Chicago Wedding Photography | Destination Wedding Photographers

Editorial Feature Adore With Delight | Amy + Chad

Corlis Gray — Thu, 17 May 2012 17:02:56 +0000

Special thanks to Adore with Delight for this awesome editorial feature!!! We love the color swatches that they created from Amy and Chad’s beautiful Seneca’s Oak Ridge wedding. To see more of these and other great wedding ideas, check out: Adore With Delight

If you would like to see more of Amy and Chad’s beautiful Chciago wedding photography go to: Seneca’s Oak Ridge Wedding Photographers

Beautiful Starved Rock Utica Wedding | Anna + Ben | Sneak Peek

Corlis Gray — Wed, 09 May 2012 16:19:24 +0000

Chicago Wedding Photographers | Starved Rock Wedding | Downers Grove Photographer

Anna and Ben’s (BenAnna…lol) wedding was truly a romantic affair. Since they’re outdoorsy people, Starved Rock Lodge was the perfect setting for their vintage inspired rustic wedding. We truly love every detail that Anna worked so hard on. Here is a sneak peek at their awesome wedding in Utica, IL.

If you would like Corlis and Megan to capture your wedding, please contact us by filling out our simple wedding photography contact form in the menu or under this post.

Photographer: Gray Photography
Florist: Mary’s Special Touch
DJ: Get Up and Dance
Officiant: Jane Schomas (Get Up and Dance)
Wedding Day Specialists: Invitations, Etc.
Cake: Maureen “Mo” Stabler, Starved Rock Onsite Baker
Bride’s Dress: Cara Mia (style “Hailey”)
Bride’s Dress Shop: The Perfect Dress, Toms River NJ
Bridesmaid Dresses: Jordan Fashions
Flower Girl Dresses: Kid’s Kouture
Shoes: Colorifics
Bride’s Jewelry: Ti Adoro Bridal
Tuxes: Mens Wearhouse
Catering: Starved Rock Catering
Photo Booth: Flash Foto
Cookie Favors: M & M Specialties
Hair and Makeup for Bride and (some) Bridesmaids: Head Hunter Salon & Day Spa

Editorial Feature Sassy Chicago Bride | Mike + Corey

Corlis Gray — Wed, 09 May 2012 13:23:04 +0000

Check it out! Sassy Chicago Bride featured Mike and Corey’s amazing Seneca’s Oak Ridge wedding! Special thanks to the Wedding Guide Chicago team for this awesome editorial feature! To see more go to: Sassy Chicago Bride

To see more of Mike and Corey’s beautiful wedding photography click here: Seneca’s Oak Ridge Wedding Photographers

Dragonfly Studios Newborn Photography | Guest Post

Corlis Gray — Wed, 02 May 2012 12:50:04 +0000

Special thanks to Amy Lantz from Dragonfly Studios Chicago for this wonderful guest post about newborn photography! You can see more of her awesome work here: www.dragonflystudiosphotography.com

What is it that weddings and welcoming a new baby into your life have in common? They are both major life changes that most people hire a photographer for– but they cannot be recreated later if the images don’t make your heart sing. Many people want newborn photography, but the cost often dictates the photographer they decide to trust with the task of capturing their brand new little one and preserving those early days with your for when all the adrenaline, frequent sleep interruptions and whirlwind of visitors leave your memory of that magical time a wee bit blurry. I remember searching for a photographer for my wedding– I wanted the best, because I would never hire another wedding photographer… makes sense, right? Yet when my first little one was born, I didn’t hire anyone to capture her with all her newness– little back wrinkles that disappear so quickly, soft baby fuzz, pouty little lips and just how deliciously squishy she was. Do I regret it? Absolutely. I didn’t regret it until recently however, because I didn’t hire a custom photographer for my 2nd, or 3rd babies either– it didn’t seem like it was in the budget, we were new to town and my husband was deployed or getting ready to deploy… I had loads of reasons for not finding someone to photograph our newest family member. Now? Yes, I regret it. Even with my own photography business, I never really understood the importance until my 4th little one arrived and I had another photographer capture him (because really, in that first week being hunched over a beanbag trying to pose him was much less attractive to me than say, a nap!). Now I get it. I have images of him that remind me just how tiny he was– and none of those with my other kids. Sure, I have the pictures of daddy holding them in the hospital, them being held by siblings, laying in the crib, etc… but none of those snapshots really captured the little newborn details that custom photography does.

