Oh man! Where to start? I met the Beautiful Monika about 15 years ago. We worked our first job together at the fabulous Jewel-Osco. We became friends pretty quickly and had a great little group. From late night fridays at the local pool hall to retaliating pranks by saran wrapping our buddy’s car.. There was never a dull moment – especially when you are a teenager. Flash forward about two years and we have a new hire. Alex- Turns out he and Monika actually had attended the same high school and had no idea. See, Alex was a football player and Monika was captain of the bowling team. They were in completely different social networks. Meeting for the first time at our workplace allowed them the freedom to get to know each other without the typical sterotypes getting in the way. It didn’t take long at all for the spark between them to ignite. A few months later they were officially dating. Flash forward to the exciting college years as they both attended NIU together. I remember visiting Monika & Alex for Monika’s 21st birthday. They were so perfect together and so noticeably in love. In July of 07 Alex proposed in Monika’s mother’s backyard with the their loved ones present. Just one year and a few short weeks later on July 8th of 2008 they said I do at the elegant Patrick Haley Mansion in Joliet, Il. Ten years and two beautiful boys later it only seemed fitting to come back to the very place they said “I Do” for a special anniversary shoot. Happy Anniversary Monika & Alex!!! Thank you for trusting me to capture these memories for you. It is an honor to know you both.
Most of you probably don’t know that if it wasn’t for Monika – I may never have chosen to pursue my passion in Photography. She has been there to answer my crazy questions and helped encourage me when I have felt like throwing in the towel as so many of us often do. I am grateful for her and her loving heart! Capturing this special anniversary for you means so much to me. Congratulations!
