What can I say, I love backyard weddings.  Especially when they’re in small towns.  Everyone coming together, family, friends, neighbors.  It’s amazing sometimes how two people falling in love can bring an entire community together for one special occasion.  This wedding was shot at Goose Lake near Coal City, about an hour or so south of Chicago.  I love how they incorporated their love for lake life into their wedding.  Here are some of my favorite photographs from the day.  See more outdoor Chicago-land wedding photography here, and outdoor Chicago-land wedding photographer here.

I fell in love with this antique Cadillac De-Ville.  The shallow depth of field really draws your eye to the badge.

Here’s another shot of the car, this time with the bride sitting on the back.  I like the contrast of the white dress, black car, and the colorful bouquet.

Instead of dad walking his little girl down the aisle, they rode together in an antique boat that he rebuilt himself just for her wedding.  It was really touching, and a little stressful since he was still working on it up until a few minutes before the wedding.  This was the maiden voyage.

I can’t say it enough, REAL SMILES, that’s what makes my job so wonderful.  It is just so satisfying to capture a true expression of happiness.

LOL.  I had to include this one, just because this was the only expression I could coax from this little guy the whole day.

An old dock, a beautiful sky, and two beautiful people dressed in all white wedding apparel.  What’s not to like?

Thank you guys for the really fun time and the boat ride…haha.  Me and Michelle had a great time!

-Corlis :: Contact Me!

Chicago Wedding Photographer | Naperville Wedding | Destination Wedding Photography | Chicago Photo Booth

When it comes to beautiful ceremonies, this one takes the cake!  This beautiful wedding began at Starved Rock State Park in Utica, IL.  The ceremony took place at the exquisite church Queen of the Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church which is  located  LaSalle, IL.  Finally, the reception took place at Oak Ridge Golf Club in Seneca, IL.  As a Chicago wedding photographer I get the opportunity to travel to a lot of wonderful locations all over Illinois.  These are some of the best when it comes to rustic beauty!  See more Seneca Oak Ridge wedding photographer photo’s here, and Seneca Oak Ridge wedding photography here.

The natural light coming through the stained glass in this church was simply amazing.  It allowed me to shoot without a flash and capture all of the shadow and light detail.  What I love about this photograph is stunning shimmer of the gold wall.

Shooting from the organ/choir loft here gave me a different perspective and allowed me to capture more of the detail of this beautiful wall.

The shallow depth of field in this image draws your attention to the emotion in Audrey and Marks faces without losing the beauty of the background.

Here the architectural detail of the balcony adds to the drama of this high fashion group shot.

Getting down low and using the low sun to silhouette

Thank you guys for the wonderful time!  We had a great time taking the golf carts for a ride and freezing our butts off LOL.

-Corlis :: Contact Me

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Here is the classic story of two highschool sweethearts  dating for 10 years then finally taking the plunge.  Ok, so maybe that’s not so classic, but it’s a nice story anyways.   I could tell it was worth the wait by the way I kept catching these to gazing at each other like it was still puppy love.  They hadn’t let the years dwindle the fire that still burned uncontrolled within then.  It was very romantic.  The wedding and reception took place at CD & Me in Frankfort, IL.

Wedding Photography | Naperville | Chicago | Photographer | Frankfort, IL

Wedding Photography | Naperville | Chicago | Photographer | Frankfort, IL

Wedding Photography | Naperville | Chicago | Photographer | Frankfort, IL

Wedding Photography | Naperville | Chicago | Photographer | Frankfort, IL

Wedding Photography | Naperville | Chicago | Photographer | Frankfort, IL

Wedding Photography | Naperville | Chicago | Photographer | Frankfort, IL

We had a great time partying with you guys!  Thank you so much for letting us spend your special day with you.

-Corlis :: Contact Me!

Frankfort, IL | Destination Wedding Photography | Chicago | Naperville | Wedding Photographer | Chicago Photo Booth

I couldn’t tell you where this location was exactly.  Our initial meeting place was going to be Gebhard Woods in Morris, IL, but when I arrived there the park was closed! Oh no! As usual I showed up about an hour early, so I started driving around frantically looking for another location.  Ben and Emily had expressed to me that they wanted a nature “theme” for their engagement session.  So I immediately thought back country roads, which aren’t in short supply in Morris.  I came across this parking area in the middle of nowhere that looked as though there were hiking trails.  I took a quick stroll and surveyed the area.  This was it!  A quick call to the happy couple and some, albeit, hazy directions and we were all set.  Ben and Emily were great sports and we ended up getting some wonderful shots.  See more Morris, IL engagement photography here.

