Posts Tagged ‘photographer’
Tags: baby, baby photographer, family photographer, heather parker, heatherparker.com, photographer, scooter, studio, studio photographer, vespa, vespa GL
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for those of you who have met me to discuss wedding photography, you know how i always rave about style matters. here is where i explain my praise for them. have been to a ton of weddings and i know which djs get the crowd going without being annoying. spencer and the djs that are part of his company don’t mess up, they send the wedding guests to the dance floor without fail, and tend to play a cooler versions of recognizable songs and mixing in an appropriate amount of unique tracks. if spencer isn’t available on your wedding or event, don’t fret for even a moment. i have heard several of the other djs that work for style matters and the party is just as fun. when the party is fun, it makes my life easier because lets be honest, its more fun as a wedding photographer taking creative photos during a wedding reception when the dance floor is packed. i have had a chance to get to know the style matters crew, at weddings at gallery 1028, zed 451, the narnia estate, just to name a few. i am spotlighting spencer in an online blog interview below:
1. Introduce yourself:
Hello, my name is Spencer Lokken. I’m a member of the Orchard Lounge DJ collective and I run Style Matters DJs (www.stylemattersdjs.com).
2. How did you get started?
Like a lot of people in their twenties, I wasn’t happy with my where my career was going. I never had a healthy relationship with corporate America. Despite a solid work ethic and proven track record, I left my job every day feeling unsatisfied, unchallenged, and uninspired. Almost six years ago, intrigued by the wonders of Craigslist, I created a post offering my DJ services to people throwing high-end private events. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, but at the time, I certainly didn’t have any hopes of creating a full-fledged company. I just did it to keep from going crazy in my cubicle. As my pop once put it, I quit working for the man and became the man. Best decision I’ve ever made.
3. What do you think has gotten Style Matters to be one of the most successful DJ companies in Chicago?
Raw talent, attention to detail, creativity, our organizational skills, our willingness to take a chance, and the fact that I’ve assembled a team of some of the best DJs this city has ever seen. I’ve put my heart and soul into this, as have the DJs on my team. I think when you watch us spin, it shows.
4. What sets you apart from your competitors?
What competitors? Kidding. I suppose it has a lot to do with how knowledgeable, versatile, and dedicated the DJs are. We are constantly driven by the feeling we get at 12:01am every Saturday night. It’s pretty special to know that we’re an integral part of a celebration that our clients will never forget.
5. What is on your playlist this week?
Seven Saturdays – “Good Morning, I Love You”
Real Estate – “Fake Blues”
The XX – “VCR”
Toro Y Moi – “Blessa”
Emancipator – “Rattlesnakes”
Hot Chip – “Thieves In the Night”
Broken Bells – “The Ghost Inside”
Vampire Weekend – “I Think You’re A Contra”
Bat For Lashes – “Good Love”
Kings Of Convenience – “Mrs. Cold”
Come see what’s on all the DJs’ playlists next Friday, February 5th at Moonshine for our bi-monthly DJ showcase. Moonshine is at 1824 W. Division, Chicago near Damen & Division
full disclosure: Style Matters does not compensate me in any way. i don’t get anything except the joy of nudging you towards good resources. i don’t pay any money to be on anyone’s preferred vendor list, nor do i charge anyone to be mentioned in my blog or accept any money for mentioning anyone.
Tags: chicago dj review, chicago dj reviews, chicago djs, chicago wedding vendor, chicago wedding vendors, heather parker, heatherparker.com, photographer, photography, recommendation, recommendations, vendor spotlight, wedding dj review, wedding dj reviews, wedding photographer
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after lea and mark hired me to photograph their new england barn wedding, i met with them for some engagement photos in downtown chicago around springtime on the lakefront. they brought their black lab to include in some of the shots and we had a blast. since meeting them and working with them, lea has passed my name on to several brides. i am always so appreciative when clients pass my name along to others. word of mouth is where i get most of my work. before i share some of lea and mark’s wedding photos, here are a handful of their engagement photos:
it was really so fun working with them during the engagement shoot, and i couldn’t wait for the wedding. after previously photographing a wedding at the barn at gibbet hill, i found that i really enjoyed non-traditional wedding venues. while i wasn’t contracted to bring a second shooter, i could tell lea was planning a very cool wedding that was going to be taking place at a historic church and a barn, so i decided to bring along another photographer to assist. i had a few phone conversations with lea before her wedding and could tell already that many well thought out details were being put into action for this wedding. when we arrived, lea showed us that barack obama declined her wedding invitation. bummer it would have been cool to get some shots of lea dancing with the president! 
