It never hit me that yesterday was 06-07-08 until I was processing some images from my nephew’s pre-wedding photo session at my studio.  I love plays on numbers, last year all the rage was to have a wedding on 07-07-07 (probably in Vegas, right?).  I wonder if 06-07-08 was in any demand for the die hard wedding photogs?

Incidentally i have received about six phone calls, two emails and a couple of shout outs on the internet about the status of my studio (it’s located in Wilmington which was one of the areas hit by tornadoes in the Chicago Southland yesterday).  all is good as far as i can tell.  from what i understand tornadoes went through the south part of town (my studio is more north in the historic downtown area).  thankfully no one was hurt from what i’ve read.  i’ll only know for sure once i get down there in the next few days.  All is good on this front (thankfully) and thanks to all of you who have been worried and trying to get in touch with me to find out if we’re ok.

• • • • • •

Yesterday was a BUSY busy day in Marmaland.  First, I photographed my nephew’s fiance in the a.m. at her parents home and then did pre wedding bridals & bridal party images at my studio.  I love LOVE the concept of getting wedding images taken pre wedding and eschewing the antiquated notion of the bride & groom not seeing each other pre wedding.  Somehow I suspect that many couples who have not made good on their marriage vows did follow the don’t see your bride before the wedding notion so right there is the debunking of that old thought.

Secondly, what better time to get images taken then when you are freshly made up, get to relish in that pre wedding time with your beloved and get to spend some time more relaxed and less rush rush then in between ceremony & reception?  Other than doing these sort of images post ceremony several days/weeks later I cannot think of a more wonderful way to capture a bride & groom then pre wedding.  It helps eat of that pre jitters time and occupy your minds with something else and personally it’s more relaxed photographically speaking.  I noticed that I had more "play" time to be creative and the bride and groom just opened up to the camera.  So although I do weddings fairly sparingly (usually intentionally so) I so enjoyed the prewedding photography shoot so much I thought I’d give a shout out for it so that if some bride or groom stumbles upon this PSA they will know that it truly is a good trend in photography.  I even have pix to prove it!!

 

Chicago South Suburban Photographer

 

Chicagoland Bride

 

South Suburban Wedding

 

Chicago South Weddings

 

A huge huge thank you to Jacqueline’s, a beautiful, beautiful shoppe next door to my studio (the owners also own a bed & breakfast in Wilmington called Chester Manor which I recommend for anyone making a weekend of it).  Jacqueline’s is a Parisian inspired boutique that carries just beautiful items for Francophiles and non Francophiles alike.  Every time I walk into her shop I sigh because it’s just THAT lovely.  A definite must stop for any of you coming out to the studio or making an antiques excursion out…

 

Finally,  yesterday was recital at the Rialto Square Theatre for my little darlings (who can’t seem to make up their mind about dance.  Are they done?  Are they not?  They don’t seem to know.  Last week they were DONE DONE DONE and this week, it’s a whole new ballgame.  Gotta love indecisive girls).  I got some great shots in Rialto of my youngest in her adorable costume that I’ll share here.  A big thank you to Pam’s Academy of Dance who puts on this spectacular show, year after year, fairly flawlessly.  I cannot begin to fathom the extent of what it takes to put on a number like this!

 

Joliet Photographer

 

Rialto Square Theatre

 

Thanks for stopping in.  🙂

 

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  • Paula - June 8, 2008 - 2:19 pm

    wow… first, off, congrats making it thru a very long day. The wedding shots are gorgeous. Very lucky bride and groom to have you in the family!!!! The recital outfit is GORGEOUS! And, tornadoes??? YIKES. Keep us up to date!

  • Pammy - June 8, 2008 - 4:28 pm

    Glad you are okay.

  • Susan Braswell - June 8, 2008 - 4:35 pm

    I wanted to especially comment on the wedding images. Okay I am about to scream – MARE, WOW YOU WERE DESTINED TO DO WEDDINGS. The post processing, angles, crops everything is perfect to a T. I hope you book more…

  • Danna Bowes - June 8, 2008 - 5:21 pm

    so glad you are ok…..

    these images are absolutely stunning!! The one of her looking in the mirror is so beautiful. And the last one of the little girl is adorable.

  • Terrilyn - June 8, 2008 - 6:49 pm

    Oh Mare, these are just BREATHTAKING. Wow.