Wedding Photography | Naperville Wedding | Photographer | Morris, IL | Chicago

Wedding Photography | Naperville Wedding | Photographer | Morris, IL | Chicago

Wedding Photography | Naperville Wedding | Photographer | Morris, IL | Chicago

Wedding Photography | Naperville Wedding | Photographer | Morris, IL | Chicago

Wedding Photography | Naperville Wedding | Photographer | Morris, IL | Chicago

Wedding Photography | Naperville Wedding | Photographer | Morris, IL | Chicago

It was a beautiful day with some beautiful people.  Thanks for all the fun you guys!

-Corlis :: Contact Me!

Morris, IL | Destination Wedding Photography | Chicago | Naperville | Wedding Photographer | Chicago Photo Booth

This amazing wedding took place at Starved Rock State Park in Utica, IL.  Just about an hour and a half southwest of Chicago.  Starved Rock has to be one of my favorite places for a wedding getaway.  The lodge is beautiful and the scenery is second to none.  This wedding was no exception.  I have to say, Laci and Ian are, what I like to refer to as, “beautiful people”.  We all wish we were as good looking as these two.  At least I do, lol.  It was virtually impossible for me to take a bad picture of them.  To top it all off, they were genuinely just good hearted people which made my job just that much easier.  For this Chicago wedding photographer, this is as good as it gets.  See more Ottawa, IL wedding photographer photo’s by Corlis Gray here, and Ottawa, IL wedding photography here.  You can also see Laci & Ian’s Chicago engagement session here.

I probably looked pretty silly from other people’s perspectives, but laying on the floor and adding a slight camera tilt, gave this shot a little edginess.

Here the shallow depth of field draws your attention to the groom gazing at his soon to be wife.

I love the very editorial look of this photograph.  The punchy colors ad to the drama of this photo.  Just a small note, this was NOT posed.  I just captured a really stunning moment of Laci gazing out the window of the trolley, just soaking in the days events.

Here the shallow depth of field and the sharpness of Laci really brings out her eyes.  They are almost mesmerizing.  It doesn’t hurt that she’s done some modeling either.  LOL.

In this image I placed a flash behind Laci and Ian as they were dancing to capture a silhouette of them dancing while using another flash to give a slight fill light.  With the long shutter speed I could grab some of the ambient light surrounding them and in the background.  I think it’s a wonderfully romantic image.

Ian and Laci, you are truly two very wonderful people, and I wish you all the best.  Your wedding was almost as rockin’ as you!

-Corlis :: Contact Me

Chicago Wedding Photographer | Naperville Wedding | Destination Wedding Photography | Chicago Photo Booth

Congratulations you guys.  I wish you all the happiness in the world!  And don’t forget you promised to name your baby after me LOL

Your Friend,

Corlis – Contact Me!

Joliet | Destination Wedding Photography | Chicago | Naperville | Wedding Photographer | Chicago Photo Booth

Thanks again guys for being so fun to work with.  I can’t wait until the wedding!!!

-Corlis :: Contact Me!

Naperville | Wedding Photographer |Destination Wedding Photography | Chicago | Chicago Photo Booth

So being that they have more school loans than the U.S. deficit, but all the love in the world (literally).  God was smiling on them one day and led them to me.  I just so happen to do 3 pro bono weddings per year for couples in exactly their predicament.  After reading the most heart warming email from Abby, I decided to meet with them.

We met in a little coffee shop in Morris, IL called Brewed Awakenings.  From there we sat over a couple hot cups of joe and got to know each other.  The rest is history.

See more Starved Rock engagement photographer photo’s here,  Starved Rock engagement photography here, and Starved Rock engagement photos here.

Here is their engagement session shot at Starved Rock State Park in Utica, IL

Thank you Abby and Ben for the great time we had!

Your Friend,

Corlis – Contact me!

