Laura Witherow Photography

Kristin + Sean | 11.13.11 | Cafe Brauer Chicago, Illinois

2011-11-18T19:37:00.018-06:00

Priscilla + Josh | 11.12.11 | The Carlisle Lombard, IL

2011-11-18T17:20:00.019-06:00

Christina + Mike | Married | 10.29.11 | Oakhill Farm Apple River Illinois

2011-11-02T17:43:00.029-05:00

Cynthia + Steve | Engaged! | Gobberts Farm

2011-11-02T15:23:00.010-05:00

Mary + Brian | Engaged! | Chicago, IL

2011-11-02T15:15:00.010-05:00

Natalee + Lou | Engaged! | Chicago IL

2011-11-02T15:10:00.010-05:00

Caroline + James | The Breathtaking Oakbrook Farms Engagement Session

2011-10-13T18:09:00.004-05:00

Ryann + Mike Featured on Style Me Pretty!

2011-10-10T13:47:00.000-05:00

Westmoreland Country Club Wedding by Laura Witherow Photography

October 10th. 2011 by Dawn | 1 comment

I LOVE a black and white color palette (it just might be my favorite of all time) and when you throw in some splashes of vibrant pink, well, I doubly LOVE it. Which explains why I am so completely smitten with this traditional Wilmette soiree by Laura Witherow Photography. It’s a black, white and pink wonderland, complete with a gorgeous Anne Barge gown, crystal candelabras and some seriously stylish Badgley Mischka heels. Plus, cake pops! Yes, this entire affair is just brimming with the pretty, pretty moments, so join me in the gallery for every last one!

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From Laura Witherow Photography… Ryann and Mike’s Romantic June wedding was held at the Westmoreland Country Club in Wilmette illinois on June 18, 2011. Their day was filled with classy touches and romantic details. Their tent reception was a beautiful mix of candle light and classic centerpieces. The brides dress had a alencon lace bodice with ribbon detail and a full asymmetrical layered tulle skirt with horsehair trim and Alencon lace appliques.

Wedding Photography: Laura Witherow Photography / Brides Dress: Anne Barge / Brides Shoes:Badgley Mischka / Bridesmaid Dresses: Melissa Sweet / DJ: Spencer Looken of Style Matters DJs / Wedding Cake: Niles of Oak Mill Bakery / Wedding Ceremony Location: St. Alphonsus Catholic Church / Wedding Reception Location: Westmoreland Country Club / Photo Booth: The Fun Ones / Flowers: Fill It With Flowers / Late Night Pizza: Italian Village Restaurants / Linens: BBJ Linens / Videographer: Modern Image Studios / Favors: Bomboniere from La Bomboniera, Chicago

Jenna + Scottie's July Wedding Featured on Style Me Pretty!

2011-10-04T11:10:00.003-05:00

theWit Hotel Wedding by Laura Witherow Photography

October 4th. 2011 by Aimée | Filed Under | 0 comments

We just love modern weddings here at SMP. We get all excited and giddy when they come our way and this pretty yellow and grey fete has us even more giddier than usual. Captured by the talented Laura Witherow Photography with beyond beautiful florals from Fleur, Inc., this Chicago wedding is sure to leave a big, happy smile on your face this morning. If you want to see more, and I don’t blame you,just head on over to the full gallery of images!

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From Laura Witherow Photography: Jenna and Scottie met at Elon college while they were both involved in sports. They relocated to Chicago after graduation and some time soon after Scottie proposed. Their July 30th wedding was held at The Wit hotel in downtown Chicago. Jenna was apart of every detail of the day as her personality shines through in the color, the dress and each tiny detail. I loved the gray and yellow color combination with the bridesmaids dresses and shoes. It all seemed to tie in perfectly with the invitations, menus and save the dates.

Photography: Laura Witherow Photography / Florist: Fleur, Inc. / Dress: Kenneth Pool / Bridesmaids Dresses: Jenny Yoo / Save the Dates: Minted / Invitations: Pink Lily Press / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Bridesmaids Shoes: Nina / Favor: Garrett Popcorn / Venue: theWit Hotel / DJ: Toast and Jam

Fleur Inc, Jenny Yoo and Toast & Jam are members of our Little Black Book. For more information on how members are chosen, click here.
Jenny Yoo is a member of our Look Book. For more information on how members are chosen, click here.

