Mayslake Peabody Estate | Oak Brook, Illinois | Styled Shootout | Bridal | Maternity | Couture | February 16, 2020

Mayslake Peabody Estate is a Tudor-Revival-style mansion from the early 1900s located in Oak Brook, Illinois. Francis Stuyvesant Peabody commissioned renowned Chicago architect Benjamin Marshall to design what is known today as Mayslake Hall. It resembles the timber-frame buildings which were popular in England at the time. Sections of the estate have been sold over time, and the last 89 acres, including the Portiuncula Chapel, was sold to the Forest Preserve District back in 1993.

​I, along with several other photographers, was given the opportunity to use the venue as the backdrop for a styled shoot-out. For those who do not know, a shoot-out is an organized event where models and spaces are styled to be photographed by several photographers. This collaboration with vendors and the educational aspect of such an event is super beneficial to all parties. With that being said, I’d like to thank all of the vendors that participated and the main bodies that made this possible (listed down below!)

Mayslake Hall is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is currently being used as an event venue, including art exhibits, performances and architectural tours. On a beautiful day in February, it was our gorgeous space to photograph a group of fabulous models and very talented vendors. Each room of the estate had a story. Original elements of the mansion gave it its character, but the declining conditions of its walls were just as beautiful. If only those walls could talk!

It took me a minute to take in all of this historic elegance when I set foot into the main library. The grand fireplace with its surrounding woodwork was extraordinary. I was instantly transformed into the world of Belle from Beauty and the Beast. Though I wasn't in France, the Tudor-style was reminiscent of those seen across Western Europe. Carefully selecting a leather-bound book from the mile-high book cases, I was ready to sit down by the fire to enjoy a peaceful read. Surely, no fire was lit, but a girl can daydream!