Ethiopian Mission Accomplished!

Yes, we have been back from Ethiopia since August and we are going on our third month of parenting two boys, two and three years old...oh, the stories! I could go on forever, but this is more to keep you up to snuff on the adventure itself.
P.S. There will be an Africa Art Show coming soon!
Check out the website that we created while we were there.

Marion and Kevin- Here's to 100 Years!

The exquisite day kicked off at Marion's family Lakeview home, which a' buzz with family and 10 bridesmaids preparing for the ceremony. The vintage architecture provided beautiful backgrounds for a Marion's portraits before the Rolls arrived to whisk her away to St. Vincent DePaul where Kevin and the guests were anxiously awaiting her arrival.

The ceremony proceeded without a hitch, and had a number of special touches such as the parade of young relatives reading the Prayers of the Faithful, and other young family members singing from choir loft. As Kennedy tradition has it, we gathered Kevin's parents, siblings and their families around the altar for a intimate family portrait (it's in the slideshow and you can't miss it!) before we headed over to the Lincoln Park Conservatory where the groomsmen showed everyone that group portraits CAN have some real personality (again, you can't miss it in the slideshow).

The Chicago Club on Michigan Avenue hosted the reception. After we all had a good laugh with Kevin's best man's speech, Kevin balanced things out with a toast to Marion that opened the floodgates and sent everyone rushing for their stash of Kleenex- cheers Kevin! Following dinner, everyone was treated to a brief video recap of the day's events thanks to the videographer's quick editing skills, and then the dancing commenced!

We've provided a visual sampling of the days events. (Please allow a few minutes for the movie to load to your computer. You must have Quicktime to view the slideshow. To download the software visit the Quicktime homepage. )

Make sure to register at collages.net, with the username "Kennedy" to be notified of when the rest of the day's images are ready for viewing (the password will be available from the bride and groom). Enjoy!

Kim and Craig - Coming in for a landing

Talk about a high flyin' first date: Craig treated Kim to a plane ride, and they've been on Cloud 9 ever since! On September 22, they landed softly at Sacred Heart Church in Melrose Park to exchange vows in front of family and friends. The church is significant to much of Kim's family who has seen many baptisms and weddings occur there over the years.

We made our way out to Kim and Craig's home in Carol Stream by their willow tree overlooking a lake for a phenomenal portrait session with assembled bridal party and family!

But the ride wasn't over yet! We ambled out to the historic Hotel Baker, situated on the Fox River, a favorite place for a night out on the town for Kim and Craig. Following more portraits by the riverfront, the party was on inside- complete with an electric dance floor- and we're not kidding!

A visual sampling of the days events, you ask? (Please allow a few minutes for the movie to load to your computer. You must have Quicktime to view the slideshow. To download the software visit the Quicktime homepage. )

Be sure to register at collages.net, with the username "Graaff" to view the rest of the day's images are ready for viewing (the password will be available from the bride and groom). Enjoy!