Good Omen Photography

It's easy to feel small and insignificant. I pose questions to myself like why do I recycle or does me being vegan really make an impact? Can one person make a difference? At some point, people along the way inspired me to make more fruitful choices. I bet they asked themselves these same questions. I don't have all the answers, and I can't show proof that what I do is actually helping the animals or the environment. What I do have is a soft spot for innocent life and a determination to promote change in the way people think about the voiceless. I know that over the past 4+ years, my wife, son and myself have had conversations with others about our lifestyle. We even have a worm farm that turns all of our scraps into fertilizer for our garden. These decisions we made are not only self sustaining, but they make me think about other aspects of my life and how I can improve on them. I just want to be better. I want to be a better guest on this planet. I want to be a better sibling to my kin. I want to be a better photographer for my clients. And maybe if I just keep trying to be better, I won't feel so small and insignificant. Maybe I can even inspire someone else to see the bigger picture like someone had shown me. Turn to your partner and ask them if you made a difference in their life. I'm willing to bet that you've made me of an impact than you realize. Swipe for the before image... ◦ ◦ Good Omen Photography ◦ ◦ #weddingphotography #weddingphotographyideas #weddingphotographyinspiration #weddingphotographysociety #wedding #weddinginspiration #weddingday #weddingideas #weddingstyle #weddingblog #marriage #marriagegoals #marriagestory #loveforever #weddinglegends #lovephotography2 #weddingphotographer #chicagobride #chicagowedding #chicagoweddingphotographer #bride #classicwedding #weddingideas #weddingplanning #weddingchicks #couplegoals #weddinginspo #weddingday #weddingtheme #elopementphotographer (at Cantigny Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/CovdeLJv-2Y/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

The seasons come and go so fast that i can't wrap my head around the swiftness of time. Some days I yearn for night to come, whether stress gets the best of me or I just need to rest my body and soul. Other days I wish would never end. With about 100 weddings under my belt, I can honestly say I've held on to the time I spend with my couples until our final goodbyes (and even long after). I know this is your day, but I'd be lying if i said it didn't mean something special to me as well. I'm surrounded by intense emotion, families reunited, love celebrated. It's beautiful, and I wish I could find a better word, but beauty conveys exactly what my eyes tell my mind. Yes, the flowers are always lovely and the table settings have a character of their own, but the beauty I speak of exists in a form that you cannot feel physically. It's present in every smile and first look, ignited through every kiss and caress. It's the long gaze in a lover's eyes and knowing exactly how that feels. The weightlessness of it all, yet heavy all the same. I don't just show up to weddings - I experience them with you, knot in throat when the vows are read and tears in my eyes at the first kiss. I'm often praised for my ability to convey the authenticity of a wedding day, and this isn't a humble brag, but more an explanation as to why that is. Because I feel everything everywhere & all the time, with you and for you... ◦ ◦ Good Omen Photography ◦ ◦ #weddingphotography #weddingphotographyideas #weddingphotographyinspiration #weddingphotographysociety #wedding #weddinginspiration #weddingday #weddingideas #weddingstyle #weddingblog #marriage #marriagegoals #marriagestory #loveforever #weddinglegends #lovephotography2 #weddingphotographer #chicagobride #chicagowedding #chicagoweddingphotographer #bride #classicwedding #weddingideas #weddingplanning #weddingchicks #couplegoals #weddinginspo #weddingday #weddingtheme #elopementphotographer (at Morton Arboretum) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn76ZUUvox8/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Two years ago, I got to marry my best friend. Now we get the pleasure of capturing that romance for all our couples as a married photography hype team! We only get one life in these bodies, and I'm so fortunate to be spending it with you and our beautiful children. Happy anniversary my love... ◦ ◦ Photos by @givewitness (at Naperville, Illinois) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cis38N3u8dE/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

