This beautiful couple chose to have an intimate wedding in St. Joseph, Michigan with about 25-30 guests. Their ceremony was directly on Tiscornia Beach at sunset and was followed by a family dinner at LakeHouse Restaurant, just across town. 

The dunes were a perfect location to take some gorgeous images of this newly married couple and I was more than excited to have the sunset painting light on them in the final hours of their wedding day. Who could ask for anything more perfect than a beautiful couple, on the happiest day of their live and one of the most gorgeous sunsets of summer? 

Congratulations to the happy couple! 

Ceremony Venue – Tiscornia Park Beach: St Joseph, Michigan 

Reception Venue –LakeHouse Restaurant and Bar: St Joseph, Michigan
 

Photographer – Michelle Cox Photography

Bride’s Ring designer – James Allen
 

Gown designer – Maggie Sottero Couture
 

Flowers - Sugarfield Flowers 
 

Rentals - In My Red High Heels
 

Wedding Planning and Design – In My Red High Heels

Over the last two month's my husband and I had some building issues with the woman in the condo below us. Our hot water heater broke and caused some leakage in her place downstairs. It was several weeks of going back and forth with insurance companies, several weeks of finding the right guy to fix her place and then finally all of the drama was done and we were excited that we could all rest again. 
We wanted to do something special for Dolores downstairs because even though the hassle was not directly our fault, it came from our condo - so I picked up some lovely flowers and brought them down to her with a card to say thank you. 
I could see the shock on her face and the smile was just perfect. She was not expecting the small gift but it really made a difference in her day. Now I can peak over the balcony and see the flowers sweetly hanging on a hook in her area downstairs. It's truly the little things that we do for the people that are around us that make all of the difference. 

Always, be a good neighbor and remember the little things will be the BIG things you look back on. <3

I was so excited to have the opportunity to photography my NEW cousins, David and Lizette in Chicago at the end of April. They flew into the Midwest (from Texas) to attend MY wedding and while they were here, I was able to squeeze in a beautiful engagement session for them. Of all of the characteristics of Chicago that they wanted to capture, it was decided that we wanted to show off an urban flair with a little bit of skyline in there too. It was a perfectly cloudy day (which if you know anything about my shooting style ... cloudy = spectacular!) so we made the most of it and got some fun and romantic shots, souvenirs of their trip to my fair city. :)

This image (above) is one of my favorites from the shoot because they just look so happy. I am so excited for the love that they have found and I was blessed to be able to capture only a small slice of that. So happy for their future!! :)

That ring!! Great job David!! 

Thank you both for thinking of me and letting me photograph you while you were in Chicago! Love you both and come back soon!! <3 <3 

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Another process that I go through includes music. There are special albums that I listen to when I need to check myself back into a zone and regardless of the circumstances going on in my life, it will automatically send me into the perfect mood for creating, dreaming and (most importantly as a wedding photographer) "seeing". The albums depend on the times of the year but to give you a hint, there are 4 (one for each season). 

This one is when I need to pull out the big guns - for when the coffee hasn't worked and the album is over. I need to be in complete silence. Very deep... right? ;) I am generally pretty observant of the world around me and that will sometimes distract me from my work. That being said, the best way for me to tune distractions out is to be quiet and be IN quiet. No working from a local coffee shop on these kind of days. I will just sit in my office, at my desk, and let the silence create what it will in my mind. 

Each of us is unique so your list will look different from mine but it is important to know what your list consists of. I would love to hear what your tricks are for creating and being a star so PLEASE feel free to share! 

Preliminary design of Xoxo Invites 
 

Jenah told me that she wanted to create the atmosphere of "girls only" at the stylized {Gal}entine's Brunch, with crepe paper flowers, roses in bloom and the occasional cactus. Because the styling was so perfect, the energy of the models was just incredible. The ladies danced to Avril and toasted a lifetime of friendship and happiness. No Galentine's Brunch would be complete without a delicious waffle bar and wonderful rock candy cocktails. The amazingly adorable cupcakes were provided by Scratch Eatery and Bakery. 

Each detail was designed to inspire friendship, life Carrie Bradshaw and her squad. We wanted to showcase all things pretty while complimenting the need for girlfriends in each of our lives! 

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Photo by Penny Frazier Photography

As time progressed and I was asked to photograph my first wedding, I happily jumped at the chance because I was thrilled to understand the BIG DAY, though definitely still intimidated (as you can imagine by my opinion of this career). I knew that it took a "certain kind of person" to control a wedding day, schedule the day out, photograph everything needed and to also have the right kind of personality to withstand the pressure and interact with guests for that many hours. I have to confess, my first wedding went better than I thought but... it wasn't fun for me. The couple was nice enough and I did what I needed to do but when I got home and looked at the images, I didn't see anything too amazing OR too creative. I felt mentally and emotionally drained and I definitely did not like that. I wanted to LOVE IT. I wanted to jump into the wedding photography pool and enjoy the refreshing feel of every second. I was disappointed in myself and my ability. I felt sad afterwards and thought more than one time... "Oh well, maybe its just not for me". 

But.... NEVER IN THE HISTORY OF MY LIFE would I be satisfied with the statement "Oh well, maybe its just not for me" and believe me, this time was no different. The next time someone asked me to photograph their wedding, I jumped at the chance and got back on that horse. I realized something horrible though.... IT GOT WORSE!! I not only was unsatisfied with my images afterwards but I picked apart the entire day and saw only my flaws, not my successes. I ripped myself apart after several weddings after that. Weekend after weekend I would come home sad, feeling like the process got away from me. Whether it was the schedule or the creativity in the images, I felt so negative toward my abilities (which for someone like me, is unusual and unacceptable behavior). 

After a literal two years of shooting weddings, I figured out something profound. I am GOOD ENOUGH to shoot weddings. The most important ingredient in being better is feeling better about my ability. I figured out that I need to "own it" - I need to own being a wedding photographer, a wedding scheduler, a creative on a wedding day, giving great customer service... every single facet of the wedding day. This profound realization has entirely changed the way that I think and behave on a wedding day. I plan with my brides, resting my schedule on my knowledge of weddings, of people and my experiences. I give myself grace when necessary and I give myself praise for a job well done. Being a small business owner and the only full-time employee of my company, I had to realize that I cannot be as hard on myself as I "want" or feel needed. I have the ability of discouraging myself and if I don't want to do that, I need to (for lack of a better descriptor) "check myself before I wreck myself". This single phrase has transformed my business, my ability and my success level.

At the end of the day, I am at the place where I truly love being a wedding photographer. I am proud and excited to share in one of the most special day in a couples life and a families' life. I realize that being a wedding photographer isn't EXACTLY what I thought it was (in my previously mentioned inexperienced opinion) however I still aspire to be a photography god ;). I can openly admit that there are cracks in my amour now and again, that my skin is still not the thickest in the world and that yes, sometimes I miss the mark on my own goals. Becoming a wedding photographer though has been on of the most educational, uplifting and fulfilling things I have ever attempted (and am only just starting to succeed at). 

The secret to my success - give yourself a little grace when you slip and fall and make sure that you don't quit until you are ready to. If I would have given up when I wanted to, I would not be writing this blog post right now. Little did I know that I COULD get here... and just wait until you see where I'll be in the future. 

The sky's the limit my friends, the sky's the limit!!

That being said, even though change is hard, sometimes it is needed. 

After months and months of considering the possibility of a business "face lift", I decided that I needed to actually sit down and talk with someone about it. My fear was that, even though my OLD logo seemed inadequate for the progression of the business, I didn't want to lose the essence of Michelle Cox Photography by adding or taking something away. I sat down with my close friend and AMAZING graphic designer, Aireen (owner of Aerial Ardour) and we chatted about the process. By the end of the conversation we agreed that my business had transformed to a new level and I needed to represent that somehow.

Months flew by with blurs of designs, design changes, birds being added and removed, color pallets and beautiful scripted fonts..... 

Finally.........I am SOOOO excited to release my BRAND NEW logo! It has truly been a long time coming. Together Aireen (and a little bit of me) have brought my business to the next level. Welcome to the next chapter of Michelle Cox Photography!!! 

Over the course of the last six years, I have made some significant changes in my business. I have welcomed a new style of shooting, new products, a more full service and customized wedding service and in general I feel as though my business has really "grown up". I feel securely established as a Chicago wedding photographer I am excited to show you all the new "adult" face of Michelle Cox Photography next week. I hope that you are all excited also! 

Cheers to timely endings and wonderful new beginnings! 

Lately I have been thinking about having Michelle Cox Photography join SnapChat and I have decided that it is a fantastic idea. :) I hope to share some behind the scene footage from my photo shoots, editing, meetings, events and ALL things photography. :) If you are on SnapChat, feel free to add me for some fun photo related pics and videos! <3 

Recently I had the opportunity of meeting Sophia Porter, a fantastic makeup artist and hair stylist from Chicago. As we chatted over breakfast at Blissful Banana Cafe in Orland Park, I learned all about her wonderful, successful business. I asked her some questions about her business and Sophia was more than welcome to offer the answers for a blog posted devoted to her thriving business.

Photo courtesy of Carnival Studio

When did you start your business? 

About 5 years ago I started to do makeup while I was graduating high school and starting to attend college, simply as a hobbyist, and to make some extra money working for friends. I then completed my first few years of school and came to the realization that I wasn’t doing what I love and what I have a God-given talent for. So after lots of networking, education from world renowned artists, brushing up on my traditional art skills and learning proper sanitization, I’ve now progressed into a published professional hair and makeup artist. 

Tell me a little about why you are different/unique.

I believe that the fact I make my sessions educational for my clientele is what makes me unique. Personally, I love to share knowledge and answer any questions that my clients may have regarding anything beauty related. Giving the client useful information they can walk away with from each appointment is what adds value to my services. My background in science and art has also benefited me greatly through my career at this point. I am a firm believer that you need to invest in education as a working artist, you are always learning no matter where you are in your career. 

What is the advantage of having the same person do the hair AND makeup?

The main advantage of having the same person is time management and a style that flows throughout the entire look! Sometimes if you have two people, their timing can be off, and their styles/techniques can be drastically different. 

Who is your ideal client? 

Anyone who wants to look and feel amazing! 

What are you plans for your business in the future?

My goals at the moment is getting agency representation to further my portfolio with higher end clientele. I focus on print/commercial/editorial for majority of what I do, but bridal is also a large portion of my business!

Contact information!

Studio location : 2443 W. 17th St. Chicago, IL 60608. I also travel to wherever need be! 

Website : www.thesophiaporter.com

One of my favorite things to do now is to write down my goals. I have tapped into what makes me successful and I am excited to do anything that leads me closer to my goal.  One of my favorite notebooks to jot down my goals and dreams is this adorable journal from on my favorite Chicago shops, The Trendy Sparrow. 

I am starting a blog series in 2016 called "Friday Favorites" where weekly I will share all (or at least some) of my favorite things with you. Since we have the excitement of starting a year on one of the best days of the week, I have chosen to talk about one of my favorite things - new beginnings. 

For someone like me, new beginnings are neither easy or hard but they are very useful. As a rule of thumb, I don't do well with change as it is coming but the minute that the change has occurred, I am fine. I can deal with it and be excited about it. That excitement is what can carry me to new and deeper success, it can shift my negativity to cheer and I LITERALLY use change to push me forward. That being said, even though new beginnings are sometimes the hardest thing for me to walk up to, once I jump over them I am a new woman, able to use that change as a springboard for something I didn't even realize I was capable of. 