during our communication over phone and email before the wedding, lea informed me that she would be wearing the groom’s grandmother’s necklace.
we talked about the couple’s wedding day time line and realized that with a church ceremony running from 4 o’clock until almost 5 o’clock, there would not be much time for any outdoor photos after the ceremony with the sun setting so early in the winter. lea and mark had a “first look” before heading a few blocks down the road to the sea for some creative photos.
its worth being a trooper and making time for outdoor photos even in the winter. this gave the bride and groom some time together during their wedding day before splitting time with all their friends and family.
while the bride and groom live in the chicago area, they brought the groom’s pastor in from nebraska to their new england wedding. while not all churches are flexible to allow use of their space with another officiant, the couple found a great church willing to allow an out of town pastor to perform the ceremony. congregational churches in this area have the sanctuary on the second floor.
when i think of new england, quaint white steepled churches are some of the first things that come to mind. 
after the ceremony, everyone headed over to the historic red lion inn for the wedding reception. in a picturesque seaside town, a combination of country french and new england colonial styles provided perfect ambience in a wedding reception venue.
the barn at the red lion inn had an upstairs lofted wrap-around balcony that was used for cocktail hour.
a consistent, navy blue nautical theme was used for wedding. paper goods such as table numbers, menus, and escort cards were designed by the Etsy seller BuddyandBean.
after cocktail hour, the newlyweds descended upon the grand staircase of the barn and immediately began their scheduled first dance.
the cake was from the famed konditor meister bakery
toasts and parent dances followed.
Reception Venue: The Red Lion Inn Cohasset, MA
Church: Second Congregational Church, Cohassett, MA
Ceremony Musicians: Brian Pierce, Organ and Piano
Jeff Marani and Jennifer Fearnley, Vocalists
Pat Stout, Trumpet
Cocktail Hour Musicians: Derek Van Slyck Jazz Combo
DJ: Aaron Topfer
Photographer: Heather Parker Photography
Flowers: The Candy Jar Pembroke, MA
Hair and Makeup: Charlotte Phinney
Bridesmaid Gowns: Watters & Watters via Netbride.com
Bridal Gown and Alterations: Eva’s Bridal Orland Park, Illinois
Custom Garter: Sew Unique Garters
Wedding Cake: Konditor Meister Bakery
Limousine: Brewster Coach Quincy, MA
Invitations: Paper Elegance
Bridal Earrings, Bracelet, and Brooch: The White Aisle
Tags: barn wedding, barn wedding photography, barn wedding venue, barn wedding venues, boston, chicago, coastal wedding, cohassett, heather parker, heatherparker.com, hotel photographer, illinois, massachusetts, new england, photographer, photography, resort photographer, wedding, wedding photographer, weddings
Posted in destination weddings, weddings |
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as wedding photographers, sometimes its nice to be able to spend time with friends and family at important life events and to not have to pick up a camera. andrea contacted me last year looking to hire a wedding photographer for her omni hotel wedding. she mentioned that her then-fiancé lou’s uncle is a wedding photographer. when you have an experienced photographer in your own family, you know that even if they won’t be shooting your big day, you’re still going to get some good advice on selecting an experienced photographer. andrea and lou selected me as their wedding photographer and in the months leading up to their wedding, i learned that they were going to have their wedding at a church that dates back to 1686 loaded with history that includes a bell that was re-cast by paul revere. i can’t say i had shot in a church that old but i was excited! to top off my enthusiasm for this wedding, it was a greek wedding with many greek wedding traditions to be had throughout the ceremony and reception.
on the wedding day, i arrived to photograph andrea and her bridesmaids at the historic omni parker hotel. this hotel is loaded with history as it was the first hotel built in the united states, and was also where boston cream pies were invented. this hotel previously employed ho chi mihn, malcom x, and emeril lagasse. this hotel boasts some haunted tales, but my camera did not pick up any paranormal activity. i always hope i’m going to get some ghosts in my photos! while on a shoot in new orleans, i did stay at the magnolia mansion hotel that has been documented as being haunted. one of the photos i took inside the magnolia mansion is here.
okay, okay, back to the wedding! andrea had her wedding gown, shoes and rings easily accessible to be photographed while she was getting her hair and makeup done.
before we walked over to the church next door for the wedding ceremony, i documented andrea descending the stairs to greet her father, which was a very emotional moment for both of them.
