Archive for the 'engagement' Category

Rejani + Lejoe : modern events {teaser}
- December 14, 2009 -

Rejani and Lejoe were a great couple to end the 2009 season with.  They had an engagement ceremony at the beautiful St. Mary of Vernon Catholic Church in Indian Creek, Illinois followed by a small reception at his house in Gurnee, Illinois.  Here’s a quick tease from the 5-minute photoshoot I was able to steal them away for during the reception:

be sure to visit the contact page if you’re looking for a chicago wedding photographer, available nationwide.

natemathai | filed under: Formal Engagements, Modern Events, engagement
chicago wedding photographers, engagement, gurnee, illinois, indian creek, Modern Events, modern portraits, nate mathai, st. mary of vernon catholic church

No Comments hide comments | add a comment

Alphy + Sony : Engagement {Bellwood, IL}
- May 9, 2009 -

Alphy and Sony’s engagement ceremony was more like a wedding for most!  It was so awesome to see all their close family and friends coming together for the ceremony, as well as putting together an amazing reception in celebration of their two lives coming together.  It was very clear just how much of an impact these two have made in their communities by the joyful response on this day.

We started at Alphy’s place- we’re only about 1 month away from the wedding!

The ceremony and reception were both held at the beautiful Syro-Malabar Cathedral in Bellwood, IL.

I loved the reflections!

The reception was not just a simple lunch, either.  After they made their way into the hall, they kicked it off with a little cake cutting/feeding.

Throughout the reception, their friends and family performed various songs and dances, both by the young and old- it was quite a fun time!

During the final dance, much to the surprise of everyone, Sony and Alphy were pulled on stage!

The bigger surprise was when both of them started busting out their moves- totally BALLER!

After the reception, we shot their lifestyle portraits, so keep an eye out as those images will be coming soon.  Looking forward to the wedding in June!

be sure to visit the contact page if you’re looking for a chicago wedding photographer, available nationwide.

natemathai | filed under: engagement

No Comments hide comments | add a comment

Jaimy + Sijin : Engagement {Des Plaines, IL}
- May 6, 2009 -

I’m starting to feel like I talk about these two so much!  First with their proposal, then the first part of their e-session, and now their engagement!  (If they weren’t so good looking, I’d worry that you guys would get sick of them in the future, as we still got some shoots to go!)

They held their formal engagement ceremony at Floryan Banquets with their close family and friends, bringing everyone together as they declared their intent for marriage in 2010.  And I know I say it every time, but I love how the marriage is not just between two people, but two families and communities coming together in agreement.

In the front they set up a table with a few of the pictures from their proposal and e-session as well as these save-the-dates I designed for them.

The hall had a beautiful ambiance as their friends set up candles throughout the room.

Jaimy’s dad was quite the comedian, bringing laughs and smiles throughout his speech.

IT’S OFFICIAL! :)

We tried to get a picture of the niece and nephew…at least she was happy to be there :)

I asked the groomsmen to get together and try to be serious…90% of the shots turned out like this:

But we did get one where they all (almost) were pretty serious.

And we can’t forget her lovely bridesmaids…

Remember the jumping picture from the teaser?  In this one we actually included Sijin…it was HIS engagement :)

As always, it was a blast to take part in your engagement, and I’m looking forward to all the more shoots we’ve got to come.  Good luck with the wedding planning, 2010 is just around the corner!

be sure to visit the contact page if you’re looking for a chicago wedding photographer, available nationwide.

natemathai | filed under: engagement

show comments | add a comment

Alphy + Sony : E-Session (teaser)
- April 20, 2009 -

This past Saturday, I spent the day with Alphy and Sony shooting their formal engagement ceremony during the day followed by their e-session.  It was such a fun day from start to finish, and we were blessed with beautiful weather in Chicago finally! Here’s a little tease from their e-session that afternoon.

I’m looking forward to posting their full set soon enough, so get ready for that!