  • Mellissa DeMille - June 9, 2008 - 9:22 am

    First off, so glad to hear that both you and your studio are okay! And second, you rocked this day. I agree with Susan, you really should consider doing more wedding photography and those dance recital images are just dreamy.

  • Samara Hutcheson - June 9, 2008 - 11:54 am

    Amazing wedding images Mare, just amazing. Seriously makes me want to get married again and hire you!! Well keep the same guy but just do it all over again 😉 And your girls, well gosh are they cute or what!

  • stacey woods - June 9, 2008 - 3:53 pm

    wow wow wow, i have to agree with susan here. these wedding images are FLAWLESS, and the couple looks so extremely relaxed. i think you are so right about the prewedding idea!! and yes, please book more so i can see them, lol!

    and those last two shots of your littlest girl are divine. divine! especially the color one… oh my goodness what fantastic light coming through that door!!!

    ahh, always a treat to visit the marmablog…. 😉

  • Bunny - June 9, 2008 - 9:14 pm

    As the mother of the bride I first want to thank you for making everything go as great as it did for the pictures you were awesome. And the pictures you have posted are great love them and I can not wait to get to see the rest.Abd the girls pictures are awesome to. Again thanks for your support and handling everything like you did.

  • PamN - June 10, 2008 - 5:17 am

    I was wowed by the wedding shots, and wowed again by the shots of your daughter! You are amazing!

  • elizabeth - June 10, 2008 - 8:22 am

    Glad you are ok with all that severe weather and can I just say HOLY COW on the images.. wow girl.. these are stunning

  • Tara McGlinchey - June 10, 2008 - 2:51 pm

    Wow! Your wedding work is fantastic. Add me to the list of those who want to remarry and hire you. 🙂

  • Royann - June 10, 2008 - 7:23 pm

    I wanted to publicly thank Marianne again for the wonderful photos of Brian’s wedding she was terrific and the photos are to. Also thanks for the one of me and Brian everyone has loved it, especially since I didn’t take one of myself. Now I can’t wait for the rest, the little sample just wasn’t enough. I know they’ll love them to when they get back from Jamicia. thanks again

  • Jen Lane - June 10, 2008 - 11:23 pm

    OK, first, SO glad to hear all is well with the studio! Phew!!!

    Second-WOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW!!!!!!!!!! You seriously ROCK wedding stuff! Girl, these are too beautiful, too cool, too incredible for words. Sheesh! Could your nephew and his bride to be, be any more beautiful?! Really Mare, these are just stunning! VERY well done!

    And finally, omg could she be any sweeter?! I know by the time the recital is over the kids are just wiped out, but give them a week and they are ready to do it all over again, lol.

  • Marianne - June 11, 2008 - 6:45 am

    thanks everyone. wow….i feel overwhelmed with the wedding love! ha. 😉

  • kathy wolfe - June 11, 2008 - 5:25 pm

    first i want to say that i’m glad you are ok…

    next i need to say that your work blows me away and i cant believe you arent into the wedding business….these are freaking stunning… stunning!!

  • becca - June 14, 2008 - 5:41 pm

    love that shot at the door in her dance costume!! Just gorgeousss!!!

  • Francesca - June 25, 2008 - 11:53 am

    Your girls are as cute as ever and your pictures keep getting more amazing and inspired. happy 4th!

  • KATIE MOORE - July 7, 2008 - 2:41 pm

    FIRST I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR DOING OUR PICTURES… THEY ARE BEAUTFULL I CAN’T WAITE TO SEE THE REST..YOU WERE SO MUCH HELP ON THE DAY OF THE WEDDING YOU HAD SOME GREAT PICTURE IDEA’S AND WE COULDN’T THANK YOU ENOUGH.. SORRY IT TOOK SO LONG FOR ME TO POST SOMTHING WE HAVE BEEN VERY BUSY MOVING.. WELL HOPE ALL IS WELL I LOVE LOURENS PICS FROM HER DANCE THING THEY ARE SO BEAUTFULL TO YOUR KIDS ARE SUCH GOOD PICTURE TAKERS .. WELL TALK TO YA SOON.. LOVE KATIE 8)

over the past several years i have been blown away by the kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity by others.  each time something good happens to me i am reminded of the inherent good in people (despite the noise around us, in the media, on the streets, all the negativity).  people in general are thoughtful, kind, well thought out.  i have been especially privy to this as of late….

on this note, i have to thank some very special people in my life for some niceties over the past month or so.  stuff i appreciate whole heartedly.  stuff that i adore.  stuff that is too generous.  stuff that is a bonus, the little extra icing on the cake for the wonderful gifts these people bring to my life on a regular basis.