even though the ceremony occurred after sundown, i wasn’t allowed to use flash in king’s chapel as they informed andrea “in keeping with the solemnity of the marriage ceremony, we would be most appreciative if you would make certain that your photographer and guests understand that there is to be absolutely no flash photography.” it was also great that there were no arms waving mobile phones into the aisle making attempts to get a shot of the bride, amen! i think every bride and groom deserve an unobstructed photo of the bride walking down the aisle so if you are reading this and are invited to a wedding, your iphone or blackberry shouldn’t make an appearance in church wedding photos, respect. 
here is a shot of lou during the vows.
and andrea holding back some tears.
the crowns that are seen during greek wedding ceremonies are signs of the glory and honor with which God crowns them during the sacrament. the wedding crowns (stefana) are joined by a ribbon to symbolize the unity of the couple and the presence of christ who blesses and joins the couple. this establishes them as the king and queen of their home, which they will rule with wisdom, justice and integrity. the priest takes the two crowns and blesses the bride and groom, followed by placing the crowns on them. the koumbaro then steps behind the couple and interchanges the crowns three times as a witness to the sealing of the union.
finally they seal the deal with a kiss.
it was admittedly chilly during the creative outdoor photo session with the newlyweds!
we had some time before cocktail hour began.
i was laying on the floor for this shot, hence the reason i prefer to wear trousers to weddings as opposed to skirts.
before the guests entered the ballroom, here is what the room set up looked like.
icing on the cake rocked the pink and black color theme nicely.
is this the coolest bridal party entrance you have ever seen?
boston common band had the guests dancing all night.
greek wedding music set the tone for some traditional dancing as lou’s greek relatives welcomed andrea and her family into theirs. 
Ceremony/Church: Kings Chapel, Corner of School and Tremont Street, Boston MA 02108
Reception Venue: Omni Parker House Hotel, 60 School Street, Boston MA 02108
Wedding Band: Boston Common Band
Photographer: Heather Parker Photography
Florist: Evergreen Florist, 397 Main Street, Stoneham, MA
Cake: Icing on the Cake, 230 Adams Street, Newton, MA
Wedding Gown: Amsale, “Serena” dress purchased at Cristina’s, 10 Main Street, Andover MA
Invitations: Hello Lucky
Favorboxes: Estilo Weddings
DIY: programs, place cards (paper from papersource) and table numbers
Pleacecard template design: TwoYellowShoes on etsy
Hair: Bellagio Hair and Skin Care, 1 Henshaw Street, Brighton, MA
Make-up: Independent make-up artist, Paula Johnson, 781-595-3902
Tags: boston, bride, couple, ghost, haunted, heather parker, heatherparker.com, historic, inspiration, kings chapel, massachusetts, new orleans, neworleans, NOLA, omni hotel, omni parker hotel, photographer, shoot, wedding, wedding photographer, wedding reception venues, weddings
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what i love about creating captivating imagery for the hospitality, resort & architecture industries, is that it often allows a photographer to travel. most recently, i had the opportunity to photograph for moon dance resorts at their moon dance cliffs hotel location in negril, jamaica. before the shoot, i consulted a lot with my cousin keshara who is a production manager for GE Projects. she had previously done a lot of international resort photography with barbara kraft, one of the leading hospitality photographers, having work featured in architectural digest and other notable publications. i was excited to head down to jamaica.
after a nearly a full day of travel, i was met by a polite, informative and very friendly driver and we embarked on long drive (no freeways) from montego bay to negril, winding along the coast, and weaving through colorful villages. i arrived at the resort just as the sun was going down. i had just enough energy in me to get a brief tour of the grounds before hitting the hay. around 5am i got my canon and hasselblad cameras ready and ran around resort snapping some test shots under the early morning light. i shot all day and by sundown, i was tired enough to go to bed early. the second day had the most favorable skies. while shooting at moon dance cliffs and villas, i experienced the most exceptional 5-star service and met some of the nicest people i have ever met in my life. in the upcoming weeks, i aim to share more images from jamaica, including a wedding i photographed at moon dance villas. below are some examples of luxury resort architectural photography.
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Tags: architectural photographer, architectural photography, architecture, coastal, destination, destination wedding hotel, destination wedding location, destination wedding resort, gallery, heather, heather parker, heatherparker.com, hotel, hotel photographer, hotel photography, luxury resort, parker, photographer, photography, photos, resort, resort photographer, resort photography
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i was in duxbury, ma this weekend photographing a wedding and snapped this photo with my iPhone. i was talking to someone on the train about photography, and they asked what other kinds of photography other than weddings i shoot and i told them that my blog has become sort of a teaser section for wedding clients but that i would try to remember to post other types of shoots on here and passed them one of my cards. well, here are a few photos of some other projects that i should share. i will try to describe a bit of it.
