Oh, this little family! I adore them so much! It seems as thought it was only yesterday that I was photographing Elodie as a newborn and now this spunky, almost three year old girl, is about to be a big sister. I am so thankful for the G. Family and their continued friendship and support! Love you guys! 

Sometimes a sessions comes along that brings a photographer to happy tears and warms their creative heart. Maddie's Milwaukee senior session was one of those magical photo shoots. As soon as the put on her ballerina tutu and started dancing around the Milwaukee Federal Building, my heart bursted with happiness. My jaw dropped as I watched her in complete awe, as she performed her delicate dance around the Federal Building's stone columns. Maddie, you are one of a kind! Not only are you beautiful on the inside with your kind and loving spirit but you also possess such grace and beauty on the outside. Thank you for making me smile ear to ear while I took your senior photos! Wishing you nothing but the best in your dancing career and school!  

Oh, the pure joy of photographing an extended family! I love watching the dynamics of cousins playing together, of grandparents laughing with their grandkids and siblings recreating funny old family photos. The M. Family was amazing to work with! Our beach session was Doctors Park in Fox Point was light, bright and laid back. The kids frolicked on the beach and in between the giggles and rock throwing contests, we took some beautiful family photos. Thank you to the M. Family for letting me capture this special time in your lives! 

Venue: The University Club of Milwaukee
Photographer: Dominika Photographer 
Associate Photographer: Lauren 
Florist: Impressions by Esther Fleming 
Dress: Romona Keveza 
Makeup Artist : Makeup By Joseph 
Hair Stylist: Brina Swanson, Exchange Salon 
​DJ: Scott Sloan
Editor: Sharp Editorial  

From start to finish, there was an effortless standard of perfection, sophistication, and sheer beauty surrounding Rachel and Eric’s big day. Rachel has incredible taste, and her eye for detail was perfectly reflected and executed from the moment they saw each other for the first time to the fabulous grandeur of their  gorgeous venue. 

Rachel and Eric got married at the iconic Blackstone Hotel in Chicago, Illinois, boasting views of Lake Michigan and Grant Park. When I stepped foot into this stunning hotel, I immediately realized why a bride-to-be would fall in love with such a place! The Blackstone features amazing architecture from the 1910’s, including a spectacular, pristine white ballroom, a true photogram’s dream!

     

The vintage, magnificent appeal of the hotel perfectly mirrored this couple’s timeless elegance – the beautiful white ballroom was latent with intricate vintage details and stunning, sparkling chandeliers. The Blackstone Hotel is truly a gem within the city of Chicago. Its high-arched openings and ornate ceilings complimented Rachel’s taste quite perfectly.

Venue: The Blackstone 
​Photographer: Dominika Photographer
Associate Photographer: Colleen Bies
Student Photographer: Molly K
Florist: Avant Gardenia 
Videographer: Wholehearted Films Co. 
Sting Trio: Innocenti Strings
DJ: MDM Entertainment 
Photo Booth: Shutterbooth
Cake: Cake-Chicago 
Hair Stylist: Jillian Boeckh from ELLE Salon in Elgin, Illinois 
Makeup Artist: Harriet Grevers
Dress: Pronovias
Editor: Sharp Editorial 

Little Miss Emilia was a darling during her Chicago lifestyle newborn session. She slept the whole entire session, only waking up when we decided to take a photo of her in a vintage suitcase ;) Hey, anything for the shot?! Am I right?! Her older brother, Jake was so proud and loving! He showered Emilia with kisses and made sure his little sister was comfortable while she napped. Thank you to the M. Family for an awesome laid back session! 

I’ve been trying something new the last couple of weeks, morning journaling. It’s not a “dear diary” type of journaling rather it’s setting your intentions and affirmations for the day. 

Now, especially during the busy season of a photographers life, spending 5 minutes in the morning has become a refreshing way to find balance and clarity for the day ahead. I actually can’t believe how relaxed and ready to take on the day I feel after answering these simple questions (thank you Tim Ferriss  for the amazing suggestion!): 

“I am grateful for…” 
“What would make today great…” 
Daily affirmations : “I am…” 

This season in my life has taught me to find more joy and less overwhelm. I’ve been on a personal mission to really simplify my life, find that mysterious thing called balance and graciously enjoy every.single.moment. 

Have you found that grounding part of your life? What makes you slow down and enjoy life’s little joys?

Every couple I have the honor of photographing holds a special place in my heart. Marianne and Taylor were certainly no exception. In fact, to be completely transparent, my massive camera was nearly drenched in tears as I captured their beautiful, honest moments from start to finish. Their day was nothing short of enchanting. ​

The bride and groom, both Marquette Alumni, tied the knot in a jaw-dropping, breathtaking Catholic ceremony at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, the captivating, brick-adorned church. As Marianne walked down the aisle, Taylor’s eyes lit up, and a huge smile quickly followed.

After their heartfelt ceremony, the newlywed couple, and their respective bridal party, headed to Marquette University for photos around the St. Joan of Arc Chapel, the same place Taylor proposed to Marianne! The St. Joan of Arc Chapel sits at the heart of Marquette’s campus, making this spot the perfect place for post-ceremonial photos. The light blue dresses worn by Marianne’s elegant bridesmaids looked absolutely dazzling among the ivy and cream colors of the Chapel.

Following the astonishing photo session at the Chapel, we headed to Coast – an upscale restaurant in a scenic setting on the shores of Lake Michigan – where Marianne and Taylor’s guests lovingly greeted the couple with rounds of cheers and applause. 

Venue: Coast - A Zilli Restaurant 
Church : Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist
Photographer : Dominika Photographer 
Associate Photographer: Lauren 
​Florist : Bravo Floral 
Bakery : Aggie's Cakes
Wedding Dress: White Dress Bridal Boutique 
DJ: Sound by Design 
​Transportation : Royal Limo 
​Editor: Sharp Editorial

Sometimes you meet people who are so creative and amazingly talented that you find yourself asking, "what was I doing when I was their age?!" (Perhaps drinking too much beer, attempting to stay awake in class, and playing tennis. True story for this photographer!) 

Well meet Alec, an amazing trumpet player, who tours the country with his band, Sound Underground, all while attending the prestigious Manhattan School of Music for a Master’s of Music. Alec's Milwaukee portrait session was a lot of fun! He was laid back, stylish and a true gentlemen. At moments our sessions seemed like a shoot for GQ Magazine, all due to Alec's impeccable style and outfit choices. 

I feel so honored to have gotten to know him and his family better. Wishing you nothing but the best in your music career! 

Much Appreciation, 
​Dom. 

Welcome to the world sweet little Press! This nine day old cutie was a champ during his Milwaukee lifestyle newborn session. Big siblings, Shea and Mack gleamed with pride as they held their baby brother close. Their session was light, bright, cuddly and fun!