Just a month before Meghan and Tim met at the University of Kansas, Tim had adopted Wilson, an American Bulldog. The first thing Meghan noticed, was (of course!) the adorable pup...but then she thought..hey, Wilson has a pretty cute owner..the rest, as they say is history!
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Last night, I took the elevator 94 floors up to the Hancock observatory where stunning Chicago views awaited me. But more significantly, Tyler was waiting for the moment he'd planned to propose to his love of four years, Sharaya.
Surrounded by friends and family, Tyler got down on one knee and asked Sharaya to spend her life with him. Stunned and elated, of course she said yes!
Thank you Tyler, Candace and Sharaya for allowing Bonphotage the privilege of capturing your special moment!
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Oftentimes accessories are an afterthought. Arguably the one time that should not be the case is on your wedding day! As a bride-to-be, it can be overwhelming to choose a veil or hair piece, a belt, your jewelry and your bridesmaids’ jewelry, on top of everything else you have to plan. So many decisions! Here are 5 tips to make sure you and your ‘maids are impeccably accessorized for your big day.
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Today I had the pleasure of photographing the Kadus North American Launch Party at the Virgin Hotel in downtown Chicago. Complete with some of the most gorgeous models in the business, including Mayra Pena and Caroline Foreman, beautiful flower arrangements by Fragrant Designs and hand massages for all attendees, celebrity brand ambassadors including Glenn Nutley (hair stylist to Britney Spears!) and Caroline Kim, the event was luxurious to say the least.
Thank you Devries Global and Virgin Hotels for inviting me to participate in this fabulous event!
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As a Chicago wedding photographer, I am often asked for venue recommendations from my brides. Every now and then, I have the pleasure of photographing an event at a venue which really stands out and I feel obliged to share the news! Last month, I was honored to photograph "Bubbles and Brunch," an event aimed at introducing the phenomenal space to some of the most highly regarded wedding planners and florists in the wedding industry.
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Despite knowing each other for two years, both growing up in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago (Obama's home town!), their grandmothers sharing a best friend, the Bernsteins living literally across the street from the Heydemanns, Henry and Lizzi never really connected.
It was during the summer of 2014 that Henry moved back to Chicago after a brief stint in NY and was looking for a new spiritual community, a place to be inspired and reconnected to Judaism on his terms. Enter Rabbi Lizzi, who loves nothing more than a young adult on a mission to be inspired. Fast forward a couple months later... Lizzi asked Henry out. Giddy with excitement, he said yes. And finally, despite having a really really bad day on the date they happened to pick for a first date, he psyched himself up, put on his game face and let her pick him up in her Honda. The rest is history.
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When I am not shooting weddings and engagements, I absolutely love boudoir photography! Women are beautiful and I love using natural lighting and posing to enhance and create gorgeous imagery. At Bonphotage, we focus on making the experience classy, comfortable and enjoyable.
We have partnered with some of the most talented hair and make-up artists and Bonphotage offers those services to accompany your boudoir shoot.
Contact sales@bonphotage.com to book your session today :)
Model: Willow Star www.willowstarmodel.com
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When Andres contacted me about photographing his surprise proposal to his girlfriend of 7 years, I was elated! Andres and Paula recently moved to Chicago from Miami and he wanted to find a warm, tropical place to propose to remind her of her home and family. We decided that the Lincoln Park Conservatory would be perfect!
Amongst the luscious greens and spring flowers, Andres told Paula a "story" he had carefully thought of about a "friend" who reminded him a lot of them. I watched from a few feet behind as I pretended to be photographing the flowers. When I saw him get on his knee and the ecstatic look on Paula's face...I remembered why I truly have the best job in the world. I get to capture love and happiness!
Congratulations Andres and Paula!
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"The only rock I know that stays steady, the only institution I know that works, is the family." Lee Lacocca
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Editorial bridal photography is an emerging trend in bridal photography and it’s largely inspired by fashion editorial, focusing on glamour and style. The photographer works with the real-life bride to create imagery inspired by couture fashion magazines.
