Abbott Laboratories CEO Miles D. White honored by Harvard Business School Chicago Alumni Organization

Last week I had the opportunity to document Harvard Business School's Chicago Alumni Chapter's Annual Gala at Union Station in the Chicago Loop. This year Miles D. White, CEO of Abbott Laboratories, was the guest of honor.

He's a very interesting man, compelling speaker, and one to read about if you aren't familiar with his work. His speech was very timely, discussing Health Care Reform. Abbott was one of the laboratories who worked with The House in drafting a reformed health care bill.

Images taken on behalf of Steve Becker Photography/beckermedia.com

Loyola receives the keys to the House!

On October 24th, Loyola University celebrated the generous gift of the Cuneo Museum and Gardens from Mr. Cuneo Jr, a Loyola Alumni, and Vernon Hills Resident.

Images taken on behalf of Steve Becker Photography/Beckermedia.com

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A stunning wedding at the Chicago Civic Opera House

I had the pleasure of shooting with the fabulous Laurie Peacock again in mid-September. The couple, Moira and Scott, had style that just didn't stop. From Moira's magenta pumps, to Scott's matching tie and cuff-links.

It didn't stop there, one of the bridesmaids just happened to have the wedding's color unknowingly streaked through her blond locks--is that fate or what?

Moira and Scott were a life-loving, easy going couple, with strong family ties. It was a large celebration, which began at Old St. Pat's Cathedral, and finished at the Civic Opera House.

I really enjoyed the positive vibe of this wedding! It was a joy to shoot.

Emilie Brooke Meyers Weston....

I was a bridesmaid in a dear friend's wedding a few weeks ago. I met Emilie while I went to college at the University of Missouri in Columbia.

She taught salsa in a club that I was a member of. One day Em came over and started talking to me like she was picking up a conversation we'd started long ago. We were instant friends. We discovered our commonalities quickly--we both lost our mom's to cancer, we loved salsa dancing, and we were open-hearted, even more so together. These traits fused our friendship, and helped us forge others. As open as I might be, I cannot hold a candle to Em's outgoing nature. She had NINE bridesmaids, and four junior attendants!!! All 13 women would count Em as a best friend.

I'm so happy I was able to make it down for the wedding. I didn't take too many pictures on the day of the event since I was in the wedding, and Em had a fantastic photographer there. But I couldn't resist a couple. I've posted a handful of them below. Love you, Em, and congratulations to Nick, her husband that I just adore. You are both so sweet and special.

In Preparation of the day, Maggie's (one of the maid's of honor) mom decided to perm her hair.

Maggie Holter, my friend turned hair stylist, applies perm solution to her mom Lynn's hair the night before the wedding. "I just need some body, it's stick straight," Lynn said to me on the way back to her place from picking me up at the airport.

Maggie applies conditioner to the tips of Lynn's hair.

I've always thought Maggie has such beautiful hands, and learned over the weekend that(preoccupied) she used to study her mom's hands during church growing up. "I can see my hands changing into my mother's," she said when the conversation of aging came up.

Emilie.

A small sampling of San Francisco...

China town in San Francisco startled me. I really felt like I was in Asia again for the five or so blocks experienced.

The Trans America Building.


While Exploring the Muir woods I kept looking for wild animals, but only came across evidence of one birds existence. "It's a condor's feather!" or so I like to tell myself. Maybe a baby condor...

It happened to be fleet week. I got to see two passes of the Blue Angles, a first for me, before they were advised to cease their performance due to high winds and fog.

The expected entry...I like that you can see the hostess reflected on my side of the glass waiting for the guest to arrive.

Sound of Satisfying"

Steve and Laura's wedding was remarkable for a couple of reasons:
*These images come from a wedding I assisted for the lovely Laurie Peacock....www.lauriepeacock.com

1. The couple. Steve and Laura are down-to-earth, creative, and lovable. Their marriage is one even a neutral witness would deem special.
2. The FLARE! Laura has a taste for design that could rival any experienced wedding planner. The bridesmaids wore kelly green patent pumps and dresses from White House/Black Market; the name cards were placed in a bed of wheat grass, and Steve, who is also a Chicago based wedding photographer that I will have the privilege of shooting with next month, used his skills to fashion table number from photos of random objects around their home.
3. Did you catch that? Steve's also a photographer, and one that I'll be shooting for next month. I have to admit I had butterflies in my stomach when I arrived at the church. I tried to convince myself it was perfectly normal to meet a future employer while photographing their wedding day. Talk about an interview :) But seriously, I immediately felt comfortable with Steve and his groomsmen, especially when they hauled an old mattress from a nearby dumpster and used it to cart Steve along like an ancient Greek god.
4. I was also in love with their choice of music. The first song that stood out to me was a violin instrumental version of Death Cab for Cutie's Sound of Settling..."I've got a hunger, twisting my stomach into knots," which they walked down the isle to, followed by the processional--Signed, Sealed, Delivered. I mean, come on, you gotta love Stevie!
5. Laurie and I were offered a gracious amount of time for the portrait session before the reception. We were able to utilize the train station, mural-covered wall, and a the greenery of Oak Park to capture the newlyweds and their attendants.

It was a unique wedding, with so many nice touches. Thanks to Laurie, Steve, and the beautiful bride, Laura, for letting me take part in the day!

Chicago Fashion Foundation

The Chicago Fashion Foundation's Annual Networking Event took place at The W hotel on Lakeshore Drive. The room presented a spectacular 360 degree view of the city, including a prime vantage point overlooking Navy Pier and the 15-story tall Ferris Wheel.

Dj Mark Riva mixed a tasteful soundtrack for the event, complimenting the modern, chic environment.

The attendees and Foundation members enjoyed delicious appetizers, Stoli sponsored cocktails, and gift-bags filled with goodies!

Akira, a Chicago based boutique chain, was one of many event sponsors.

Giana DeYoung, an aspiring fashion stylist, used her face as a palette for creative expression. Her tri-colored eye shadow, geometric earrings, and huge bouffant do caught my eye immediately!

Chicago's Navy Pier.

Two attendee's have some fun at the step-and-repeat.

Student Liaison Co-Chairperson, Young Kim talks to attendees of the event about the CFF's annual scholarship award.

DJ Mark Riva.