Still To Come:

-  Young & John’s Proposal
-  Life Community Church’s In-Between Service
-  Jaimy & Sijin’s Engagement Ceremony
-  Alphy & Sony’s Engagement Ceremony/E-Session

be sure to visit the contact page if you’re looking for a chicago wedding photographer, available nationwide.

natemathai | filed under: Couples Lifestyle Sessions, Formal Engagements, Modern Events, engagement

No Comments hide comments | add a comment

Jaimy + Sijin : Engagement (Des Plaines, IL)
- April 18, 2009 -

Last night I shot the engagement ceremony of Jaimy and Sijin, so here’s a little tease for you:

For the record, its a couple of Sijin’s groomsmen, and they specifically said “let’s take a jumping shot where we’re pointing down at ‘nate mathai photography’!”  They got some serious air, too!  Their idea, all I did was snap the picture.  (this is currently my desktop background too :))

Oh…I guess I’ll give an additional image that includes the engaged couple…

be sure to visit the contact page if you’re looking for a chicago wedding photographer, available nationwide.

natemathai | filed under: engagement

No Comments hide comments | add a comment

Bobby + Reeny : engagement ceremony
- April 1, 2009 -

After a break from shooting for a couple months, I got back into the swing of things with an engagement ceremony.  But this wasn’t your average engagement- Bobby is my 2nd cousin, and we pretty much grew up together being the closest in age among the male cousins in the family.  Reeny is from North Carolina, so the wedding is going to be held out there in September, so the family held a formal engagement ceremony here in Chicago for a bit of a pre-celebration.  The engagement ceremony was held at beautiful Ashyana Banquets is Downers Grove, Illinois.

I love this shot!  The lobby was quite busy as everything was getting set in the hall.

There’s always good food at Indian functions :)

The ceremonial handshake/hug between the fathers…

Bobby’s cousins sang a special song during the event as well…

I’ll end with this shot of my competition ;)  These are actually my aunt/uncles bringing a bit of photo and video “fusion” to the event…I need to up my game!

be sure to visit the contact page if you’re looking for a chicago wedding photographer, available nationwide.

natemathai | filed under: Formal Engagements, Modern Events, engagement

No Comments hide comments | add a comment

Monopoly (World Edition)
- January 29, 2009 -

I normally tell people I’m not a “game” person.  I enjoy playing board games and such at times, but generally I don’t get excited about playing games.  The main reason is I enjoy the ‘classics’.  Playing games like Taboo, Catchphrase, Mad Gabs, etc. can be fun at times, but it doesn’t have the same lasting power I need.  My games of choice:  Scrabble, Chess, and Monopoly.  These guys are much more lengthy in the amount of time it takes (it took us a little over 2 hours, I think), but they are so much fun!

One of my college roommates had his birthday a couple days ago, so my other roommates and I got together for a post-birthday celebration of Monopoly.  But this wasn’t the old-school version…we got the new “World Edition”.  I’m still not sure how I feel about it…it’s so odd not seeing Baltic Avenue, St. James Place, and Boardwalk…and instead bidding on places like Tokyo, Taipei, and London.  I brought along my new macro lens to try it out, so here’s some shots:

One of the major changes:  no more cash!  everything is done with these plastic credit cards…it does speed up the game in figuring out how much money everyone has and making transactions faster.

I started out pretty well off with property…but I just didn’t have the money to build much…

And its very difficult when you circle around and see this.

Fun times, indeed!  Forget all the Texas Hold-em games, Monopoly is the game of 2009!  Any other Monopoly fans out there?  What’s your favorite board game?

be sure to visit the contact page if you’re looking for a chicago wedding photographer, available nationwide.

natemathai | filed under: Personal, engagement

show comments | add a comment

Jaimy & Sijin : A Proposal
- January 14, 2009 -

It seemed like a perfect setup.  New Year’s Eve.  Downtown Chicago.  Beautiful skyline.  Extravagent fireworks.  The time and location had so much meaning for them, so of course it made sense!

The only issue I had:  it was freezing cold and pitch black!  [But hey, I'm just the photographer, so I do as I'm told. :) ]

I had been friends with Sijin since we were in like 5th grade, so we pretty much grew up together, and I got to know Jaimy through high school.  And like I say many times, it’s such an awesome thing to watch a relationship grow from a good friendship.

About a week before the proposal, I took a few pics of the ring (mainly for Sijin, because once he gives it to her, he has nothing… ;)).

On New Year’s Eve, I headed downtown and met up with my friend and fellow photographer Steve Thomas who was also going to help with the sniping.  It seriously was freezing by the lake, to the point where we could not feel our fingers or the cameras for that matter!  We went to our spots though, and waited for Sijin and Jaimy to come.  Just before the fireworks were about to start, they made their way to the steps and got ready for the show…

(For the photogs: majority of these were shot on the 5D with the 70-200, ISO3200, f/2.8, 1/15…handheld!)

She said yes!