Cheers to the end of a successful 2015, cheers to a new and bright 2016. Welcome in this new beginning and I challenge you to springboard off of this change to a level you never dreamed possible. 

<3 Mish

Merry Christmas from Michelle Cox (Photography) and company! Have a beautiful holiday and enjoy the time together with family and friends. Thank you for an amazing 2015 and I look forward to sharing 2016 with each and every one of you! xox 
 

I'm not quite sure what this post is all about but I wanted to make it perfectly clear that if you would like to challenge me on having more Christmas pins then me, neither you or your grandma will beat me. I love my holiday pins and my holiday earrings... and I will always win the contest on who has the most. :) Just wanted to give you this little FYI about me... ;) Happy Holidays! 

2015 is a year that I will always treasure in my heart. It has been a momentous year in both my business life, as well as my personal life. I exceeded my business expectations, photographed more weddings that I have ever in my calendar year, met some amazing people (I truly have the BEST clients in the world) and overall experienced the most success that I have since I became a Chicago wedding photographer. 

Take a look at my journey's from wedding to wedding (and wedding show to wedding show) and see some fun behind the scenes photos of MCP at work. Being a photographer and getting the right shot isn't always by chance (as you can see). I have never claimed to only be a wedding photographer. I am also a designer, a coordinator, a choreographer, a dancer, my business marketing department, a business owner, and most importantly at the end of it all, a friend.

Enjoy my 2015 journey!
           

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Christmas movies -
It's a Wonderful Life 
White Christmas
Polar Express
The Family Man

Christmas traditions - 
Baking Christmas cookies
Driving around looking at Christmas lights
Putting up the Christmas tree
Writing Christmas letters/cards

Favorite Christmas songs - 
Merry Christmas Darling
The Christmas Song
O Holy Night
The First Noel

Favorite Christmas memories-
Going out shopping with my dad in secret for my mom's gifts
Reading Christmas letters with my family on Christmas Eve night
Attending the candle light church service on Christmas Eve
Spending time with my family on the holiday

 

I am a woman in my late 20's and I own my own wedding photography business, I rely on it fully for my income and I am making things happen out here!!

Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of the year, when I am pulling out my hair trying to edit three weddings, arrange engagement sessions, meet with clients, pay my taxes, meet with lawyers, revise contracts, etc, etc, etc... things don't feel that glamorous and I don't feel that "blessed". Especially this year with things changing weekly, my stress level fluctuated quite a bit and I did not often remember to look at my life with excitement and awe. As I start to ponder on 2015, I am struck with thankfulness and I am feeling so blessed. The Lord has given me so much and I never thought this was all possible for me. I remember thinking about starting a wedding photography business only a few short years ago and I thought it would never work. I remember not even thinking that going to school for Photography would be a worthwhile decision.... but each of those steps somehow lead me to this year, this day, and I look to God and just say "Thank you". 

Thank you Lord, for leading me to the place I am at today and for allowing me to fall but helping me to stand back up again. I give you this business and I am excited for what You have next for me. 

This is the time of the year that we need to cling to those we love and enjoy them and their company. The photo of this gorgeous stature was actually the FIRST gift that I received this year for Christmas. It was originally given as an "engagement gift" but regardless of that, it is still reminiscent of the holiday "spirit" and how I want to remember and cherish my season. It is important to reach out to the ones that we love and hang on to them with all of our hearts. We never know the twists and turns that life will give us - we never know when we will be sharing our last Christmas with someone or how life can change from day to day, let along year to year. 

Take the opportunity to reach out to your loved ones this holiday. Reach out, hug, kiss, love and enjoy your time with each and every person that you share time with. As you look back on your life, you will regret the things that you DIDN'T do more than the things that you DID do.... so live each day planning your "cans", not "can'ts". You will be happier that you did. 

Have Yourself a
Merry Little Christmas

I would love to see some of your favorite ornaments on your own tree... Please feel free to leave comments about your favorite holiday memories/ornaments. <3  

I would definitely recommend this show to anyone that loves a good holiday show AND a good cirque show. I definitely can't wait to go again next year! 

Today a holiday mini session brought me a little farther south than I normally go. My clients met me in their hometown of Bourbonnais, Illinois at the local tree farm, Cupola House Tree Farm. I got there a little earlier than my clients and had the chance to explore the grounds. I am definitely going to do another blog post to talk about this tree farm exclusively but all I can say that was this place made me feel as though I was either dropped into a holiday heaven or straight into the setting of a Hallmark Christmas movie. It was a glorious day, with perfect weather and only a small chill in the air. I couldn't have had more fun and am excited to share more of this family owned farm with you in the near future. <3 

I urge you to stop and breathe...and enjoy the holidays. I know it can be hard sometimes but this season only comes once a year. Enjoy it! Take time to stop and smell the candy canes. <3 

Today (and into tonight) I hosted my dear bestie Jenni and we trashed my kitchen... and in the process made some yummy Christmas cookies! The decorating was the fun part and the frustrating part. Man, we had so many set backs with the two cookie kinds that we made and we thought we chose EASY types! It was a great time though - the wine was flowing and the Christmas music was playing all day long.
I love this season so much... heart emoticon

Lindzi just recently won a HUGE contest for Chicago small business owners, sponsored by Block 37 called Search For The Next Great Pop-Up. After a rigorous application process with hundreds of businesses entering, The Trendy Sparrow made it to the top 5 candidates where the voting became an open forum on social media, and a combined decision with an interview in front of a panel of judges. After weeks of anticipation, The Trendy Sparrow won and was gifted with a free pop-up shop in Block 37 from Black Friday to January 15, 2016. What a huge honor and an unbelievable win, especially in a market as large as Chicago! 

I am so happy that I was able to meet Lindzi and share in this great success with her as she prepped for her shop opening. As you are doing your holiday shopping, stop in at her Pop-up at Block 37 (Floor 2). You will love her adorable Kate Spade inspired looks, with styles ranging from quirky to just stinkin' adorable! 

Not only can you purchase items from her new brick and mortar shop but you can visit her online shop or her Etsy page! 

I love the adorable details that Lindzi added to the scene. Check out those super cute "Cheers" tags on the champagne glasses! I love that detail... super cute! It kind of makes me want to grab a glass of that bubbly (which I guess is the idea)!!   ;) 

The gorgeous models were some of Lindzi's friends and fellow Chicago fashion bloggers, Chloe, Erin, and Noelle. Their ultra fab makeup was done, for both "day" and "night" by Makael Pritchard. The looks were perfect for the theme - None of us could have been happier with the outcome! 

Scene one was "Christmas morning" but scene two (my favorite!) moved to a "Holiday party". I love sparkles and sequins, especially the way they look on camera. As Kate Spade would say, "Glitter is my favorite color!"

The gorgeous jewelry are the designs of Liz Pham with See Song Designs. They are stunning and worked PERFECTLY for this adorable holiday session! 

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Make sure you check out The Trendy Sparrow online and if you are in the area, check out the Pop-up at Block 37! Stop in to see her great in store items and make sure you say HI to the fabulous creative behind the brand! Cheers to Lindzi and congrats again girlfriend!! 

December 1 - Day 1
Today my living room was like Santa's workshop prepping packages for some of my 2015 couples. I had stamps, ink, boxes, bows, cards, envelopes and a special gift for some great couples. I can't wait to send these out tomorrow to get reactions trickling in throughout the next few weeks. I have had such a great year that I wanted to share that blessing with those people that helped me along. heart emoticon I love spreading Christmas cheer!

Psalm 95:2 “Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!”

In the course of my photography career, there have been many humbling things that I have done, many things that have made my feel proud of my accomplishments and many things that make me feel truly blessed from all of the success that I have found. 

There is no feeling that I can put into words on how blessed, proud and truly humbled that I felt standing in one of my old classrooms, talking to art and photography students that are on the cusp of this own potential careers, still full of dreams and ideas and ready to take on the world. I remember sitting there only a handful of years ago and now I was welcomed in by my previous professor to tell my own story of success - success that I still feel like I am in the process of pursuing. 

While telling my "so far" story I was reminded of just how far I have come and I finally recognized that success is already NOW. I will continue to strive for my dreams, because the Lord knows that I have still so many hopes and dreams that I want to accomplish, but this was truly an eye widening experience that I needed to recognize. It finally soaked into my mind that even though I am always working toward a pinnacle of success, I need to turn around and look at where I have come from.

We should always have a heart of thankfulness for our blessings but since we are in the season of thankfulness, I want to take the opportunity to thank God for the success that I have already found, the opportunities that are in front of my now and the path that He is preparing for me to the next stage of success to come. I am also so thankful for the opportunity that I had to SEE that I am already where I want to be. 

I encourage you to take the time to look back over your past, tracing the lines of where you have come from to where you are today. Don't only think about where you want to go - think about where you are now and then soak in the success of THAT. Only in a spirit of thankfulness will we ever recognize our success.   <3

Over the summer, I had the pleasure of photographing Mia's 1st Birthday party! Mia is a dear little one and I have already had the honor of taking her photos three times in the last year. Mia's party was quite a treat though and I was very excited to share the day with her family and friends. 

Check out this really fun Pinterest inspired photograph "ribbon" of every month of Mia's life so far! Adorable idea! <3 

The weather was perfect on this August day. Mia's mom and dad created a beautiful party full of fun for all of her old and young guests. Check out that water slide/swimming pool area. Super cute and perfect on this warm, sunny day!
 

Mia's mom did a Pinterest inspired smash cake too! It was an adorable DIY topper and but also a little more of a "health conscience" cake, made with yogurt and no sugar added! I like this idea a lot! Plus... the cake still looks great and I'm sure Mia didn't notice the difference while she "smashed". :) 

Happy Birthday little Mia! I hope you enjoyed your beautiful day! 

I look forward to hearing from you and Happy Holiday planning! <3

I stopped over to Lori's work space a few weeks ago and photographed her working on the flowers for a Chicago wedding. After she finished designing a asked her some questions about her business and I wanted to share some of what I learned about La Petite Fleuriste. 

What inspired you to start La Petite Fleuriste?  When did you start your business?

The idea of La Petite Fleuriste came about during my last year in college.  I was going for a double major in business and I had picked up a part time job at a local floral shop.  At that point in my life, I really didn’t know much about flowers or floral design.  I learned quickly and I finally realized what I wanted to do with my life.  I couldn’t imagine my life sitting in an office all day long. I wanted to create. I needed to create.

I began working at a flower shop in Chicago five years ago as a floral designer.  My favorite part of my job was working one on one with clients… especially brides.  I loved (and still do!) when a bride had a small idea and I would help them build on it.  It is like a light goes off in their head as I help them put the image of their wedding together with them. This is when I decided to start up La Petite Fleuriste. I wanted to have full creative freedom working on weddings and events that a shop aspect doesn’t allow for.  I wanted to be able to put all of my efforts and personality into working with clients.    

Tell me a little about why your shop is different/unique.

I really try to connect with every event that I take on, no matter how big or small. I think it is incredibly important to get a full understanding of an event to be able to add something special to it.  I also think it is necessary for all clients to feel extremely comfortable while working with me…. Especially brides.  I really think that when a bride goes through a floral shop, where they are also dealing with day to day orders, a wedding can more or less be overlooked.  The bride ends up not receiving the attention they deserve.  I really pride myself in being able to respond quickly to any question that may arise, and I make myself available to meet up when a bride is more comfortable going over details face to face. 

