Just five days after President Obama announced his support of same-sex marriage, Mauricio and I flew to Chicago to photograph the intimate wedding of Ryan and Kevin. The ceremony took place near their home by the water in a city park where everyone could watch. But with just parents and a couple friends, it felt like we were the only people in Chicago for those few moments. As they spoke about their happy memories together and also the challenges they have faced, laughter filled the air and tears ran down cheeks.
Following the ceremony, we all went back to their apartment, opened some amazing wine from Ryan’s parents’ vineyard, Sabina, (along with Kevin’s favorite Whistle Pig whiskey) and took it all in. From there, we went to the bar where they first met and then downtown for portraits. And since Kevin is also a wedding photographer, and a great one at that, he took us to some of his favorite places to shoot, where he and Ryan climbed on bridges for us and balanced on railroad tracks while chasing the last bits of light.
We’re always honored when fellow photographers hire us, and doubly honored when we get to witness ceremonies that celebrate relationships that have overcome hurdles others have put in their way. We hope one day ceremonies like Ryan and Kevin’s are the legal norm, but until then, we will continue to take each opportunity we have and be glad we got to be there with our cameras.
These are sooooo beautiful. Nobody does it better.
I can think of no one better to document one of my favorite photographers out there, and my favorite photographer in Chicago. You guys did an amazing job at capturing Kevin’s amazing character and style and we love every image you’ve captured. Congrats again to Kevin and Ryan.
dudes, you are locos, great clicks that moves anyone. love them.
BEAUTIFUL pictures!! Every photo made me cry. I don’t know how you do it, but you do it every time!
One of my favorite wedding photographers shooting the wedding of another one of my favorite wedding photographers? This is too much awesomeness to handle.
Killin’ it!!!! Love every shot- I feel like I know this couple through these photos. But the portraits….wow. Just love em.
Congrats Kevin & Ryan! Wow. Ben and Mauricio — you guys killed it dead.
Love these so much. One is better than the next. Congrats to Ryan and Kevin!
Great pictures, loved the portraits.
You nailed it once again.
Legendary!!! Each and every shot had a story! Loved it! MORE!!
the benchmark
Fer said it. You dudes are locos. Congrats to this handsome couple.
I want an explanation for each one of these. They are ALL incredible and I am in love with everything about them… o yeah… AND Ryan and Kevin seem unbelieveably cool.
a kind of transcendence that materializes in a visual manner what is love, passion, unity, life at its peaking moments…. love ya and your work
It’s a special day for me and my partner tomorrow (our anniversary), and so happened that I saw these images, I felt even happier for them that they are getting married. It’s always fascinated me just by seeing other guys are tying their knot! Love all the images! Thank you for sharing!
Holy hell. Nailed it. Beautiful story coupled with beautiful images.
Ben, these are ridiculous. Thanks for sharing. Love is love, regardless of who shares it. Congrats to the happy couple!
I just keep my mouth open… amazing pictures amigos!
Love the train tracks picture. It’s bitchin’. Nice job kid!
Beautiful shots, beautiful history…
WOW. Awesome.
***BLEEP*** I love your work!!!!!!!!!
Wicked shots as always. That leg tattoo was pretty awesome. Thanks for sharing.
Wow! The shot with the skyline is amazing. Just fearless!
Amazing image!! Wish we had a backdrop like that in norwich! As a wedding photographer I wish I could meet you to grab some amazing images
wwwwwoooowwwww, fantastic clicks, your a guru of photography.
Best Regards.
I love all the PJ shots, especially the tie one and the hand on the knee in the car.
I just found your work through a suggestion from a friend… these are perfect. Your use of light is amazing. (Not that I need to tell you.) I love this set so much! <3.
Beautiful set of photos once again and wonderful comments from you as well, I completely agree.