Noah's of Naperville Wedding: Courtney + John

Courtney & John's love story dates all the way back to their teenage years and their wedding was a testament to their history and unyielding love for one another. Their wedding celebration was a merger of two families which have already been so closely connected over the past decade. Everyone was so thrilled to finally see these two tie the knot, even the brides parents presented them with "True Love 2017" jerseys to commemorate the occasion. It was a joyous celebration indeed!

Many thanks to the amazing team who brought this celebration to life...

Venue: Noah's Event Venue

Event Coordinator & Florals: Olivia Grace Events

Caterer: Chef by Request

Makeup: Danielle Rochon Makeup

Hair Stylist: SP Hair Studio & Extensions

Cake: Alliance Bakery

Music: DJ Kid Clay

Click Here to view the entire gallery of images from this Noah's Event Venue wedding by Chicago Wedding Photographer Miss Motley Photography.


If you enjoyed reading about this lovely couple, why not tell them so?! Spread the love by leaving well wishes and congratulations in the comments section below. They'll enjoy reading your messages in the years to come! xoxo


Lincoln Memorial UCC Chicago Wedding: Briana + Chris

There's so much to love about this couple. They are both accomplished & hardworking professionals, they're very genuine down to earth individuals, and they have a love that will withstand the test of time. This is something that all of their family and friends can attest too.

Their wedding day began at the Hyatt Regency McCormick, where Briana and her best friends got ready for the special day. We then headed to Lincoln Memorial Congregational UCC on Chicago's Southside for the ceremony. Briana grew up in this church surrounded by all of it's rich history and African American heritage. It is also the same church where her mother, aunts and uncles were married, so it was only fitting that she and Chris marry there too. After the ceremony we all headed to Nikos Banquets for a fun evening of dancing and celebration.

Congratulations to the newlyweds! I wish you many years of love & joy!

Many thanks to the amazing team who brought this celebration to life...

Venue: Lincoln Memorial UCC Chicago + Nikos Banquets

Paper Goods: Elegant Wedding Invitations

Florals: Petrona Designs

Makeup: Danielle Rochon Makeup

Hair Stylist: Shaleah Walton

Cake: Olympia Bakery

Music: DJ. Reggie

Click Here to view the entire gallery of images from their wedding.


If you enjoyed reading about this lovely couple, why not tell them so?! Spread the love by leaving well wishes and congratulations in the comments section below. They'll enjoy reading your messages in the years to come! xoxo


Gallery Guichaed Chicago Baby Shower: Kimberly + Ogbonna

This gender reveal baby shower took place at Gallery Guichaed on Chicago’s Southside. This modern co-ed shower, began with mingling and drinks, followed by a delicious meal and fun games. During the balloon pop gender reveal, Mom & Dad, Kimberly & Ogbonna, were thrilled to discover that they’ll be welcoming a precious baby boy into their family very soon. Congratulations on the new addition!

Special thanks to the talented team who brought this event to life:

Venue // Gallery Guichaed
Design & Planning // Nicole Marie Events Chicago
Catering // Fuze Catering & Events
Desserts // Cake Life Chicago

Click here to view the entire gallery of images from the event.


If you enjoyed reading about this lovely couple, why not tell them so?! Spread the love by leaving well wishes and congratulations in the comments section below. They'll enjoy reading your messages in the years to come! xoxo


Maggiano's Chicago Wedding: RaSheila + Ryan

RaSheila & Ryan's wedding day began at Hyatt Place River North in a room filled with laughter & love. As the bride prepped for her big day, we all laughed as RaSheila cheesed for the camera every time I asked her to think about how gorgeous she looked! Lol. The couple married at RaSheila's home church Greater Salem Church on Chicago's Southside and from there we headed to the Civic Opera House for bridal portraits. The adventurous bridal party was up for the task of standing in the middle of the Washington Street bridge for bridal party photos in-between the changing traffic lights. What can I say?! I love a good city bridge shot.