Do you have a favorite design element in your work?

I can't pinpoint a favorite element... There are too many! I tend to like flowers that are very seasonal and hard to get out of their set season--- peonies, lilacs, dahlias, etc. I also tend to use very natural and slightly whimsical elements. I love to learn if an element has a special meaning to a bride. A small meaning or story adds so much to a bouquet, and that element will become my favorite for the event at hand. 

What are you plans for your business in the future?

I'm always asked if I plan to get an actual shop. I have a great little area set up in my garage where I do my work. At this time I'm extremely happy with my set up. I love that I can focus 100% on an event and client and not have to worry about keeping up a shop. I love the simplicity of my business, and the fact that I can keep costs down for my clients. Maybe one day a studio location is in my cards, but definitely not in the next few years. 

For now my focus is getting my name out to as many people as possible. I would love to be the first vendor a new bride thinks of when she gets engaged. I want them to say "I need to book her!"

My current focus now is on weddings.  I do hope in the next year or two to get more into corporate events.  Especially around holidays, larger companies tend to host parties for their employees and clients. Every party could use flowers!

Anything you would love to add?

Deciding to start my own business was easy. Coming up with a name for it was not. I threw around different ideas that incorporated my name, different kinds of flowers, and tried to get input from anyone who would offer. Nothing seemed to fit until one day the name was simply given to me. A little over three years ago, I was working on my sister’s wedding. It was a large wedding and I had just started doing events on my own. I put everyone who was willing to help to work. I had a little area set up in my parent’s basement to get everything done. Family would pop down there every once in a while either to help or to hang out for a bit. 

We had family in from France for the week to join in the celebration. Some of my French family didn't know English and I know zero French. Needless to say, there was a lot of translating going on. At one point my aunt came down to my little "shop" and said, "Ahhh La petite fleuriste, how's it going?" I loved it. It stuck. 

Ryan thought of everything - the location in the park that he chose had the perfect vantage point from the rooftop of the Lincoln Hotel where not only his parents but also many family members and friends could watch him propose to Ali at a distance. 

As they strolled through the park, the moment and location arrived. Just as Ryan planned, Ali said a resounding YES!  

They left the park in complete excitement and walked over to the Lincoln Hotel, where they were greeted by the hugs, smiles and even balloon from their relatives and friends. It was a great plan that Ryan executed perfectly! 

Congratulations on your engagement Ryan and Ali! Enjoy this next beautiful chapter of your life and savor every step of the way. <3 

My most recent inspiration has come through Geraldine Magazine (Issue 1). I purchased it several months ago but placed it on the shelf, waiting for just the right time (and mindset) to browse the unique and artistic photo collections inside. Generally the best kind of inspiration for my work comes from paper images and photographs. Very rarely will I find as strong of connection to an image on a computer in its digital state. I think it has to do with me being able to hold an image as I am studying it. 

After browsing the magazine today, I am so inspired to continue shooting. I have the greatest job in the world and I am so happy that I get to do what I love.  I would love to know - what are all of the things that inspire you? 
 

Something Old is a symbol of the bride's family, past and tradition. 

Something New is a symbol of the future and optimism for the new married couple. 

Something Borrowed is a symbol of "borrowed happiness" from a past bride to a new bride. 

Something Blue is a symbol of love, purity and fidelity.

I would love to hear from all of you on what your plans are for your Something Old, New, Borrowed and Blue OR feel free to tell me what you ended up doing at your wedding (if you already had your special day!) Leave your comments - all of your ideas could help future brides make there day a little more special. <3 

Why do I do this? Well, each couple spends time and energy making the details of their wedding day tell a complete story and for many guests, the invitation in the mail in the first peek at what the day will reveal. It is an important piece of the puzzle that I feel should be included in the wedding story that I keep and that I help savor for the bride and groom. 

That being said, on your wedding day, talk to you photographer about your invitation and don't forget to keep memories of EACH piece of your wedding puzzle. <3 

David and Aliaksandra were married on a warm, sunny day in late June of this year. Their wedding ceremony was held at The Immaculate Conception Parish and their reception quickly followed at the Highland Park Country Club. Both were absolutely stunning locations but I really wanted to add something different into their wedding portfolio - something a little more natural and ..."beachy". The obvious choice for this was the newly redesigned Rosewood Beach, directly on Lake Michigan. Not only was it pristine and new (because it was recently completed) but it was the perfect spot to give this couple a location that was unique and different from the rest of their day. 

One of the best things about being a Chicago wedding photographer is that we have access, not only to a gorgeous, urban area in downtown Chicago but also that we can visually juxtapose that with the clean beaches of Lake Michigan. Our coastlines can be weaved in and out of our images, showcasing the beauty of this area, making Chicago (in my humble opinion) one of the most visually appealing cities in the US. 

As you are planning your own Chicago wedding, talk to your photographer about finding a unique location for you and your wedding party. There are so many great options and together, with a little brainstorming, you should be able to find something fun and entirely "you".
If you are in the neighborhood, stop over to Rosewood Beach! It will be worth the trip! 

My fiance planned an impromptu Labor Day trip to Washington DC last week! He knows how MUCH I love pandas and with the new twins that were born a few weeks ago (and him having a vacation week already planned) he surprised me with plane tickets and a trip to The National Zoo. It broke my heart to hear that one of the babies passed away - Mei Xiang and Tian Tian still have one (still nameless) twin living so I was still excited to go see her and her big sister Bao Bao. 

As I was tossing things into my bag last week (the night before we left) I couldn't resist a visual aid. Nothing makes me happier than fun in the sun and a trip to visit the pandas. I am finally able to scratch this off of my bucket list - I have seen a live panda. Now all I need to do is HOLD ONE! 

I plan on blogging about the trip once I cull my photos together so stay tuned for some panda lovin'! xox 

To support The National Zoo and support saving species, Donate today.

Over the weekend I hit my annual goal for my business that I wanted to hit by December 31, 2015... and I completed the task by August 28th. I am more excited than words to be in the place that I am at right now and I can't believe how much the Lord is blessing me this year. 

I wanted to share my joy with you so that you will continue to grow, continue to set goals, accomplish goals and share your stories of success back with me! It's a great year friends... a truly great year.

Share a story in the comments below and cheers to more blessings and happy dances! 

I remember writing a business plan when I was a freshman at Prairie State College. Professor Kuhn told all of the Business 101 students that the long and daunting task would take 18+ pages and would consume our entire semester's study, homework and presentation schedule. At that time, it was only 1 year away from me discovering photography so of course I didn't write about owning a photography business: I wrote about my first love at that time - candy. Yes, I was the proud "owner" of a candy store. IF my memory serves me well, it was called "Sinfully Sweet"... or something like that. :)

By the end of the semester, I was truly impressed with the magnitude of information that I had formulated about the fictitious business and I was also impressed with the way that I did not even realize how much work it took to get there. That being said, I have thought about that paper often but unfortunately have never looked at it again. 

When I started my wedding photography business, it was a progressive move that gradually brought me to working for it full time. I was working in a bank and doing photography "on the side" at first, more like a part time job to get my creative kicks from my weekend work, while still climbing the corporate ladder Monday through Friday. Then after time, after much sweat and tears (and maybe a little blood, here and there) something clicked. I realized that I was working for the weekends now - I was working for MY clients and the rest of my week was merely a build up to the next photo session, the next wedding, the next Saturday. Even after this realization it took me a while to pull the trigger to do photography full time. I took the necessary steps to build my 401K, my pension plan, my savings account (that was the hard one) and my guts to do what I knew I wanted to do, but could be ridiculous to do. I finally, after years of thinking of it, quit my job and decided that full time wedding photography was for me. It was a glorious move that I do not regret to this day.

Now, after doing full time photography for a while, I am in a position where I am finding that I need to re-brand a little, that I need to move my business to the next step. Guess what is the ONLY thing that I can think about and the only thing that I WANT to do right now? I WANT TO WRITE MY BUSINESS PLAN. Can you believe that?! I sure can't... 

So what is next for Michelle Cox Photography? I will, in the next few months, be rolling out some new things - My business is getting a face lift. After five beautiful years MCP is growing up. I am in the process of finally getting my 'business plans' into a business plan, setting my goals on a clear path, defining my ideal clients, and working towards my success. 

I am so excited to share this next step with you all.... Stay tuned for some great things! <3 

"When the song starts we take a detour, this is what, this is what, this is what I
was waiting for tangled in your cables and I don't care about the people around us.
We are in slow motion together with this rhythm..."

"and I'll keep you but it won't be like a secret cause with every song we listen to the closer we get.
Everyone is telling us to go slow, but tonight you and I, we're falling in love through these headphones..."

Josh is originally from Wyoming and Jackie, from Illinois. Through born and raised literally across the country, their love found a way! 

Josh and Jackie, it was amazing working with you on your engagement session and I am so excited to photograph your wedding next June! xox

Location - Lake Katherine
Inspiration - Preston Pugmire "Headphones"
Photographer - Michelle Cox 
 

Creator – Your love story inspires my creativity. As your wedding day unfolds, there are natural moments that are waiting to be noticed and I capture as many as I can. I carefully spend my time creating and capturing memories for you that will last a lifetime and beyond. I am empathetic and emotional - my heart is full and my passion runs deep.

Inspirer –My inspiration comes not only from the world around me but also from my desire to capture the truest beauty possible. Every emotion, every glance, every detail, tells a grander story – the story of your love.  I want to be inspired but I also try to inspire my clients to be themselves, to love fully and be relaxed throughout the process.

Dreamer –I am a dreamer with an unquenchable desire to do what I love. I want to be the greatest that I can be and try to continually push forward. I have an adventurous spirit and I love taking on new challenges and opportunities. I see possibilities everywhere and enjoy new beginnings – I believe Monday is the best day of the week. 

"My wife and I are VERY picky about our photography. We are amateurs ourselves and so know what to look for. Michelle lived up to ALL of our expectations! She was phenomenal to work with. She was accommodating to our circumstances, going at great lengths to make things easier for us. Before the wedding she put a lot of emphasis on getting to know who we are and what we wanted. The day of, she rolled well with the punches J - the surprises that happen at every wedding. We found her like the silent guardian angel, never pushy but always there when we needed to know where to go or what to do next. And in general, she was very personal, which made her feel like a friend. We were happy that she was part of our special day!"

We live in a world that is constantly changing. If it's not technology, fads or the weather, its something more significant like people moving in and out of our lives (either in death, relationship breakups or friendship splits). It's a hard thing to think back on your life to know what "it could have be like without someone"... Unless you are George Bailey in "It's a Wonderful Life", the average person does not have the opportunity to see their live without their own presence or the presence of someone else. I find solace in the fact that I know that every single person that has been in my life so far has been important to the course of my life. In short, I would not be here without you. 

If I haven't said thank you enough or even ever, let this post be for you all that have come and gone from my life that I have never gotten the chance to thank. 

I am happy for knowing you. I am grateful for all that you have given me and I hope I have given you something also. Life is sometimes so complicated and crazy but without you, I could not be the business owner that I am, the daughter that I am, the friend that I am, the woman that I am. Every piece of my life's puzzle is directly related to each person over the course my life. I thank you, each and every one of you, for making my life, my life.  <3 

I am now even MORE excited be their wedding photographer and to celebrate with them both on the best day of their lives.
See you two in September - I can't wait!