Destination Wedding Photography | Chicago | Naperville | Wedding Photographer | Chicago Photo Booth

Ben is a VERY talented pianist in Chicago.  Abigail studies monkeys in Africa.  When I put it that way you might assume these two couldn’t be more different, but you’d be wrong.  Being that Ben is a musician, and his name isn’t P-Diddy or John Mayer, he isn’t exactly making billions.  Abigail is, what I consider to be a genius of sorts, holding something like 1,000,000 degrees in anthropology, so she’ll be paying off school bills until her grand-kids have grand-kids.  They don’t have all the money in the world.  What they do have in excess is LOVE.  Not just any kind of love.  Hot pink, Hollywood, roman candle, kinda love.  I thought I knew what love was until I met these two.

So being that they have more school loans than the U.S. deficit, but all the love in the world (literally).  God was smiling on them one day and led them to me.  I just so happen to do 3 pro bono weddings per year for couples in exactly their predicament.  After reading the most heart warming email from Abby, I decided to meet with them.

We met in a little coffee shop in Morris, IL called Brewed Awakenings.  From there we sat over a couple hot cups of joe and got to know each other.  The rest is history.

Here is their wedding shot in Seneca, IL.  Just a couple hours outside of Chicago.

See more outdoor DIY wedding photography here.

The shallow depth of field and the grainyness of this image really add an artistic feel to this image that I love.

There is nothing better than capturing the true happiness and excitement of a bride.

Ben and Abbi, I just can’t say enough great things about you guys.  You are two very wonderful people and I wish you all the best throughout your lives.

-Corlis :: Contact Me

Chicago Wedding Photographer | Naperville Wedding | Destination Wedding Photography | Chicago Photo Booth

This beautiful wedding took place in small town Morris, IL.  About an hour southwest of Chicago.  As you’ll see, we found a hidden treasure of this old rundown building.  While traveling to Gebhard Woods, a small community park, I got a little lost, lol, and found this great place.  It really contrasted the elegance of the wedding attire.  Here’s a small sample of this truly gorgeous wedding.  See more Morris, IL wedding photography here.

The cross process look and extreme sharpness of this image give it a very editorial feel.

I love the smooth tones and contrast of this image.  This old iron stairway gives it a really grunge/urban feel even though it was shot in a small rural town.

The shallow depth of feel gives this image a artsy feel.  While the fast shutter speed freezes the tiny candy hearts in mid air to really add to the detail in this action shot.

Here the vintage process applied to the image gives a really dramatic feel to another very urban feeling image.

In this image I wanted to give the impression of a high fashion magazine style image.  The contrast and bright colors really make it pop.

Another vintage treatment with a GQ style pose really makes this image stand out.

Thanks Joe and Ashley for not letting the weather dampen your spirits.  You were truly great sports.  We gad a great time and hope you love your pictures as much as we do.

-Corlis :: Contact Me

Chicago Wedding Photographer | Naperville Wedding | Destination Wedding Photography | Chicago Photo Booth

Chase and Karen had a beautiful destination wedding in the Bahamas.  Unfortunately I wasn’t invited LOL, but I did get the opportunity to photograph their reception when they returned.  The reception took place at Grizzly Jack’s Grand Bear Resort in Utica, IL.  At first I was a little apprehensive about what the quality of their banquet facilities might be since this is more of a family getaway facility with water parks and carnival rides.  But I have to admit, the banquet hall was stunning!  It was really well decorated with beautiful lighting and a superb staff.  Not only that, with a “carnival” near by it was ridiculously fun!  hopping on rides with a wedding party is more fun than you might think .  Here’s a little taste.

See more Ottawa, IL wedding photography here, from Ottawa wedding photographer Corlis Gray Photography.

I caught these two love birds having a quiet moment outside of the banquet hall.  I love the direction lighting falling on the couple and the tonality it adds to the picture.

I thought this cool ambiant light the DJ had set up along the wall really made the cake pop.  A little camera tilt gave the image a little more flair.

This silky black and white image beautifully captures Karen and Chase happily gazing at each other during their first dance as husband and wife.

I know this seems out of place but I just couldn’t resist.  At Grand Bear they had this cute baby leopard.  Check out the bling this cat is rockin’!

The lovely couple riding this awesome carousel at the amusement park.

And last but not least, who can resist a quick kiss in front of the swing buggy?!  It’s like blinky light heaven! LOL.

