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MeiLin@MeiLinBarralPhoto.com
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Welcome to the blog, home to Chicago & France's intimate wedding & elopement photographer for couples who lead with love, inclusivity, and a passion for the planet. LGBTQ+ & BIPOC owned + operated.
(I'm here and queer!)
1. My first name is Mei Lin (she/her)
2. I really love pugs!
3. I’m a huge musical theatre fan
4. I care deeply about animal welfare as well as social justice issues.
5. I incorporate sustainable practices throughout your wedding photography experience
As a couple, Kimia & Robert loved going to Vermont as an escape and to be in the moment away from the distractions that city life can bring. This love for the outdoors and the serenity heavily impacted how they chose to celebrate their love. They wanted it to feel comfortable, down to earth, and genuine for themselves as well as all of their guests. As an 19th and 20th century American Art with a focus on Landscape and Environment, Kimia specifically knew she wanted the landscape to play a prominent role in her wedding. Storms were forecasted for the day but after a big gust of wind right at the beginning and a bit of heavy rain, the skies cleared, the clouds opened up to reveal gorgeous sun just in time for their special vows.
Kimia & Robert met six years ago during grad school in Princeton, NJ. It was Robert’s first ever (and only!) internet date and as he said, he has a “good success rate”. From there the connection was undeniable even when they were long distance for a year when, as a French Literature scholar, he went to live in France for a year.
They’ve called many places their home, from Princeton, NJ, to Washington, D.C., New York, Alabama, Cambridge, MA, to Vermont: where their marriage began. Their engagement beginning was a bit less concrete than their marriage because it was inevitable that they would get married. They both knew they wanted to “pursue [their relationship] indefinitely” so the proposal was less of a formal occasion and more of a formality. When they moved back from Alabama Summer 2020 to Vermont, they decided during their road trip to tell their families they were officially going to get married.
Everyone they told responded with either: “what took you so long?” or: “oh yeah, that’s not surprising”. It’s safe to say everyone was on board and encouraging Kimia & Robert with open hearts and open arms.
Kimia & Robert chose to write their vows together not only for practicalities in terms of making sure their vows were about the same length, but also as a core bonding moment. Robert’s one piece of advice for any couples who are writing their vows is to do it together because it brings you together and allows you to really be grounded in the present since the vows will be such a momentous start to the marriage.
They loved bringing together old friends, new friends, and all of their families to enjoy a casual day that focused on the natural beauty and the interactions between loved ones more than the theatricality of traditional wedding elements. It was an absolutely gorgeous day full of love and gratitude.
Photography | Mei Lin Barral Photography
Planner | Kith & Kin
Venue | Private Residence
Caterer | Christophe Catering
Officiant | Close friend of the couple’s Ben Murphy
Floral Design | Petals
Cake | Umpelby’s
Makeup Artist + Hair Stylist | The Bride Herself!
Engagement Ring | Groom’s Family Heirloom
Wedding Bands | Jade Moran Jewelry
Bridal Gown | Monique Lhuillier
Bridal Shoes | Anna Maratti
Groom’s Wear | Suit Supply
Groom’s Shoes | Allan Edmonds
DJ | Peak Entertainment
Tables + Chair Rentals | Celebration Rentals
Linens | The Linen Shop
Transportation | Grace Limousine
Invitations & Stationery Suite | Zola
Mei Lin (first name, she/her) is a Chicago & France intimate wedding, elopement, & dog photographer for couples who lead with love, inclusivity, and a passion for the planet. LGBTQ+ & BIPOC owned + operated. Trans rights are human rights. Love is love. Stop AAPI Hate. Black Lives Matter.
about the author
For couples who lead with love, inclusivity, and a passion for the planet.
LGBTQ+, BIPOC, & Woman-operated
Chicago intimate
Wedding Photographer
LGBTQ+, BIPOC, & Woman-operated
© 2024 Mei Lin Barral Photography
brand + web design by inkpot creative, llc
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