When considering a newborn photographer, cost is understandably an issue– but maybe it shouldn’t be the most important one. You need to love your photographer’s style, because the results from your session will be what you use to remember this time in your life when your little tiny baby is scoring his first soccer goal or driving away in her first car. Your photographer needs to be someone with a personality you mesh with– you will be spending at least an hour or 2 sitting in the same room as your newborn is photographed, there may as well be the opportunity for good conversation! Your photographer should be someone that operates legally… business license, pays taxes, insurance, does everything on the up & up. Why is that so important? If they are running their business professionally and above board, they are invested in providing a high standard of quality– both in products and in ethics (you have to be committed to it when you watch the bulk of session income go to the tax man, the insurance man and the business licensing office!).

When searching for a photographer to document this unforgettable time in your life, I try to encourage people to choose the right photographer for them based on the photographer’s style, the products & packages they offer, and their personality, rather than just their cost. There will always be expensive photographers and cheap photographers, but what is most important is that you love your photographer’s work– because that is what you will have to remember this fleeting time by.

www.dragonflystudiosphotography.com

Editorial Feature Be U Weddings | Karianne + Justin

Corlis Gray — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 17:10:24 +0000

We are so honored to have one of our amazing weddings featured on Chicago’s Be U Weddings Blogazine! We truly loved spending time getting to know Karianne and Justin more intimately. To see more of this awesome article click here: Be U Weddings

To see more of Karianne and Justin’s wedding click here: Joliet Renaissance Wedding Photographers

Gorgeous Byron Colby Barn Grayslake Wedding Photography | Suzy + Daniel

Corlis Gray — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 14:19:28 +0000

Chicago Wedding Photographers Corlis and Megan Gray | Destination Wedding Photography

Suzy and Daniel are high school sweet hearts and it’s taken them many years to get to, what can only be called, an AMAZING wedding! There were many tears, by both the bride and the groom, a ton of laughs, kisses, hugs, more tears, speeches, and did I say tears? We had such an awesome time hanging out with Suzy and Daniel. How could we not? Just check out the photo booth pictures….lol.

Every detail was perfect for this vintage and rustic inspired wedding. We love the eggplant color scheme and the grooms pinstripe suit. Sa-weet! And check out those Chucks! Don’t get us wrong…the bride wasn’t too shabby herself. Later in the day Suzy switched from those eggplant pumps to some awesome boots. Relaxed…that’s our style too .

Byron Colby Barn in Grayslake, IL was the perfect setting to end this truly stunning wedding. The exposed wood beams, rustic floors, candles, and string lights made this rustic wedding zoom us back to a much simpler and romantic time. We LOVE being Chicago wedding photographers!!!!!

Feel free to let us know what you think of Suzy and Daniels wedding!

Chicago wedding photography | Destination wedding photographers | Downers Grove photographers

Hinsdale Union Church Wedding Photography | Michelle + Drew | Sneak Peek

Corlis Gray — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 14:38:42 +0000

Here is a sneak peek of Michelle and Drew’s beautiful Hinsdale Union Church wedding. This was our first time having the privilege of shooting here, and we have to say that we love this church! Absolutely beautiful! The church was only out-shone by Michelle and Drew themselves. Enjoy these awesome wedding pics and let us know what you think.

For more information or if your interested in having Gray Photography shoot your awesome wedding, contact us by filling out our easy contact form by clicking one of the many links on the bottom, top, and sides of this page.

Being Positive in a World of Negativity

Corlis Gray — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 16:13:02 +0000

You may not know this, but the world of photography is not always a world of sunshine, rainbows, and pretty ponies. There is a darker side. A side where some photographers aim to hurt other photographers. Some days the community of photographers can be so nasty that you just want to go and bury your head in the sand and forget about the world. For a photographer that I admire, this is one of those days. I won’t name any names, but I truly feel for him today.

