 To capture the genuine emotions of a bride and groom, especially a fun-loving, spirited couple like Brittany and Erik, was my ultimate goal throughout their special, love-filled day! Brittany and Erik’s love story started in college, at St. Norbert’s, and led them to meet one another down the aisle at Saint Francis Borgia Catholic Church in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. Brittany was nothing short of effortless sophistication and elegance! From the back of her elaborately embellished dress to her special hair barrette which was once part of her grandmother’s wedding shoes, she was truly a stunning sight to see! While the details of Brittany’s entire look, from head to toe, were sheer perfection, the beauty of this couple’s love reigned supreme. Erik and Brittany lovingly exchanged lots of quirky looks at church and at the reception, which truly showcased their special, loving personalities. What a fun couple with a true spirit for adventure! Without the couple saying a single word, their eyes shared their love story, which I was able to adoringly capture throughout their lovely day.  
  
 
 
 
  
Brittany and Erik had their first look at the covered bridge in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. Their passionate first look was revealed as Brittany walked the full length of the bridge to meet her new husband. While the entire experience was wonderfully romantic, the experience was also met with an overflow of hugs, laughter, and a bond only Brittany and Erik share.     
 
 
    
       
     
   
  The lovely couple’s reception was held at Discovery World in downtown Milwaukee. The beautifully clean, white architecture was the perfect venue for Brittany and Erik’s choice of white and green floral arrangements and chic, classic candles. Part of Discovery World houses a beautiful aquarium, where cocktail hour was held, and guests were able to enjoy their cocktails and touch sting rays, too! The entire ambiance and overall venue certainly exemplified the couple’s spirited, exuberant nature! In fact, the fun didn’t stop there! Erik was a hockey player in college. So, the couple thought it would be fun to set up a hockey game for guests, and in order for the couple to kiss, a guest had to score a goal in the hockey net. Super fun, right?!  
  