Thinking back over the almost 30 years that I have known my grandma, and listening to her talk about the 50 something years that I know nothing about (prior to me being a thought), it makes me think about life, legacy and the beauty of love. My grandma came from a family that, like so many others, struggled a great deal during that The Great Depression. Due to a lack of financial means she and some of her siblings were sent to an orphanage and my grandma stayed there until she was of age. In her early twenties she married a man and over the course of the next 40 years built a life together, having 4 children (my mom being the youngest of the 4). Her life has been fulled with so many happy times, so many sad times, so much gain, so much loss... but from my eyes, it is clear that the overarching theme is so MUCH love. 

I could sit back for hours and tell you about all of the wonderful stories that she has shared with me, and literally WITH me (as my partner in crime) but as I sit here right now, I am compelled to say that I can only hope that I have as much grace, as much love, and as much blessing when I am 88 years old. My grandma (Bomma as I have been calling her since I could speak) will leave a rich legacy someday, because she builds it every single day. She is a Godly woman that prays for her family daily, calls her family, loves her family and that her family cherishes in return. 

Allow me to share some of our fun from the Birthday girl's lunch on Tuesday. Happy Birthday Bomma! I love you! 

We got a yummy lunch at Flossmoor Station in Flossmoor, Illinois. It was a fun little place and the sandwiches were outstanding! 

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I remember the exact assignment that hooked me in. We were required to design a story in 3 images and from there, my mind raced. I did not need anyone to explain this concept to me, I did not need anyone to search out a topic for me, I did not need anything at all. I visualized a story and then captured images conveying it. When I came to class the day that the assignment was due, I could tell by the professor's expression and comments (and later grade) that I nailed it. From then on, I was constantly trying to outdo myself, tell better stories, give clearer messages and I constantly added more of myself to my images. After winning Photographer of the Year, I transitioned into photographing people and eventually delved into wedding photography. From that first wedding I was hooked with telling the "wedding story" in clear, concise images that captured as much of me as possible. 

Every step that I have made in photography has been exactly the same - I try, I love, I explore, I grow. In 2009, I photographed my first wedding and since that time I have made the exact same pattern. I am so happy with my life of trying, loving, exploring and growing, and I could not be more excited about the possibilities that are coming for me. The future's lookin' bright, ya'll! 

Sometimes people make statements to us or about us and we hang on to the words. Whether intentional or accidental, the majority of us take words to heart. I have struggled in the past with listening to the negatives words and taking those to heart much more seriously then the positive words, the good words, the edifying words. 

That being said, I am trying to make a more conscience effort to reject words that do not help or will not edify me. This does not mean that I am rejecting all logical words of advice or constructive criticism. It merely means that I am changing my though process on how I listen and what I listen to. We are a world full of talkers that want to be heard and believe me, I do hear you! I just need to choose better on what I hear vs what I listen to. I feel like I have been back-peddling a little in both life and my business because I am focusing so closely

 on what is wrong that I forget to focus in on the things that are right, the things that I am doing well and the success that I am having. I am making a daily choice to focus on the positive, not the negative, and I am already seeing the fruits of that decision. 
 

I would love to share a comment that a bride of mine made to me this week through a message. Not only did I hear her but I am choosing to listen and take heart. 

"Michelle, I can't stop looking at the pictures! They are incredibly beautiful... you were able to capture everything. (The groom) and my mom and I are all so happy with how they all turned out. I can't thank you enough for doing such a fabulous job and being there to keep an eye on the schedule and be flexible with things. LOVED working with you through the entire process! :) Thank you so much!"

This is my definition of success and this is what I will listen to! <3 Michelle

Nick and Lisa, along with their bridal parties got ready at the Chicago Marriott Oak Brook. The rooms were spacious and bright, filled mostly with the excitement and anticipation of a 'happily ever after', only to begin in a few short hours. 

Lisa's stunning INC International Concept pumps were breathtaking... along with rest of her grogeous accessories. She wore a Kenneth Winston dress that was carefully picked out at Shelley's Bridal Couture in West Dundee. I absolutely loved the corset back! So many brides will bypass the corset because it takes so much time to get it perfect - I personally think that it is well worth the care and time. Lisa looked amazing in her gown and every single detail of her outfit was perfect. <3 

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The ceremony and reception took place at Pinstripes in Oak Brook, Illinois. Though there was some rain on the weather forecast, we were all praying the rain away at least until 4pm, which would be the end of the outdoor ceremony. 

All of the stunning florals were created by Schaefer Greenhouses Inc. 

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This beautiful blush and gold cake was designed and created by Julie Michelle Cakes, based out of Harvard, Illinois. Julie herself was actually standing up in the wedding as a bridesmaid, as she is one of Lisa's closest friends! This cake definitely got lots of attention at the reception, since it was so beautiful, I heard that it tasted as great as it looked - wish I could have had a piece! 

Nick and Lisa, thank you so much for inviting me into your magical love story and thank you for allowing me to be a part of the most special day of your lives. I was honored to be there for you and I hope that I was able to tell your story in the way that you felt your amazing day. I know you already had an amazing time in Jamaica on your honeymoon but I wish you many more years of honeymoon love, happiness, blessings and success. xox -Michelle

Being different does not matter to me anymore but every once in a while I get refreshed to feel the same as someone else. A few years ago I read a book written by the amazing natural light photographer, Elizabeth Messina. This book entitled 'The Luminous Portrait' encouraged my spirit to further greatness and pushed me to new creative levels. The words that she used to express her passion for photography told me that we were on the same page, seeing the world the same way and using our cameras to tell similar stories. I would like to share a portion of her words and hopefully I can find another kindred spirit in you. 

"Our cameras are extensions of our eyes, and the light we choose is the heart of our images. My love affair with photography is passionate and on going, and while I still have hard days, with challenging shoots and images that don't work, I also have moments of great joy and revelation. My devotion to photography will continue as long as I have eyes to see the beautiful qualities of life and light around me. I hope you find some inspiration throughout the pages of this book. May you be blessed in your pursuit of photography, may you always follow your dreams, wherever they may lead, and may your images be as luminous as your heart." 

Elizabeth Messina - 'The Luminous Portrait'

Grace and Warlito chose a venue in Northwest Indiana for their wedding. We fittingly chose the nearby location of Centennial Park for their first look. Not only was this a pretty location but this was the place that they went to on many dates in their early relationship and is the place that they fell in love. Since they already had such a connection to this location, there could not have been a more fitting spot for the first looks. Centennial Park is so close to their hearts and relationship already that it only made sense to bring everything full circle and be here on their wedding day. 

Though the day was a little less sunny than we hoped for and a little more windy than we may have wanted, the first look was perfect and the time that Grace and Warlito got to spend alone before they said their vows before their family and friends was very intimate and romantic. 



Grace and Warlito had an intimate wedding ceremony at Faith Church in Dyer, Indiana. Since this is their home church, the wedding location was also very special to them. It was a lovely ceremony with only their closest friends and family. Grace's maid of honor was her best friend and Warlito has his son stand next to him as his best man. The ceremony was full of emotion - you could tell that this couple was taking every single word to heart and that they were making a serious commitment to each other and to God. 
 
           

This beautiful wedding cake was made by the younger of Grace's two daughters. The cake was definitely a hit and let me tell you, it was very tasty! There was a private story between the couple about the cake topper. Unfortunately I was not privy to the context of the chickens but all I know is that it was funny... because many of the friends were all laughing!

Congratulations to this happy couple! May the Lord bless your marriage and give you both many years of love, happiness and many more blessings.   

Enjoy the fireworks and stay safe everyone!
 

Now reading - "The Happiness of Pursuit" by Chris Guillebeau

Now wearing - Wild and Free Tank top from Walmart

I felt like I needed to make a blog post to specifically tell everyone how EXCITED and HAPPY I am to recognize my Chicago Blackhawks for winning the Stanley Cup a few weeks ago for the 3rd time in 6 years!!! This time, for the first time is 77 years, we were able to win at home at The Madhouse on Madison. We have a great team, a great organization and Chicago has some of the greatest hockey fans in North America. 

Unfortunately I was not able to go to the rally in Chicago for personal reasons but I downloaded the Where's the Cup app and saw the update on Friday afternoon that the Stanley Cup would be at the Chicago White Sox game on Father's Day. I rushed to my computer and brought three tickets, one for my Dad, my Mom and myself.

The crowd was a sea of red - it was clear that many people at the game were there for the cup arrival also. About 30 minutes before the game started, they started recapping the Blackhawks hockey season on the jumbotron. Then the CUP came out! I am so excited to say that I was able to touch the cup as it make its way around the stadium. So exciting!!! Like literally, TOO MUCH! 

Here are some fun photos that I would love to share with you of my fun Father's Day with Lord Stanley! <3 

Andrew Shaw carrying out the Cup, accompanied by Michal Rozsival, assistant coach Kevin Dineen and Coach Quenneville! 

This photo was taken only 2 seconds before I reached out to touch the Cup. I bypassed the NEXT photo and decided to reach out for it. I got it! ;)
 

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So often I get inquiries from clients asking if I am willing to travel for weddings and the answer is a resounding YES! I am listed as a Chicago Wedding Photographer and work all over the Chicagoland area, as well as all over the Midwest region. Outside of Illinois, I have traveled to Boston for Pat and Julia, New Jersey for Tim and Kerri and Kentucky for Ryan and Tracy.

As a business owner, my goal is to have freedom in my career - freedom to work whenever and wherever I need to. The perk of that is traveling! I adore traveling, exploring and seeing more of the world. I definitely would not turn down a destination wedding (to anywhere). Please feel free to inquire about my very reasonable traveling wedding rates. My passport is ready to go...

As a side note, I have a personal goal of seeing more of the tropics so please definitely contact me if you are interested in a TROPICAL Destination Wedding! <3 

Photo taken in St. Thomas USVI

One recipe that I recently decided to try was an easy one...an easy one but a dog-gon-it yummy one! On the bottle of my A1 Sauce I found a recipe for a Slow-Cooker Pot Roast made with A1 (now tell me who wouldn't love this one!). I took a stab at it and let me tell you it was amazing! 

Standard ingredients:

• 1/2 cup A1 Original Sauce

• 1/2 cup water

• 1 package (0.9 oz) onion-mushroom soup mix

• 1 boneless beef chuck eye roast (2 lbs)

• Red potatoes 

• Baby Carrots

• 1 onion (thickly sliced)
   

I switched up my ingredients slightly because my man doesn't like onions or onion soup - Mine was just as good with a tablespoon of McCormick Minced Garlic to replace the onion and 2 tablespoons of LB Jamison's Beef Soup Base to replace the onion soup.  I placed all ingredients into the slow cooker, adding about a cup of carrots and 6 red potatoes (halved) total. 

I took a new flare on my pot roast and had to incorporate some things that are still relatively new to my cooking repertoire. What are some important things that I have learned from sharing a kitchen with a Mexican man?

• There are only corn tortillas - end of discussion. (We love El Milagro Tortillas!)

• I don't care if sour cream and crema are the same thing, we need it to say crema. (VV Supremo Crema)

• It needs salt. Don't question this, just salt it. 

