Shawn's greatest catch!

We knew from the moment we heard about Shannon and Shawn's wedding, that it was going to be a blast! The couple tied the knot at Old St. Pat's, then stopped at some of Chicago's hot spots before ending in Wrigleyville. Shawn, a Boston native, met Shannon during a Cubs vs. Red Socks game, and the rest is history. The couple had their reception at Mrs. Murphy & Son's Irish Bistro. It was a fabulous night filled with awesome food, good music and many laughs. Thank you Shannon and Shawn for allowing us to take part in your special day!

Sarah & Dave

We had the pleasure of working with Sarah and Dave on one of the most beautiful days in October.  The could met way back in college at the University of Iowa and finally tied the knot at the W Hotel on Adams.  They had an intimate Jewish ceremony followed by a romantic reception with great mood lighting.  The two of them were a perfect pair - goofy and fun with lots of love!

60 Looks in 60 Minutes: Kurt Gerber's PartnerCon Workshop

We were so happy with the turnout today at the workshop in New Orleans.  Kurt would like to extend a big thank you to everyone that participated.  As promised, we are now going to post some key points covering what we demonstrated on the streets of the French Quarter.

Angle

Don't be afraid to take the time to change your position, your point of view, or your lens.  Take a look at your subject from different angles, below, above, and to the sides.  Allow yourself to think about the image you want to create and from which angle it will be the most powerful. 

Background

Before the shoot, scout some natural backgrounds in the area.  Pay attention to what time of day you will be shooting and how that will affect your lighting.  Utilize textures like brick, stucco, peeling paint, wood, flora, and public art to make your photos more dynamic.

Details

Details are what your clients have chosen to make their weddings unique.  Use your own perspective to zoom in and capture the details dramatically and artistically. 

Emotion

Clients are filled with many emotions on their wedding day.  Use your eye and your instincts to capture the emotions as they're happening. Sometimes the moments between moments yield the best photographs so always be present in your view finder. Real emotion is gold.

Focus

Current trends in wedding photography use a shallow depth of field.  We use focal length and aperture to isolate the couple.   

Framing

Natural and man made objects can be used in unique ways to frame the couple.

Light

Light is essential in turning a good photograph into a great one.  We look for situations in which we can make silhouettes, find shadows, bounce light, backlight, and utilize lens flare. Good light can even be found at mid day if you keep your eyes open.

Wish Upon A Wedding

Many members of the Chicago wedding community came out  for Wish Upon a Wedding's First Annual Blissful Wishes Ball which  took place on Monday, November 1, 2010 at the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel.

We are humbled to have been nominated for, and to have won the first  Chicago Shining Star Award.  G+S Cofounder Kurt Gerber was honored for charity and generosity within the community.

 Our mission at G + S to is to always be grateful for what we have and always extend our hand to those in need.

We were  also proud to be one of the sponsors for the evening. It was a fun-filled night with over 200 of the most prominent and generous individuals from the wedding industry in attendance. Dana Kozlov from CBS2 Chicago and Dan Bernstein from The Score were the co-emcees and hosts for the evening.

The Blissful Wishes Ball was a gala celebration benefiting Wish upon a Wedding, a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide weddings & vow renewals for couples facing terminal illness and other serious life-altering circumstances, regardless of sexual orientation.

By giving the gifts of dream weddings & vow renewals, Wish Upon a Wedding is able to grant some of the most intimate and heartfelt wishes of these people's lives, and help them share this important day with close family members.  A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales from the Blissful Wishes Ball will benefit Wish upon a Wedding, Chicago, and its mission. This fabulous event would never have happened if it wasn't for the hard work and dedication of our dear friend and colleague, Ali Phillips of Engaging Events by Ali. We are so blessed to have such amazing giving spirit in our community.

Guests at the evening's festivities  were treated to a three-course sit-down dinner, open bar, and dessert provided by Sarah's Pastries and Katherine Anne Confections. Entertainment for the evening was provided by the Larry King Orchestra and it didn't take long for them to get the dance floor going!  Guests also had a chance to experience Shutterbooth's photo booth, have their photos taken by Gerber + Scarpelli Photography, be a part of  the highlight film of I Do Films, as well as view the extravagant decor provided by Bbj linen, The Meetinghouse Companies, inc., Classic Party Rentals, Tablescapes Party Rental, More Cupcakes , Frost lighting and CS Brides.

Blissful Wishes from I Do Films on Vimeo.

Soroth & George's Wedding Weekend

We knew from the moment we met Soroth and George that they were going to throw an unforgettable wedding extravaganza. Soroth and George tied the knot, not once but twice a few weeks ago. The couple threw a Cambodian wedding on Friday night at the bride’s home. The evening was full of good food, music and laughs.

The next day Soroth and George met each other in Uptown, before heading to Millennium Park for some fun and romantic pictures. We then headed to Stan Mansion, a hidden gem located in Logan Square, for the ceremony and reception. 

We were honored to take part in Soroth and George’s weekend. 

Sarah & Johnny

Sarah & Johnny tied the knot at the Tower Club in the Lyric Opera Building.  They were a great couple - willing to do anything for a great shot!  We had such a good time with them and their wedding party.  The couple love to travel - Johnny proposed while they were on a trip to Paris.  After the wedding, they headed to Hawaii to celebrate!

Elizabeth & DJ

Elizabeth & DJ were such a fun couple to work with!  They had their ceremony at St. James and their reception at the wonderful Peninsula Hotel.  The reception room was decorated beautifully - the flowers were done to perfection, the tablescapes looked great, and the Bradley Young Orchestra rocked the party all night!  Thanks you two!