After portraits we headed on over to the wedding reception at Maggiano's on Grand & Clark. The ballroom was decked out with library books, soft pink floral arrangements and R's & M's- the couples favorite letters! RaSheila & Ryan danced the night away surrounded by their closest family and fiends. What a wonderful celebration it was!

Many thanks to the amazing team who brought this celebration to life...

Event Coordinator: Sarah Kathleen Events

Venue: Maggiano's Little Italy - Chicago

Paper Goods: Salt and Paper Design

Florals: Karen Daudelin Custom Floral Design

Makeup: Sheena Marie Glam Squad

Hair Stylist: Extensions by Asia

Cake: Bittersweet Bakery

Music: Forever Young

Click Here to view the entire gallery of images from their session.


If you enjoyed reading about this lovely couple, why not tell them so?! Spread the love by leaving well wishes and congratulations in the comments section below. They'll enjoy reading your messages in the years to come! xoxo


Lincoln Park Engagement Session: Sandra + Aaron

Sandra and Aaron are a showstopping couple. Not only was their chemistry undeniable since their first date at Three Dots and a Dash, a tiki bar here in Chicago, but their proposal story is one for the books. Aaron proposed in Puerto Vallarta on Sandra's 27th birthday. He orchestrated an entire plan to surprise her in front of an entire audience. During on of the resort's night shows, Sandra was blindfolded and lured on stage thinking that she was about to participate in a dance competition among a group of contestants. To her surprise, when the blindfold was removed, Aaron was down on one knee with a beautiful diamond ring in hand.  

Aaron recalls how beautiful Sandra looked in that moment and how proud he felt to finally "put a ring on it".  The entire crowd of attendees cheered them on and thanked the newly engaged couple for sharing that special moment with them. They were treated like superstars for the remainder of their stay at the resort. How awesome is that!

Now Sandra & Aaron are off to the caribbeans at the end of the month for their destination wedding at The Level at Meliá Caribe Tropical Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

 


Click Here to view the entire gallery of images from their session.

If you enjoyed reading about this lovely couple, why not tell them so?! Spread the love by leaving well wishes and congratulations in the comments section below. They'll enjoy reading your messages in the years to come! xoxo


River North Engagment Session: Eman + Vincent

Eman & Vincent met through mutual friends while on their way to Statesville Haunted House several years ago. While hanging out together, Vincent thought she was already taken, while Eman was secretly plotting on how she could see him again. Luckily, as fate would have it, Eman was "single & ready to mingle" ;-) They have been laughing, loving and growing together ever since.

I am so honored to have been asked to document their journey to the altar and I cannot wait for their fall wedding at the Bolingbrook Golf Club in Bolingbrook, IL.


Click Here to view the entire gallery of images from their session.

If you enjoyed reading about this lovely couple, why not tell them so?! Spread the love by leaving well wishes and congratulations in the comments section below. They'll enjoy reading your messages in the years to come! xoxo


Farmhouse Chicago Bridal Shower: Future Mrs. Paeth

Last weekend, Christine's family and friends traveled from near and far to shower the bride before her big day. The celebration was held in the private room at Farmhouse Chicago. As always, it was a heartwarming event filled with love, laughter and good memories.

Congratulations again Christine & Travis!! I can't wait for you guys to say "I Do" on September 30th! Cheers! #PartyWithThePaeths

Click here to view the entire gallery of images from the event. 

If you enjoyed reading about this lovely couple, why not tell them so?! Spread the love by leaving well wishes and congratulations in the comments section below. They'll enjoy reading your messages in the years to come! xoxo

Museum of Science and Industry Engagement Session: Domonique + Antoine

I really enjoyed this morning engagement session at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. Domonique was the winner of the Dec 2016 Black Bachelorette Giveaway on Instagram. She and Antoine are set to marry in June 2017 in Chicago. 


Click Here to view the entire gallery of images from their session.