• An ice cold refreshment is a must! (any drink will do but this time we chose Dos Equis - I was just going to make a "stay thirsty" joke but I will spare you....)   :) 

Once all ingredients are in the slow cooker, bring it to boil and let cook on high for about 5-6 hours (or until the meat tears at contact). You will not regret this one my friends. If you love A1, I guarantee this will be a hit! 

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As a final FYI, I did add some rice to my meal also (which you can see on my plate). Have fun with this recipe though - it's totally a must try and a high 5 on the yummy scale! Enjoy and give me some feedback on your experience if you try it! 

I love being a wedding photographer in Chicago because I have the opportunity to meet such amazing couples - sometimes there are couples that truly stand out to me. After meeting and getting to know Aaron and Lena, I could see their love very clearly. They adore each other and truly wanted to spend their whole lives together. After a year of planning the wedding herself, Lena said that the best thing she can take away from her wedding experience is that "you get to be married to the person of your dreams when all of the crazy(planning) is over". That sums up completely how this couple loves each other - It's not about the wedding, it's about the marriage. <3 

Lena wore stunning Badgley Mischka wedding pumps as her "something blue". They were a perfect compliment to her bridal look. The jewelry that she wore came from various locations but Lena rocked her bling. I loved all of her gorgeous gems! She purchased her outstanding bridal gown from Crystal Bride in Geneva, Illinois. Sometimes a bride finds a dress that just perfectly suits her and I think Lena was in the best dress ever - It was the perfect shape on her and that neckline was breathtaking! 

The ceremony took place in the garden courtyard of the Hilton Garden Inn of Saint Charles. It was wide open and gorgeous. As Lena and her father made her way down the aisle to the charming gazebo where her soon-to-be groom Aaron was waiting for her, every guest had a bright and excited smile on their face. 

Aaron and Lena's stunning wedding cake was created by Oak Mill Bakery based out of Arlington Heights, Illinois. I absolutely loved the cake topper that they had, especially silhouetted against the uplighting. It was a simple topper but characteristic of their elegant wedding day. 

 
Aaron and Lena, it was a joy working with you and sharing this amazing day with you. I felt your love for your family, your friends from near and far, and most of all, your pure love for each other. I wish you the happiest "ever after" possible and a lifetime of much more love and laughter. <3 

I started following an artist through Etsy and after weeks of stalking her Instagram feed, I knew that I needed to make contact with her. The artist of my new amazing cards and stationery is Leslie, owner of PikakePress. She is currently based out of Honalulu, Hawaii (which is probably why she was so laid back and amazing to work with!) and after reading her bio, I can see that she loves to spread joy through a handwritten note, the same way that I do. Since we are two of a kind, I was sure that she could create me something really special. PLUS her colorful designs spoke to me in ways that words cannot explain! 

I am excited to share what Leslie has created for me and I can't wait to drop you a note in the mail so that you can see this amazing little note card in person!

Check out more of the PikakePress items and show some support - There are so many amazing works of art! <3 

In my first year attending (2009), I heard that there was an award called "Photographer of the Year" which was the highest honor that the photography department could offer a student. It consisted of a series project, a written statement of that project, the student had to present their series in front of a panel of judges (which also happened to be professors at the College) and those judges also had the ability to ask questions to request further explanation. At the time, it was a very intimidating process however I knew that I needed to try. As a perfectionist, I knew that failure wasn't an option - The series had to be perfect, it had to be different, it needed a specific purpose and it needed to push me to another level in my work. I thought about what I could do from May until December. I needed the work to be complete and ready for a presentation by April. In late December, I heard about a beautiful abandoned building in Crown Point, IN that was owned by the Indiana Ballet Theatre (IBT). IBT was in the process of collecting funds and donors in an effort to restore the building, hoping to make the space an artist haven consisting of studios, a theater, offices space and a cafe. The name of the building would be The Classical Arts Centre. At that time, the building was sitting abandoned still and baby steps were being made to make this restoration complete. 

I contacted the CEO and founder of Indiana Ballet Theatre, Gloria Tuohy, and she allowed me to go inside the building to photograph it. From my perspective, it was a shot in the dark on what I could make of this building (mentally AND photographically) but the moment that I saw the first colorful wall, I knew that I found my project. I photographed the space for about three hours and then proceeded to edit the photos for the following three months. My project goal became very clear while I reviewed the images for the first time later that day. My single goal was to reveal the beauty of this building with hopes of inspiring donations, restoration and to shed light on the "what could be". 

There were so many challenges along the way that almost stopped my process entirely but I would not allow myself to quit. I found out only 1 week before my presentation that I needed to print out all of my own images in the lab and mat them all personally as well. This would not have been as much of a challenge had I not one week prior to that broken my right hand (yes I am a righty) which significantly changed the mobility of my fingers. I somehow got the prints and I somehow got the mat boards cut, assembled and pristine - Some could say it was hard work but I am inclined to believe that God was on my side and helped me throughout the whole process.

I struggled through the panel critique and knew afterwards that I could have done so much better. The judges did not have the opportunity to read my artist statement so they asked me to paraphrase it in a few sentences. Paraphrase a one page, single spaced statement? I had not prepared for this. I prepped an answer for every question that they could possibly ask me but I never thought about this one. I honestly thought I failed. By the end of my 10 minute presentation with the judges I walked out of my the room with my head down in shame and gave the situation to God. Yes I still had tears on that long ride home but the minute I got home, I had a quiet resolve not to worry about it anymore. 

The night of the Photography Banquet arrived. I had spend the last 2 weeks of school (from the presentation until the banquet) trying to read my success in the eyes of my professors, asking leading questions trying to understand what I could have done differently, wishing that they would put me out of my misery. There was no escaping this now. Each of the individuals that had entered Photographer of the Year for the 2010 school year were all on edge that night. I do not remember how many of us entered - I want to say it was 5 total. We all showed our work at the banquet that night, each of us getting a portion of the room for our images and artist statement. As I browsed everyone else's completed work, my confidence took another hit. I was not expecting any kind of positive news that night. 

Of course, the evening was full of announcements, a dinner, dessert and presentations, all before they would address this pressing issues of who won the award. As luck would have it, the head of the Photography department, Don Kouba, was retiring after the school year's close after I believe 28 years with Prairie State College which made the evening's presentations longer than average. I love Don very much so I wanted to hear about his career and work at PSC - I just had issues breathing right now, that was all. 

Finally, we got to the time of the evening when they were ready to announce the Photographer of the Year. They started the presentation by explaining the process and then brought up all of the Photographers of the Year from previous years that were in attendance for the night. Since this was Don's last Photography Banquet prior to retirement, almost all were in attendance (did I mention that this was the 26th or 27th annual award year?) so there was quite a group in front waiting to welcome the newest member to their alumni. Don made the announcement: "...and the 2010 Photographer of the Year is Mich.......". My eyes fell to my plate. He said Michael...I thought. Michael's project was so good - I knew that I couldn't beat him. I lost... I... didn't even deal with this feeling because I did not want to open myself up to the possibility of failure. 

It was that moment that my friend Kelly placed her hand on my arm and said "Michelle...Michelle You won!". I looked up - I didnt understand. I thought he said Michael, not Michelle. Everyone in the room was staring at me, clapping...... Oh the tears, you don't even want to know, trust me. I had to go up to the front but I couldn't even see! Now I had to give a speech?! I have to honestly tell you that I am not sure what came out of my mouth (which for me is not that TOO hard to understand). After that, I glowed for the remainder of the evening, chatting with the rest of the guests, selling a few prints even and stood in complete awe of the path that led me to that very place, that night. The following September the school hosted the solo gallery showing of the work and I was finally able to accept my award plaque at my opening. 

You can view the project here - The Nurses House 
 

God is good. Sometimes it is important to consider the many steps that we take in life to get to where we are today. Had I not won that award, I know now the level of discouragement that it would have brought to my heart and my ambition. I may not still be shooting today. From there, my career sent me to new heights which eventually lead me to portrait photography, event photography and finally wedding photography, where I am today. A single blessing turned into multiple blessings, and those blessings turned into thousands more. I encourage you to remember the single blessings in your life that brought you to where you are today. 
<3 

My love is interior photography, but most specifically desolate and neglected interiors. I see these areas for their details. I love to draw attention to the most tiny and seemingly insignificant items. I feel as though there are stories to be told, memories to be heard and history to be recorded in many items that are just left by the wayside.

The building in my project is called “The Nurse’s House”. It is located in Crown Point, Indiana. It was built in the mid-1940s for the nurse’s of the Crown Point jail mental patient unit during the outbreak of “the white plague” at that time. It was necessary for these nurses to stay quarantined from the townspeople. Shortly after the threat of the sickness was gone, the building was abandoned. It is now on “lease hold” with Gloria Tuohy, owner of the Indiana Ballet Theater. She is trying to have the building restored and converted into an art gallery, small theater and ballet studio. She holds “lease hold” for 3 more years, and in that time, needs to get the place to working order in order to keep custody of it. I have spoken with Gloria many times about the condition of the building and her need for funds, and in the last several months have become a board member for the I.B. Theater to help get this plan completed.

As you can see through the images, there are a lot of necessary changes that need to occur structurally and aesthetically. My goal for this project was to take a photo journalistic approach to this building’s current state of brokenness and need but yet also show its true beauty, character and potential.  This particular project was a challenge for me. It was the first time that I walked into an abandoned building with the goal of telling one single story through multiple images, yet still telling a separate tale in each frame.

When I first walked into the house, I was overwhelmed with the feeling of “what once was”. I could see what things looked like before time took its toll and for me, I wanted to see it that way again. I walked from room to room and chose very carefully how I wanted to showcase it. Not only are the images powerful with colors and content but the shadows in contrast to light are supposed to create conflict in the eye of the viewer. There is irony in the beauty and the destruction, yes, but there is more than that. I used the lighting of every image to create harsh shadows followed by bright lighting situations. To me, light represents life and darkness is the gloom of death. There is a cross between life and death in every image presented. I used that contrast to create unrest in the eye and mind of the viewer.

Every artifact that I photographed was shown how it was found. As the artist, I wanted to create beauty but I let the building speak for itself. I want others to see how powerful and lovely this house really is. I want to show them something that they might never otherwise see. This is a side of life that is very literally dying before our eyes and yet, it is untapped life and beauty that could be utilized again.

As a photographer my primary goal has always been to shed light on the forgotten and use them as components of stories. I want all of these dying places to live again once more before they are gone forever. That is the basis for this series. In the future I hope to have the opportunity and ability to convey the same message in all my work. To those that see my work I want to show this issue, the carelessness that we have left behind, however I also want to show them that there is hope. This is a widespread dilemma, we have the opportunities to come together and change this problem.

If I am the winner of Photographer of the Year, I have a plan for the scholarship. To my understanding the prize can only be used toward tuition at the school, however I plan on matching it myself and donating all that I would win to the Indiana Ballet Theater for the restoration of “The Nurse’s House”.  I have stronger conviction possibly than I should however since the organization is in such need, I feel as though I could not rightfully accept the funds. The house speaks very clearly of its needs through the images that I shot and I feel that the best way I could use the scholarship is to help make change happen. I desire others to see what I saw and feel what I felt. I am not so very connected to the building and this project, to the point that there is no other option for me but to donate the funds for the restoration and benefit of this building. I need to listen to the convictions in my heart and fight for the cause that I support.

