting love and I am truly honored to capture their wedding next summer!

Enjoy this engagement sneak peek! xo

Bonphotage - Chicago City Hall Nuptials - Emily + Angel

Bonphotage - Chicago City Hall Nuptials - Emily + Angel

Sometimes it is nice to step back and think about what a wedding really means. Angel and Emily said "I do" today in a simple ceremony in Chicago's city hall, surrounded by family and loved ones. The love between them was so evident and I am so honored to have had the privilege to witness and document their emotional and sweet day!

Congratulations Angel + Emily! xo

Bonphotage - Japanese-inspired styled shoot at Momotaro

Bonphotage - Japanese-inspired styled shoot at Momotaro

Sometimes I like to step out of my comfort zone and do something more artistic and unique. I absolutely love this styled wedding shoot that took place at Momotaro restaurant in Chicago's west loop. Model Grace Bower wore two looks, a tattoo lace top and mint green chiffon skirt by Sweet Caroline's and a mor casual rehearsal look with a lace floor length dress by Anthropologie wide rimmed black hat. Erica Morisco styled the shoot with Japanese calligraphy and details. The hand-calligraphy invitation suite was created by the Dashwood Shop and stunning, asymmetrical bridal bouquet by Lisa Paul of Color Company.

Bonphotage - Emily + Tom's Garfield Conservatory Wedding!

Bonphotage - Emily + Tom's Garfield Conservatory Wedding!

am so excited to share this sneak peak of Emily + Tom's stunning Chicago wedding at the Garfield Conservatory! On it's own, the venue is stunning, with a labyrinth of flaura and fauna-filled rooms and Morrocan-inspired mosaic wall backdrop. But, combined with all the beautiful details such as a custom moss wall engraved with Emily + Tom's initials, the perfectly complementing palm tree inspired invites and the sweetest little flower girl, this wedding was a true gem! The bride wore a stunning sleeveless gown with a deep flesh colored peek-a-boo v-neck.

Bonphotage - Shannon + Brittani Chicago Engagement

Bonphotage - Shannon + Brittani Chicago Engagement

I had such a fun time getting to know Brittani and Shannon during our engagement shoot in downtown Chicago! We started our photoshoot at Olive Park, taking photos in front of the stunning Chicago skyline and in front of the trees, all in Spring bloom. We then headed to the loop area and took photos in front of the iconic Chicago Theater sign.

I am so excited to capture your Thanksgiving wedding Brittani + Shannon! xo

Bonphotage - Lifestyle Family Photography

Bonphotage - Lifestyle Family Photography

We love lifestyle photography! The authenticity of capturing a family in their day-to-day is something that can't be duplicated. It is timeless, authentic and priceless. And seriously, do families come any cuter than this?! Congratulations to this adorable family in their next chapter of life!

xo, Bonphotage

bonphotage, chicago, chicago photographer, chicago photography, family photography, family photographer, family portrait, fine art photography, photographer, wedding photographer, wedding photographylynzie hazanMay 15, 2016bonphotagefamily, family portrait, family photo, family photography, lifestyle

Bonphotage - Cat + Courtney's Chicago Engagement!

Bonphotage - Cat + Courtney's Chicago Engagement!

I am so happy that Cat + Courtney trusted me to shoot their wedding on a boat (yay!) We had a great time stopping by iconic Chicago landmarks and taking engagement photos. Their love is so apparent and I consider myself very lucky to document the biggest day of their life!

Engagement + Wedding Inquiries - bonphotage@gmail.com

Bonphotage - Downtown Chicago Photography

Bonphotage - Downtown Chicago Photography

I have said this before, but one of the biggest joys of being a photographer is having the opportunity to meet interesting people from around the world. Those of you that know me, know that when i'm not snapping photos, I'm usually on an airplane (and when life is at it's best, I'm doing both at the same time)! It is a joy I get to show fabulous people how beautiful my home base of Chicago really is!

Bonphotage - Lakeside Chicago Engagement Shoot

Bonphotage - Lakeside Chicago Engagement Shoot

Jim and Ning are as sweet as can be! We had a blast photographing their Chicago engagement session at Olive Park and along Lake Michigan. I personally love the way red looks in engagement photos so I was happy to see Ning in my favorite color!

Can't wait for your big celebration in China!! #Bonphotagedestinationwedding

Bonphotage - Chicago Twilight Elopement!

Bonphotage - Chicago Twilight Elopement!

I'm a big fan of elopements. While there is something to be said for the planning and culmination of a big wedding day, there is something very sweet and authentic about a couple in love, without all the hoopla, tying the knot in a beautiful location.

When Gwen and Chris asked me to photograph their elopement along the lake during the golden hour, I was just a wee bit excited! Their sweet ceremony was filled with raw emotion and love and it was truly an honor to be there to photograph their special day!