Photography by Imagine – byimagine.com 847.340.1300

If you are looking for a historic setting for your wedding venue, check out South Shore Cultural Center located at 7059 S South Shore Dr in Chicago, Illinois.

We were the Chicago wedding photographers capturing Shanan and Anil’s 1920’s themed wedding. The scene could not have been more perfect.  This building is rich in history and a setting for old world Hollywood Glamour.

After getting decked out in their twentie’s themed attire, the bridal party headed out to downtown Chicago for a fun city style photo shoot.  We hit the Civic Opera house – the site where they couple first met.  Then we took photos at the Art Institute of Chicago.  We even grabbed some shots of the couple kissing right on the median of Michigan Avenue.

South Shore Cultural Center was actually where President Barack Obama and Michelle hosted their wedding reception over ten years ago.  And there’s a famous picture of them relaxing all sprawled out after the event.  We re-enacted this scene with our wedding couple.

The wedding ceremony was held on site in a room with windows facing out to a breathtaking view of the beach and Lake Michigan.  In true 1920’s style the ring bearers came wearing tuxedos and top hats.  The bridesmaids wore flapper dresses.  Many of the men wore Fedoras.  Even the DJ and photographers dressed the part.

And the couple did their part to add to the excitement of the day.  The bride wore a gorgeous ballroom style gown for the wedding ceremony and switched to a sexy form fitting gown that made her look like a glamorous movie star from the time. Even the groom changed from a traditional tux at the ceremony to a handsome white tux “Casablanca style” for the reception.

South Shore Cultural center is a piece of Chicago history and recognized as a Chicago Landmark. It’s a beautiful place to have a wedding reception, a Chicago wedding photographer’s dream. The grounds feature a 65-acre park with a golf course, tennis courts, a beach, and even a nature sanctuary.  This makes for beautiful outdoor wedding photos in the summer.

The Chicago Park District has done an excellent job of restoration and maintaining the property.  Everywhere you look there are little touches that make it classy from new carpet, drapes, furniture, artwork and even floral arrangements.

If you are looking for a Chicago wedding photographer with experience shooting at the South Shore Cultural Center check out our website for more information or contact us to book an appointment. Call us at 847-244-8450 or email info@byimagine.com to setup an appointment.  On contact us on our website about Chicago wedding photography today!

Crown Plaza Glen Ellyn Illinois

Wedding Photographer at Wedding at Crown Plaza in Glen Ellyn

Looking for a wedding photographer in Glen Ellyn Illinois?

Photography by Imagine was excited to be the wedding photographer for the wedding of Natasha & Gerald Mendoza at The Crown Plaza in Glen Ellyn, Illinois.

The Crown Plaza is located at 1250 Roosevelt Road
 in Glen Ellyn, IL 60137. The location of the hotel makes it easy to get to for wedding guests as it’s located near I-355, I-88 and I-290. Before/after the wedding out of town guests can shop and check out close by attractions like Oakbrook Mall.

If you are having a Glen Ellyn wedding, we’d love to be your Glen Ellyn wedding photographer.  And the Crown Plaza in Glen Ellen makes an ideal wedding reception location.

The reception hall features two elegant ballrooms. The Crown Plaza Hotel staff was extremely friendly and attentive. They also offer nice group rates for wedding parties who wish to reserve a block of rooms for family. The service and food was excellent. Their reception menus feature a good variety of options with something for everyone.

Natasha & Gerald beautiful Glen Ellyn wedding at the Crown Plaza. It was a beautiful wedding day. We are thankful to you both for asking us be a part of it.

Photography by Imagine has been photographing weddings in Glen Ellyn and the Chicago area for over 36 years. We are a small family owned and operated studio.

If you are planning a Glen Ellyn wedding, we’d love to help! We shoot wedding photography in Glen Ellyn weddings at The Crown Plaza and other Glen Ellyn wedding locations.  We’d love to make your wedding a special one to remember.

Check out our website for more information on wedding photography Glen Ellyn or contact us to book an appointment to learn more about  Glen Ellyn wedding photography and learn more about how we could photograph your Glen Ellyn wedding.  Call us at 847-244-8450 or email info@byimagine.com to setup an appointment about wedding photography today!

We were the featured Brookfield wedding photographers at a Brookfield Zoo wedding.

Lots of couples go on romantic dates to the zoo, but have you ever thought of getting married there? We just shot an incredible wedding at Brookfield Zoo in Brookfield, Illinois last weekend.  As the wedding photographers, we were treated like royalty from beginning to end.  It all started with Zoo wedding caterer Terry Rothamer.  He delivered every detail of the wedding with flawless execution.  He had the agenda down to the minute and made sure everything happened just as it should.

Terry Rothamer, Catering Manager at Brookfield Zoo

The day started as Terry picked us up in a golf cart for an romantic “first look” for the bride and groom by the lake.  Then Terry drove us from site to site to see the animals.  We visited the giraffes, polar bears, tigers, and dolphins.  You can tell Terry is really passionate about his job.  He knew the names of all the animals, told us stories about them and knew exactly when the animals would be out.

Next, we met the bridal party for pictures on the carousel.  We got lots of fun pictures and everyone had a blast doing this.

