Archive for May, 2008

Indian Christian Fellowship Alumni Reunion

The Indian Christian Fellowship is a college ministry at the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign), which I had attended through my college career there. A couple weeks ago we had a little reunion with graduates from years past (about a decade covered!), and it was an awesome time to reconnect, play some games, eat some food and here what was going on and how things have been changing and transforming over the years. Here are some shots from the night:

A future Illini…


Indian Christian Fellowship Alumni Reunion

Indian Christian Fellowship Alumni Reunion

Indian Christian Fellowship Alumni Reunion

Indian Christian Fellowship Alumni Reunion

Indian Christian Fellowship Alumni Reunion

A few reflections…


Indian Christian Fellowship Alumni Reunion

Indian Christian Fellowship Alumni Reunion

Indian Christian Fellowship Alumni Reunion

Yes…it is a mustache! He’s doing a bit of a fundraiser at his church where the elders are growing mustaches (no beards, goatees, or anything like that) for 6 weeks! I think he should keep it even after the 6 weeks :)


Indian Christian Fellowship Alumni Reunion

Indian Christian Fellowship Alumni Reunion

Indian Christian Fellowship Alumni Reunion

The entire gang:


Indian Christian Fellowship Alumni Reunion

It’s great to be connected with such a rich organization that transcends yourself. Hopefully we’ll be able to get even more of the alumni to come out!

[05.26.08] Monday Night Recap

  • [Photo Challenge] There’s about a week left in this month’s challenge! This one takes a bit more ‘creativity’ and possible ‘work’ than the earlier ones, but I know my blog readers can do it! Looking forward to seeing your work!
  • [Cubbies] We’ve hit a bit of a slide lately, but no worries. Still holding strong at #1 in the NL Central…you can’t win ‘em all, right?
  • [LinkedIn] I’ve been trying to expand my network/’net-worth’ in many ways, as well as broaden my connections with others. My latest attempt is through the online professional network of LinkedIn. I’ve avoided it before just because I didn’t feel like joining another online network, but I recently recognized just how beneficial it could be. The biggest thing for me is realizing what everyone does! I have many friends in many different industries (medicine, teaching, engineering, business, etc.), but I really never knew what it was specifically. By knowing other people’s industries and abilities, we can find a way to see how we can benefit them, or they might be able to provide help for us. So get connected!
  • [Surprise Party] On Friday, I shot Ajoy’s surprise birthday party thrown by his sisters, held at Bin36 in downtown Chicago. Everything was beautifully set up and everybody had a great time. Here’s a detail shot to hold you over until i get them all processed:

  • Ajoy's Surprise Party at Bin36 in Chicago IL
  • [2 Years] On Saturday, my girlfriend and I celebrated our 2 year anniversary. We don’t always have tons of time to spend with each because she’s normally out in Champaign and we both have busy schedules (even in the summer), but we were able to take a day trip together downtown to Navy Pier. For her sake, though, I left the camera at home (…but I do plan on making another Navy Pier trip this summer for the purpose of taking pictures). We wandered the loop, went to Millennium Park, had dinner at Capi’s, saw a Vaudeville Magician, went on the Ferris Wheel, and took a Seadog boat ride (note: wear many layers on that thing…it’s cold!) All in all, it was a blast and very well needed.
  • [CMTC] On Sunday, it was a special time at my home church, as we had two of our diocesan bishops visiting. Because of the occasion, we had a combined service with both our church and the St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church, held in Evanston Township High School. Here’s one of my favorites…:

  • Chicago Mar Thoma Church in Evanston, IL
  • [Nap Time] I used to take a lot more naps when I was in college, but I was so drained yesterday afternoon that I took one after church…for 5 hours. During that time, I missed out on a softball game (we try to play softball on Sundays when people are free…first time this summer) as well as an after party/hangout. But I don’t mind…I needed the rest :)
  • [Memorial Day] As you probably noticed, this is an early post, because of Memorial Day. I’ll be heading over to my girlfriend’s place for lunch, and then going to my sister’s inlaws for dinner. I like these extended weekends, but I’m dreading a bit to go back to work…going to be some busy times this week. Ah well, so is life…Happy Memorial Day Everyone!

Nisha and Joel’s E-Session

(Seriously on a roll with this blogging thing! Is it too much, too fast?)

Nisha is my sister, and Joel and her will be getting married this July, so it was about time they got their e-session taken care of (I’ll be standing in the wedding, so I sadly won’t be shooting it)! We all grew up together…myself and my older sisters, Joel and his older sister, and my brother-in-law and his brother. We called ourselves the “Saturday Night Family”…as we basically would spend our Saturday nights together since we all lived within 5 minutes of each (…we were really cool, I know). We all grew up, and these two grew closer…from really good friends to soon to be husband and wife. After I got over the initial awkwardness of my shooting my sister, it turned out pretty well, I think. I figure if I can shoot an e-session my sister…I can shoot anyone! So bring it! :) They braved the semi-cold-not-really-warm weather out here, so mad props to them.


