Melissa McClure Blog » illinois photographer

Sara – Peoria, IL – Trash the Dress

Melissa McClure — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 16:35:55 +0000

My blogging is a bit behind! I still have two sessions from Illinois to blog! Sara (and Kati) have been patiently waiting for this blog, its a long time coming!

Sara is an amazing wedding coordinator out of Peoria Illinois! She also happens to be my sorority sister and friend! She married her college sweetheart a few years ago but wanted to get back in the dress for some awesome post-wedding shots!

This is one of the first shots I took and also one of my top 3 favorites! The girl is a natural!

And she was willing to do anything! Sit on this dirty nasty stained couch we found? Okay!

Okay I admit it…I miss Peoria…a little

Fav <3

One thing Peoria is known for? Caterpillar Headquarters (there’s some fun trivia for you!)

Her Fab assistant Kati was there the whole shoot and even made this veil for her! Love it!

And of course, a standard headshot for her business!

Sara, it was so great to see you again! Thanks for letting me shoot you and being such a trooper! Love ya!

xoxo, M

Sherwin and Allana – Crystal Gardens at Navy Pier, Chicago IL wedding

Melissa McClure — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 22:25:39 +0000

This wedding is special to me, Allana is my sorority sister from College and I was so happy to see her marrying her soulmate, Sherwin. We had an amazing time at their engagement session in May. Their theme was peacock feathers/colors and Allana used that 100% throughout the day!

I’m in love with this headpiece that she MADE!

You wouldn’t know this, but she is looking up at the Hancock Building because that is where Sherwin is waiting for her!

Their first look was a bit non-traditional and I loved it!

Some quiet time before the big event!

We then went over to Crystal Gardens inside of Navy Pier and explored the area around there!

The ceremony was very sweet and emotional!

This fabulous jumbo cupcake (and the normal sized ones) were from Molly’s. I have to say, they may rival my cupcakes I had at my wedding! The cupcake I chose had real cookie dough inside!

Dance Dance!

And the belly dancer came to entertain! She was amazing, I could not keep my eyes off her hips! haha

Later that night, we all hopped on the carousel for a fun ride!

And of course had to grab some awesome night portraits!

There were THREE Melissa McClure couples in attendance! Andy and Rosy, Allana and Sherwin and Kirsten and Brett! So fun!

I am so happy for you two and excited for what the future has in store! Love you!

xoxo,

Enjoy your slideshow!!

Jake and Amy – Engaged!

Melissa McClure — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 18:29:26 +0000

Some of you may not know, but I spent the last week and half of July in Chicago. I ate some Jimmy Johns, saw my best friend and had a lot of photo shoots!

One of those being, Amy and Jake who are getting married next July in the ‘burbs of Chicago. I am so excited! Amy is my sorority sister from College and I had the pleasure of meeting Jake for the first time. We met up at Cantigny Park. This is a gorgeous place! The museum is closed on Mondays so we had the entire place to ourselves!

With storm clouds looming overhead, we made our way to the Naperville Fire Station, where Jake is employed. This was a new experience for me, and it was fun having free range on the engine and the station!

It was so great hanging out with you two, I can’t wait for next Summer and your awesome wedding!

Special thanks to my assistant Tina for driving me and helping me shoot! You rock!

xoxo, M

Happy Anniversary to Brett and Kirsten! (and an update!)

Melissa McClure — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 04:20:03 +0000

One year ago today I photographed one of my best friends weddings. I was so happy for her happiness with her soul mate, Brett. They were married in Peoria, IL on a beautiful sunny day.

Here they are on the campus of Bradley University, where we all went to college! Kirsten was my sorority sister.

And one more this past August when Kirsten was in town on business!

‘

One year later Kirsten and Brett are looking forward to a new adventure! A BABY!!! I could not be happier for them! She won’t be big enough for maternity portraits when I see her next month, but be on the look out for baby photos in 2010!

And on another personal note, I just moved! Not only did I get the new studio, Tim and I moved in to a new condo too! Its been a crazy month and we are getting settled in San Marcos now. I am heading out of town next week for a family reunion in Oregon and will be back the end of the month!

xoxo, M

Allana and Sherwin: Chicago Botanic Garden Engagement

Melissa McClure — Thu, 21 May 2009 16:30:17 +0000

Last week I flew out to Chicago for two awesome engagement sessions! Both couples are getting married in late July out there!

The first one was Allana and Sherwin! We wandered the Chicago Botanic Garden, which was awesome because I had never been there. Its a gorgeous park with beautiful landscaping!

And who doesn’t love a beautiful apple orchard?

Fav #1

Fav #2

Heading over to the Chinese Garden area…

I cannot wait for your wedding!! I had such a blast laughing with you two!

xoxo, M