At Bonphotage, we love beauty. We work with incredible stylists, bridal gown shops and make-up artists to make your dream images come to life. Contact bonphotage@gmail.com for more information or to schedule your editorial bridal shoot.
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When Bonphotage photography, Amy Beck Cakes, Veil Event Design, Lauren Nicole Val, Amy Zwikel Studio and Elle Val decided to put together a styled shoot, we knew get fun would be had! The shoot took place at Veil Event Design's beautiful Chicago space which included a rustic exposed brick interior as well as a charming wooded backyard area, both perfect settings to convey our rustic and woodsy theme. The model Lauren Nicole Val is also the owner of Elle Val, a high-end Chicago clothing and accessories boutique. Elle Val provided the beautiful gowns, nude Louboutin heels, a 15 carat sapphire engagement ring and other accessories. Amy, from Amy Zwikel Studio, created custom macrame pieces for the shoot which added beautiful texture. Casey, from Veil Event Design, provided stunning hydrangea, dusty miller and eucalyptus arrangements, standing over 2 feet tall and providing layers of blue, green and ivory floral drapery. Amy Beck Cakes provided the 3 layered cake with beautiful rhinestone detail. The shoot was photographed by yours truly, Bonphotage.
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When Jenna Colgrove, popular fashion blogger behind Visions of Vogue, contacted me to ask if I would photograph her and her husband to commemorate their 6 month anniversary, I CLEARLY jumped at the chance. Jenna and Matt, who currently reside in Los Angeles, were in Chicago for the holidays and wanted to take the opportunity to get some photos in iconic Chicago locations. We started the day at Chicago's Union Station and took some adorable shots by the iconic ivory columns.
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The freezing Chicago winter temperatures did not stop this sweet family from enjoying every moment of their family photo session. We started out at Oak Street Beach in Chicago where Dashi and Teddy's (newlyweds) chemistry was undeniable and a pleasure to photograph. Even grandma was a good sport about hiking out onto the snow covered sand for a snap. We then went to the Bonphotage studio where the family laughed and posed for a few more snaps.
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There’s nothing I love more than to capture candid moments between loved ones. When my long time friends Brian and Arnicia Harris asked me to capture their adorable family, I didn't think twice. When the Harris family arrived at the Bonphotage Studio, I was greeted by the sweetest of smiles from their entire family. Here are just a few of my favorite moments from their candid family portrait session!
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When Nita and Amish began their journey together, they could have never imagined that their union would result in such adorable, intelligent children. I met up with Amish, Nita and their two beautiful children on a beautiful, misty Chicago day. They had contacted me because they wanted holiday family photos in their favorite city. The day began in Streeterville at the Bonphotage Studio and included images at the iconic Olive Park and Parkview area.
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Bonphotage has photographed a lot of dogs over the years. Big, small and medium, and we love them all. But even with all the pet photography experience under our belts, it's still always a bit intimidating to meet a dog that weighs as much as you and stands up taller than you.
Nevertheless, it took only minutes to realize that there was nothing to fear about Kona and Oliver. These 115 lb Great Danes were as sweet and playful as could be.
Shelly has had Kona (the beige Great Dane) since she was 10 weeks old. Kona is 3 years old but still acts like a puppy and loves bounding around the house playfully. She would much rather curl up in a sofa or chair then lay on her bed. She loves to go on walks, does anything for a treat, and enjoys accompanying Shelly and her husband wherever they. Kona thinks everyone should give her love when they see her and can't understand it when they aren't petting her. Understandable!
Oliver, the 6 year old black Great Dane, was adopted just over a year ago. Shelly and her husband are still getting to know him and vice versa. What they know for sure so far is that he has a sweet soul, loves to have his ears scratched, and loves to go on long walks. He can often be found walking around the house with a stuffed toy in his mouth and always has to take one to bed with him. He likes to lie in the sun in the house and outside. Oliver is also known to chase after birds and squirrels, but probably wouldn't know what to do if he actually caught one. His favorite past time is walking up to Kona when she's laying down and making her move so he can take her spot!! Shelly and her husband are so happy we added him to their family!
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Chicago Engagement: Yas and Ben
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