Afterward, back at Jaimy’s house, their close family and friends were waiting to celebrate in the good news, and hear the story from the newly engaged couple.

Sijin and Jaimy, I had a blast freezing downtown with you.  Next time you want pictures, though, I’d request a little bit more light and slightly warmer weather please.  :)  It’s only the beginning and I wish you guys all the best with the planning during the coming year.  Good luck!

be sure to visit the contact page if you’re looking for a chicago wedding photographer, available nationwide.

natemathai | filed under: Modern Proposals, engagement

show comments | add a comment

New Year’s Eve Proposal
- January 1, 2009 -

Congrats to my good friends Sijin and Jaimy for getting engaged!  A little tease with more to come:

…oh, and here’s the beauty that is the Chicago skyline at night on New Year’s Eve that I grabbed waiting for the happy couple to arrive.

Happy New Year, everyone! Make this year BALLER!

be sure to visit the contact page if you’re looking for a chicago wedding photographer, available nationwide.

natemathai | filed under: engagement

show comments | add a comment

Nate Mathai Photography | 2008
- December 25, 2008 -

I’m a bit of a people watcher. I find myself in an area, watching the subtleties of the interactions between people. What I see is not simply the kiss between the couple, but the shy smile and glance she gives him immediately afterward. It’s not the laughter of a child being thrown in the air by her father, but the look of anticipation right before she is lifted up. It’s these moments before and after ‘the moment’ that get my attention, and play a huge role in the story that I tell through my work.

Throughout the past year, I’ve had the honor and privilege of being asked to participate and document the important moments in the lives of many. Here’s a recap of 2008 (I also have done a handful of family sessions and events, but I wanted to keep these images more…couple-y… ;)).

2009 is right around the corner, and I’m looking forward to some awesome things to come. If you are interested in learning more about my services or availability, head over to the contact section and drop me a line! I’m looking forward to connect with all of you a bit more in the years to come.

be sure to visit the contact page if you’re looking for a chicago wedding photographer, available nationwide.

natemathai | filed under: Couples Lifestyle Sessions, Modern Portraits, Modern Weddings, engagement

show comments | add a comment

Michelle and Suresh :: engagement
- December 11, 2008 -

Like many in the Indian community, Suresh and Michelle had a formal engagement ceremony to announce their plans for marriage.  I do enjoy the concept of it because it’s a verbal declaration of two families (not just two individuals) of their decision to move forward.  It’s awesome to have agreement from both parents and friends as you move forward in such an important step in your life.

We started with Michelle getting ready…

I love Indian events because the colors are awesome!  All the details were beautiful for the day…

Before heading to the hall, the family had a short prayer session…

For centerpieces at Venuti’s Banquets in Addison, Ilinois, Suresh and Michelle placed goldfish and fish food at every table for the guests to take with them- how awesome is that!?

Both of the fathers said a few words before announcing the date for the wedding next spring…

Their friend also gave a short message…

The MCs played a little game of “Who is more…” that got quite a bit of laughs.  Did you know Suresh takes longer to get ready, while Michelle is better at football?  The things we learn :)

Afterward, the MCs also did a short re-enactment of how Suresh proposed – I love when people do this!

A few of their close friends also performed a dance for them…

Michelle and Suresh, I had a great time working with you guys!  I’m looking forward to th e-session and wedding in May!

be sure to visit the contact page if you’re looking for a chicago wedding photographer, available nationwide.

natemathai | filed under: Modern Events, engagement

No Comments hide comments | add a comment

Liza and Shibu :: engaged
- September 17, 2008 -

Liza and Shibu will be having their wedding in India next year, and they wanted to be able to celebrate with their family and friends here in the US with a formal engagement ceremony.  Normally (in our community) these things would host anywhere from 75-150 people or so…not these guys!  My estimation would be 300+ joining them to celebrate at India House in Schaumburg, IL.  Although there is something special in the small, intimate events, I do love seeing so many people come together to celebrate the lives of two people progressing in unity.

One thing most people know of Indian events is there is plenty of color everywhere!

After the formal announcements by the fathers comes the handshake…or hug!

In addition to the formalities, Shibu and Liza had some special events planned – they had a few songs by their close family and friends and also a skit put on by Liza’s church friends.

The skit was a reenactment of how Liza and Shibu met…pretty hilarious!

Liza closed it all off with a special song dedicated to her fiance.  How special is that?