first and foremost, though a lot of my shoots are local, many of them take me to interesting places, even allowing me to sit in the front sea of a cessna airplane!
the above architectural photography is of a home on nantucket island. for those who don’t know, nantucket island is east of the popular tourist destination of martha’s vineyard. on martha’s vineyard, i photographed this nice queen anne style summer cottage (below), which is owned by a software publisher by the name of peter norton, who created norton utilities and norton anti-virus.
the above house has been published in a regional annual magazine issue by cape cod life publications. although i photograph a lot of historic preservation and restoration architectural photography, i also photograph modern architecture. massachusetts institute of technology commissioned steven holl architects to design a residence hall at the university. simmons hall as it is called, resembles an abstract sponge. i heard first hand that due to the cement and steel used throughout the building, mobile phone reception is virtually impossible. while many people hate it’s design, i would like to think equally as many people enjoy it. i personally think its at least a visually striking building if nothing else. the image below of the building was used by the Kunstakademiets Arkitektskole in a publication.
i also went to barcelona to photograph the pavilion by mies van der rohe. it has an interesting story behind it and should really be called the german pavilion in barcelona.
as you can see from the above images, i get to see a lot of nice buildings, homes, and other structures. though new buildings and restored homes that are often considered masterpieces are pleasant to look at, i find myself wanting to photograph the not-so-beautiful. here is a photo of one of the many post-katrina abandoned homes in new orleans, louisiana.
as you can see, photography takes me many places. after tomorrow, i head to jamaica for more photo shoots and i will share photos when i get back to reality…
Tags: architectural photography, architecture, chicago, coastal, commercial architectural photographer, cottages, destination photographer, heather parker, hotel photographer, institutional architetural photographer, island, luxury resort photographer, martha's vineyard, modern, mv, nantucket, new orleans, neworleans, NOLA, photo shoot, photographer, photoshoot, residential archecture, resort photographer, summer cottages
Posted in Photography Related, architecture |
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Tags: chicago, chicago wedding photographer, chicago wedding photography, couple, desi, engagement, engagement shoot, heather parker, heatherparker.com, illinois, indian engagement, indian wedding photographer, indian wedding photography chicago, mandap, photographer, photography, photos, sangeet, wedding photographer, weddings
Posted in engagement |
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people often speak of having a storybook wedding. well, this wedding comes literally straight from teh storybooks of alice in wonderland. shortly after photographing sam & hezzie’s wedding at gallery 1028, i was hired for sam’s sister liza’s wedding. i am picky when it comes to photographing on holidays, so if i was going to forfeit halloween, it had to be for a fun shoot. they convinced me right away when i was informed that the wedding was going to be themed as a mad hatter tea party. i met liza at her brother’s wedding, and at the time, i had no idea i would get to work with her again. liza plays by her own rules, she is an offbeat bride. heck she even made her own blue wedding dress! with the help of her mother deborah who owns norton’s usa (a unique all-american general store), the wedding would go down in the books as being one of the most memorable for everyone in attendance. they merged a mad hatter tea party theme with elements of autumn. the wedding was held at home, in a strikingly beautiful, yet mysterious house. during the ceremony, the bride emerged from a secret bookcase door, surprising guests. the groom, richard, is from manchester, uk.
it was a real pleasure photographing this wedding, as there was such great scenery and carefully thought out decorations to work with. liza’s family has two amazing horses, and a barn full of teeny kittens!
from the mother of the bride:
Hi Heather!!! They are wonderful! Glad you had fun! We all looked with Sam’s computer yesterday and we’re thrilled. Thank you so much for coming and shooting Liza & Richards wedding.
“I didn’t get to see all of Sam and Hezi’s pics but what I did see are fabulous! You really are so very talented!
Thank you from the bottomof my heart
Deborah”
caterer: moveable feast
decor: norton’s usa
cake: sugar hills bakery
flowers: barrington fresh flower market
happy halloween everyone! don’t forget to adjust the time on your cameras to daylight savings time.