The road to The Nurses House....

That being said, I decided that I needed a long weekend of rest and relaxation. Unfortunately, I was shooting quite a bit over the Memorial Day weekend so I went with the popular second choice of.. the weekend after. I thought it would be perfect since the resorts would be crowded, the beaches would be open and summer would be in full swing. Little did I know that the temp would range around 55-65 degrees for the whole weekend and that I would have to make a timely run to Wal-mart for a hoodie since I neglected to bring anything better than a shrug sweater. Rene', my fiance, and I still made the best of it though. 

We stayed at The Abbey Resort, which is a gorgeous resort located in Fontana, Wisconsin, just outside of Lake Geneva. I had found this place through a Groupon ad actually and thought it would be fun to try. Little did I know that this place would be no less than amazing! The property is large and spacious with so many amenities! On the resort there are two restaurants, a bar, a cafe, an arcade, several pools (both indoor and out), fire pits, a spa...the list seemed endless! Plus while we stayed there were weddings going on at the resort but because it is so large, we never encountered any of the wedding party or guests. I definitely would recommend this place as a weekend or even week log getaway. It was a really beautiful place and also really fun. 

By Sunday, the weather started to get a little better so we were able to venture out to the Lake Geneva downtown area which was a blast. Rene' had been there in the past but I had never so I was pretty excited about doing some shopping, eating and enjoying of this sweet, little town. The weather played to our advantage now because the streets and shops were not as busy, so that was a welcomed treat! We strolled up and down the streets, stopping at shop after shop, purchasing maybe a little too much...maybe. 

We finally made it down to the water were we enjoyed a little snack and then snapped a selfie (which is a lot easier said than done when you are working with a giant camera, not a phone!). All in all, it was a great weekend and I couldn't be more rested and relaxed from it. :) 
       ​

Recently I had the opportunity to donate my time to photograph the 13th Annual Changing Worlds' Gala. As a Chicago wedding photographer and artist, I enjoy working with organizations within our great city that enhance learning but more specifically, artistic learning. Changing Worlds is a nonprofit organization within Chicago that offers art education through a unique program. The program specifically integrates cultural and social histories, encouraging individuals to explore their own backgrounds, educating through academics and art-learning skills. 

It was a gorgeous evening in Chicago on the night of Thursday, May 14th. Traffic was tight as usual and the clouds were heavy but no rain fell until a little later on. I arrived early at Germania Place to set up my gear, to take some shots of the large rooms and the abundant silent auction gifts. Around 5pm, the guests started arriving to cocktail hour and browsing through the many silent auction items. The Exceptions started playing smooth tunes throughout the cocktails, which continued all the way through the dinner hour. Guests mingled while enjoying the music, snacking on wonderful hors d'oeuvres, sipping great cocktails, all with good friends.

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Dinner started promptly at 6:45p. Our emcee for the evening, Diane Pathieu of ABC 7 Chicago, came on to outline the evenings' agenda. Throughout dinner there were breaks in the music for the introduction from the event co-chairs (Lindsay Alvis Cochrane and Beanca Nicholson), student leadership awards and student presentations in both dance(students of Pilsen Academy) and spoken word (students of DePreist Elementary). Changing Worlds' Executive Director Mark Rodriguez took a few moments to thank the guests for their support and attendance at the evenings' gala event and also spoke about the need for this great organization within the City of Chicago. This organization annually affects more than 14,000 students, teachers and families within the Chicagoland area. Directly following Mark Rodriguez was Vicki Woolner Samuels, the President of the Changing Worlds' Board of Directors. She gave a personal challenge to every guest in the room, requesting monetary donations, bids on the centerpieces and continued bids from the silent auction items which were continuing throughout the end of dinner. She also reiterated the need to funding and the assistance that programs like Changing Worlds offers not only to Chicago but to society as a whole. 

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The evening presentation was done by Mario Rossero of Chicago Public School (CPS). Mario is currently the Chief of Core Curriculum at CPS. He led the movement to create within the CPS school system a first ever district-wide Arts Education Plan. He spoke at great length about his accomplishments and struggles developing a stronger art education program throughout CPS. He also offered a challenge to the guests in the room, requesting that they change their language about art and school art programs. One problem that he shed light on is that by our speech, we can create environments that do not foster change. When we cast a negative light on issues, by our tone and language, and that can in turn create more negativity. In closing, Mario requested that each guest resolves to"change the arts convo" in an effort for greater change. 

Changing Worlds then presented the 2015 Connecting Cultures Awards. The two honorees were Sharon Hidalgo and Mario Rossero. Sharon Hidalgo is an accomplished business woman at Xerox in Chicago. In January of 2015, Hidalgo achieved a global leadership role supporting Xerox's High Tech, Telecommunications and Media Vertical Industry. In 2012, she was presented with the Most Powerful & Influential Women of Illinois Award by the National Diversity Council. She has also served and continues to serve on the Changing Worlds Executive Board for the past 10 years. Mario Rossero leads the Chicago Public Schools to enhancing student learning in Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Social Sciences, the Arts and Global Citizenship. Rossero has transformed CPS and executed his vision after setting his goal of pushing an Art Education Plan in 2012. The evening concluded with heartfelt appreciation for all donors and donations, with one final push for a language change in the arts. Overall the evening was an outstanding success and all were pleased with the evening's outcome.

Again, I am so excited that I had the opportunity to work with such a great local organization and I truly hope that I can work with them again next year for their annual gala. Remember to stay positive in your speech and to "change the arts convo" with Mario Rossero and Changing Worlds.

1. Prior and simultaneously to owning my own photography business I worked in a bank. Over the course of 7+ years, I moved up from a teller to a personal banker and lastly to an Assistant Branch Manager. It took me a few years to finally pull the trigger and go "full time" in photography (mostly because of the fear of failure) but during that time in banking, I learned so much about managing people, managing finances, having a keen attention to detail and most of all, the value of offering great customer service. That time in management and banking truly made my business today better than it could have been so I am THANKFUL that I had that experience and career path to lead me where I am today.
2. I love COFFEE!!! Now this is not just a random complicated relationship... this is a SERIOUS love affair of two consenting individuals...or things... or whatever we are together. ;) 
3. I have an undying obsession with the classic television show I Love Lucy! I don't claim to know every single detail about the show however I can probably tell you more about Lucy than any average Joe or Jane... AND if I randomly flip to any I Love Lucy episode, I can just about guarantee that within a literal second, I can tell you everything about the episode, all guest stars and which season it aired. Lucy is truly a woman after my own heart and I would probably be a lot less crazy if it wasn't for her. 
4. I love fashion. Ever since I was a little girl I always had a knack for dressing up in fun, cool ways, and most specifically, always did my own thing. As I have gotten older, I have tamed my taste down a little but I still keep a wild shoe collection full of more than 100 shoes I frequently wear and a vintage jewelry collection that spices up many of my outfits. I really am just fashionably quirky and love colors, patterns, retro-inspired dresses and great handbags. Some of my favorite items are purchased from either Mod Cloth or Anthropologie...my two favorite stores! 
5. I love traveling and adventure! In 2011, I traveled to Paris with a friend of mine and it was then that I knew that I needed to see much more of this great world. I get immediate kicks from long weekend trips to local beach towns on the Lake Michigan boarder but nothing gives me a thrill more than hopping on a plane and arriving at somewhere completely new and unexplored. I have wide eyes that want to take in the whole world and I am thrilled that my photography career can take me so many wonderful places... and has already! 

Hopefully this gives you a little more incite about ME and I look forward to hearing fun comments back about 5 random facts of YOU! :)
 

I am so excited to share that Michelle Cox Photography has been rated as one of the Best Photography Studios the in the region by The Times! I technically was ranked as 3rd Best however The Times offers permission to utilize the logo for all promotions and marketing as "The Best..of 2015" if you ranked in any of the 3 positions. I could not be more flattered or honored to have been awarded this status, in ANY of the "places". 

As many of you know, I have been shooting for about ten years but only truly making it a "business focus" for about the last 4. I have had the same failure and the same successes as many of my peers, I have been awarded with great honors, yet also had my turn at great slumps... but all throughout that time have continued out hoping for the greatest success in my field. 

It took me quite a while to do photography full time because I was nervous to make that transition (scared of failure is a better answer). I worked a full time day job and somehow still managed to do full time photography...plugging away at my business and making slow and steady forward motion. I was editing photos before work, on my lunch breaks, between 5p and midnight, calling customers when I could, shooting on every weekend and  basically running myself ragged until I knew "it was time". Well, that time came -- and I couldn't be happier! Since I made that SIGNIFICANT career move, the Lord has blessed me with reassurance in little and big ways, more business and bookings, more success, peer recognition and an overall satisfaction with life.

I can honestly say that this new recognition as one of the Best in the Region is truly an honor and it is just one more way that I know that I made the right career move and that the Lord is helping me be the best that I truly can be. 

Thank you for your votes and thank you so much for supporting me! I couldn't have done it without each and every wonderful person that has loved my work and loves me!

xoxox

<3, Michelle

Get your something new at Something Blue! 

So often brides ask me if I can refer them to other vendors, in just about all areas of the wedding day. Ever since I photographed my first wedding in 2008, I have been keeping track of the vendors that I have worked with, the people that I have met and have thought hard about who are the best individuals to refer to other brides getting ready to walk down the aisle.

A hands-down referral that I will always sing the praises of is Something Blue Bridal, based out of Northwest Indiana. The goal of the boutique is to offer brides a personalized experience, with the focus on giving each bride modern, yet unique dress options. The shop has a wide array of dresses and accessories for every bride to make her day the perfect wedding event. The absolute best thing about this bridal shop is the owner, Sandy. She started the business with a heart for brides, a desire to work with them throughout the wedding process and to truly make their bridal experience something special and unforgettable. When you walk into the boutique and start to work with her, you can see Sandy's passion for weddings, her love for people and the special service that she offers to each and every bride. Something Blue Bridal is mentioned in The Knot and also received the 2014 award "Best of Weddings". Sandy's self-proclaimed motto is that she wants every bride to feel like they are "the only bride in the world" and that personal touch is definitely what makes the Something Blue Experience stand out. With hundreds of wedding shops in the Chicago/Northwest Indiana area and tens of thousands of wedding vendors spread throughout, it takes something truly different to stand out to me. I wholeheartedly recommend this shop for all of your Bridal, Bridesmaid, Mother of the Bride and Flower girl needs! 

Stop in at Something Blue Bridal

Something Blue Bridal is located at 324 E US Hwy 30, Schererville, IN. Next time you stop in, be sure to tell them Michelle sent you! As a special note, when you purchase your wedding gown through Something Blue, Sandy will give you a wonderful packet of vendors that she refers back to you, with lovely deals and coupons inside. You will see that Michelle Cox Photography offers an exclusive deal with Something Blue Bridal so booking the two of us together can be worth your while! 

<3 Michelle

We stopped at a few locations around Chicago but our last location was the new ice ribbon at Maggie Daley Park. Ice skating and hockey are very important parts of Graham and Carissa's love story (their first date was at a Chicago Blackhawks game) and we were excited to get a great day in the city to showcase some of that into their engagement story. This session marked the first time that I had the chance to go to the Ribbon and I definitely could not have been more pleased with the location. I am positive that I will have many more sessions there with many more adventurous and creative couples! Check out some of my favorite images from that day. <3
 

Spring is the time of the year to watch the world bloom and all flowers starting to grow. It is also a great time, as a business owner, to renew your mind and reevaluate my business focus. I have spent the last several months challenging myself to reach new goals, see new perspectives and design a more clear business direction. As the year unfolds, I am excited to share all of this growth with my present and future clients!
 