If you enjoyed reading about this lovely couple, why not tell them so?! Spread the love by leaving well wishes and congratulations in the comments section below. They'll enjoy reading your messages in the years to come! xoxo


Navy Pier Engagement Session: Courtney + John

Courtney & John met on MySpace in the Spring of 2006. They hit if off from the very beginning. John knew Courtney was the one very early on, in fact, John actually proposed to her back when they were 18 years old! But of course they had to wait to graduate, get jobs and become stable adults before they could marry.

Over the past ten years, they’ve grown from being teenagers traveling by bus between Oak Lawn & Wicker Park just to be together, to now being two established successful adults building a future together. I am so honored to have been asked to document their journey to the altar and I cannot wait for their summer wedding at Noah’s in Naperville, IL.


Click Here to view the full gallery of images from this session.

If you enjoyed reading about this lovely couple, why not tell them so?! Spread the love by leaving well wishes and congratulations in the comments section below. They'll enjoy reading your messages in the years to come! xoxo


Chicago Engagement Session: RaSheila + Ryan

RaSheila & Ryan met back in 2010 through mutual friends while in school at the University of Missouri. As RaSheila tells it, Ryan stalked her for a few weeks, before they were finally able to connect for a blind date. Through school, relocating for jobs and even being long-distance for a few years, they’ve been inseparable for the past 7 years. RaSheila & Ryan have finally settled down in one place—together. They are finally home. So as it came time to capture their engagement photos, I thought to myself: what better way to commemorate this exciting time in their lives then by photographing them together in their new home?! Luckily, they were up for the adventure!

I wanted to photograph them in their natural environment so that I could create images that depicted their true authentic personalities. This journey took us all around their house, from a relaxing conversation in the living room, to a nerf war in the family room, to a pillow fight in the bedroom… if you know either of these two, then you’d know that their true personalities were captured indeed. And what a time we had!!! This is their story….


Click Here to view the full gallery of images from this session.

If you enjoyed reading about this lovely couple, why not tell them so?! Spread the love by leaving well wishes and congratulations in the comments section below. They'll enjoy reading your messages in the years to come! xoxo


Naperville Engagement Session: Sheena + Nicholas

"Southside girl meets Suburban boy". It’s the story of my life. For those who don’t know my personal story, I was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago and my husband, Lance, was born and raised in Wheaton, IL. We met in college and the rest was history. Sheena & Nicholas share a very similar story to mine. Turns out, Sheena even went to the same exact high school as me AND Nicholas grew up in the same suburban area as Lance!

The similarities that Sheena & Nicholas share with Lance and I are striking, and those similarities only make me love them more! Most notable is their great sense of humor and the solid friendship that they have. After being together for over 10 year, their chemistry & connection is strong. They enjoy each others company and they have SO many inside jokes that only the two of them understand. It was such a delight to spend the day with these two laughing and photographing! I can’t wait for their BIG DAY this November at the gorgeous Pazzo’s 311 here in Chicago.


Click Here to view the entire gallery of images from their session.

If you enjoyed reading about this lovely couple, why not tell them so?! Spread the love by leaving well wishes and congratulations in the comments section below. They'll enjoy reading your messages in the years to come! xoxo


LondonHouse, Chicago: Chuck + Kevin's Retirement Party

One of the most rewarding aspects of my job as a photographer is being there to document some of the most memorable moments in my clients lives'. After over the 30 years of service at ComEd (Exelon), Mr. Charles "Chuck" Walls, VP Customer Financial Operations and Mr. Kevin Brookins, SVP Strategy & Administration have retired. They closed this chapter with a festive retirement party surrounded by family, friends, and co-workers who showered them with love and appreciation. I was honored to be there to capture the memories. Congratulations on a job well done! May the next chapter of your lives be full of many great adventures and fond memories!

Many thanks to the fabulous team who brought this event to life...