The ceremony site was beautifully set by a pond, with fountains, and gorgeous flowers.  And as if from a fairytale, as the bride and her father starting walking down the aisle, a goose walked right in front of them leading the way. All the guests were laughing in amazement. After the ceremony, the guests had cocktails in Tropic World.  The appetizers were delicious.  It was really cool to watch the monkeys and mingle with guests in this exotic setting.

And finally, the reception at Discovery Center was out of this world.  The tables were beautifully set with the place settings featuring the Brookfield Zoo logo.  The food was fantastic and the service was outstanding.

We couldn’t help but overhear one guest after another saying it was one of the coolest weddings they had ever been to.  If you are looking for a FUN wedding that is truly UNIQUE with WORLD CLASS service, check out Brookfield Zoo.  We give five stars to Terry Rothamer too! He is hands down the most incredible wedding coordinator we have EVER worked with.

If you’d like more information on hosting your wedding at Brookfield zoo contact Terry Rothamer in sales and catering for weddings at Brookfield Zoo at (708) 688-8355.  And we’d love to be your Brookfield Zoo wedding photographers! Contact Rick at 847-340-1300 or email info@byimagine.com to ask how Photography by Imagine could shoot your dream wedding day at Brookfield Zoo.

Are you looking for a Vernon Hills wedding photographer for a wedding set at the Cuneo Museum in Vernon Hills?

If you are looking for a A-Class wedding in a one-of-a-kind elegant setting, look no further than Cuneo Museum and Gardens in Vernon Hills.  This gorgeous mansion estate was featured in the wedding “My Best Friends Wedding” with Julia Roberts.

Since we were hired as the Vernon Hills wedding photographers for this event.  We wanted to drive there ahead of time to check out the facility in Vernon Hills, Illinois.  Since it’s a unique venue we wanted a plan for how to capture the grandeur or this magnificent property for Dolly and Chris Klocek’s wedding day.

Driving up the private gated entry we marveled as we pulled up to this estate.  This mansion was once owned by the Cuneo family who owned Cuneo Press.  Inside we saw an amazing collection of antiques, paintings, and tapestries – some of which dates back to the 1600’s. It was awe inspiring to see these items up close and realize this was history right in front of us.

Vernon Hills Wedding Photographers Capturing a Picture Perfect Wedding at Cuneo Museum

As wedding photographers, we believe it’s a picture perfect place for an outdoor wedding in Vernon Hills, Illinois.  The landscaping is features breathtaking views with flower gardens and statues. Plan extra time for pictures, there are so many beautiful places to shoot you won’t want to miss at the Cuneo Museum.

In fact, there is a gorgeous arch way that made for a fun “first look” session where Chris saw Dolly for the first time dressed up in her wedding gown.

The food and service was exceptional.  And dining in the Pavilion Tent all lit up with candles was truly romantic.  We highly recommend Cuneo Museum for anyone planning a wedding in the Chicago area.

The Cuneo Museum and Gardens is located at 1350 N. Milwaukee Avenue in Vernon Hills, IL 60061.

If you would like more information on shooting a Vernon Hills wedding, we’d love to be your Vernon Hills wedding photographer of choice.  Call Photography by Imagine at 847-340-1300 or visit our website at www.byimagine.com.

Built by Colonel Edward Baker in 1928 the Hotel Baker is a  historic grand hotel located in downtown St. Charles feels like you are stepping back in time.

If you are looking for a classy, romantic feel this lovely older historic hotel is quite stylish.The hotel interior features beautiful painted ceilings, nostalgic antique hotel doors, and a grand old world feel. And for wedding receptions, the Rainbow Room has a unique oval shape and features a light up floor which makes for a romantic night of dancing.

The scenic riverside hotel features spectacular views of the Fox River. The outside gardens offer many spots for gorgeous wedding photos. Up the stairs from the patio we found the elegant stone gazebo a picture perfect opportunity. Wedding guests can stroll in the charming rose garden or dine among the many tables set in the outdoor gardens.

Out front, you can even snap a photo with a statue Colonel Baker himself sitting on a bench greeting hotel guests. We fell in love with this beautiful, historic location.  Total charm, romance, and magic.

Hotel Baker outdoor patio ceremony

Entrance to the Hotel Baker

White Pines Golf Club

We shot a wedding reception at White Pines Golf Club banquet hall in Bensenville.  The first thing you will notice when you pull up is that the grounds are beautiful.  The stunning grounds with green grass, trees, flowers, walking bridges provide lots of spots for truly amazing photographs.

The reception hall is classy and features vaulted ceilings.  The views from the entire room are spectacular and have glass windows that look out to the golf course.

The service was terrific.  Dinner was good  Especially loved the appetizers with our favorite being the artichoke hearts beignet made with creamy boursin cheese.  Also loved the bruschetta and caprese skewers which were delicious.  And for those with the midnight munchies, they brought out little sub sandwiches that truly hit the spot.

After dinner, the guests enjoyed a drink and some fresh air on the outdoor balcony that wraps around the entire room.  It was a gorgeous place to watch the sunset as this couple celebrated their marriage.

We recommend you check them out.