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Tags: alice, alice in wonderland, architecture, autumn, bride, british, chicago, couple, decorations, DIY, england, english, fall, fashion, groom, heather, heather parker, heatherparker.com, homemade, idea, ideas, inspiration, lewis carroll, mad hatter, mad hatter tea party, madhatter, offbeat, photographer, photography, photos, pumpkin, pumpkins, shoot, story, story book, storybook, tea party, theme, themed, uk, wedding, wedding photographer, weddings
Posted in weddings |
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i always love having opportunity of shooting cultural weddings. i met with charlotte last year and was so excited to be hired to photograph her and mike’s wedding. earlier this year i photographed charlotte and mike’s engagement shoot, and since charlotte and mike travel frequently for work, we did a lot of communication via email regarding the details of the wedding day and her photography plans and ideas. in addition to wedding-related chatter, charlotte, being a foodie, she gave me some great tips on where to find true Québécois poutine made with real cheese curds.
charlotte is from singapore and her family spoke mandarin, while mike’s family spoke cantonese. i love being able to document cultural and family traditions, and this wedding in particular had some especially fun parts to photograph. i witnessed some hilarious games and a pretty tea ceremony which happened before the traditional style wedding ceremony that i am used to. before tea, the groom was quizzed by bride’s friends and family and had to partake in humorous demands before the mother of the bride released her daughter to the groom.
i asked charlotte about some of the details of her wedding day and she said:
The Chinese tea ceremony was requested by my mom. Basically it is a way for us to thank our families for raising us. The groom comes to the bride’s house to collect the bride. But the bride’s friends and family will try and block the groom and his men. The groom will have to go a series of games to prove his love for the bride. At the end, the girls will negotiate a price for the bride. Usually the number ends in 99. So $299, $399, etc.
When the groom claims the bride, they are supposed to go to the groom’s family to do the tea ceremony. Then they return to the bride’s family to do the tea ceremony. We did it all in the same room to save time!
Mike and I are so laid back, so we wanted fun pictures. Mike requested the lakefront shots and I like indoor shots and vintage looking locales, so Union Station was awesome! I love the look and feel of your photos! Very different from the others I have seen and very imaginative! That was ultimately the reason why we picked you!
after their wedding, the bride and groom headed to Curaçao for their honeymoon where they went to explore the island’s shores via scuba diving.
婚礼摄影师在芝加哥
中文和粤语的新娘和新郎
charlotte purchased adorable containers for the wedding rings which were enscribed with to have and to hold.
the bride’s mother watched over over the groom during some lighthearted games
the groom answered questions regarding his new bride
mike and char were a very easy-going couple – they joked around a lot and had a blast all day!
two families came together during a tea ceremony overlooking famous michigan avenue. they had one of the best hotel suites i have ever photographed in.
charlotte takes tea to present to the families.
i heard someone mutter that some of the tea had some wasabi in it!
the groom leaves the room before the bride changes into a white wedding gown.
simple bouquet of flowers to match a simple elegant dress.
the groom waits in the hotel lobby for a scheduled “first look” as the bride descended down a grand glowing staircase.
we took a limo to museum campus and played a little game of trust over lake michigan.
the chicago skyline is in the distance as the groom holds on tight to his bride.
charlotte forgot the disposable adhesive heating pads in her hotel room to keep her bridesmaids warm for outdoor photos so we went to union station after museum campus. she had prepared for inclement weather by buying a photo permit in advance for union station so that we would have no issues if we needed to use the location as a setting for her wedding photos.
the groom looked dapper don’t you think?
the groom looked dapper, don’t you think?
we wrapped up our 90 minute photo shoot by heading back to michigan ave and the bride and groom were cuffed by a chicago cop (all in good fun of course!).
the newlyweds had beautiful rings which i photographed on the stem of a tulip.
cocktail hour…
what a cute nephew and a proud father!
here are some of the wedding reception details including favors, cupcake centerpieces, and an overall theme of red – the color of happiness.
and a toast…
and a cake cutting and a cake smoosh followed by a smooch.
guests seemed to be having a great time
charlotte’s matron of honor was just as fun as she, and raised the bar on the dancefloor getting everyone going!
the bride and groom were a very fun laid-back couple to work with, and definitely know how to throw a party!
wedding ceremony & reception: marriott magnificent mile
makeup: monique madrid styling
dj: one stop dj (peggy liao, speaks mandarin and taiwanese)
alterations on white gown: Ms. Couture
alterations on qi pao/chengosam: oriental fine tailor
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Tags: asian, bride, chengsam, cheongsam, chicago, chicago wedding photographer, chicago wedding photography, chinese wedding, chongsam, coastal, groom, heather, heather parker, heatherparker.com, illinois, modern, parker, photographer, photography, photos, qi pao, qipao, quipao, wedding, wedding photographer, weddings, 婚礼, 摄影师, 新娘, 新郎, 芝加哥
Posted in weddings |
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Tags: chicago, chicago wedding photographer, engagement, engagement session, engagement shoot, heather parker, heatherparker.com, illinois, photographer, photography, photos, wedding, wedding photographer
Posted in engagement |
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my dog chloe insisted that danny’s mom share danny’s snacks with her. i so wanted to tell chloe to grow up, but she’s almost twelve.