 

first off, to whitney who gave what i shall never tell.  LOL.  Duane got a kick out of it, btw.  😉

Victoria

 

and a huge thank you to susan who knew how down in the dumps i have been and is always a kind soul.  i’m glad things are looking up for you now as well susan!

Yummy Box

 

and housed within is sinful delight!  biscotti from new york.   yum-o!

biscotti delight

 

finally to paula, who knows more about me than i probably know about me.  she’s journeyed with me on & off for about six years now and we began our photo journey together.  this came as an absolute out of the blue surprise and my family is ever grateful.  thanks to her & her big strapping SEO guy!  🙂

Wii for You, Wii for Me

 

thank you to my blog readers who tune in to read about my misadventures from time to time.  thank you to my clients for being the most awesome clients ever.  thank you to my family & friends for putting up with me.  thank you to all of you have touched my life.  i don’t want to be superfluous with my gratitude but at the same time today, i feel extra grateful.  probably to make up for the past week when i’ve been feeling less than grateful….

message for the day:  start your day with gratitude.  gratitude for living today and the ability to live life well with your family and friends beside you.  live life today as if it were your last day.  and do that tomorrow and the next day…you’ll never go wrong.

 

p.s. oh my gosh, i owe a thank you to nichole (i owe you email!  i know, i know, i’ve been in a fog this past week) and to so many others for all sorts of things.  🙂  i adore you all…i appreciate you being a part of my life.  xoxo

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  • Pammy - June 7, 2008 - 9:41 am

    What a great way to start off my morning and think about. Glad you are feeling better!

  • Paula - June 7, 2008 - 11:21 am

    😀 I’d tell you to turn that thing off so you don’t run down the battery (as I yell at my son constantly for doing….) but I see you are green and rechargeable! Good Girl!

  • Terrilyn - June 7, 2008 - 12:52 pm

    Totally deserving!! Mare, you have such a sweet soul, it’s obvious to all. You deserve all the kindness you’ve received.

  • Susan Braswell - June 8, 2008 - 11:51 am

    You are welcome and that box is divine. I always trust she will take care of me .. glad you have enjoyed it.

This is guaranteed to make you cry.  If you ever watched Six Feet Under you may already be familiar with this clip but if you haven’t let me warn you (even without knowing the characters) I suspect you’ll cry long & hard.

This clip at the end of this fabulous series was part of a series of events that changed my life and put things in huge perspective for me.  Not much in pop culture is worthy of such a statement but the final few moments made me realize how quickly things pass.  It reiterated my love and passion for my then early burgeoning career as a photographer and truly solidified my feelings and thoughts in the direction I was going to head in my business.

Pretty deep.

So what’s so awesome about this clip?  I’ll let it speak for itself….however the bestest part is "Breathe Me" by Sia which is a song that haunted me LONG after I finally deleted the episode off of TiVo (after watching it no less than 20x and subjecting my husband to my talk about it long after).   Even after (what’s it been, 2-3 years?) all this time I still cried like a baby during it…and that my friends is enough to want to share it here, you know, since I’m all about savoring your time here & now.

So think about your day and what sort of memory making will you create for those around you while you watch this video clip.

 

 

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  • heather - June 6, 2008 - 8:28 am

    Without a doubt, the BEST series finale of all time. LOVE LOVE LOVE it -thanks for posting. No dry eyes here, either!