A special thanks to Chase and Karen for the amazing time we had at your beautiful reception.  And an extra extra special thanks to the wonderful staff at Grand Bear Resort.

-Corlis :: Contact Me

Chicago Wedding Photographer | Naperville Wedding | Destination Wedding Photography | Chicago Photo Booth

It was about 11 am.  I started packing up my camera bag with all the essentials…you know…camera’s, lenses, flashes, cards.  I headed out for a quick brunch and ran some errands.

Sounds like a normal day as a photographer.  I headed out at about 2 to scout the area where I’d be shooting Tim and Madison’s engagement session.  Little did I know I’d be driving around for the next 2 hours back and forth past the very place I needed to be.  LOL.  Nobody’s perfect right?  Good thing I left 2 hours early.

Enter Gebhard Woods in Morris, IL.  A pleasant little treasure trove of green foliage and manicured lawns.  We had a great time hiking and getting a little dirty to get some great shots

See more Morris engagement photography here.

Thanks to Tim and Madison for the great time

-Corlis :: Contact me!

Gebhard Woods Morris, IL | Destination Wedding Photography | Chicago | Naperville | Wedding Photographer | Chicago Photo Booth

I shot this wedding in August.  It was surprisingly cool given the time of the year.  The day started out overcast with some ominous clouds lingering overhead.  I sent up a little prayer to keep the rain at bay and began shooting.  It seemed as though the rain would hold off UNTIL it was time for the ceremony.  Suddenly what was supposed to be an elegant OUTDOOR wedding turned into a little impromptu INDOOR one.  That didn’t stop us from having a great time and capturing some beautiful moments.   See more golf course wedding photography here, and outdoor wedding photography here.

Congrats you guys, and thank you for the really fun time.  BTW I really dug the Chuck Taylor’s Monnea was rockin’ during the garter ordeal.  HAHA.

-Corlis :: Contact Me!

Naperville | Wedding Photographer |Destination Wedding Photography | Chicago | Chicago Photo Booth

A while back I posted the wedding titled Kory & Jessica.  It just so happened Jessica had a twin sister that was also getting married.  Meghan loved Jessica’s pics so much she contacted me shortly after viewing them.  To make a long story short.  I had the awesome opportunity to shoot the same family again .  It was so fun to get to see all the same people, wedding party, parents, again.  I loved it!  It was almost like we’d known each other for years!  We all had a wonderful time.  Their wedding took place in Kankakee, IL.  See more Kankakee wedding photography here.

Chicago Wedding Photographer | Naperville Wedding | Kankakee, IL

Chicago Wedding Photographer | Naperville Wedding | Kankakee, IL

Chicago Wedding Photographer | Naperville Wedding | Kankakee, IL

Chicago Wedding Photographer | Naperville Wedding | Kankakee, IL

Chicago Wedding Photographer | Naperville Wedding | Kankakee, IL

Chicago Wedding Photographer | Naperville Wedding | Kankakee, IL

Congrats Carey & Meghan!  I hear you guys had a baby!  I wish you all the best

Your Friend,

Corlis :: Contact Me!

Kankakee, IL | Destination Wedding Photography | Chicago | Naperville | Wedding Photographer | Chicago Photo Booth

Kory and Jessica are two of the loveliest people I’ve ever met.  They are kind and generous, and I can’t express enough how happy I am to have met them.  I truly enjoyed spending their wedding day with them.  I’ve stayed in contact with them over the years and can attest to their happiness.  They are now trying for their first child.  I wish them all the best.  Their wedding took place in Kankakee, IL.  See more Kankakee wedding photography here.

Naperville Wedding | Chicago Wedding Photographer | Kankakee, IL

Naperville Wedding | Chicago Wedding Photographer | Kankakee, IL

Naperville Wedding | Chicago Wedding Photographer | Kankakee, IL

Naperville Wedding | Chicago Wedding Photographer | Kankakee, IL

Naperville Wedding | Chicago Wedding Photographer | Kankakee, IL

Naperville Wedding | Chicago Wedding Photographer | Kankakee, IL

Congrats to you both on a truly wonderful wedding experience.  I hope that the photography does it justice

-Corlis :: Contact Me!

Kankakee, IL | Destination Wedding Photography | Chicago | Naperville | Wedding Photographer | Chicago Photo Booth