<3 Michelle
 

There are a lot of photographers that have the opinion that Pinterest is harmful to their business. The premise of that thought process is that the photographer has clients that wants them to 'duplicate' images rather than create them. I can understand this concept. It is always a high pressure situation when a client comes to a meeting and says "I NEED THIS PHOTO! Can you do it?" Not only can that situation initially strip me of my creative flow but it could also potentially call into question my talent if I can't get it exactly perfect. Sometimes, photographers spend so much time trying to recreate really beautiful photos that in the end, they haven't done anything new, challenging or 'them' (their own style).
 

What is the best way to avoid losing your creativity? I think it is important to be upfront with your clients and let them know that you can use any image as inspiration but that you will be putting your own flare on it. That way, if it is not perfectly duplicated, you can be a little more comfortable about your take on it. You should be comfortable and proud to let your clients know that you have your own style and that you don't "copy" other people's work.

One reason that I absolutely love Pinterest is that so many times, brides and clients can tell you exactly (in words) what they hate about certain photographers, images, poses and locations but they have a very difficult time putting into words what they actually like. I will always ask my clients to pin as many photos as they possibly can because I like to see what they like! More often than not, a good photographer can see the patterns within those images before the clients realize they even had a pattern.

Here is a good example of what I mean. A 2014 bride of mine, Sarah, pinned about 75 photos in a board as inspiration for our engagement session. When I started looking through the images I could see very quickly that about 50 of the 75 images of engaged coupes were posed in the same exact pose. Every location was different, the couples were all different heights, weights and races but the looks were identical. All 50 of the identical photographs were a super close, intimate, head to head shots. Let me tell you, when I photographed Sarah and her fiancé Jake (at both their engagement session and wedding) they were the easiest shoots that I had done in years. I knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, what the couple wanted to see in their finished product. I used 100% creativity to create intimate, close, timeless shots. The outcome - They loved the photos!
 

My recommendations -
 

• Use Pinterest.
   
• Create wedding boards as inspiration to brides and photography boards to be helpful to all of your photo clients.
   
• Feel free to upload your own images to your boards. I have not gotten a lot of foot traffic to my own website for adding my images to Pinterest but I am never shy about taking opportunities to put my work out there.
• Finally, let Pinterest be an asset for your business, not a liability. <3
   

Follow my Pinterset boards at : www.pinterest.com/michellecox36/
 

Happy Easter all and I hope you had a beautiful holiday weekend also!

<3, Michelle
 

016-Strada-74100079
 

Nicole and Dejan's Northwest Indiana wedding was at a fabulous venue: The Allure in LaPorte. I loved their reception especially because they are such fun people and once they got together with their friends and family, it was awesome seeing everyone have such a great time. Some of my favorite parts of their wedding were the toasts (I always love to hear what friends and family have to say!) and their candy bar. Yum! 

Nicole's makeup was done by the super fabulous Krissy V. Her work is unmatched and her personality is exactly what any bride needs on their wedding day <3 

Questions for the Bride and Groom

I always want to connect with my clients to learn a little more about the planning that went into their special day and understand their vision for everything. I asked Nicole and Dejan a few things about their wedding and here were some of Nicole’s answers:

How long did you plan your wedding?

About a year and a half. I started planning right away; we got engaged December 19, 2012 and were married May 3, 2014!

Did you have a wedding planner or did you do the planning yourself? 

I did the planning myself! I had a huge binder with all of my ideas, information, vendors, etc. to help me stay organized and keep track of the many details.

Was it exciting for you to see you plans come to fruition?

YES! It was amazing to see all of the details come to life and see all of the hard work on display for everyone to view and enjoy!

What was the most memorable part of your wedding day?

• Putting my dress on after getting glammed up! 

• Walking down the aisle with my parents. I was sooo excited to see Dejan and start the ceremony.

• Our first dance. Dejan and I were able to just focus on each other and it seemed as though no one else was even in the room!

• Listening to the speeches from Marcie (my Maid of Honor) and from Dejan…they both made me cry happy tears!

Check out this AMAZING Chanel bag that Dejan gifted to his new bride! 

Engagement sessions are supposed to be fun! They are a great way for clients to get to know their photographer but they most commonly serve a purpose. A lot of couples use their engagement images for Save the Date cards, upload them to their wedding websites, or create photo guest books or frame them, creating a simple display on their wedding day! Depending on what your engagement photo needs are, planning these sessions could be stressful and difficult. Here are some great tips that could help you in while planning your day and while enjoying your photo session!

Be comfortable!

This is, hands down, the most important thing that I can tell any couple getting ready for your session! What you wear and how you feel in your outfits will affect everything abut your shoot. Your photographer will, ideally, want to direct you, pose you into some serious and some fun ways, allow you to express yourself but also help you be as comfortable as possible with a camera looking down your nose. If you dress in something that you don't feel "you" in, in something that bothers you or is just plain uncomfortable, THAT will be the focus of the shoot. If you're tugging at your blouse or worse yet, unable to breathe in that pair of slacks, you will be so annoyed that focusing on getting good photos will take a back seat.

Choose a versatile location

A super exciting part of getting engaged is that you get to take engagement photos! Some couples would just like to spend time relaxing and having fun with this idea so a location doesn't really matter to them. Obviously you (and I, as your photographer) would like to get something that is visually appealing, something that photographs well but choosing a versatile location is just as important. When you are at the shoot, it is important to use your time wisely so that we can get a lot of images. If you choose a place that has many "looks" we can travel only a little and still get a lot! It is popular to do an outfit change during a shoot also, lets stay one formal fit and one that is more casual. If you choose an environment that could cater to both, we have not only saved ourselves a cab ride across town but we also get a few extra minutes of shooting!

Incorporate yourselves into the images' "story"

How can you make the session a little more "special"? Some couples like to recreate a simple story board of their early or even current romance into the session. They take the time to revisit special locations to them--the proposal location, the special bar they used to visit, the college they met in... you get the idea! Choosing a special location could be important to you now but years down the road, you may appreciate the time capsule you created of your 'early years.'

Relax!

At the end of the day, an engagement session is designed for you to have fun! Bring a bottle of champagne to take the nerves out of the day, bring a snack to nibble on during "relaxing" time, and basically do anything you need to when making the day your own and special to you. Trust me, I can incorporate a bottle of wine or champagne into a photo shoot as another fun prop, so feel free to bring whatever you need to make sure that you feel your best!

I am offering a coupon all February! It is a great offer - $150 off your wedding photography package OR your a FREE One Hour Engagement session (valued at $300) with the purchase of your wedding package. Contact me today for a consultation! 2015 ad 2016 dates are filling up quickly! <3

I am more blessed than I have ever been and I couldn't be more excited to explore the wonderful world of photography as I enter 2015. Please enjoy some of my favorite moments over the year...and stay tuned for the next chapter of Michelle Cox Photography.

2014 has been an absolutely outstanding year and I am so blessed to have had so many wonderful customers, wonderful brides and grooms, made some great contacts and connections - Overall everything was just better than I could have asked for. The Lord has surpassed many of my personal and professional goals throughout that the last 11 months and I honestly could not have imagined all of the pieces fitting into this crazy little puzzle like they did.

That being said, I would like to share my blessings with my clients. I wanted to offer a special Black Friday/Cyber Monday deal for you - and I have the ability to do that because so many of my goals were met.

I hope many of you can take part in this great deal and I look forward to working with each and everyone of you, making 2015 just a little more awesome than 2014!

<3, Michelle
 

Wedding Holiday Special!

Now through Cyber Monday, book your wedding with Michelle Cox Photography and receive your choice - one of two special gifts.

A FREE One Hour Engagement session (valued at $300) or $300 off the Wedding Package of your choice.

I look forward to hearing from you and am excited to work with you!

All About Nana

Nana is one of the few family-owned and -operated restaurants with a menu rooted in Latin American and Spanish cuisine. Even better, everything is locally sourced and certified organic! Because of this excellent commitment, the restaurant's menu changes seasonally, with updated dinner entrees and some changing breakfast specials. (I'm loving that their fall seasonal special is a Pumpkin Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast with bourbon glaze and bourbon butter...the description is even mouth-watering!)

At Nana, their mission is "to source the finest ingredients from local farms and certified organic vendors, suppliers, and craftsmen who meet and maintain USDA organic standards in an effort to develop a seasonal and approachable food and drink menu that is grounded in American cuisine, but also has Latin American, Mexican, and Spanish influences. Nana is also committed to providing guests with friendly and attentive service in a clean, warm, and rustic dining environment." I have to say, they are doing an incredible job with that mission as I am impressed every time I visit! Their overall goal at Nana is really to bring people good, quality, fresh food, support local business and farming communities, and work closely with growers and suppliers who share the same beliefs about food that they do: that it should be free of chemicals and pesticides and processed humanely. And they are rocking at that!  

In addition to the dine-in restaurant, Nana also offers private parties and catering services. They love working with people to meet their vision for their special event and they also help to accommodate budgets. They also offer great packages to provide their patrons with floral services, decorations, and photography services from Michelle Cox Photography, making Nana a one-stop-shop for event and party-planning needs. I am so thrilled to be partnered with this great venue!

Current Specials at Nana

Check out Nana this fall and enjoy some of their great seasonal specials! They offer seasonal craft cocktails and these currently include:

• Appleseed Contract is a returning seasonal staple back again this season. It includes Old Overholt Rye Whiskey mixed with fresh lemon juice, a house made apple butter, angostura bitters, and topped with ginger beer. 
• Pumpkin Butter Rum is a brand new drink special this season! It features house made pumpkin butter, dark rum, allspice liqueur, fresh whipped cream, and nutmeg. 

Nana, which was named after Ms. Solis, the owner's mother, has handed down many great family recipes. Many of her original recipes are on the menu and many are staples that remain on the menu year round. Some popular signature dishes include:

• Chilaquileno, a corn tortilla casserole layered with cheese and topped with a poblano cream sauce
• Nanadict, a special version of the traditional eggs Benedict, but made with papusas instead of English muffins and topped with house made chorizo and poached eggs
• Avocado Fries, which are avocado wedges battered and fried until crisp and placed on top of a generous smear of house made Chipotle-aioli sauce. They are the perfect blend of crunchy, creamy, and a little spicy. They have been a huge hit since they were added to the menu last year by Nana's Executive Chef Jeremy Kiens.

New specials for the Day of the Dead dinner at the beginning of November will feature four new seasonal courses paired with cocktails. Keep tabs on the Nana website for more details! You can also check out their menu page for more information on specials and meals. 

The Nana Rewards Program

If you thought the menu was amazing, wait til you hear...they have a cash-back-based rewards program too! There is no need for a membership card or promotional codes, you just sign up with your credit card and email. Once it's on file, you collect points automatically each time you visit and cash is returned to that card as part of your reward. (For example, $25 cash back is automatically returned to the card on file once you've spent $250 at Nana.) Most of Nana's regular patrons take advantage of this program and love it! 