Event Planner & Stylist: Nicole Marie Events Chicago
Cake Designer: Cake Life Chicago
Venue: LondonHouse Chicago
 


CLICK HERE to view the entire gallery of images from the event.

If you enjoyed reading about this event, why not tell them so?! Spread the love by leaving well wishes in the comments section below. They'll enjoy reading your messages in the years to come! xoxo


2017 Chicago Styled Shoot

2017 Chicago Styled Shoot with Miss Motley Photography + Nicole Marie Events

March 31 | Great Gatsby Inspired Wedding & Rehearsal Dinner | 1:00pm - 6:00pm

Location: Private Residence in Hyde Park - Chicago, IL

Nicee Martin of Miss Motley Photography + Nicole Pittmon of Nicole Marie Events are teaming up to create a phenomenal styled shoot here in Chicago for new and seasoned photographers alike. This styled shoot allows photographers, like you, to capture luxurious details & portraits without the stress of an actual wedding day. Here, you'll be able to practice finding your own creative photographic voice, or just capture some fresh images for your website or for marketing purposes. It also provides you with an opportunity to network with other fellow creatives here in the Chicagoland area.

The color palate that has been selected for this Great Gatsby inspired shoot is black and gold, with white accents. The styled shoot will take place in an elegant Victorian private residence on Chicago's Southside. With its 20-foot cathedral ceilings, Juliet balconies, chandeliers, polished Grand Piano, and open spiral staircase, this venue is sure to provide the perfect backdrop for our elegant styled shoot.

Chicago Weddng Photography.jpg

Who's it for?

  • New or aspiring photographers looking to advance their skills
  • Intermediate photographers looking to build their portfolio
  • Professional photographers looking for new marketing images

Our Itinerary | Your day begins with a meet and greet at 1:00pm. We will begin shooting at 1:30pm with groups of two photographers each rotating through designated "stations" throughout the residence. Stations include, but are not limited to: "bride" getting ready with hair/makeup, bridal details, wedding cake/dessert table, invitation suite, full tablescape, specialty drinks & hors d'oeuvre, couples exit outdoors with a Rose-Royce Phantom, etc.

There will be 4 main models: a bride, a groom and a man and woman posing as an engaged couple. That way you'll have an opportunity to capture bridal images, as well as, party images for more versatility. There will also be several other models coming later in the day to give the space an actual party feel should you wish to capture interactive photos. A full list of contributing vendors will also be provided so that you can tag the appropriate vendors when sharing your images online after the shoot.

Attendees | This styled shoot will be limited to 12 photographers. You are encouraged to bring all the necessary gear that would be used to photograph an indoor event. Lunch will be provided.

Registration | $175 early bird rate EXTENDED through March 31..

CLICK HERE to reserve your spot today!!

Questions? Please email Nicee at nicee@missmotleyphotography.com.

 

We hope to see you soon!

- View the images below for sneak peeks into recent events by Nicole Marie Events -

Talley's Kitchen + Bar: Sarah's 40th Birthday

I absolutely adore Jeff & Sarah Martinath and their family. Together they have welcomed me into their home and entrusted me with the opportunity of capturing some of their most precious memories over the last year. The genuine love, affection and camaraderie that Sarah & Jeff share is infectious-- it is a relationship that I emulate in my own marriage. So naturally, I was thrilled when Jeff reached out to invite me to Sarah's 40th birthday celebration! Jeff did an outstanding job pulling off this surprise for Sarah, she was blown away!!

It was such a fun gathering complete with endless libations and lite bites provided by, Sarah's favorite restaurant, Talley's Kitchen + Bar in Clarendon Hills.  I'd be remiss if I didn't send major kudos to Krista Talley and her team. They were on top of everything!! They kept the food & drinks coming and provided exceptional service to Sarah's guest. From the owner Krista, to the bar tender, to the servers, everyone of the staff members went out of their way to make sure that everyone was well taken care of, creating a fabulous event for a fabulous lady.

