Julia's Bat Mitzvah | 9.25.10

According to Jewish law, when Jewish children reach 13 years old for boys and 12 years old for girls they become responsible for their actions, and "become a Bar or Bat Mitzvah" (English: Daughter (Bat) or Son(Bar) of the commandments). Julia and her family asked me document her coming of age celebration on Saturday evening, and since this was my first Mitzvah I honestly didn't know what to expect. The dinner and dance celebrations were very much like any wedding that I have ever photographed and I wanted to document the event photojournalistically versus traditionally with backdrops and posed images. Actually, that is exactly what they wanted. A story. Julia's story and I was more then happy to provide it. I have to say that this was a fun new adventure for me.

Something else on the books.

Congrats to Julia and The Mati Family! Mazzol Tov! ~Laura

Great New Review From a Past Client!

This has made my day! Thank YOU Jocelyn!

"I can't put into words how satisfied and happy that I am that I picked Laura Witherow to be my photographer. She is just absolutely amazing! And besides that, she is just a down to earth person who is pleasant and fun to be around. Her photography is a wonderful gift. She did our engagement pictures and our wedding. I've never seen myself look the way that I looked in these photos. Absolutely amazing! She really captured us. She has an amazing way of capturing the moment and the essence of the moment. I can look at those pictures and know exactly what was on my mind and my husband's mind. I will cherish them for the rest of my life. We were blessed with really good vendors. But if someone made me get rid of all of them and only keep one, I would have kept Laura, hands down." ~ Jocelyn Black Morris

To Read More Reviews From Past Clients, Click Here

Traci + Denis | 9.24.10

Traci and Denis are high school sweethearts. They have been together since meeting at a high school dance and finally tied the knot on Friday in Villa Park. They are one of the sweetest, most sincere and generous couples that we have worked with. I cannot say enough good things about them! They were both smiling ear to ear the entire day, what a blessing to see them both so happy. Congrats! ~Laura

Stephanie + Mike | Married

Between weddings, birthday parties and Bat Mitzvah's, I have been pretty busy. I am trying my hardest to keep up on these blog posts and feel like I am failing desperately. Anyway, I wanted to congratulate Stephanie and Mike on their marriage! They are such a wonderful, fun couple who met at the University of Dayton as undergrads.They were best friends before they starting dating and I couldn't think of a better way to meet your future spouse. There is definitely something to be said about marring your best friend. Congrats to you both! Enjoy your honeymoon! ~Laura

Marlene + Terry | Engaged

Marlene and Terry invited me out to West Dundee on Sunday where I had the chance to meet their two amazing dogs, Mitzy and Rocco and photograph them at one of the coolest locations! I was able to utilize one of my favorite outdoor lighting techniques, "backlighting." The sun was setting behind them and I was able to capture that warm "golden-hour" light by placing them with their backs away from the sun. The images of them on the old bridge are my favorites, I love how the light hits them perfectly and they just pop out of the photo.

Their October wedding is going to be a fabulous fall celebration because Marlene has planned everything down to a tee. I am so excited to see the antique typewriter, the pumpkin carved centerpieces, the bails of hay and all the other amazing fall decorations that will spruce up the Byron Colby Barn. I am sure that there will be a lot of detail shots from the wedding and I am pumped:)

Carrie + Frank | Married

As a wedding photographer I am constantly walking into peoples lives, documenting unforgettable moments and experiencing love and overwhelming joy with them from their engagement through their reception. There are some weddings that I never forget. I remember how I felt the day they got married, how the weather was, what they wore, how generous and welcoming their families were and how they reminded me of how much I truly LOVE my job.

The Ivy Room at Tree Studios looked incredible thanks to the wonderful staff at Event Creative. Their guests dined on a fabulous meal prepared by Blue Plate and The Stu Hirsh Orchestra kept EVERYONE, including Franks' 87 year old grandfather dancing and partying all night long! It was a perfect party and a perfect celebration.

Congrats to Carrie and Frank, their wonderful families and friends and thank you again for reminding me how much I love my job. ~Laura