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Lauren + Tim | Married | 9.10.11 | The Westin Hotel | Chicago, IL

2011-09-16T09:39:00.032-05:00

Christina + Mike | Industrial Engagement Session | Chicago, IL

2011-09-12T11:16:00.014-05:00

Guru + Lucky

2011-08-27T10:02:00.007-05:00

Nicole + Marc | Urban Engagement | Chicago Illinois

2011-08-27T09:25:00.015-05:00

Meg + Bobby | Married | Harry Carey's | Lombard, IL | 8.13.2011

2011-08-21T12:22:00.033-05:00

Jenna + Scottie | Married! | The Wit Hotel Chicago, IL | July 30, 2011

2011-08-04T10:57:00.032-05:00

Amy + Tim | Married | Kenosha, Wisconsin | July 9 2011

2011-07-12T17:20:00.022-05:00

Tricia + Tad | June 25, 2011 | Fontana, Wisconsin

2011-07-01T06:48:00.032-05:00

Lindsey + Alex | June 24, 2011 | Part 1

2011-07-01T06:29:00.015-05:00

Ryann + Mike | Married | St. Alphonsus Chicago, IL | Westmoreland Country Club Wilmette, IL | June 18 2011

2011-06-24T09:43:00.023-05:00

Priscilla + Josh | Engaged | Chicago, Illinois

2011-06-22T19:42:00.009-05:00

Amy + Louie | Married | Glenview Illinois | June 4, 2011

2011-06-06T19:44:00.029-05:00

Kristin + Sean | Engagement | Chicago, Illinois

2011-06-03T12:02:00.012-05:00

Ryann + Mike | Engaged | Chicago

2011-05-24T14:08:00.013-05:00

Courtney + Chris | Married | May 21, 2011

2011-05-23T18:31:00.031-05:00

A few months ago a old friend introduced me to a famous Chilean poet named Pablo Neruda. I fell head-over heels in love with his work and have been patiently waiting to incorporate his "love sonnets" into my wedding blog. I realized on Saturday, while I was listening to the priest read aloud the love letters that Courtney and Chris had written to one another that their love is the type of love that Neruda was always writing about in his poetry. This unmistakable, undeniable love that is experienced between two people. The beauty that they find in each other and the tiny idiocrasies that make each of them unique. The I love you because.....Love Sonnets XVII. Because I know no other way than this:

I do not love you as if you were salt-rose, or topaz,

or the arrow of carnations the fire shoots off.

I love you as certain dark things are to be loved,

in secret, between the shadow and the soul.

I love you as the plant that never blooms

but carries in itself the light of hidden flowers;

thanks to your love a certain solid fragrance,

risen from the earth, lives darkly in my body.

I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where.

I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride;

so I love you because I know no other way than this:

where I does not exist, nor you,

so close that your hand on my chest is my hand,

so close that your eyes close as I fall asleep. "

— Pablo Neruda

Jean + Andrew | Married | The Drake Chicago |

2011-05-16T19:36:00.021-05:00

Amy + Tim | Engaged | Kenosha Wisconsin

2011-05-12T14:52:00.000-05:00

On Sunday I drove up to Kenosha Wisconsin to shoot Tim and Amy's engagement photos. We ended up shooting at Hawthorn Hollow a beautiful nature sanctuary and arboretum. We took full advantage of everything that the sanctuary had to offer including three historical buildings that were built in the late 1800's. It was so nice to get out of the city and spend a afternoon in Kenosha with this cute couple. Congrats Amy and Tim!

Maggie + Ciaran | Married! | St. Michaels Chicago | The Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook

2011-05-02T16:06:00.007-05:00

Ok. So it's official. I am now another year older as I turned 32 on Saturday and rang in this new year doing exactly what I love to do. People keep asking me what I did for my birthday and I am repeatedly saying that I had to work. Work? Why? Because documenting events is what I do no matter what day it is. It is my passion, it is my love and I couldn't possibly think of a better way to celebrate my special day then with another couple who is celebrating their special day. This year I was blessed with a amazing and timeless birthday gift. Thank you Ciaran and Maggie. May this year bring you both all the happiness, laughter, love and joy that you deserve. Congrats and Enjoy Belize! -Laura

Meg + Bob | Engaged | Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Chicago

2011-04-27T13:00:00.008-05:00

Well, I gotta say that I am in LOVE with these story-board collages and am going to start to use them for each shoot. I am always writing and talking about my clients "story" and what a better way to share it then with these collages. I am still planning on posting pics to the blog but for now I feel like showcasing the events through this newer medium.

Thanks to mother nature, we have had the most TERRIBLE April in years. This constant rain accompanied by the over cast skies and cool temps have put a damper on everything forcing most of us to find other indoor locations for portrait sessions. After rescheduling our engagement session once and trying to hold out till the weather changed, we decided to go ahead and shoot despite the rain. Meg and Bob were such great sports and thanks to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum we were able to shoot inside, utilizing some beautiful natural light. We did end up going outside and while we were covered with umbrellas, I believe that I was able to get some great shots of Meg and Bob. I know that we will have heat and blue skies for their August wedding and want to thank them for bearing with me while we all wait for spring.