   Brittany and Erik, capturing your once-in-a-lifetime ceremony and celebration was a true joy. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to document your special day! I wish you a lifetime of continued joy, laughter, and love as husband and wife! Love + Appreciation, Dom Wedding Venue: Discovery World
Photographer: Dominika Photographer Associate Photographer: Collen Church: Saint Francis Borgia Catholic Church DJ: Sound By Design Florist: Studio 83 Designs Bride Dress: Amelishan Hair: Erik of Norway Makeup: Blush Cake: Delicately Delicious Stationary: Jenabees - Jeni Branum Editor: Sharp Editorial
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M. Family
Chicago Family & Maternity Session // Miami Woods // Morton Grove, Illinois
Sometimes people come into our life at the most perfect time.
Maggie and I met in high school and kept in touch through Facebook since. We congratulated each other on our marriages, on the birth of our first kids and fun activities that we so willingly put out in the social media universe. After some contemplation and finally getting enough courage to share my very private struggles with miscarriages on social media, Maggie wrote me the most touching message. It brought tears to my eyes and gave me hope. Sometimes we tend to forget that others are fighting their own battles and sharing a glimpse into our REAL lives will bring others peace and closure. Maggie's openness, kindness and positive outlook was exactly what I needed to hear. So I couldn't be more excited when Maggie asked me to take maternity photos this spring! With baby no. 2 this stunning momma looked radiant during her Chicago maternity session. Her beauty simply showed, inside and out. I am so excited for her and her growing family! Maggie, thank you for being so wonderful and kind.
Maggie and I met in high school and kept in touch through Facebook since. We congratulated each other on our marriages, on the birth of our first kids and fun activities that we so willingly put out in the social media universe. After some contemplation and finally getting enough courage to share my very private struggles with miscarriages on social media, Maggie wrote me the most touching message. It brought tears to my eyes and gave me hope. Sometimes we tend to forget that others are fighting their own battles and sharing a glimpse into our REAL lives will bring others peace and closure. Maggie's openness, kindness and positive outlook was exactly what I needed to hear. So I couldn't be more excited when Maggie asked me to take maternity photos this spring! With baby no. 2 this stunning momma looked radiant during her Chicago maternity session. Her beauty simply showed, inside and out. I am so excited for her and her growing family! Maggie, thank you for being so wonderful and kind.
With a sudden drop in temperature, (thank you crazy Midwest weather) Maggie's Chicago maternity session ended up being a little more frigid than we planned for. However, this stunning momma and her cute family embraced the chill and we had a lovely sunset session in the Chicago suburbs. Little Jake was adorable, bringing his new toy saw to the forest to chop down trees. He picked flowers for his momma, attempted to cut down any tree he saw and giggled while his dad tickled him.
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It's wedding day, which means I'm going to consume an insane amount of Figgy Pops. These little guys have been a lifesaver on long wedding days. Not only are they healthy and delicious but they are also Whole30 approved! Yes, my healthy friends, they will be your life line on "hangry" (hungry+angry) days!
Winnie
Milwaukee Family Session // Retzer Nature Center // Waukesha, Wisconsin
"Keep up with Winnie" was the motto of Winnie's 2 year old photo session. Little miss energy was constantly exploring and laughing hysterically when mom and dad would chase her. She thought it was the funniest thing and ran away any chance she got. So cute! Our session at Retzer Nature Center was so much fun because honestly who doesn't love the sweet laughter of a toddler + blooming spring trees! Perfection!
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Lindsay and Derek were married on a beautiful wintery day in Chicago, Illinois. The lovely bride and groom got ready in PUBLIC Chicago and enjoyed their first look on the PUBLIC rooftop overlooking the iconic Chicago skyline.
Truth be told, there are not enough descriptive words to share how stunning Lindsay was on her special day. Her delicate veil, intricately beaded dress, and fabulous shoes complemented her beauty to a T.
Their first look was simply magical – Derek awaited his bride with the most excited, love-filled grin, and as Lindsay approached, they both saw forever in each other’s eyes!
After the first look, we made our way to The Board of Trade, Chicago Cultural Center, LaSalle Street Bridge, and the Chicago History Museum for the bridal party photos. The surrounding area of PUBLIC Chicago truly provided several spectacular backdrops for additional, unique bridal party captures.
Truth be told, there are not enough descriptive words to share how stunning Lindsay was on her special day. Her delicate veil, intricately beaded dress, and fabulous shoes complemented her beauty to a T.
Their first look was simply magical – Derek awaited his bride with the most excited, love-filled grin, and as Lindsay approached, they both saw forever in each other’s eyes!
After the first look, we made our way to The Board of Trade, Chicago Cultural Center, LaSalle Street Bridge, and the Chicago History Museum for the bridal party photos. The surrounding area of PUBLIC Chicago truly provided several spectacular backdrops for additional, unique bridal party captures.
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The wedding took place at St. Michael’s in Old Town, a parish rich in history and beautiful architecture dating back to the 1800’s! The wedding was gorgeously orchestrated with hues of deep red, green, and gold complimented by lovely candlelight throughout the venue. The church was astounding, and the love-filled guests and glowing wedding party were the perfect compliment to Lindsay and Derek.
As Lindsay took her first steps down the aisle, tears formed in the corner of Derek’s eyes – an emotional confirmation that a first-look session could never take away from the moment a bride walks down the aisle to meet her groom for the first time.
