Most of us think we want Christmas to be like this:

…when perhaps what most of us need is this:

May you all know true Love and Light that wrap around and around and around and never let go.

To all who gave me the privilege of helping to make memories with those you love, THANK YOU!  You have enriched my life through DNJY more than you will ever know <3

Below is a slideshow of one portrait from every shoot in 2011, enjoy!

There has always been a lot of debate about what makes a photograph beautiful. Some people claim that it’s the finest lens or the latest camera while other people ramble on about composition and the “decisive moment”. I’ve come to decide that all of these people are wrong, because the secret to a great photo is beautiful people and sparklers.

This was a truly unique wedding and it was a pleasure to shoot it. I hope you guys enjoy. Congrats Aric and Monica :)

Canon 5D Mark II // Speedlite, 50mm Sigma f/1.4

Dan and I have always loved shooting weddings, but this one was special for the both of us.  Not only did this shoot stand out because Brent is a good friend of our studio (he is a stand-up comedian!), this was the first time Dan and his brother Aidan shot the wedding in Florida and sent the files up to me in Illinois for post-production.  

Dan is a stronger photographer than I am in many ways, but it is obvious that I learned much of my feel and documenting from him (and also, Angel He).  I’m glad to see that we can run the studio in two different places and stay on the same page with our level of work :)

Brent and Colleen, thank you so much for letting us take care of your wedding portraits!  I wish I could have been there — it looks like such a fun and unique wedding!  Brent, are you aware that your wife is smokin’ hot?!

This cake is fantastic!

Colleen, here’s your man :)

Some details of the amazingly planned wedding - so many cool ideas executed so well!

Like I said earlier, GORGEOUS!

Simply together :)

The wedding posse:

At the Reception:

Just getting started…

Partayyybooth, anyone?!! *</:)

Too much fun? No such thing.

Epic ring shot to wrap up:

Canon 5D Mark II // Speedlite, 100mm f/2.8, Rokinon 85mm f/1.4, Canon 24mm TSE f/3.5L

I first met Amy while helping out with the Kids’ program at Vine, when she was introduced to me as the wonderfully meticulous designer and decorator, an artist in many ways. I was then introduced to Neil as Amy’s fiancee. I remember my first thought being, “This must be a great guy.” I thought this because a special person like Amy would be loved well, and the more I got to know Neil, the more I understood this to be true! Apparently, everyone who know and love them agree :)

Neil and Amy, thank you for living a Love that is courageous.
Again, CONGRATULATIONS!

Bubbles are so great out of focus :p

Best jumping-photo skillz ever :) I would especially like to point out the high-fiving duo to the left of the Knight’s :)

I’m not a mathematician by any means, but from my observations, N+A = completion :)

Tech stuff: Canon 5D MkII, 16-35mm f/2.8L, 50mm f/1.2L, 70-200mm f/2.8L IS

N + A = :)

Bubble bokeh! :)

As always, more to come :)

Here’s the situation:

Michelle: I liked him for 6 years before he ever asked me out ~ phew! That was a long time! (ps. I knew he would like me – my personality – if he got to know me).

Michael: When we started hanging out more, I would give her the flirty eyes every now and then. We quasi-dated, I panicked and called it off, then pined after her for another year before FINALLY asking her out for good. Great choice!

Here’s what happened:

Clique Hair Salon (Marion, IL)

Carterville, IL

Throughout the day, Michael kept saying, “Ask me what time it is!” What a BOSS.

Carbondale, IL

Marion, IL

“Now, before we open up the dance floor, I would like to show you all how it’s done.” (Please watch the accompanying video!)

Everyone was so excited to get onto the dance floor after this! :)

Here are a couple of quiet moments from their first look to conclude :) Congratulations! Thank you so much for sharing such a beautiful occasion with us all.

Tech Stuff: Canon 5D MkII, 7D, 16-35mm f/2.8L II, 24mm f/1.4L, 45mm TSE f/2.8, 70-200mm f/2.8L IS