“What size should I order my canvas?”  We get asked this question numerous times throughout the year, and the answer is always the same.  As large as your budget will allow.  There is nothing worse than choosing your favorite wedding pictures, placing a canvas order, taking it home and hanging it on a big wall, then having a sudden feeling of disappointment.  ”It’s too small!”

A properly sized canvas can enhance your beautiful photographs and immerse you into the picture while also bringing back those wonderful feelings of the wedding day.  All while beautifying the home you and your husband share.

To give you an idea of what a print will look like once you get it home, we’ve created this awesome wall cluster example.  You’ll notice that the traditional print sizes just don’t do your wedding photography justice once they’re put on the wall.

If your in the process of planning your wedding, would like Corlis and Megan to capture your wedding, or just would like to talk, please fill out our easy contact form or email us at info@chicagoillinois-weddingphotography.com

Thank you Kari and Brent for these wonderful words!!!  We simply LOVE our clients!

Wedding Makeup Tip 1

Hire a professional.  To some this may sound like a no-brainer, but for more budget conscious brides, here are a few reasons to hire a professional makeup artist.

1. SKIN PREP – This is an important step for great makeup application. A professional artist’s ability to properly prep the skin for makeup is one of the secrets to a flawless face.

2. CONTOURING - When you are photographed, you do so two-dimensionally. Professional makeup artists create highlights and shadows to make you appear three-dimensional for your wedding photography. This technique is called contouring. This same technique is used to enhance facial features by bringing certain features out, creating a sense of balance, and adding definition to makeup with color.

3. APPLICATION – Getting the face camera-ready does not mean you have to cake on the makeup. Makeup artists know how and what to apply to make sure you look your best. Simply put, professionally applied makeup will help complete the look you spent so many months pulling together. Just a simple application of makeup that takes into consideration your unique features can have surprising effects. Combining the talent, skill, training, and experience of a professional makeup artist with those of a professional photographer is what produces the amazing results you want in your wedding photographs.

© Studio Enizio http://www.saltlakebrideandgroom.com/?p=2242

Wedding Makeup Tip 2

Mineral makeup looks fantastic in person, but from a photography stand point, it is a no-no.  We have seen situations where mineral makeup on a wedding day can actually give you a neon orange glow, or make you have a milky white tone, and make you look oily in photographs.  We have seen many great reviews for Makeup For Ever HD.  Check this link for more info and reviews: http://www.amazon.com/MAKE-UP-FOR-EVER-Foundation/dp/B001D0CWQG

Wedding Makeup Tip 3

Tan at least 2 days in advance.  If your going to get a spray tan for your wedding day, do it at least 2 days before the event.  The second day it will darken and by the third day it will have settled.  This should prevent any potential blotchiness.

Wedding Makeup Tip 4

Try not to stress too much (we know…easier said than done!).  Stress may cause impurities on your skin. If  you have some impurities, do not pick at them as it makes them worse! Also, put a clean pillowcase on every night and drink plenty of water (avoid sugars, excess milk, and carbonated beverages).  Your body and skin reflects what you eat, so get plenty of veggies and fruits.

Wedding Makeup Tip 5

Keep an open line of communication between you and your makeup artist. Tell your make-up artist what you like or dislike about make-up.  This will open up a great conversation about your comfort with make-up.  Share with your make-up artist the colors that are in your wedding, and the style of your wedding dress.

That’s it!  Keep these tips and tricks in mind and your skin will be as beautiful as you imagined it for your wedding day and your photographs will match!

Here is a sneak peek at Kate and Jordan’s lovely wedding that took place at Rantoul Lutheran Church, portraits at Lake of the Woods Park, and the reception at Regent Ballroom in Savoy.  These two are so down to earth and in love.  We just had an amazing time getting to know them!

If you would like to have Corlis and Megan join you for your wedding.  Fill out the super easy contact form at the top, or you can just email us at info@chicagoillinois-weddingphotography.com.  We can’t wait to hear from you!

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

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

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

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.

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!

This weeks wedding venue review is no surprise.  The Patrick Haley Mansion is one of our FAVORITE places to shoot in or around Chicago.  Just a short 45 min south of Chicago is a true gem of a location!  The mansion is has a large ballroom and conservatory that can seat up to 450 guests!!!  Wow!

We’ve had the privilege of shooting here quite a few times over the last couple of years and it just keeps getting better!  Jan, the banquet manager, and her staff are true professionals and the prices are extremely reasonable considering that your getting an exquisite mansion, a stunning ballroom, a breathtaking conservatory with an enormous skylight, amazing food, and the best service you can find.

Here are some more of their awesome features!

• Incredibly unique accent lighting.
• Billowing fabric lined ceiling.
• A Spotless high gloss floor.
• Large picturesque windows that provide beautiful views of their lavish gardens.
• Large white pagoda for outdoor ceremonies with custom brickwork.
• Large crystal chandeliers.
• 14 karat gold & platinum band china.
• Lush victorian gardens full of perennials, waterfalls and even a small pond.

If your planning a wedding, just got engaged, are planning to propose, or your just love us  We would love to hear from you!  You can contact us at info@chicagoillinois-weddingphotography.com or click one of the contact us buttons located all around our site.  We look forward to meeting you!!!

They’re Here!!!! WOOT WOOT! Special thanks to Graphistudio for our brand spakin’ new wedding album samples! Our new Story Books are AMAZING! Here’s a few pictures.

High Quality Wedding Photography Albums

The albums featured are the 9.5×13 Italian Leather Story Book, the 8×12 Parent Book, and 4 4×5 Gift Books.  The quality of these albums are top notch, no question.  We really can’t wait to start offering these books to our awesome wedding couples!