-Laura

Ellie's Bat Mitzvah

2011-04-13T12:40:00.002-05:00

Katie + Jeremy | Married | April 2, 2011

2011-04-04T16:58:00.019-05:00

Jean + Andrew | Engaged!

2011-04-01T17:33:00.011-05:00

Addy | 18 months

2011-03-31T19:03:00.012-05:00

My little friend Addy is now 18 months old. I have been photographing her since she was born in September of 2009. Photographing her has become a cherished event. Something that I look forward too, knowing that when we get together she will have grown a few more inches and that her hair has most likely gotten longer. Together we run and laugh, play ball and dance with Elmo. She makes monkey noises and dumps toys all over the house. I chase her around documenting her little life trying desperatly to get that great portrait. The portrait that captures her spirit, her young life and the joy of her age but, the best part about photographing Addy is that at the end of our portrait session I get a great big hug and sometimes a kiss. Here's to Addy! My best little friend. -Laura

Tippy

2011-03-31T18:03:00.009-05:00

Meet Tippy. She is a beautiful two year old Italian Greyhound that I had the opportunity to photograph earlier this week. I always use squeaky toys and make strange sounds when I photograph dogs so that I can get the dogs ears to perk-up, but Tippy was the first dog that actually barked back at me! It was rather funny and I fell in love with this amazing little dog. I figured that I would share some images from the studio portrait session. Enjoy. -Laura

A K.i.s.s. Featured Wedding!

2011-03-23T19:03:00.003-05:00

Carrie & Frank’s Colorful Purple Urban Wedding…That TOTALLY Kicks Ass!

by CATHERINE ANNE · 0 COMMENTS

in ORANGE WEDDINGS,PURPLE WEDDING

Bold bridal bouquet? Check. Marvellous menu? You bet. Stunning setting? Try downtown Chicago for size!

This purple and orange wedding kicks ass!

Check that sexy, contemporary wedding dress. Loving Carrie’s work! It’s got a fresh and fab look to it that works beautifully with the city setting. Top marks in the style stakes for this lady. Perhaps it’s no coincidence she shares her name with TV’s top fashionista! Frank’s no style slacker either – he’s channeled the spirit of 20s Chicago style with those spatz. Nice!

See how all the colors go together but they aren’t too matchy-matchy? Carrie and Frank have astrong color theme which packs a punch. However, they haven’t stuck to it religiously. See how they’ve added splashes of green and white in with the red and yellow? It really works. Especially with their choice of super cool reception venue – The Ivy Room.

This wedding looks super swanky and stylish. The beauty of it is that you can do it without blowing your budget.

No, I’m not yanking your chain!

Let’s look at the evidence…

Cast your eyes over these gorgeous decorations. The tree was probably already at the venue. Carrie and Frank simply added those pretty (but inexpensive) lanterns.

Check the candle centerpieces - also beautiful and much more budget friendly than flower arrangements.

Carrie and Frank worked with the style and tone of the venue. They didn’t need to do much with wedding decor.

Look at Perfect Weddings Without the Debt for more budget-friendly ideas.

Whoever was behind the menu is a genius! Carrie and Frank had an evening wedding with h’ors d’oevrers instead of a sit down meal.

Who doesn’t love mini cheesburgers and chocolate lollipops? A little bird tells me the groom has a big thing for hotdogs, which were served with sliders at 11pm. Don’t know about you, but I always get the munchies after a session on the dancefloor. This couple certainly know how to throw a fun wedding.

It’s exactly the sort of food you want when guzzling and grooving! And dance they definitely did! Carrie and Frank had a real rip roaring reception at The Ivy Room complete with live music.

This couple combined the traditional and the unconventional in their city wedding. And it worked like a charm!

Vendors

Photographer: Laura Witherow Photography via Two Bright Lights

Caterer: Blue Plate Weddings

Event Designer: Event Creative

Reception Venue: The Ivy Room

Band: The Stu Hirsch Orchestra

Lovin' Life Rescues: Adorable Adoptables!

2011-03-21T14:55:00.008-05:00

These pups are looking for their forever homes! If you or someone you know is interested in fostering or adopting one of these precious pups please contact linda@lovinliferescue.org or visit http:www.puppylove-lovecats.org for more information.

My High School Senior Thesis: 1997

2011-02-15T22:36:00.005-06:00

Lately I have been reading a lot about blogging. Why we blog, the purpose of a blog and the meaning behind "the blog." What I found is that these photography blogs or any blog for that matter are all personal reflections of it's creator. The writer, the critique, the sports enthusiast and of course the photographer.