  • MISSY - June 6, 2008 - 11:59 am

    this is without a doubt my favorite part of the series too!! it touched me on so many different levels.

    beautiful post. i am so crying again from watching it lol

  • Paula - June 6, 2008 - 2:01 pm

    wow…. I have never seen that before. What a stunning bit of cinematography…… (jaw dropped… wiping tears…) Thanks for sharing. 🙂

  • chantelle bliss - June 6, 2008 - 4:35 pm

    i have only just started watching this series and have just finished season 2 – Nate was just going in for brain surgery – I am addicted……unfortunately I can’t watch this now or it will ruin it all for me….my fingers are itching to play it though…lol

  • Christie Provost - June 7, 2008 - 5:47 am

    ACK, i can’t watch it or read the comments because i’m still making my way through season 4 from netflix. now i’m really excited to finish watching this show! i’m so intrigued that it affected you this way…

  • Julie - June 7, 2008 - 8:49 am

    Okay….WOW! I have never see that show, but now I totally have to get the DVDs. That was a very moving clip. Thanks for sharing it!

  • Lisa - June 11, 2008 - 1:02 pm

    Yikes, that clip is as moving as it was when it first aired. Definitely one of the best examples of television. And such a good example of how quickly life goes by. With the recent loss of a generation of my family, that clip says it all.

Hi Friends!

I have long wanted to expand upon the Q&A feature that I sometimes do with clients, many of my clients comment on what a cool idea it was to incorporate into the blog–personally I just love the "15 minutes of fame" thing (as an aside I have had a lot of Andy Warholisms in my life as of late which is oddly amusing to me at this point in my life).

So to feature my first IN THEIR WORDS segment….Whitney!  Whitney, for some of my regular blog readers, is a fantastic mom to two beautiful girls (aka Mare’s muses) and every time I see her/talk to her it’s like hanging out with an old friend.   She’s one of my many clients that "get" me (I swear I really am lucky in that respect), she took time out of her weekend this past April and helped me out by bringing her adorable girls to the studio for the benefit of my workshop attendees and came out later in the month to do images for Mother’s Day with the whole family!!  She recently emailed me in great anticipation for delivery: "I can’t wait until my house is Marmalized!"  For just only that little phrase–I simply adore her.

Recently she agreed to be my first In Their Words client.  The purpose: showcase the client’s 4 fave images from their session and have them tell the blog readers in a Reader’s Digest sort of manner WHAT they feel about these favorite images.  Because it’s client’s choice you may (may not) have seen these images at blog preview time. 

(drumroll please) IN THEIR WORDS time with Whitney:

 

Channahon Photographer

 

"Such joy in that face and those tippy toes!  My baby girl getting bigger – So full of life.  This is Lyla – Period!"

 

Suburban Chicago Professional Photographer

 

"This is true art!  Madeleine looks so small and magical.  I love the expression on her face and the little glimpse of Lambie behind my back. "

(as an aside, Lambie is a regular in our sessions together, sort of like a guest star)

 

Family Photographer

"I love this shot of my baby being led by her Daddy.  I imagine that one day this piece will be hanging in her home.  Chris looks so strong and gentle at the same time.  Perfection!"

 

 

Professional Photographer

"I love this family shot.  Even though Mad is turned away, you can catch a little bit of her cheek and you know she is laughing.  Ring Around the Rosey – Ring Around My Heart."

 

 

A huge thank you to Whitney and her beautiful family and a huge thank you to all of you for stopping in, emailing and commenting on the blog.  The beauty and love that I am lucky enough to witness and experience makes this job my life’s purpose feel worthy of the wonderful families that have touched my life over the past few years.  I cannot wait to hear what my other IN THEIR WORDS clients will have to say about their images…I am only thankful that my vision and the inspiration that I gather from being in the presence of these families’ love and light brings them joy in the final end pieces that grace their walls (and their hearts) forever.

Namaste.

(as an aside, i’ve put a little mix tape together for you all)

 

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  • Samara Hutcheson - June 3, 2008 - 5:28 am

    Amazing work as always! Loved getting to see Mom’s thoughts too!

  • Daveen - June 3, 2008 - 8:05 am

    So fun to read and what a beautiful glimpse into this family’s lives.

  • Paula - June 3, 2008 - 3:06 pm

    Gorgeous – so wonderful to read your reactions, Whitney. Of course the focus is normally on the children but you look stunning in your beautiful red dress. Gorgeous work, Mare.

  • Paula - June 3, 2008 - 3:11 pm

    OH, and the mix tape is WAY COOL!!!!

  • Jen Lane - June 3, 2008 - 7:37 pm

    What a BEAUTIFUL idea, and beautiful showcase!