If you’d like to schedule a time to come and check out these beauties, click the contact us buttons below this post, in the first tab to your left, or in the menu at the top.  You can also email us at info@chicagoillinois-weddingphotography.com or call us at 630-800-7582!  We can’t wait to meet you!

We simply have the best clients!  Justin and Karianne are just the nicest couple, have a beautiful welcoming family, and are REALLY funny.  (especially Justin…lol…”do your best Jagger”)  We simply LOVE all of the details in this stunning wedding.  The temperatures were a bit frigid in downtown Joliet, IL, but that didn’t stop us from getting some great shots.  Justin and Karianne were real troopers.  Stay tuned for the full post for this wonder Chicago wedding.

If you would like Corlis and Megan to capture your special day, you can contact us through our nifty contact form by clicking the link at the bottom of this post, in the menu, or to your left in the first tab.  You can also give us a ring at 630-800-7582 or email us at info@chicagoillinois-weddingphotography.com.  We would love to hear from you!!!

You might also like some of these awesome Joliet weddings: Joliet Wedding Photography and Joliet Wedding Photographers

At this point you may be asking yourself…”What the heck do Chicago wedding photographers know about choosing a dress?”  The answer is simple…NOTHING!  But that doesn’t mean we don’t care.  If you are confident in what your wearing on your wedding day, you feel beautiful, and comfortable, it will show in your pictures.

So here’s a few tips we’ve pulled from around the internet that we think will help you look and feel the best on your big day.

1. Start by thinking about the time of year your wedding will take place and where your reception will be.  (picture a billowing princess dress in a crowded reception hall)

2. Don’t wait too long before you begin shopping.  It can take 4-6 weeks to have a dress made and fitted.  If you start 9-12 weeks in advance, you won’t feel so rushed.

3. Set a budget.  You don’t want your heart set on a dress that you can’t afford, or that will eat up your entire wedding budget.

4. Most bridal shops require an appointment.  Be sure to schedule sufficient time for this.  Don’t try and squeeze it in to a lunch break.

5. Decide which silhouette is right for you.  You can find more information about this here: http://completelyweddings.com/types-of-wedding-gowns-silhouette/

6. Keep in mind what kind of event your hosting.  Is it formal, semi-formal, or informal?  Will it be during the day, afternoon, or night?

7. According to Martha Stewart Weddings, you will know if a dress is the “one” when it not only satisfies your head and your heart, but your budget.  Keep in mind that, while you might only be wearing this dress once, you will be wearing it for a long period of time.  So make sure to bend, lift your arms up, do things you’ll be doing on your wedding day.  Is the dress too heavy?  Is it too revealing?

8. Have fun!!!  Don’t forget to enjoy the experience.  You will only have this opportunity once in your life, so make the most of it!  Invite mom, the girls, and even dad, to share the moment when you slip into that amazing dress that you’ll be wearing when you say “I do” to the man of your dreams.

For more wedding dress ideas check out the new Vera Wang on Weddings app in the apple app store!

Here are some examples of some of our favorite dresses from events we’ve had the joy of capturing:

If you would like Chicago wedding photographers Corlis and Megan Gray to capture your wedding day, we would love to hear from you!  You can contact us either by clicking the contact button below, in the menu, or to your left in the first tab.  You can also email us at: info@chicagoillinois-weddingphotography.com, or call us at 630-800-7582.

Here are some links to some awesome wedding dress shops in the Chicago area:

A Joyful Occasion

Mira Couture Chicago

Peaches Boutique

Nordstrom

Don’t think we’re weird, but one of our favorite things to do is crawl the web in search of awesome Chicago wedding venues that we would love to work with.  We came across Salvage One and were instantly in LOVE!  It’s no secret that we love vintage styling, the DIY feel, and eclectic design.  Salvage One has all of the above!  How perfect is that?!?  Not only is Salvage One a unique wedding venue, they host fundraisers and corporate events.  Plus they’re a green company, preserving Chicago architectural elements from being destroyed.  Visit this link, http://salvageone.com/weddings.php , to view some beautiful work that showcases this amazing venue’s beauty and sophistication.

From Salvage One’s About Us page: http://salvageone.com/aboutus.php

“We Recycle. We Salvage.

We save architectural elements from the wrecking ball. Salvage One works to preserve and pass on our history. We have been helping our customers breathe new life into salvaged materials for nearly 30 years. Our aim is to take salvage further by working with you to add creativity and style to your space. We also specialize in one-of-a-kind items that are unique and of all tastes and styles.

Our store is over 60,000 square feet full of materials and design ideas on four floors. We have a full work shop to do custom work, and a yard full of garden and landscaping ideas.”

Chicago Wedding Photography Blog

If your thinking about having your wedding reception at Salvage One, we would love to join you in celebrating your marriage as your Chicago wedding photographers!  And guys, if your thinking about popping the question to the love of your life (wink wink .  We also offer Chicago surprise proposal photography!  Its a great way to surprise your future wife with pictures of her saying YES!  Feel free to click the contact us button below, or to your left, or even in the menu at the top…lol.  You can also email us at info@chicagoillinois-weddingphotography.com or call us at 630.800.7582.

Stay tuned for the follow-up to this beautiful wedding!

To see more Patrick Haley Mansion weddings, visit one of these links:

Patrick Haley Mansion Wedding Photography or Patrick Haley Mansion Wedding Photographers

If you’d like Corlis and Megan to shoot YOUR wedding just click the “Get in Touch” button to your right or the “Get in Touch” tab to your left, the “Contact” button at the bottom of this post, email us at info@chicagoillinois-weddingphotography.com, or call us at 630.800.7582.

Chicago Wedding Photographers | Destination Wedding Photography | Chicago Proposal Photography