Steve Matteo Photography


%wedding photographers chicago
Candid, original wedding photography and portraiture that captures the emotions of your distinctive story. Let Steve Matteo Photography make your wedding memories come to life.



As a wedding photographer, I'm strictly an observer but I also bring years of experience attending weddings to the table. I bring that insight to your ceremony and reception, and if you need support or a calming presence, I'm prepared to help you cope with the situations that will ultimately make your wedding unique. When you work with me, everything I shoot for you – whether I'm documenting your ceremony and reception or creating a portrait in which your personality shines through – I'm also shooting for myself as a photographer. And my standards of quality are exceedingly high. I bring my unique style of photojournalism to your wedding or portrait session, and together we can create beautiful images using natural light, creative settings, and non-traditional techniques. New environments and circumstances are invigorating, and I consider it part of my job to make the most of challenging situation so I can make your memories come to life.
Please visit stevematteophotography.com, call 312-719-3939 or contact me here!. I'd love to help make your wedding day a great success.

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Chicago Blackhawks, Stanley Cup Victory Parade

Patrick Kane shows off the Stanley Cup

To loyal Chicago Blackhawk fans, a Stanley Cup victory was never in doubt. But when photographing a victory celebration, there's always the unexpected. What was supposed to be a crowd of 250,00 people quickly turned into a massive 2 million fan rally.

Fans overwhelm the corner of Michigan & Wacker to get a glimpse of the Champs.


Jonathan Towes and Lord Stanley's Cup.


Fans follow the parade down Michigan Ave.

Once I arrived in the loop and saw the overwhelming crowd, my plans for photographing the event went out the window. I had originally though of shooting from two vantage points, one up in an office building and then from the street near the Cultural Center. I immediately abandoned the building view and proceeded to Washington Street. My contacts from working as a Chicago photojournalist for many years helped me get a great spot on the street. I would shoot from, inside the barricades and along the buses carrying the players right down Michigan to the rally point at Wacker.
Patrick Kane kissing the Stanley Cup

Fans were climbing trees for a better look.



Fans line the bridge on Wabash Ave.

Jonathan Towes holding the Stanley Cup.


Fans lined the streets to get a look at the Blackhawk players.

Duncan Keith shows off his missing teeth.

Fans crowd into the parade rally.

Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brent Sopel greets the fans.


Dustin Byfuglien carries a mock wrestling belt later given to Patrick Kane.

Legendary Blackhawk players, Pierre Pilote (left), Tony Esposito (center) and Stan Mikita.

Here's where my view falls apart.

When the bus carrying Patrick Kane and Jonathan Towes, along with the Stanley Cup, arrived, a massive swarm of people followed. As thousands stampeded towards me, I tried to get as many shots as I could of the cup. In an instant, I was surrounded by thousands of fans with more flooding the street. Things got a bit ugly when a young woman fell to the ground and was trampled by at least a half dozen others. She sprang back to her feet and continued towards the players.
My plan to follow the parade to the rally came to a screeching halt. I feel fortunate to have escaped with my health, equipment and some nice shots of the players and the big prize, the Stanley Cup.

Fans exit downtown in front of the Chicago Theater marquee.
[The Picasso sports a Blackhawks hockey helmet.

In addition to my coverage of the victory parade, I've added some photos from around the city, showcasing Chicago's Blackhawk spirit. Some of the memorable sights include Buckingham Fountain and the CNA Building.


Buckingham Fountain helped paint the town Red for the Blackhawks Stanley Cup victory.

The Chicago skyline joins in the celebration.

The CNA Building's version of the Stanley Cup.
As a fan and Chicago sports photographer, seeing the Blackhawks beat the Flyers was an awesome sight. Being a part of the victory celebration was an incredible experience, one that I'll never forget.

Wedding Photographer in Chicago

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