I rarely blog about myself and in the course of looking through a old box I found my senior thesis from high school. A collection of silver-gelatin photographs accompanied by a brief synopses of each image. Back then this was a awarding winning collection that helped me get into Ohio University but now it makes me giggle and laugh. The photos presented in the portfolio seem so mediocre. Some over-exposed, some under-exposed. The lighting has much to be desired and some are just to hilarious for words. I guess what caught me about this is that the writing seems to be brilliant and quite inspirational. At 17, I was ready for anything. The world was my oyster. But as the years have passed and I have dappled in every aspect of the business I find myself back where I started. Telling stories and capturing moments. I feel the same way about my photography now as I did fourteen years ago. Of course my technique has just gotten better. A lot better. But I am still expressing myself as a artist, capturing moments as they unfold and enjoying every moment of it.

Below are a few excerpts from the thesis: "A Photographic Collection In Writing" By Laura Witherow. May 1997. A constant reminder of why I love what I do.

I take photographs for the mere joy of making a personal statement about my world. I do not usually have my camera on hand at the exact moment that I wish I did, but I shoot what I know best: my enviornment, my friends and my way of life. As a whole my photos are optimistic. Beauty, personal relationships, love and friendship seem to interest me more than criticism, protest and ugliness. I work best with the simple traditional themes that surround me.
As a photographer I am clearly present, but less as a intruder than a silent celebrant.
The pictures on these pages beguile one with their realness and simplicity, for they have all the freshness of snapshots. They tell of things we have all known and experienced. We share the excitement and beauty, joy and abandonment and the strength two people find in each other. Some remind us of a familiar joy, others recall a forgotten sadness. But all are lit with a tenderness that asks our own response.

BRIDES CHOICE AWARD 2011: WeddingWire.com

2011-01-25T10:02:00.004-06:00

I am pleased to say that Weddingwire.com has given us the Brides Choice Award for 2011! This award is based on client reviews from the past year! Attached is the press release announcing the award!

Thank you to all our past clients that have written such wonderful reviews about their wedding photography!

WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, is thrilled to announce Laura Witherow Photography has been selected to receive the prestigious annual WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 for Photography.

Recognition for the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 is determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 750,000 WeddingWire newlyweds. Our past clients are among those that shared their experiences on WeddingWire, the largest wedding review site in the nation.

Laura Witherow Photography stands among the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire community, representing quality and service excellence within the wedding industry. Awards were given to the top wedding professionals across 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, and were based on the overall professional achievements throughout the past year.

“WeddingWire is honored to celebrate the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire community,” said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “With the annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ program, WeddingWire has the unique opportunity to recognize the best wedding professionals across the US and Canada. We applaud Laura Witherow Photography for their professionalism and dedication to enhancing the wedding planning experience last year.”

We are happy to announce that Laura Witherow is among the very best Photographers within the WeddingWire Network, which includes leading wedding planning sites WeddingWire, Martha Stewart Weddings, Project Wedding and Weddingbee. We would like to thank our past clients for nominating us to receive the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011.

For more information on the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.

DROP. DEAD. GORGEOUS. { The Valentines Day Special }

2011-01-12T16:19:00.015-06:00

I am pleased to announce, "Drop. Dead. Gorgeous." The studios first valentines day boudoir special. This is the perfect opportunity to give your special someone that unexpected gift that he never saw coming!

I am now accepting reservations for private studio sessions. These two hour photo sessions include up to 4 wardrobe changes, complimentary champagne and wine, private online proofing as well as 5 5x7 prints along with the 5 digital files.

Have some friends that may be interested as well? Let's set up a bigger session and make it a party!

I will be happy to answer any questions that you have about doing a boudoir session. These sessions are FUN! It is my job to make you feel relaxed, comfortable and beautiful. I will do whatever it takes to make that happen. If your nervous, bring a friend. She can help you with wardrobe decisions and can be great support.

To schedule your session and to find out about rates, please contact laura@laurawitherow.com 773.853.5606

Click Here To View Photographs From Previous Boudoir Sessions

Katie + Jeremy | Engaged!

2010-12-22T19:13:00.008-06:00

Trisha + Tad | Teaser!

2010-12-20T11:12:00.008-06:00

Trisha and Tad decided that they wanted to do their engagement shoot last week, outside!

We were all freezing but I captured some great moments. I love the ones of them in the middle of Michigan Avenue with all the holiday lights, a classic Chicago shot...

Jenna + Scottie | The Urban Engagement

2010-11-01T10:52:00.010-05:00

Tina + Dan | 10.23.10

2010-10-25T17:39:00.015-05:00

I love Tina's laugh it is so contagious that you cannot help but laugh with her! She and Dan were all smiles Saturday when they tied the knot at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Glenview followed by a rockin' party at the Park Ridge Country Club with about 180 close friends and family. This was my last wedding of the 2010 season and I have to say that we went out with a bang! I have posted a few of my favorites from Saturdays wedding and wish this fabulous couple many many more years of joy and laughter. ~Laura