Shibu and Liza, thanks for allowing me to document another step in your lives.  I wish you guys all the best as you plan and prepare for your upcoming wedding and married life!

be sure to visit the contact page if you’re looking for a chicago wedding photographer, available nationwide.

natemathai | filed under: engagement

No Comments hide comments | add a comment

[09.02.08] Monday Night Recap
- September 2, 2008 -

• [Ummm...] Yes, I know it’s Tuesday.  Yes, I know its Tuesday night.  I’ve been near perfect (if not perfect) about getting these up on Mondays since I started last year.  Oh well…better late than never, right?
• [Photo Challenge] August is over, so get your submissions for that challenge e-mailed into challenge(at)natemathai(dot)com.  I’ll post the next challenge within the week and get these submissions up as well.
• [Cubbies] After some dramatic, come-from-behind victories last week (Aramis with a grand slam in the 8th, Soriano with a solo-shot to take the lead in the 7th the day after), we had a rough weekend.  Even still, we’re 4.5 games up on the Brewers, and I think the magic number is around 20-something…we’re coming down the home stretch!
• [Liza and Shibu] On Saturday, I shot the engagement ceremony of Liza and Shibu at the India House Banquets in Schaumburg, Illinois.  Here’s a little tease for you all:



• [College Friends] Two years later, and we all still hang out…that’s a good sign, right?  11 of us got together on Sunday (missing one in Atlanta) for some fun times of freeze tag, water balloons, and volleyball in the park, followed by pizza at Barnaby’s.  No pics…I wanted to avoid getting yelled at for bringing the camera everywhere :)
• [Blogging Friends] I’m a blog junkie, where in addition to my own blogging, I follow 25, 50, too many blogs, many of other photographers, others on finance, business, marketing, technology…and the list goes on.  I decided I should give a shout out though, to a couple of my non-photography friends’ blogs that post regularly so you can go check them out.  Not listed?  You haven’t posted enough!

1. {Rincey}  It’s 100% personal.  But she’s an amazing writer and completely knowledgeable about all things pop culture and beyond (she’s a journalism major).  She’s been blogging for quite some time to (longer than I have I think) so she’s very well-seasoned.  One of the few blogs I read all the copy to.
2. {Jason}  A more recent blogger and long-time friend, he’s started one to document his families current move back to the Chicagoland area from Bloomington/Normal, as well as his journey in starting his insurance agency.  And more than just personal info, he’s dropping some good info on finances here and there, so definitely check it out.
3. {Sibi}  My brother-in-law is trying it out now, and already has some quality information up there.  He’s a Mac/Tech addict so you’ll definitely gain knowledge on quality products and apps coming out.  He’s also occasionally giving some wise financial tips as well.
4. —>  I have a couple other friends who have blogs, but don’t update regularly, so they don’t get posted.  Oh well, such is life. :)

• [Google Chrome] So it seems Google is launching its own web browser (a-la Safari, Firefox, Internet Explorer).  I’ve tested it out for a couple of hours earlier today, and its very bare bones (they wanted it minimalistic).  It’ll take some getting used to, and I’m sure there will be much more to come since this is just the first beta release.  The one thing I do like:  Most Visited Websites when opening a new tab.  Each time you open a tab, thumbnails of your most recently sites appear in a grid for you to click to go directly to it instead of having to type the address in.  More than the browser itself, though, I feel like if this browser can surpass that of Firefox/Safari in usability, Google’s Android begins that much stronger of a force.  Just my musings…awaiting for the release on OS X.
• [Budgeting] In planning for a wedding/future, I’ve begun the budgeting process with my fiance, which leads me to the following poll.  Please humor me by selecting your current ‘state of budgeting’, and if you’d like explain why you’re in that situation in the comments below.

[poll=2]

be sure to visit the contact page if you’re looking for a chicago wedding photographer, available nationwide.

natemathai | filed under: Modern Events, Personal, [MNR], engagement

show comments | add a comment

[08.04.08] Monday Night Recap
- August 4, 2008 -

• [Photo Challenge] Was the last challenge that difficult? I haven’t received a single entry…how sad is that?!? Well…as always, there’s a grace period, but I’ll have August’s challenge up in the next day or so.
  