As photographers our job is to create, to capture, and to captivate. But it seems as though a large portion of photographers aim to do just the opposite. This photographer that I admire has created something. Something that he believes can help people. A very admirable quest if you ask me. But this thing he’s created requires a change in the industry. A change that “oldschoolers” (yes I made that word up, they’re just words, they don’t control me) aren’t happy about because it threatens the way they do business.

Philippians 4:8

⁸Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (KJV)

Which brings me to my point. There is no need to be negative. There is no need to be afraid of change. And there is certainly no need to speak ill of someone who’s goal is to help others. You don’t have to agree with what they’ve said, written, or done, but to try and tear them down because you don’t agree is simply wrong. I pray that Megan and I NEVER assume the position of jerk just because we see the world differently than someone else.

Chicago Proposal Photography Giveaway

Corlis Gray — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 14:51:04 +0000

Whoa! Did you hear that right? Yes you did! Gray Photography, that’s Megan and I, and The Heart Bandits are teaming up together to give away not 1 but 2 Proposal Photography + Proposal Idea packages! The Heart Bandits will work with you to create the perfect personalized proposal idea and then Gray Photography will be there to capture the moment. The rules are simple.

Email us at info@chicagoillinois-weddingphotography.com
Include a picture of you and your special lady.
Write a couple sentences about how much you guys are in love.

That’s it! We will be accepting entries from 3/22/12 – to 3/31/12. Judging will begin 4/1/12, and end 4/7/12. The winner will be announced on 4/9/12.

Contest is open to couples in Chicago and surrounding suburbs. (unless travel expenses are provided)

To see more of The Heart Bandits, visit here: The Heart Bandits

Top 6 Reasons to Hire a Wedding Planner

Corlis Gray — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 15:13:35 +0000

Don't be this bride.

Be this bride!

Being Chicago wedding photographers for the last 8 years, we’ve seen it all. From brides that have done all of their own planning/coordination, to mothers of the brides who sometimes become unbearable because of the stress, to wedding days that felt like they had no plan at all because the couple had no idea what to expect and plan for on their wedding day.

Then there are the events that go off without a hitch (at least it seems that way). Everything runs smoothly, the flowers arrive on time, the band is at the right location (you laugh but this happens), the photographer is amazing, etc… These weddings usually have an outstanding wedding planner orchestrating everything behind the scenes. Think J-Lo in “The Wedding Planner”. A wedding planner can be such a huge resource that we always have a conversation with our couples about getting one if they haven’t already done so. Even if its just for the day of the wedding.

Here are our top 6 reasons to hire a wedding planner:

6. Save $ - A planner that has been in the wedding industry for years can actually help their clients save enough money on their wedding to cover the cost of hiring them! If that’s not awesome, I don’t know what is!

5. Knowledge - Planners have been in the industry long enough to know who the great vendors are, which vendors can be trusted, and who has the best business practices. A referral from a skilled wedding coordinator who has roots in the industry is priceless when you’re having to place such a high level of trust in those you previously had no knowledge of.

4. Creativity - Wedding planners are a huge creative resource. They listen to your vision and dreams for your wedding day and bring their creativity to the process to help your vision come alive.

3. Budget - Wedding planners have been in the industry for some time. They know what things should cost and the difference in value. They can help you navigate the sometimes confusing and murky waters of wedding price tags and balance your budget around your priorities.

2. Enjoyable Process - We’ve observed so many brides through the process of planning their wedding, and when they do it without a professional planner, oftentimes by the time the wedding comes around, the process has been so stressful that they just can’t wait for it to be over. Planning your wedding is supposed to be an enjoyable process. A good wedding planner helps you enjoy the journey.

1. Stress - The difference in the stress level of a bride who has a professional planner and one who doesn’t is obvious. When it comes to the day of your wedding, the most important thing is that you are able to relax and enjoy it. You are the bride. You don’t want to end up being the point person for issues and questions that will inevitably arise. Hiring a planner frees you and everyone you love to live in the moment on your wedding day.

We hope this information helps you have an amazing wedding!