In the Studio with The Sunken Ship!

After many years of building a great rapport between Audrey kelleR phoTography and the band The Sunken Ship, (being engaged to the drummer helped, too!) it was a thrill to be able to join them in part of  their first LP (full album) recording session at Uptown Recording Studio. Dan Stock, the Sound Engineer, was equally as eager and enthusiastic to be working with these talented musicians as they were with him. Looking for the best of the best, The Sunken Ship met with many recording studios before deciding that Uptown Recording was the perfect fit.

It was exciting as a photographer to capture this musical magic behind the scenes in the intimate confines of the studio. It was truly remarkable to photograph each musician individually, as with recording music, each instrument and vocal is laid down separately--giving each member of the band the opportunity to shine on his own as we continually replayed his track. After several weeks of hard work and dedication in the studio, The Sunken Ship is still not finished recording the album. For all you Sunken Ship fans, stay tuned for the release of this exceptional LP!

Below is a selection of our favorite photos showing several aspects of the recording process. Please enjoy!

An Autumn Affair!

It was a chilly autumn day when Kim and Luke said "I do" on October 2nd in Palatine, IL. However, you'd never be able to tell just how cold it was from the beautiful and intimate photos that we captured of the two. True love radiated from the couple with each embrace and kiss on this momentous day.

We were thrilled to work with Kim's family again, as we photographed her sister Erin's wedding and Engagement Session a few years back. The day's events began with a traditional and heartfelt ceremony at Prince of Peace Church in Palatine, IL. Kim and Luke were gathered by many family and friends as they tied the knot seamlessly. It was a truly touching moment to see the groom choke up at the sight of his beautiful bride (one of our favorite moments to capture).  The newlyweds glowed as they exited the church and joined their bridal party to continue the celebration of their love. The enthusiastic group braved the cold weather, and we were able to photograph moments of romance, love, and fun. Upon the arrival to the reception hall at The Seville in Streamwood, IL, the couple entered the beautiful ballroom as they were introduced as Mr. and Mrs. Piszczek! We were excited to be apart of a celebration that not only honored their love, but the veterans of the U.S. Marine Corps as well. Luke is a veteran, and there were many details that recognized the groom's services and his fellow marines (his cuff links, her garter, and the groom's cake). It was a magical day for all. Congratulations to Kim and Luke!

Please enjoy the selection of our favorite photos from the day!

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

This month the studio had our third Sweet Pea portrait session with Jacob Paris!  It has been wonderful to see him grow over the months since his first studio portraits!  Jacob Paris was adorable bundled up for the chilly season in his winter garb of hats and sweaters.  At one point we even had our own little snow angel complete with angel wings!  It was a great time of year to capture this sweet pea - just in time for the holidays!  We look forward to his next Sweet Pea visit to the studio!

The Sweet Pea Program is a customized photo package documenting your baby's first year.  The program includes 4 custom portrait sessions along with a "Baby Look Book".  The "Baby Look Book" contains a collection of images from the year's photo sessions along with personalized notes of your baby's growth and development.  It is the perfect keepsake and future heirloom! Gift Certificates are also available for a great baby shower gift!
For more information about the Sweet Pea Portrait Program please contact Audrey kelleR phoTography at 773.8.STUDIO (777.878.8346) or visit us online at www.audreykellerphotography.com

Meet Arwen!

Meet one of our latest models from the studio: baby Arwen!

At just 6 months old Arwen was a natural in front of the camera as she posed (with help from Mom and Dad!) for her portrait session with Audrey kelleR phoTography.  She was all smiles in her adorable outfits which included the perfect holiday dress.  The studio recently wrapped up it's first holiday sale so it was the perfect time for Arwen's parents to capture their beautiful daughter on film!

Take a look below to see images of the studio's latest cutie!

Look at Arwen dancing away! 

We have a Gerber baby!

Playing with bubbles!

A Wedding to Remember!

It was a momentous day on September 18th as Justin and Allegra were stylishly married in downtown Chicago.  From their engagement to the wedding day, the affair was one for the books!  It all began while backstage after a Nine Inch Nails concert.  There, amongst the band, Justin knelt down on one knee and proposed to Allegra.  What a magical moment!

The day of the wedding was just as memorable as the story of their engagement.  The Bride's preparation took place at the grand Westin River North.  There she was adorned with the beautiful works of The Left Bank, a Parisian jewelry boutique in the heart of Chicago.  The jewelry pieces were the perfect finishing touch for the already exquisite Bride! (brides-to-be The Left Bank is a shopping must for accessories and bridal shoes of all sorts, check them out!)

Following Justin and Allegra's preparations, the ceremony and reception were held at Fulton's on the River.  The venue was ideal for the occasion.  We had some time following the ceremony for photos on the bridge.  This couple's fun and playful attitude was a delight and lent to capturing unique shots during the perfect lighting of "the golden hour".  The golden hour is the time of day during the last hour of sunlight, the sun is setting but there is still light in the sky.  The lights of the buildings all turn on and it perfectly achieves a beautiful effect due to this quality of light.  The joyous mood continued into the reception.  There, live music was provided by the talented TVK Orchestra.  It was a beautiful celebration for the newlyweds!

Congratulations to the happy couple!

Below are a sampling of images from the couple's big day.  Please enjoy!