Go To Nana

Nana is located at 3267 South Halsted Street, has been serving the community since August 2009. They're thrilled to have just celebrated their fifth anniversary! Next time you're in the city, be sure to check them out. Tell them Michelle Cox Photography sent you!

I am an artist and a huge art lover! Whenever I have the opportunity to get to a gallery or art show, I jump at the chance. I love art. That’s just how it is!

Over the summer, I was super excited to get tickets to a street artist show that opened during the week of the Lollapalooza Music Festival. Art Alliance presented The Provocateurs at Block 37 from July 31 a to August 4, 2014, curated by Shepard Fairey. This thoroughly hip art show was jam packed with over 40 internationally acclaimed artists that are pushing the envelope and trailblazing through the art world making strong political and social statements through their crafts.

Art Alliance Presents The Provocateurs: The Show

This was from a typical art show, believe me. The artists combined their processes with music, public art, local community interest, education, and charities to create experimental and interactive masterpieces. The Provocateurs teamed up with Lollapalooza, finding artists that coincide with the musicians who rock the festival stages yearly in an effort to bring art, specifically street art, to new and broader audiences.

I am so excited that I found this great show and I really hope that Art Alliance and Lolla decide to do an annual street art show every year. I’ll definitely be the first one at the door!

Check out some of my favorite pieces from the show and let me know which are your favorites!

I first met Pat and Julia when I photographed their surprise engagement in Chicago in October 2012. After seeing how much this couple truly loved each other, I was ecstatic when they invited me to participate in the next part: the actual wedding!

Getting Ready at Seabreeze Inn Bed and Breakfast in Plymouth, MA

Pat and Julia were married in Plymouth, MA, about an hour outside of Boston, on November 9, 2013. The party got ready at the Seabreeze Inn Bed and Breakfast, a place so full of charm and history. I loved all of the nautical-inspired décor, which was perfect for the location. You could see the ocean from the window!

One of my favorite moments from the day—always a moment that gets me—is when the couple opened love letters they wrote to each other to be read before the ceremony. Julia was crying because the letter was so beautiful, and laughing because Pat forgot to sign it!  

Julia was so much fun to work with while they were all getting ready. I could tell she was both excited and nervous the whole time, which made for some really great photos. I also love when the “getting ready” photos are fun…Julia bought her girls, and her mom too, matching robes from Etsy. How cute! 

The Wedding Ceremony at St. Peters Catholic Church in Plymouth, MA

The wedding ceremony took place just a few blocks away from the B&B at the absolutely breathtaking St. Peters Church in Plymouth, a Catholic church that has been a part of Plymouth history since 1873! The wedding party rode in a trolley to get to the church. 

One of my favorite parts about the entire wedding day had to be the post-ceremony photos at the jetty. Being from Chicago, I loved being able to see some of the beautiful things that are so unique to the coast, and being able to take advantage of some awesome photo ops!

The Wedding Reception at Indian Pond Country Club in Kingston, MA

Pat and Julia’s wedding reception was at Indian Pond Country Club in Kingston, MA. We enjoyed taking a few group shots out on the golf course, even though it was a really cold day. The funny thing about looking back at a beautiful wedding day, it’s easy to forget things like being cold for a few minutes when the whole event was so amazing. I love those sharp evergreens in the background. 

After my experience traveling to Boston for this beautiful wedding, I love traveling for weddings and other events. If anyone feels like inviting this Chicago wedding photographer to some dream location around the globe, don’t hesitate to ask! The short answer is…I’d love to :) 

Only days before baby Eos turned one, his parent's reached out to be requesting some pictures to celebrate this momentous occasion! It was an absolutely gorgeous afternoon and we decided to do our family photo session at Centennial Park in Munster, Indiana. Even though we only spent about a half hour together, we made some really great moments that this family can remember for a lifetime!

Earlier this summer I had the privilege of photographing my FIRST Quinceanera! I was working with 15 year old Kristina and six of her dearest friends.

It was a wonderful summer day in July - We started out at St Paul’s Catholic Church (Chicago Heights, Illinois) for the ceremony. From there we drove up to Chicago for some wonderful shots at Millennium Park. The girls had so much fun and despite the heat and humidity, we all had a fantastic day!

Her reception that followed was at Centennial Park (Munster, Indiana) where Kristina’s friends and family gathered together to celebrate each other’s company and this wonderful girl’s commitment to faith.

In May of 2014, I had the privilege of photographing the beautiful wedding for Dan and Nikki in Chicago, Illinois. The day could not have been more perfectly beautiful! Even though several of the streets of the city were closed for the annual Memorial Day parade, we still had a wonderful time driving around town looking for photo locations, capturing some great images (before and after their ceremony). Their ceremony was located on the patio of Milton Lee Olive Park, near Navy Pier. The breeze was soft, the sun was warm (yet not too hot) and this lovely couple said their “I Do's” under the glow of the skyline.

Congratulations!

She said yes!

Of the now MANY photoshoots that I have done including a proposal, this was the first that the girl was not expecting to see her boyfriend in the city of Chicago, let alone the state of Illinois. Darwin and Natasha are originally from Michigan. She was on a “girl’s weekend” to Chicago and her long time boyfriend Darwin thought that this would be a perfect opportunity to come down to the Windy City and surprise Natasha with a marriage proposal. We planned the location for the proposal to be at Buckingham Fountain (basing it on her travel plans) and had her friend make sure that OUR plans were executed in proper time, without a hitch. Everything went perfectly and she did in fact say YES!

What a great couple - Congratulations and may you have a happily ever after!

In 2013, I photographed several proposals within the downtown area.

For this proposal, Brett contacted me about 3 weeks before he and his girl friend were travelling to Chicago from Missouri. We set up the location and a shoot directly to follow. On a beautiful "Windy City” afternoon at Buckingham Fountain, SHE SAID YES!

Congratulations to Brett and Courtney and have a beautiful happily ever after!

<3,>

Some of the most fun on a wedding day is focusing on the details. Each wedding is made up of the finest details and treasures that make the day a larger success! One of my favorite things to do while photographing each special day is to pull apart the little things that make it successful and photograph them with just as much priority as the biggest and brightest attractions of the event.

I have always been “accused” of being detail oriented individual and have finally have found the perfect career to suit me!

<3,>

There is something about the autumn sunset that calls my name and begs for a photo session. When Maggie and Chris contacted me in October I couldn’t have been more excited to work with them and plan a shoot around a nature scene at the golden hour.

They are a lovely couple and I couldn’t have been more pleased to work with such a nice (and fun!) engaged couple!

I have been obsessed with ONA Bags since I discovered them! I think they are super sleek and sexy, yet totally fashionable and durable. I have been talking myself into getting one for about 6 months yet I have not pulled the trigger.

For my Birthday on December 30th, I finally got one! My special someone bought me a beautiful “Brooklin” bag in Chestnut (I LOVE BROWN)!!

I can’t wait to take it out and use it - I plan on taking it everywhere!

http://www.onabags.com/

Over the summer of 2013, I had the privilege of photographing Tracy and Ryan’s lovely wedding in Frankfort, Kentucky. The location was gorgeous and fit perfectly in their taste (and mine)! Of the many weddings that I did over the course of that summer, this one will definitely stand out. Not only did I shoot this for a dear friend but I was also excited to have my sister Crystal second shoot with me. I realized that not only are we best friends but we photograph in identical ways. She has now secured a prime spot in my second shooter position. 

Congratulations again to Ryan and Tracy - may you live happily ever after!! 

Navy Pier, Chicago Illinois

Destiny & Adam
October 26, 2013

Today you begin the rest of your lives,
Together forever as husband and wife.
Your dreams will come true, with love and more,
A happiness to share and the world to explore.

-Author Unknown

Brittany and Alex are an absolutely adorable couple! We met at two locations for their engagement session but my favorite of the two was at Deep River Woods in Hobart, Indiana. The air was crisp and clear and the autumn leaves glowed under the light of the sun. I am so excited (still) that they let me photograph them and that we had such a wonderful day together! 

Photo Albums available!

For the last couple years I have been looking for the perfect printing company for lay flat wedding albums. Over the summer I finally found my printer in Northern Illinois and could not be happier about it! I am finally able to include a perfect product within my wedding packages (included and a la carte).

Feel free to contact me today to see this demo in person!

www.michellecoxphotography.com

Pat and Julia

As I post on my blog, not only do I want to share my new, fun experiences, but I also want to talk about some of the amazing stories of my past.

I received an email from Pat last year in the end of September. He was from Boston and was taking a trip, to Chicago, with his girlfriend Julia. On this trip he wanted to propose! He was not sure exactly of how he wanted everything to go but he knew that he wanted a photographer to hide out at Buckingham Fountain, capturing her saying YES! We threw some ideas back and forth about what the story was, if we would do photos afterwards, me bringing some champagne (since he would need a drink afterwards) and overall, all details were addressed.

The big day finally got here and everything went like clockwork! Julia said yes, she was so surprised and love was bubbling over like the champagne in their flutes! I was so excited and honored to be a part of their TRUE LOVE.

Pat and Julia are now getting married in November of 2013 and have graciously invited me to come to Boston to photograph their special day! They felt like I was there at the beginning so I should join them on this second special day. Some invitations excite you and then others make your heart swoon.

I feel so blessed to work with this wonderful couple again and I am so happy that I have touched their lives just like they have touched mine!

Chicago Sky Deck
I absolutely love The Sky Deck in Chicago. I have been thinking about it a lot lately because I have a potential client interested in doing a shoot there within the next month. I still remember the first time that I went with a couple for an engagement session - I was very afraid! I am not comfortable with the heights of this location.. I mean it’s 103 floors! ha!

Even though the whole time I am on the deck, my heart is beating out of my chest, there is something so unique about this wonderful location in Chicago. We have a view like no other city and I would really be excited to go back again for another shoot!

WPPI Official!
I am so excited to finally be a member of WPPI (Wedding and Portrait Photographers International)!! I have been eager to become a member throughout the last several years but for some reason, it went on the backburner until just recently. I finally made the time and effort to become a member and this week, I got the “official welcome letter”! I am now in the company of some of the greatest photographers in the world. Happy and honored to be a part of this great organization!

Michelle Cox Photography flash drives

For years, I have been giving out images from my photo shoots in a variety of ways. I went from direct down loads, CDs to generic flash drives. Finally within the last year I realized the importance of making a custom product, to offer a cohesive brand. Your brand is KEY to making a distinction within your market area and being a professional within your craft.

I searched high and low for a quality product and was excited to stumble across the brand iPromo. Within minutes of being on the website, I started my “quote” options and was chatting directly with my designer. After about a half hour, my quote was refined and perfected with custom logo design and exact brand colors.

After purchasing, I received my products within only a few week. I couldn’t have been happier with my experience and I am already getting so much positive feedback from this small, yet significant step!

Michelle’s advise - Spend the money for the custom product. Well worth it!

http://www.ipromo.com/

Over the last several months, I have hardly taken any time to relax and reflect - reflect on my successes or failures. Over Labor Day weekend, I decided to take a small getaway and just… unload all of the stresses of life. Not only did I unwind but I now feel ready to take on the next season of this year!

Never forget that the most important detail and uniqueness of your photography business is YOU! If you don’t make time for yourself, your business could suffer for it.

Michelle’s recommendation - Take the time to get away when you can and while you’re gone, enjoy every minute!