• [Wedding Photographer] Especially when you are a photographer, one of the most common questions asked is “Who’s going to be your wedding photographer?”, which is commonly answered with “I am. I’m going to set up the cameras on tripods with a remote in my hand and get everything I need.” Seriously though, it’s a tough choice…I know of so many amazing photographers that it’s hard to narrow it down. Setting a budget helps a bit (but you’re always willing to bend on it!).
  One thing I plan on doing from now until the wedding is ‘feature’ a couple photographers that I would have loved to shoot my wedding if money/location/time/etc. were of no issue whatsoever. And it would have been cool to have it all lead up to the actual photographer chosen around my wedding next year, but it’s not possible, because I’m going to post some images of his shortly :). I’ll probably still ‘feature’ him at the end with an explanation of why we chose him, but for now, here he is: Kenny Kim (of Kenny Kim Photography).
  
• [The Proposal] People have been asking about the who/when of the proposal for quite some time now (including my now fiance :) ). It was quite difficult planning one with the busy-ness of our schedules this summer, and more so my sister’s wedding last weekend (can’t steal her thunder…that’d be mean of me). When I met with Kenny earlier in the year, we were trying to find a time for a mini e-session because we wanted to get a couple of images in time for our traditional engagement ceremony/party in a few weeks. He was able to find time for us this weekend in the midst of his nationwide travels, and I immediately knew what I wanted for the proposal.
  We scheduled to have our e-session at the beach, and God blessed us with some BEAUTIFUL weather (more on that to come). And so our plan was to meet up with Kenny at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Lincoln Park, and then walk over to the beach. Nithya and I got to the museum a little early, and I texted Kenny to see how long he was going to be (we’d been texting back and forth for the moments prior to set everything up). In the back of the museum was a pond and a bit of a cross-platform over it, which would have been a perfect place for the proposal. The only problem was there was a wedding being held at the museum, so everything was closed off…there were some people from the wedding party hanging out on the platform too. So I took Nithya around the back to walk around while we ‘waited’ for Kenny (…Kenny was making his own pathway through the bushes and found a way up on the platform). Nearby that area, I found a little rocky area just next to the pond, so I stepped in to see if I could get on the platform from there…sadly we couldn’t. But it was a nice enough place, and I knew Kenny could see us there (I spotted him because I was searching for him to make sure, luckily Nithya didn’t)…
  After a few more random words, I turned, looked at Nithya, (insert words here), got down on one knee, (insert more words), pulled out the ring, asked her if she’d marry me, she said yes, I put it on her finger, and stood to hug her with the applause of the wedding party. By that time Kenny moved into plain view where Nithya saw him. Here’s one of the shots he got:
  



• [The E-Session] We carried on the rest of the day as planned. We headed over to the beach to get a handful of shots and call it a day. Let me tell you, it’s very awkward being on that side of the camera. With a camera in front of my face, I never have to worry about my facial expressions or what not…luckily, weddings/e-sessions are all about the girl so I’ll be out of focus in a majority of them :) . There will be more to come, but here’s one that Kenny got to us so far:
  



• [The Cubbies] As I posted before, Nithya bought us Cubs tickets for my birthday, and we went on Sunday afternoon (after church and getting her ring sized). We had a great view and experienced a great win…Zambrano pitched a decent game, back-to-back-to-back doubles, after being down 2-0, and then after the Pirates tied it up with 3 in the 8th, the Reed Johnson hit a pinch-hit two-run homer to put us back up by two, followed by a solo shot by Soriano. And then Marmol closed it off for the win as expected. For my first (and probably only) Cubs game this season, I can say I was satisfied.
  


A model?










This fun friend helped lead the YMCA in our area…here he is donning the construction hat and the cowboy hat…

The anatomy of a swing, by Derrick Lee (I seriously think he has one of the most beautiful swings in all of baseball – if he would just stop hitting into so many double plays)…

The anatomy of a close, by Carlos Marmol…

version2…


• [The Power of the Ring] I’ve noticed that there is a lot of power that comes with a diamond engagement ring. Prior to the proposal, the perception was it being in my ‘possession’. And with that, I got a lot of attention…everyone asking me about it, when’s the proposal, how am I going to do it, etc. Now that she has the engagement ring, I get nothing. The occasional congrats, but that’s it. Now, its all about her. Every question is now directed to her and I’m all alone. Woe is me…woe is me. :)
  

be sure to visit the contact page if you’re looking for a chicago wedding photographer, available nationwide.

natemathai | filed under: Couples Lifestyle Sessions, Personal, engagement

show comments | add a comment

Linu and Sunil’s Engagement
- July 23, 2008 -

Earlier in the month I shot the engagement ceremony of Linu and Sunil. Their wedding is going to be held in India, so this was their opportunity to bring all the close friends and family together to celebrate with them who will not be able to make the trip.
I love it when you can see the union not just of two individuals, but also two families. It was also so great to experience the love within each family…the fathers had so much to say of their children, and it was very clear how tightly knit all of them were.