Happy Birthday Sarah!!! May the next 40 years be as fabulous as the first!! xoxo

Many thanks to the fabulous team who brought this celebration to life...

Venue & Catering: Talley's Kitchen + Bar

Photography: Miss Motley Photography


CLICK HERE to view the entire gallery of images from the event.

If you enjoyed reading about this event, why not tell the family so?! Spread the love by leaving birthday wishes in the comments section below. They'll enjoy reading your messages in the years to come! xoxo


Cracked at 695: The Northeasterners Inc, Chicago Chapter

The fabulous ladies of The Northeasterners Inc. - Chicago Chapter held their monthly gathering at Cracked at 695. They are a group of educated, talented, socially and politically conscious Black women rooted in a deep sense of sisterhood. The theme for the February meeting was obviously love and appreciation. It was a pleasure to be in attendance and to not only document their gathering, but to also capture headshots of each member to use on their website.

Many thanks to the fabulous team who brought this event to life...

Event Planner & Stylist: Nicole Marie Events Chicago
Cake Designer: Cake Life Chicago
Venue & Catering: Cracked at 695


CLICK HERE to view the entire gallery of images from the event.

If you enjoyed reading about this event, why not tell them so?! Spread the love by leaving well wishes in the comments section below. They'll enjoy reading your messages in the years to come! xoxo


Lincoln Park Conservatory Engagement Session: Delisha + Robert

Delisha & Robert met through mutual friends while in college at Northern Illinois University. From the moment they met their connection has been electrifying. The journey has taken them through graduation, starting new careers and then moving across the country to Settle. Yet, Chicago is still home and where they plan to marry come August 2017. So it was only fitting that they choose to capture their engagement photos here in Chicago at the Lincoln Park Broadwalk. It was a great day to get together minus the 20 degree weather, snow flurries and overcast skyline. These two snuggled up and made the best of it--they are the true MVPs! xoxo


Click Here to view the entire gallery of images from the event.

If you enjoyed reading about this lovely couple, why not tell them so?! Spread the love by leaving well wishes and congratulations in the comments section below. They'll enjoy reading your messages in the years to come! xoxo


Stan Mansion Wedding: Brittney + Charles

Brittney and Charles were married on a beautiful summer day in Chicago at Stan Mansion. After their initial wedding venue closed for renovations, Brittney was such a trooper flying into town from D.C. to secure a new venue merely months before her wedding day. Though it wasn’t their initial wedding venue, I think Stan Mansion was the perfect location for this couple as it provided them with a glamorous ballroom and mansion feel, tucked away on a cozy block in Logan Square. It was urban and luxurious.

I loved everything about this wedding!! From the gold accents in the reception ballroom, to the small little bows which adorned the back of the bride and her bridesmaids high heels, to the small locket that the brides sisters wrapped around her bouquet which featured a tiny photo of Brittney and her late father.

Brittney’s father passed away back in 2008. Her father was a very loved and respected man in Chicago, who impacted the lives of countless young people during his time on earth. What I loved the most about Brittney & Charles wedding day was how their family and friends kept his memory alive throughout the day. Brittney was escorted down the aisle by her mother, but followed by a group of her uncles, who proudly proclaimed, “we do” when the preacher asked who was giving her away. Then during the reception some of the girls who was on her father’s cheerleading squad, did a celebrator cheer for the Brittney and Charles upon their entrance into the ballroom.

Later on during the reception, her uncles wouldn’t let Brittney sit alone during first dances either. As Brittney set watching her new husband dance with his mother, one of her uncles stood up and grabbed her by the hand for a first dance… the rest of her uncles then stood off to the side of the dance floor in a line, waiting for their turn to dance with the beautiful bride. When I tell you there wasn’t a dry eye in the room, it was so beautiful!!! Even I stood weeping behind my camera lens so touched by the moment. It was such a magnificent way to honor her father, a man who was like a second father to so many young women growing up. You could feel the love and respect that filled the room. I know her father was there with us that day and I am so honored to have been able to capture all the memories in his honor.