The day before shooting a wedding is always a good time for reflection. I think about all the shots I've taken, what I could've done better, and how to show up as my best self. Tomorrow I'm shooting a wedding and today I'm reflecting on the second wedding I ever shot. It's very humbling to think about all the people who believed in me, leaving the corporate world to invest in myself. And to this day, people are putting their utmost trust in my talent and also me as a person who will be a big part of event. I am not only grateful, but also solidified in my stance that this is where I belong - capturing love for incredible people... ◦ ◦ Good Omen Photography ◦ ◦ #chicagoweddingphotography #chicagoweddingphotograper #weddingphotographer #weddingphotographers #chicagowedding #chicagoweddings #chicagoweddingvenue #gettingmarried #couplegoals #bridal #weddingdress #weddingdresses #chicagosmallbusiness #chicagophotographer #chicagophotographers #weddingsonpoint #bridetobe #bride #bridesquad #bridesmaids #brideandgroom (at Chicago, Illinois) https://www.instagram.com/p/CXU3vKfIc33/?utm_medium=tumblr

I know this engagement shoot looks super romantic, and it was, but we were blasting hard rock/nu metal the entire time 😂😎 @getmorechevelle was the anthem because we tailor your experience with us as best as we can. Plus, Chevelle is life 🤘🏾... ◦ ◦ Good Omen Photography ◦ ◦ #weddingphotography #weddingphotographyideas  #weddingphotographyinspiration #weddingphotographysociety #wedding #weddinginspiration #weddingday #weddingideas #weddingstyle #weddingblog #marriage #marriagegoals #marriagestory #loveforever #weddinglegends #lovephotography2 #weddingphotographer #chicagobride #chicagowedding #chicagoweddingphotographer #bride #classicwedding #weddingideas #weddingplanning #weddingchicks #couplegoals #weddinginspo #weddingday #weddingtheme #elopementphotographer   (at Cook County, Illinois) https://www.instagram.com/p/CW89OmQJrUt/?utm_medium=tumblr

The Chateau Bu-Sche is a comfortable space with a pretty riverwalk and plenty of room for celebration. Their workers were very friendly and accommodating, the grounds were clean and I would not be disappointed if I had to shoot another event there. Everything you need for a memorable time and beautiful pictures exist within walking distance, making this venue a great one stop shop for any wedding... ◦ ◦ Good Omen Photography ◦ ◦ #weddingphotography #weddingphotographyideas #weddingphotographyinspiration #weddingphotographysociety #wedding #weddinginspiration #weddingday #weddingideas #weddingstyle #weddingblog #marriage #marriagegoals #marriagestory #loveforever #weddinglegends #lovephotography2 #weddingphotographer #chicagobride #chicagowedding #chicagoweddingphotographer #bride #classicwedding #weddingideas #weddingplanning #weddingchicks #couplegoals #weddinginspo #weddingday #weddingtheme #elopementphotographer (at The Chateau Bu-Sche) https://www.instagram.com/p/CWzFRV4pQEp/?utm_medium=tumblr

For us indigenous people (and for cool progressives), today is the National Day of Mourning. Acknowledging this is working toward change where we no longer accept the lies of colonization that have been perpetuated throughout American history. My Native ancestors are very loud today, and the emotion in my chest tells me they live through me, today and for the rest of days.... ◦ ◦ Good Omen Photography ◦ ◦ #weddingphotography #weddingphotographyideas #weddingphotographyinspiration #weddingphotographysociety #wedding #weddinginspiration #weddingday #weddingideas #weddingstyle #weddingblog #marriage #marriagegoals #marriagestory #loveforever #weddinglegends #lovephotography2 #weddingphotographer #chicagobride #chicagowedding #chicagoweddingphotographer #bride #classicwedding #weddingideas #weddingplanning #weddingchicks #couplegoals #weddinginspo #weddingday #weddingtheme #nationaldayofmourning (at Naperville, Illinois) https://www.instagram.com/p/CWtlkoTpxTP/?utm_medium=tumblr