Linu and Sunil, I wish you guys all the best in your married life to come.

be sure to visit the contact page if you’re looking for a chicago wedding photographer, available nationwide.

natemathai | filed under: Modern Events, engagement

No Comments hide comments | add a comment

[05.19.08] Monday Night Recap
- May 19, 2008 -

• [Photo Challenge] We’ve got a little over a week left in this month’s challenge. This one requires a bit more ‘creativity’ on your part as the photographer, but should be tons of fun! Get ‘em in!
  
• [Twitter] I tried doing this before, and after one tweet (is that what it’s called?) I stopped. But I’m going to try to get back on this again. Maybe I’ll even start updating my Facebook away message with twitter as I seem to be a bit bad about updating that one either. Soooo…FOLLOW ME!
  
• [Equinox] It happened. I renewed my contract with my gym (after going like 5 times in the past 6 months). But I’m determined now. I met with a Personal Trainer (complimentary) and they told me just how out of shape of was, which will hopefully kick me in the right direction. Wish me luck and make sure I go more regularly!
  
• [Cubbies] Still flying high in first place in the NL Central. Today we take care of the Astros 7-2, capped with an inside-the-park home run by our catcher Geovany Soto. I definitely need to find a way to make it to a couple games this year. Please take me!
• [Children's Museum] So, it seems that through my work, I get free access (along with 3 guests) to the Chicago Children’s Museum. I think it might seem a bit shady for me to walk around there taking pictures of random children, so if anyone is interested in going on a Saturday when I’m free, I’d be more than happy to get you in (…s long as you don’t mind me photographing you and your child).
  
• [Playoffs] I feel like I haven’t been as ‘into’ the NBA playoffs…but its reaching the end. We got Boston vs. Detroit and the Lakers vs. the Spurs. Who you got? I’m not much of a fan of any of these squads, but I think I’d like to see KG get one…he deserves it.
  
• [Podcasts] I have about a 45 minute trip to and from the city everyday, and so many times I try to read during the train ride, but sometimes it’s just not feasible to pull out a book. So I’ve been quite into listening to podcasts, and decided I might as well give you guys a list of a few that I listen to quite regularly (in no particular order):
• Photoshop User TV (video) – Before I even started photography, I’ve been following these guys because they provide quite of few interesting tips and tricks in using Photoshop.
• The [b] School (video) – Becker (photographer) has been putting out these video shorts in prepartion for his online [b] school for photographers. I recommend any into photography as more than just a hobby to check out these videos as he covers many things from contracts to organization and many things in between.
• Desiring God Sermon Audio - A great preacher and author in John Piper provides these sermon podcasts that are very deep and powerful. It takes a bit of focus to really understand, but its amazing and challenging to hear the passion of this man.
• A New Beginning with Greg Laurie – Pastor Greg Laurie is from California and I’ve been following his podcasts for a few years now. He has a pretty laid back approach in his preaching style, and is able to speak clearly and simply well not watering down a message.
• TEDTalks – TED stands for Technology, Entertainment and Design, and it’s been an conference that’s been held for years bringing together the greatest thinkers and doers of our age to share their knowledge. These keynotes have all been posted online, and its very inspirational. Topics can range from advancements in medical science to using the Wii as a virtual white board. It’s amazing to see the potential of our world through these talks.
• Let My People Think (RZIM) - This podcast is from Ravi Zacharias, who is one of the most powerful Christian apologist I have ever heard. His theology and explanation is extremely profound, but again requires focus to truly understand. It’s not something you can multi-task with (…at least I can’t without getting confused).
  
• [Jane and Alan] Last year I had the pleasure of shooting an e-session and engagement ceremony for my friend’s Jane and Alan, and this past Saturday was their wedding! I attended as a guest, but I just had to bring my camera out. I’ll post more later, but here’s a little teaser for you:
  








• [Nisha and Joel] For those who don’t know, my sister is getting married this summer, and so on Sunday I did an e-session with them out in Prospect Heights. Again, I’ll have a more detailed post when I process all the images, but I feel it’s only right I leave you with another teaser:
  






• [ICF] After the e-session, I made my way over to an alumni reunion of the Indian Christian Fellowship, which was a ministry I served in during my time at the University of Illinois. It was a great time to reconnect with many of the alumni as well as recent grads…and you guessed, more images will come later, but for now a tease:
  

be sure to visit the contact page if you’re looking for a chicago wedding photographer, available nationwide.

natemathai | filed under: Couples Lifestyle Sessions, Modern Events, [MNR], engagement

show comments | add a comment

Engagement | Impromptu Portrait
- April 1, 2008 -

I’m finally getting ‘above the weather’ (not sure what got into me), so I got a chance to go through some of my images from the weekend. On Saturday morning, Sunil and Theresa had an engagement ceremony at Florian Banquets (formally Crown Jewel).