As Lindsay took her first steps down the aisle, tears formed in the corner of Derek’s eyes – an emotional confirmation that a first-look session could never take away from the moment a bride walks down the aisle to meet her groom for the first time.
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Lindsay and Derek’s reception was held at the timeless, prairie school-style landmark of Café Brauer, minutes away from PUBLIC Chicago.
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The greatest take away from this magical evening was the happiness shared between Lindsay and Derek. Throughout the night, they exchanged the most special, loving glances. Their love was beautifully apparent without having to share a word. This lovely couple was incredibly joyful and relaxed – exactly what is wished for two wonderful people on their most special, excitement-filled day.
Lindsay and Derek, documenting your love was an unforgettable experience. Thank you for providing the opportunity to capture your special day! I wish you health and happiness as you make a lifetime of memories as husband and wife!
Love + Appreciation, Dom
Lindsay and Derek, documenting your love was an unforgettable experience. Thank you for providing the opportunity to capture your special day! I wish you health and happiness as you make a lifetime of memories as husband and wife!
Love + Appreciation, Dom
Wedding Venue: Cafe Brauer
Wedding Hotel: PUBLIC Chicago
Wedding Planner: Samantha Helmig of Shannon Gail Weddings and Events
Photographer: Dominika Photographer
Associate Photographer: Colleen
Church: St. Michael's Old Town
Florist: Vale of Enna
Wedding Cake: Bittersweet Bakery
Catering: Tigerlily Events
DJ: Toast & Jam
Transportation: Signature Transportation
Hair + Makeup: Pin Me Up Chicago
Lighting: Sounds Investment AV
Traditional Polish Dancers: WICI Song and Dance
Wedding Hotel: PUBLIC Chicago
Wedding Planner: Samantha Helmig of Shannon Gail Weddings and Events
Photographer: Dominika Photographer
Associate Photographer: Colleen
Church: St. Michael's Old Town
Florist: Vale of Enna
Wedding Cake: Bittersweet Bakery
Catering: Tigerlily Events
DJ: Toast & Jam
Transportation: Signature Transportation
Hair + Makeup: Pin Me Up Chicago
Lighting: Sounds Investment AV
Traditional Polish Dancers: WICI Song and Dance
When you get gifted a buffalo skull that was found at your uncle's ranch in South Dakota you (of course!) must put a flower crown on it and take a photo. Hubby disapproves ;) #homedecorating Thanks Adam + Lylah!
Archer
Minnesota Lifestyle Newborn Session // Shorewood, Minnesota
As I pulled into the driveway I was greeted by Gus, the youngest boy of the P. family. After sizing me up he informed me he didn't want to take any photos.
"Not one photo. Okay. I will not smile," he said.
"Okay, you don't have to." I replied with a smile on my face.
"But my mom told me I have to smile and that we will be taking photos."
"Hmmm...you got me there. How about you show me some of your toys and we can play AND if you happen to smile I will take some photos then. Okay?"
He pondered. "Okay, let me show you my toys!"
And that's how Gus became Mr. Smiley throughout their session. I kept reminding him that he didn't want to take photos but he kept "cheesing" in every photo!
The P. Family was so wonderful to work with. Not only do they look like they could grace the pages of the latest Parenting Magazine but they were also so incredibly laid back and fun. Their four beautiful kids played, smiled, giggled, ran away a couple of times and even showed me fish and frogs in the lake. Their at home session was fun and I feel so grateful to have been able to spent a beautiful spring Minnesota afternoon with them. Thank you!
"Not one photo. Okay. I will not smile," he said.
"Okay, you don't have to." I replied with a smile on my face.
"But my mom told me I have to smile and that we will be taking photos."
"Hmmm...you got me there. How about you show me some of your toys and we can play AND if you happen to smile I will take some photos then. Okay?"
He pondered. "Okay, let me show you my toys!"
And that's how Gus became Mr. Smiley throughout their session. I kept reminding him that he didn't want to take photos but he kept "cheesing" in every photo!
The P. Family was so wonderful to work with. Not only do they look like they could grace the pages of the latest Parenting Magazine but they were also so incredibly laid back and fun. Their four beautiful kids played, smiled, giggled, ran away a couple of times and even showed me fish and frogs in the lake. Their at home session was fun and I feel so grateful to have been able to spent a beautiful spring Minnesota afternoon with them. Thank you!
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Bryant // 7 Days New
Milwaukee Lifestyle Newborn Session // Greendale, Wisconsin
When your daddy was a college baseball star you sometimes get to take a nap in his baseball glove.
Bryant was an angel during his newborn session, sleeping the entire time!
I always like to prep my clients by telling them that my newborn + family sessions are lifestyle based, which simply means I don't do too much posing. However, by the end of Bryant's session I was positioning him in vintage boxes, taking him outside in a basket and positioning him on a stuffed elephant. Seriously, I just couldn't help myself! When you have a sleeping little cutie you tend to go with the flow and sometimes that flow means just a little bit of posing ;)
Bryant was an angel during his newborn session, sleeping the entire time!
I always like to prep my clients by telling them that my newborn + family sessions are lifestyle based, which simply means I don't do too much posing. However, by the end of Bryant's session I was positioning him in vintage boxes, taking him outside in a basket and positioning him on a stuffed elephant. Seriously, I just couldn't help myself! When you have a sleeping little cutie you tend to go with the flow and sometimes that flow means just a little bit of posing ;)
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It's officially spring time in the Ward! Yay to blooming flowers + Tuesday adventures!
Tuesdays have become our designated weekday adventure days during which we explore Milwaukee. We catch up on good reads, chase bubbles in the park and make forts. I sometimes bring my camera along to freeze these little memories in time as they seem to be fleeing to fast.
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