I photographed Mr. Calvin and his lovely mom this past December for their annual Christmas card and fell in love with him! He's the sweetest and snuggliest creature in west Chicago! Now that Christmas is behind us and their cards have been sent out, I can finally share this with you! And how fitting that today is Calvin's birthday. Show him some orange love! Happy New Year, everyone.
I know you've all been dying to know how my first Chicago summer was and how much I accomplished from my original bucket list post. Warning: Long Post Ahead filled with a ton of photos. Sorry in advance for most of the photos being from my phone and not my "real" camera. Sometimes I just want to take a break from lugging the gear around and just enjoy the moment, especially when I'm doing fun things. So the quality of a lot of these isn't up to my standard, but hey, at least I did document it! Not pictured is my most favorite thing to do: WERQ. If it weren't for my WERQ dance class and the amazing women I've met there, I don't know if I would've survived! Seriously the best thing I've done for myself and so glad I accidentally found it. Dancing among all kinds of crazy people like me, with an indescribable energy, has been so good for my soul.
But without further ado... Summer 2016 Chicago Bucket List Accomplishments:
Run the Tiki Run - Check! Ran the whole thing! Not too shabby for not being a runner and it was my first 5k.
Explore the 606 Trail - Check!
Beach days, volunteering at PAWS, girls' nights out, Badger game parties, ladies' dinners and happy hours with some of my favorite people around.
Family time at the Bean, Shedd Aquarium (AMAZING!), Buckingham Fountain (SO beautiful at night!), cocktails at the Signature Lounge in the John Hancock building (BEST view of the city), architecture night boat tour, rode the Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier, and went to the Art Institute for the Gordon Parks exhibit.
Adler After Dark at the Planetarium was an amazing experience. And the view of the city was incredible!
Got to be in the audience on The Steve Harvey Show! Wasn't on my list but was still pretty cool to see how it's done. Plus, I got to shake Shemar Moore's hand ;)
Logan Square Farmer's Market and Renegade Craft Fair - Check!
I know it's not summer anymore, but my first Blackhawks game was so much fun and they won in OT!
I get to shoot in some pretty cool places! I did a boudoir shoot at the Kimpton Burnham Hotel downtown and it was full of so much character and beauty. I hope to shoot there again. Also did a food shoot in a really cool industrial building with gorgeous window light!
Chicago traffic... still not used to this!
Whirlyball. I did not get to this one but walked by it and want to go even more!
The things I did not get to, that will carry over into next year:
Winter 2016/2017 List: Ice skating in Millenium Park, attempt to stay warm and learn how to navigate this street parking/snow mess! I'm sure there's more I want to do, but right now, warmth and hibernation is all that is on my mind!
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day and I'm feeling extra thankful this year to get to be able to do what I love doing for a living. I also get to work with the best people around that trust me to document the most special times in their lives! This was my last big event for the year and my heart is so full and grateful.
I met Bryann a few years ago when I was living in Sun Prairie and we lived in the same building. I was having Valentine's Day mini sessions and she brought her then-two year old daughter Daylin by for photos. I fell in love with this sweet little girl instantly and have been photographing their growing family since. Last year they welcomed little Ellie and this year she asked me to photograph their small intimate ceremony where they officially tied the knot with their girls in tow. So much love and happiness! Also, don't they make the most adorable babies ever?!?! Take a peak at some of my favorite images from their day.
Professional Portrait Photography by Courtney Laper in the greater Chicago area.
Courtney Laper focuses on documenting moments & relationships with a mix of lifestyle and posed portraiture. She is located in Chicago, IL but travels all over.
Call: 608.438.9832
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