Being invited as a friend/family, I was able to sit back and relax while my friend Kenny Nakai did his thing. Here’s a few of him sporting the D3 (I forgive him) and doing this so-called ‘thing’:

With no official photographic responsibility, I just brought one lens and took a few images at will…which somehow always leads to me taking images of children, as they always find a way to distract themselves with more entertaining things that what their current scenario is giving them.

Probably tomorrow night (or possibly Thursday) I’ll post a handful of images from the recent “yellow” challenge as well theme for April’s challenge. Get your cameras ready!

be sure to visit the contact page if you’re looking for a chicago wedding photographer, available nationwide.

natemathai | filed under: Modern Portraits, engagement

No Comments hide comments | add a comment

[02.25.08] Monday Night Recap
- February 25, 2008 -

• [Blogging] So I’ve only been posting MNRs recently, and I’m sorry! I’ve been spending a lot of time working on the business-side of things, but don’t worry…I’ll get back on track before you know it! Let me know if there’s anything specific you’d like to see here…I’m always open to ideas!
• [Manoj&Jaime] Two weeks ago, I shot the engagement ceremony of Manoj and Jaime. Manoj is from Dallas and since the wedding is out in Texas, they had a ceremony up here in Chicago at the beautiful Abbington Banquets in Glen Ellyn. By request, their gallery is protected, so if you know them, you can contact them for the login and password. Thanks again, guys, for allowing me to take part in your special day! Here’s a little tease of details:






• [DanceCrew] Have you guys seen this show on MTV? I must say, my whole life I desired to have skills in the creative arts. I tried drawing, singing, acting, and even dancing in various capacities (…as well as graphic design, web design, and now photography…I think I finally found my creative talent!). These guys are just SICK! A small part of me wishes I didn’t ‘retire’ from dancing (of course…I’ve retired from like 100 things in my life, so maybe I’ll come out of retirement someday…doubtful). My votes are going for Kaba Modern and the JabbaWockeeZ…that’s straight talent.
• [Bulls] Finally a trade. I’m fine with getting rid of Big Ben, but I wish we didn’t have to drop Joe Smith. We’ll see Gooden plays out…in the weak East, we still have a chance for the playoffs…here’s to hoping.
• [GoldenBirthday] My (soon-to-be) brother-in-law is celebrating his golden birthday no Wednesday, so on Sunday we had a ‘surprise’ celebration for him: laser tag at Eskape and dinner at TGIFridays. I hadn’t gotten laser tagging in years (we’ve moved up to paint balling), but it was still fun. We played the old guys (21+) versus the young guys, and we crushed them both rounds! What can I say…we might be slower, but for now we’re still wiser with strategy :)

be sure to visit the contact page if you’re looking for a chicago wedding photographer, available nationwide.

natemathai | filed under: Personal, [MNR], engagement

No Comments hide comments | add a comment

[02.18.08] Monday Night Recap
- February 18, 2008 -

• [Slam Dunk] He was robbed last year, and I called it again for this year- Dwight Howard is a beast! When the man requests to raise the rim to 12 feet, you know there’s no contest. Did you see his superman dunk? It makes me wonder what the exact definition of a dunk is…anyone know?
• [AllStar] I missed the all star game, but even still, it is my favorite all star event of all the sports. Football players don’t really play because it’s the off-season and they fear getting hurt. Baseball isn’t as fast-paced during actual gameplay (though I still watch it). The NBA has both excitement, entertainment, and competition. What else could you ask for? (Hockey isn’t a sport, for those of you who were wondering…)
• [Engagement] I was busy Saturday morning with an engagement shoot Saturday morning…it was a blast shooting for Jaime and Manoj. Did I tell you I love my job? Although they stated the hate photographs, they are both very photogenic…I’ll post more about them later on this week.
• [AfterParty] It just so happened a couple friends of mine got engaged that morning as well, but I missed the ceremony do to the other engagement. I did make it out to their after party, and that was some fun times. It such a blessing to see two friends get together and chase God…I’m praying your ministry guys! I decided to take a few ‘ambient light’ [high ISO, low shutter, no flash] shots throughout the night (I was a bit tired after the morning), so here are a handful of the headshots and such:

• [KnightRider] Did anyone see the premiere of the new Knight Rider? I missed it, but heard some bad reviews? Anyone got any comments?
• [MyDadsBetter] I just got the tale end of “My Dads Better Than Your Dad,” a new show on NBC. Ummm…is this seriously the type of mentality that this next generation is being taught? I’m not a fan of the concept.
• [Canvas] My girlfriend came home this weekend, and I gave her this as a gift:

I love canvases! I’m going to get some bigger ones once we get our own place. I knew those years of Trading Spaces in college would be of benefit…I have a much better eye for design.

be sure to visit the contact page if you’re looking for a chicago wedding photographer, available nationwide.

natemathai | filed under: Personal, [MNR], engagement

show comments | add a comment

Jerry and Betsy’s Engagement
- December 2, 2007 -

Since I haven’t posted since Monday (and also haven’t posted since gettin my Macbook Pro), I figured I might as well throw a few pics up. This Saturday, my friend Jerry got engaged to Betsy, who is originally from New York. Although I wasn’t hired to work this event as a photog, I did have to run the sound board on behalf of Up All Night, so I was still working to some extent. But not having to work meant I relaxed a bit, and just wandered around stealing a few shots here and there:

And since I’m not working, instead of having to pose people, I just steal other people’s poses (and not wait for them to look at the camera…it’s more…dramatic…)

The reason I wasn’t working was because they had hired Kenny Nakai. Kenny was my small group leader in college during my sophomore year, and was one of the first to really challenge me to step up more (after God chose to greatly humbly me out at U of I). Although I wasn’t the greatest small group member whatsoever, he did play a strong role in my campus life. He’s since moved back to the Chicagoland area, and doing his thing well. Here’s a few of the man at work:

…everybody chimps…

be sure to visit the contact page if you’re looking for a chicago wedding photographer, available nationwide.

natemathai | filed under: engagement

No Comments hide comments | add a comment

Jane & Alan’s Engagement
- November 25, 2007 -

[The Cotillion Banquets - Palatine, IL]

It was so great to be able to shoot Alan and Jane’s Engagement ceremony, especially after shooting their e-session a few weeks back. I must say, these were two very happy people- you wouldn’t find a single moment where they weren’t smiling! It was an entertaining (but tiring) job, and I loved it. They also had an ‘after-party’ in the evening, but they specifically requested that I put down the camera and join the fun as a friend…so sorry for not capturing those fun times!
side note: One thing I’ve noticed about my friends is that they fall into two categories: they love the camera and constantly ask to get pictures taken of them, or they do whatever they can to avoid the camera (majority). I can’t wait until they all get comfortable enough to not mind it, but also will be allow me to capture the ‘natural’ moments at least once in awhile.

Alright, well here’s some from the engagement. Congrats guys, and good luck prepping for the wedding!

be sure to visit the contact page if you’re looking for a chicago wedding photographer, available nationwide.

natemathai | filed under: engagement

No Comments hide comments | add a comment

Alan & Jane
- October 7, 2007 -

Another day, another couple getting married. Being a part of pretty large church with tons of people in the 20-something age group, recent years have shown quite a few marriages. This past summer there were a handful of weddings and engagements going through, and already I think there are 11 weddings scheduled for the 2008 summer (…if only I was hired for all of them =) ). I guess it’s fun to have friends getting married and moving on into that new stage of life.
It’s also interesting when you’ve grown up with both the would-be bride and the would-be groom (which is starting to happen more often as well). Two close friends are mine are going to be tying the knot next year, and have having an engagement ceremony in November. What makes it all better is they asked me to be the photographer at the engagement! It’s already a blast to have my two friends getting married, and they just increased my joy by asking me to document it for them. I’m so excited and happy for the two of them (…as well as the 500 others getting together within the next 2 years).
Here’s a picture of the couple I took recently…again, working with the novelty of textures (I think I’m going to go a bit out of control with textures…I learn something new and then go crazy…sorry):

be sure to visit the contact page if you’re looking for a chicago wedding photographer, available nationwide.

natemathai | filed under: announcement, engagement

No Comments hide comments | add a comment