Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Great news! After a phone call from a friend, I found out that one of my images is published in the newest issue of The Knot magazine. This is a special issue as it’s the ‘best of 2008′, where it sums up the best wedding vendors around the country. They also include the ‘best of your local area’ voted by real brides so you can see the ratings for vendors in your area. My image is featured as a ‘trend alert’ for art gallery reception venues located in the midwest; The Randall Gallery in St. Louis. The particular wedding that the image came from is Tom and Sam’s wedding, which was also published in The Knot Missouri/Kansas 2007 issue. I have only done 2 weddings in the St. Louis area (Stephanie & Jim) but they seem to be a huge success!

The issue is on stands now until October!

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

A little tap on my front door became the best part of my yesterday! My new inexpensive purse from Esty arrived! I was so impressed with how the seller packaged her product that I have to share my incredible experience with you. Etsy is a community site where artists all of kinds can display their accessories, art and apparel for buyers. I’ve been hunting for a new purse in the stores for weeks so I decided to go online and support other artists. You can’t go wrong with one of a kind pieces! This yellow mustard purse was purchased from Stephanie Bracciano – the person behind Mid West Vintage. “One of a kind finds for wasteless living – shop for vintage dresses, shoes, accessories, jewelry”. The best part is how much thought was put into my shipment (received just days after the purchase). Not only did I receive the purse but a hand-written note and 2 original photographs of hers that are incredible (birds above). What a bonus!! I love chatting about other artists so please be sure to check out her stuff Mid West Vintage on Etsy.

Brides – check out Etsy for unique wedding accessories or gifts. They even have a wedding section where you can find jewelry, ring-bearer/flower girl accessories and blushers! Guys stuff too!

Photos courtesy of Sprout Home

I am VERY ready for spring to finally come around in Chicago! I was headed out to the grocery store a couple days back and passed a store called Sprout Home (located just off of Chicago & Damen intersection in Chicago). I’ve seen it a few times but never went in. It was a ‘fake’ spring day – the kind that is warm enough to not wear your winter coat and then it snows the next day. I decided to check it out! I love home accessory stores because I find lots of inspirations for art, photos and design. Greeted by the cutest dog in the world (a Vizsla – my fav!), I made my way around this very inviting store. Lots of home accessories such as plates, wrapping papers, ceramics and the cutest photo frames – which make great gifts for your wedding party!! Not to mention, plants galore! Sprout Home carries plant species of all types – indoor, outdoor, even little cacti. Check out their outdoor furniture! Can’t even begin to pick out a favorite product, but I have to say the photo frames and the modern bird feeders were top on my list! Brides and grooms – they even have gift registry!!

I highly recommend stopping in – especially if you have spring fever – or checking out their website link above because they have many more products then mentioned above.

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

Many of my close friends and family know how obsessed I am with my little kitties :) Thought I would show you what they were up to today and let me tell ya they were hard at work! HA! Taken with a point & shoot camera, you can see Desher just lays under the heater vent, sun-bathing. Boris made a new friend with the free American Greeting bunny I got from buying 4 greeting cards at the store. Oh and wonder what he’s doing in that cardboard box? It’s officially the kitty space ship that they adore – thank you wedding album binding companies for supplying my cat toys!

Photos courtesy of Magnificent Milestones

I had the pleasure of meeting Kara Underwood, owner of Magnificent Milestones a few days ago! Super sweet, friendly and outgoing – Kara has put together an amazing event studio to help organize and plan almost any event. Located in Chicago – Kara supplies coordination and design for weddings, social/corporate & etiquette events. You can’t beat that convenience! “A detailed, innovative and customer-focused event & design firm.” (more…)

Photos: Edyta Szyszlo Photography

I promised on my “town of toasted ravioli post” to display some wedding photos from my trip down to St. Louis for Stephanie and Jim’s wedding! I’ve been told by several people that I must of brought spring with me that weekend (mid 70s and sunny) since they had a huge snowstorm right after I left! But I think it was just the love in the air from Stephanie and Jim :) I couldn’t have asked for a better couple to work with or a more beautiful and relaxed day. You guys truly made my work day easy! Super fun, sweet, and totally in love are just some of the few ways to describe them. Check out more of their images and details…. (more…)

Photos courtesy of Martha Stewart

I thought it would be a good idea to continue chatting about wedding trends for my current brides and all other brides! All you fall brides – time to get your cake picked out! For most couples, the wedding cake ties all the decor together and who can resist dessert? I think the wedding cake remains one of the few items that provides tradition and for that, you want to keep your cake memorable. One of the up and coming cake trends (not to mention very classic and timeless) is fabric designs and patterns.

Photos courtesy of Martha Stewart

Fabrics and their patterns have been around for ages – most of them never out of style (well ok maybe plaid), which is why I loved this idea so much! You can take a classic pattern and give it a modern twist. Plus, you can play with colors and different shaped cakes while still keeping it simple. Check out more cake inspirations… (more…)

Photos courtesy of White Chicago & Natalia Tupikow Photography

Well it’s another snowy day here in Chicago – will this winter ever end?! But it’s reminded me of this incredible wedding dress shop called White Chicago located in the River North neighborhood in Chicago. On a budget? Looking for a unique dress for the big day? Want to feel like a fashionista in white? White Chicago specializes in new, sample and once-wed designer wedding gowns. After spending a few weeks with the wonderful ladies that work there, I can honestly say this store is one of the greatest wedding ideas since man! (more…)

Quote/Style courtesy of NILMDTS

Routine for most of my mornings, I like to catch the Today Show while I sip my coffee and check emails. This morning was particularly special as they featured a story about professional photographers volunteering their time and talent to capturing the first few moments of the family and their newborn. There are so many great people out there. Here’s the link the the video from the Today Show.

The non-profit organization was formed by Cheryl Haggard and Sandy Puc in April of 2005 after their personal experience of loosing their child. They named the organization NILMDTS (Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep) after the children’s bedtime prayer. The organization and it’s photographers has provided thousands of families of babies who are stillborn or are at risk of dying as newborns free professional portraits with their baby. NILMDTS has nearly 3, 200 affiliated photographers in 12 countries worldwide. This is an incredible organization and my heart goes out for them and the families they care for. Check out more information at NILMDTS there you’ll find how you can donate, donate your time/talent and read testimonials.

Photos: Edyta & Lauren

What an incredible past weekend! I went to St. Louis to photograph Stephanie & Jim’s wedding and couldn’t have asked for a better weekend! More to come on their incredible wedding in another post. Not only did I enjoy my favorite St. Louis classic of toasted ravioli on Friday, but the weather was gorgeous all 3 days! It was great to see Jared’s (my boyfriend) family as well. The weather so beautiful – talking mid 70s and sunny – that we decided to head out on Sunday to play! As you see in the photos above, it was a bit windy :) (more…)