October 12th, 2009
A typically whimsical photo by Carasco Photography.
Every once in a while, I work with someone I just click with. Last summer, I worked with Scott and Cara of Carasco Photography for the first time and there was that click. My client had hired them before she hired me, so they were unknown to me until a week before the wedding. All I knew was that my client thought they did very nice work.
In the week before the wedding, I had a very nice phone conversation with Cara, so I had a good feeling about them. Then I met them both at the wedding and discovered just how personable and interesting they both are. We had a chance to chat for a while when we had a few minutes’ break and I discovered that I like their attitude, as well. I was also impressed by their work ethic and efficiency. They did a lot of capturing the moment but also took portraits. I enjoyed watching them take the portraits because they made it look like a lot of fun.
And then I saw the photos and was completely amazed by the results. They really captured that wedding day in all its glory. (You can see some of their photos in my photo gallery.) Those are some of my favorite photos of weddings I have worked on because they really show the beauty of the day.
There are countless photographers in Chicago but I think there are only a few who have everything going for them the way Scott and Cara do. So, take a look at what they do and I hope you’ll consider them when you are looking for a photographer.
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August 25th, 2009
Today I start a new series here on vendors I know and like. I’ll do an occasional profile of a vendor I have worked with to give you an idea of whether you might like to work with them, too. Today’s special guest is Dave Esau of Dave’s Specialty Foods in Mount Prospect, IL.
Dave Esau, courtesy of his website.
When you walk into Dave’s shop on West Prospect Ave., the eclectic decor and selection of local cheeses don’t tell you that you have stumbled on a French-trained chef who takes extraordinary care to select the best ingredients and prepare them as well as it is possible to do. But when you go to a tasting there, there is no doubt that you have found one of the best chefs in the area.
Recently, I took a client to Dave’s for a tasting. She had lined up a tasting with another caterer later that same day. Dave brought out a superb, tender chicken dish with a balsamic vinegar sauce and some stunning vegetables. He followed that up with just-sweet-enough desserts. He always gives potential clients the soft sell with his trademark cheerful attitude. The next day I heard from my client: She had cancelled her later tasting and decided to hire Dave. She knew (and I can confirm) that she wouldn’t find a better fit anywhere.
The other thing I really like about Dave is his commitment to local, organic, and sustainable food. This is not just an abstraction: It really shows in the quality of the food he serves. Quality, however, does not translate to outrageous price. I am always pleasantly surprised at how much you get for the reasonable prices he charges.
So, when you’re looking for a caterer, include Dave Esau on your list. He is located in the suburbs, but he works all over the Chicago area. It’s definitely worth the trip to his little shop by the train tracks to taste his food!
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