Joel and Nisha's E-Session in Arlington Heights, IL

Joel and Nisha's E-Session in Arlington Heights, IL

Joel and Nisha's E-Session in Arlington Heights, IL

Joel and Nisha's E-Session in Arlington Heights, IL

Joel and Nisha's E-Session in Arlington Heights, IL

Joel and Nisha's E-Session in Arlington Heights, IL

Joel and Nisha's E-Session in Arlington Heights, IL

Joel and Nisha's E-Session in Arlington Heights, IL

Joel and Nisha's E-Session in Arlington Heights, IL

Joel and Nisha's E-Session in Arlington Heights, IL

Joel and Nisha's E-Session in Arlington Heights, IL

Joel and Nisha's E-Session in Arlington Heights, IL

Joel and Nisha's E-Session in Arlington Heights, IL

Joel and Nisha's E-Session in Arlington Heights, IL

Joel and Nisha's E-Session in Arlington Heights, IL

Joel and Nisha's E-Session in Arlington Heights, IL

Joel and Nisha's E-Session in Arlington Heights, IL

Alright all, got a busy weekend ahead, so you probably won’t see an update again to Monday…that should give you more than enough time to review the recent posts and leave comments :)

Jane and Alan’s Wedding

I am on a roll blogging this week! This past weekend I attended the wedding of my good friends Alan and Jane. If you remember, I shot their e-session and engagement ceremony last year, so it was so great to finally see the ‘culmination’ of it all with their wedding. The wedding was held at the St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church in Lombard, IL, with the reception being hosted by Venuti’s Banquets in Addison.

The arrival (the bridesmaids were singing “Going To The Chapel..” on the way in)…


Jane and Alan's Wedding in Lombard Illinois and Venuti's Banquets in Addison

Hairstyles by Gigi…


Jane and Alan's Wedding in Lombard Illinois and Venuti's Banquets in Addison

Jane and Alan's Wedding in Lombard Illinois and Venuti's Banquets in Addison

Jane and Alan's Wedding in Lombard Illinois and Venuti's Banquets in Addison

Jane and Alan's Wedding in Lombard Illinois and Venuti's Banquets in Addison

Jane and Alan's Wedding in Lombard Illinois and Venuti's Banquets in Addison

Jane and Alan's Wedding in Lombard Illinois and Venuti's Banquets in Addison

This is what happens when you show up late…you are only allowed in after the processional…get with the program, people! :)


Jane and Alan's Wedding in Lombard Illinois and Venuti's Banquets in Addison

Jane and Alan's Wedding in Lombard Illinois and Venuti's Banquets in Addison

Jane and Alan's Wedding in Lombard Illinois and Venuti's Banquets in Addison

Jane and Alan's Wedding in Lombard Illinois and Venuti's Banquets in Addison

Jane and Alan's Wedding in Lombard Illinois and Venuti's Banquets in Addison

Jane and Alan's Wedding in Lombard Illinois and Venuti's Banquets in Addison

Jane and Alan's Wedding in Lombard Illinois and Venuti's Banquets in Addison

Jane and Alan's Wedding in Lombard Illinois and Venuti's Banquets in Addison

Jane and Alan's Wedding in Lombard Illinois and Venuti's Banquets in Addison

Jane and Alan's Wedding in Lombard Illinois and Venuti's Banquets in Addison

Jane and Alan's Wedding in Lombard Illinois and Venuti's Banquets in Addison

Jane and Alan's Wedding in Lombard Illinois and Venuti's Banquets in Addison

The first dance…beautiful…


Jane and Alan's Wedding in Lombard Illinois and Venuti's Banquets in Addison

Jane and Alan's Wedding in Lombard Illinois and Venuti's Banquets in Addison

Alan and Jane…congratulations again! The wedding was great, and I can’t wait to see you guys when you get back!

Dawn and Richard’s Wedding

A couple weeks ago I second shot for Kenny Nakai for the wedding of Dawn and Richard, and since he just posted about it, I figured I should get on that too! This was an amazing wedding, with the ceremony being held at the Ss. Cyril & Methodius Church in Lemont, IL. From there we went downtown to the gorgeous Sofitel Hotel for their reception. I talked about it this before, but Dawn had EVERYTHING consistent, which set it up for beautiful night and fun pictures.

The bridesmaids and flower girl carried these hanging boquets, which I hear is less painful on the arms for a wedding:

Dawn and Richard's Wedding in Lemont, IL and Sofitel Hotel in Chicago, IL

Dawn and Richard's Wedding in Lemont, IL and Sofitel Hotel in Chicago, IL

Dawn and Richard's Wedding in Lemont, IL and Sofitel Hotel in Chicago, IL

Dawn and Richard's Wedding in Lemont, IL and Sofitel Hotel in Chicago, IL

Dawn and Richard's Wedding in Lemont, IL and Sofitel Hotel in Chicago, IL

Dawn and Richard's Wedding in Lemont, IL and Sofitel Hotel in Chicago, IL

Speaking of gorgeous, they traveled in style with a classic black and red Rolls Royce, and here’s a glimpse from the drive into downtown:


Dawn and Richard's Wedding in Lemont, IL and Sofitel Hotel in Chicago, IL

A few portraits:


Dawn and Richard's Wedding in Lemont, IL and Sofitel Hotel in Chicago, IL

I think a favorite:


Dawn and Richard's Wedding in Lemont, IL and Sofitel Hotel in Chicago, IL

Dawn and Richard's Wedding in Lemont, IL and Sofitel Hotel in Chicago, IL

Dawn and Richard's Wedding in Lemont, IL and Sofitel Hotel in Chicago, IL

Dawn and Richard's Wedding in Lemont, IL and Sofitel Hotel in Chicago, IL

They hired the 80’s band “The Brat Pack” to dance the night away, and boy was it a blast! Although I was but a few years old during those days, I feel like I grew up on these songs, and these guys were awesome! Everyone had a blast on the dance floor:


Dawn and Richard's Wedding in Lemont, IL and Sofitel Hotel in Chicago, IL

Dawn and Richard's Wedding in Lemont, IL and Sofitel Hotel in Chicago, IL

Dawn and Richard's Wedding in Lemont, IL and Sofitel Hotel in Chicago, IL

Doesn’t this just scream fun times? I LOVE it!


Dawn and Richard's Wedding in Lemont, IL and Sofitel Hotel in Chicago, IL

Dawn and Richard, I had a blast at your wedding! You guys sure know how to party and I know you guys are going to have some awesome times to come!

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