  • Dawn - June 3, 2008 - 7:58 pm

    I love your work Mare. Just gorgeous.

  • allie - June 3, 2008 - 9:46 pm

    Beautiful Mare. Just gorgeous images. Scrumptious.

  • CarmenM@carmenmiller - June 4, 2008 - 10:12 am

    I love your mix tape! I’m a huge pixies fan and I had a little flashback listening to that song.
    Beautiful pictures too. I love your work!

  • lisa mak - June 4, 2008 - 6:07 pm

    what a wonderful idea! i love reading your client’s reactions…and then looking deeper into the picture. brilliant!

  • jen wilson - June 4, 2008 - 7:46 pm

    What a great idea – and I love the word *marmalized*! Those photos are all gorgeous and it is great to hear what *mommmy* thought…

    jen 🙂

  • MaryAnn T - June 4, 2008 - 11:56 pm

    Mare, you’re an inspiration!

  • corey civetta - June 5, 2008 - 4:28 am

    Beautiful work! I love them all … and that mixed tape is really cool!

  • Kelli - June 5, 2008 - 7:11 am

    Lovely, I can see why mom is in love with these images.

  • Stacy W. - June 5, 2008 - 7:44 am

    Mare, these are beautiful as usual! And the heartfelt commentary by mom makes them even more special. What a great peek into what your work means to this family!

  • June - June 5, 2008 - 7:31 pm

    Amazing images! And what special words from mom. You DO create art, Marm!

  • stacey woods - June 6, 2008 - 5:36 am

    oh mare, what a difference you are making in your clients’ lives by sharing your art, and incredible talent, with them. i loved hearing mom’s personal connection to each one of these pieces. wonderful, fantastic idea.

  • Julie - June 7, 2008 - 8:50 am

    What a beautiful series of photographs! I love them all!

  • Jody - October 22, 2008 - 1:10 pm

    Hello Mare =)
    I just found your website here while surfing for ideas on how to photograph my two darling baby grandaughters. I am just Dumbstruck with your talent and gorgeous work!
    I can only hope in time as I learn to make art with my canon, to capture at least One perfect photo.
    You are added to my blog roll so I can read often! Thanks for the help you give us newbies =)
    Jody

….with Miss B and Miss M (oops, I need to omit the Miss in there, B told me there is no "Miss" there).

I had the pleasure of working with K family this evening.  It was gorgeous out, warm enough for a great session outdoors with summer dresses on.  After a very weird spring where it never felt like it was going to warm up this evening was a nice break into the warm weather.  And the clothes that Galina brought for the session for the girls just tickled me.  Sundresses and fun capris (with rhinestones on the camouflage…I fell in love).  The girls were adorable, Miss B and her sister Miss M were curly haired cuties and I think the camera really loved ’em.

Thanks to their mom & dad for driving out from Lincolnshire for a Marmalade Location session (we did 3 mini locations, those girls were good to us letting us shuffle from place to place).  Enjoy the little sneak peek of your cuties!!

 

Chicago and Suburban Child Photographer

 

 

Suburban Chicago Professional Photographer

 

I love the look on her face.  You totally had to be there to get why.  LOL

Southwest Suburban Child Photographer

Thanks for stopping in.  Have a good one!

Namaste.

 

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  • Caitlin Domanico Pho - June 2, 2008 - 4:57 am

    What cute girls…I love the setting.

  • PamN - June 2, 2008 - 6:16 am

    Oh those outfits are perfect for those cuties, love ’em! The green outdoor setting really shows these girls off – gorgeous artwork!

  • elizabeth - June 2, 2008 - 6:33 am

    These are wonderful Mare..

  • Kendell Silveira - June 2, 2008 - 8:36 am

    Love the expressions. Such beautiful work!!! Those girls are darling!

  • Christie Provost - June 2, 2008 - 11:24 am

    marmalade, you are one of my absolute favorite photographers! these are just so lovely. you don’t need any gimmicks to make your images work, they just DO! beautiful emotion!

    christie

  • chantelle bliss - June 2, 2008 - 4:31 pm

    I really love these, especially the first one!

  • Jen Lane - June 3, 2008 - 7:40 pm

    oooohhhh my! LOVE these. What gorgeous girlies! These are all lovely but omgosh I am so drawn to #2! Just mesmerizing!

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