I'm a spiritual person. I burn sage, talk to my ancestors and feel energy all around me. There's something sacred about getting married in nature that I hold close to my heart. My wife and I got married in the middle of the woods and I wouldn't have it any other way. The little plot of forest was located in between two apartment complexes, but it was as magical as any stretch of preserved Earth. We chose that location because it was our family nature trail, one we discovered after two years of living down the street from. When I think of that spot, I think about the times my wife and I were so stressed out from life that we just said "let's go on a walk!" We used that opportunity to bring our family closer, teaching our kids about various topics while we foraged for berries and spotted wildlife. We talked about our feelings and emotions, using it as a safe space to get anything off our chest. It was a time when I was struggling heavily with my mental health, but that trail was my escape from it all. It was the place where our family really shaped into who we are today. Little things add up to big things, and that place will forever be the biggest little part of my life. If you're contemplating on getting married out in nature, I'm here say you won't regret it... ◦ ◦ Good Omen Photography ◦ ◦ #weddingphotography #weddingphotographyideas #weddingphotographyinspiration #weddingphotographysociety #wedding #weddinginspiration #weddingday #weddingideas #weddingstyle #weddingblog #marriage #marriagegoals #marriagestory #loveforever #weddinglegends #lovephotography2 #weddingphotographer #chicagobride #chicagowedding #chicagoweddingphotographer #bride #classicwedding #weddingideas #weddingplanning #weddingchicks #couplegoals #weddinginspo #weddingday #weddingtheme #elopementphotographer (at Naperville, Illinois) https://www.instagram.com/p/CV_UAHgpNDb/?utm_medium=tumblr

$200. That's how much I made shooting my first full wedding! I had been shooting portraits, boudoir and lifestyle photos for years, but weddings always had my interest. You'd think I would've been full of nerves, but honestly, I was more calm than any shoot I've done up to that point. I felt like I found my place in this crazy world, and that would be at the service to others. We all need money to survive, but I wanted what I did for a living to impact other people's lives in the most meaningful way. I was selling cell phones for Verizon at the time, and I was damn good at it! My first full year in the company, I made top 10% in the nation amongst salespeople in one of the largest companies in the world. I ran the accounts for the Chicago Blackhawks, Two Brothers Brewery and many other big names. But what did I have when I went to sleep at night besides money? It sure wasn't self fulfillment. I thought about what I loved the most at Verizon, and that was interacting with all my clients. I would hear about their families, culture, hardships, celebrations and so much more. Now that I shoot weddings, I have an even bigger connection with my clients, to the point where I feel like one of their relatives by the end of the night. But most importantly, I get to give them something more than a cell phone that will last 2 years (if you're lucky). I get to deliver memories, and for some, my photos are the last pictures they'll have of people incredibly important in their lives. I go to bed these days knowing I am making a difference, and someone somewhere throughout time will always be grateful that I was there with my camera. That's fulfillment. ... ◦ ◦ Good Omen Photography ◦ ◦ #weddingphotography #weddingphotographyideas #weddingphotographyinspiration #weddingphotographysociety #wedding #weddinginspiration #weddingday #weddingideas #weddingstyle #weddingblog #marriage #marriagegoals #marriagestory #loveforever #weddinglegends #lovephotography2 #weddingphotographer #chicagobride #chicagowedding #chicagoweddingphotographer #bride #classicwedding #weddingideas #weddingplanning #weddingchicks #couplegoals #weddinginspo #weddingday #weddingtheme #elopementphotographer (at Chicago, Illinois) https://www.instagram.com/p/CV6HQkMJWYQ/?utm_medium=tumblr

Happy 1 year of marriage, my love. 🖤 This first picture is actually a screenshot, one from a snapchat I took the very first day I met Gabi on 6-1-15. I have an actual phobia of losing memories, one of the reasons I started carrying around a camera in the first place. I took this snapchat as a safeguard in case I never saw her again. I wanted the memory of her to live forever. And I wanted to remember the happiest day of my life. Here we are over 6 years later and I couldn't be more thankful to share my life with someone who refused to give up on the concept of 'us forever'. You see, our relationship hasn't been perfect. Gabi and I had a lot of unhealed trauma when we met, and we would experience even our as our relationship progressed. But we put in so much work behind the scenes, improving ourselves so we could hold our love with the kind of gentle hands it deserves. Today I will reflect on every 'I love you' that we told each other. I'll think about every night we fell asleep crying only to wipe our tears in the morning and move our family forward. I'll think about the time we split apart, and how sad and scared I was to not have you by my side - a feeling I'll never have to endure again. Thanks to you and your unstoppable love for me. I am eternally grateful for every snapchat, every picture, every undocumented moment of pure bliss with you, my love. Thank you for a beautiful 1 year of marriage and the daily assurance that this will last a lifetime. (at Yorkville, Illinois) https://www.instagram.com/p/CUAodqCFkbm/?utm_medium=tumblr