Many thanks for the fabulous team who brought this wedding day to life:
Venue: Stan Mansion
Florals: Ambassador Floral Co
Gown Designer: Bari Jay Fashions
Makeup: Kiara K Makeup
Hair: Angela C Styles
Cake Artist: Oak Mill Bakery
Cateret: Cocina Fusion
Event Designer: Event Solutions by Blue Sky Entertainment
Photographers: Miss Motley Photography


Click Here to view the entire gallery of images from the event.

If you enjoyed reading about this lovely couple, why not tell them so?! Spread the love by leaving well wishes and congratulations in the comments section below. They'll enjoy reading your messages in the years to come! xoxo


Leigh & Lynn's 18th Birthday Celebration | Chicago, IL

“It takes a village to raise a child.” That was my biggest personal takeaway from Leigh & Lynn’s 18th Birthday Celebration. There was an indescribable warmth throughout the home as relatives, friends, neighbors and godparents poured in from the blizzard outside. Laughter and love filled the air.

Each guest was asked to bring an ornament to help the Logan family trim their tree this year. However, in actuality, it ended up being an ornament exchange, as the Logan family distributed personal, and might I add, well thought-out ornament awards to their honored guest. It was their little way of showing appreciation to their friends and family members who have loved and supported them over the last 18 years of Leigh & Lynn’s life.

Nicole Pittmon of Nicole Marie Events planned and designed the event space. She and Shawnelle coordinated fun events throughout the evening, which included: an "awards ceremony", a champagne toast with vintage 1996 Louis Roederer Cristal Champagne, a cake cutting, and a gingerbread cookie decorating contest. Many great memories were made that evening, it was a true celebration of life, family & love.

A few highlights from the birthday celebration are featured below, to view the full gallery of images click here: http://galleries.missmotleyphotography.com/loganholidayparty2016/

Many thanks to the fabulous team who brought this celebration to life...

Event Planner & Stylist: Nicole Marie Events Chicago
Cake Designer: Cake Life Chicago
Mixologist: Leira Knows Cocktails & Events
Catering: Fuze Catering & Events


Click Here to view the entire gallery of images from the event.

If you enjoyed reading about this event, why not tell the family so?! Spread the love by leaving birthday wishes in the comments section below. They'll enjoy reading your messages in the years to come! xoxo


Hinsdale Junior Women’s Club 2016 Holiday Party

Eat. Drink. Be Merry. The Hinsdale Junior Women’s Club hosted it’s annual Holiday Party on Thursday, December 8, 2017. This sold out event was held at Davanti Enoteca, in Western Springs, IL. The HJWC Social Committee Co-Chairs: Joelle Brower, Julie Kauffman, Mistie Lucht and Puja Gupta planned a fun event full of delicious Italian cuisine, specialty cocktails and festive holiday music. It was a night to remember!

A few highlights from the open photo-booth are featured here. To view the full gallery of images click here: http://galleries.missmotleyphotography.com/hjwcholidayparty


Click here  to view the entire gallery of images from the event. 

If you enjoyed reading about this event, share your comments below.


The Bedford Engagement Party: Christine + Travis

Christine + Travis’ engagement party took place in a private room at The Bedford - Chicago. It was a very joyous occasion as the couple was surrounded my family and longtime friends. Love was truly “in the air” that night and laughter filled the room as they all reminisced about old times. I know that Christine and Travis’ wedding day will be yet another memorable celebration in all of their lives. Congratulations on your engagement guys! I wish you both a lifetime of love and happiness.


Click here to view the entire gallery of images from the event. 

If you enjoyed reading about this lovely couple, why not tell them so?! Spread the love by leaving well wishes and congratulations in the comments section below. They'll enjoy reading your messages in the years to come! xoxo