I always try to give my couples a unique perspective on the day. What did you look like coming down the aisle? What did your guests see? My newest work will have much more of a cinematic feel. I'll be incorporating film into my wedding photography which will push me into a more creative direction. My best is yet to come and I can't wait to share it with you all... ◦ ◦ Good Omen Photography ◦ ◦ #modelthrowdown #weddingphotography #weddingphotographyideas #weddingphotographyinspiration #weddingphotographysociety #wedding #weddinginspiration #weddingday #weddingideas #weddingstyle #weddingblog #marriage #marriagegoals #marriagestory #loveforever #loveandlight #lovephotography2 (at Chicago, Illinois) https://www.instagram.com/p/CPbGOxNFqmh/?utm_medium=tumblr

We channeled major @lanadelrey vibes in this recent maternity shoot. (at Allerton Park and Retreat Center) https://www.instagram.com/p/CPYuYhCAzSk/?utm_medium=tumblr

If you're thinking about an outdoor ceremony, I'm here to give you that nod of approval (experience may vary depending on weather and time of year 😬). (at Naperville, Illinois) https://www.instagram.com/p/COQs4Poln4M/?igshid=1dgn6iyewfcnh

I live for those candid moments that look straight out of a movie. My #godoxad200 was positioned perfectly to separate the couple from the crowd. I can almost hear the music playing... ◦ ◦ Good Omen Photography ◦ ◦ #modelthrowdown #weddingphotography #weddingphotographyideas #weddingphotographyinspiration #weddingphotographysociety #wedding #weddinginspiration #weddingday #weddingideas #weddingstyle #weddingblog #marriage #marriagegoals #marriagestory #loveforever #loveandlight #lovephotography2 (at Chicago, Illinois) https://www.instagram.com/p/CNDnf1aFQ6D/?igshid=pvbutxju47e6

Greetings from NC! My family and I are here for the next week visiting Nana. I just wanted to remind everyone to continue to #STOPAAPIHATE because racism is a pandemic and love is the vaccine ✊🏻✊🏽✊🏿... ◦ ◦ Good Omen Photography ◦ ◦ #modelthrowdown #weddingphotography #weddingphotographyideas #weddingphotographyinspiration #weddingphotographysociety #wedding #weddinginspiration #weddingday #weddingideas #weddingstyle #weddingblog #marriage #marriagegoals #marriagestory #loveforever #loveandlight #lovephotography2 #stopasianhate (at Naperville, Illinois) https://www.instagram.com/p/CNA30ypFrJT/?igshid=yig7kmbywzx0

The first kiss as a married couple is one of my favorite moments from the wedding day. It etches a new beginning, two souls fused together for the rest of time... ◦ ◦ Good Omen Photography ◦ ◦ #modelthrowdown #weddingphotography #weddingphotographyideas #weddingphotographyinspiration #weddingphotographysociety #wedding #weddinginspiration #weddingday #weddingideas #weddingstyle #weddingblog #marriage #marriagegoals #marriagestory #loveforever #loveandlight #lovephotography2 (at Chicago, Illinois) https://www.instagram.com/p/CL9wo9SF3vG/?igshid=niu9y7ne4n6k

I love the connection I make through photography. Shooting a wedding can lead to a lifelong relationship. Whether it's capturing those maternity shots or the whole family, I get to be a part of someone else's intimate and personal moments. I get to see their unique love evolve and expand over time. If that isn't fulfilling, I don't know what is.... ◦ ◦ Good Omen Photography ◦ ◦ #portraitphotography #maternityphotography #maternityshoot #maternityphotoshoot #portraitpage #agameofportraits #pregnant #pregnancy (at Naperville, Illinois) https://www.instagram.com/p/CL7XcoFl9R4/?igshid=1rs923nfa1d1j