about averyhouse

Hello! We are Matt and Stevi. We are the husband and wife photography team that is responsible for anything and everything AveryHouse. We are based out of Chicago, IL but travel around the world for weddings and other photographic projects. We describe our photographic style as creative, elegant and modern-vintage. We met each other ten years ago over coffee in a little town called Amarillo, TX. Since then, we have walked together through life, learning and growing as individuals and together as visual artists.

People often ask where "AveryHouse" came from. One of our favorite painters from the mid 1900's is Milton Avery. He was a modernist painter while still retaining some realism. We are drawn to his work by his use of color blocks, shapes and how he reflects life in his paintings. We also do more than just photography and have the hope of someday growing our business to being more than just the two of us and having a collaborative group of artists. So "AveryHouse" was born.

Are you a dog or cat person? Or both?

Friday, December 5, 2008

Lately, I have really started to either want a dog or a baby. The baby idea hasn’t quite gone over so well with Matt yet, but I do think a pet could be somewhere in the near future. I have noticed lately, though, that Matt has been fancying cats. For instance, a couple weeks ago when we were at my mom’s house, he would not stop playing with the cats. We even found him behind a chair taking pictures of them while simultaneously teasing them with a toy in the air to get them to pose just right. I thought that was quite a bit of effort to put into a feline portrait. The pics turned out pretty good anyhow and for the rest of the weekend he seemed to have formed a special bond with one of them. At that point, I realized for the first time that Matt may be more inclined to getting a cat rather than getting a dog. I have never seen myself as a cat owner. I am miserably allergic and because of that I have never been very attached to one. There are some obvious advantages to owning a cat over a dog when you live in a big city, though, which makes me a little more open to the idea. And I started wondering if maybe my annoying allergies would begin to subside a little after getting used to one cat being around all the time.

So, this brings me to the main reason for this post. I want to know what you consider yourself. A dog person? A cat person? Or both? And why?! Also, if anyone could shed some light on the whether or not my allergies might become more manageble after getting used to one cat, that would be greatly appreciated. My mom and my good friend, Jaclyn, both claim to have had the same problem but are now two very happy cat owners.

And, of course, here are a few pictures from that weekend at my mom’s to go along with the post!

Meet Frodo (Sweet and sometimes spastic)!

And Opey (Matt’s Favorite)!

And Lucy (The cool, calm and collected one).

Contact | Website | Chicago Wedding Photographer | Chicago Wedding Photographers | Destination Wedding Photography

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December 6, 2008 - 12:44 am

Lezlie - We are dog people for sure. We got Gunther (our super rad Lhasa Apso) about 18 months before Ella came into the world. He was supposed to hold us off for a couple of years…haha.

December 5, 2008 - 5:07 pm

katharine - I don’t consider myself really either but I appreciate both a calm, non yappy dog and an affectionate cat. Having a dog in the city is a lot of work and it forces you to be a bit less spontaneous. . . but dogs are also a great way to meet people and neighbors (very good ministry opportunities). As to the allergies, I never had a problem with my friend Manda’s long haired cat but when she got a short-haired one – ugh misery with the allergies. It has to do with the dander on the skin I think – so long hair actually contains it more. . .

December 5, 2008 - 2:59 pm

Ashley - I am a ‘neither’ person. That’s bad, right? Oh well, I like people.

December 5, 2008 - 12:34 pm

Kevin Burns - Hey Stevie… My name is Kevin, and I was friends with Matt WAYYY back in the day in Boy Scouts. Saw him on facebook, said what’s up and then checked out this website, complete with one of the most impressive blogs I’ve found! I really like your addition of pictures with each post. The pictures are amazing, and I’m sure you two are doing very well in your business! Continued prayers for you two!

Now… with my proper introductions out of the way: My wife and I are dog, cat and duck owners. The dogs are great for real companionship, but the cat is great for being an EASY pet to have. Atticus (the cat) does come around every once-in-awhile and want to do something “pet-like” (like play or be petted) but for the most part he just breaks things and sleeps. I don’t recommend getting ducks. As ducklings, they are awesome, but as adults they are just messy.

December 5, 2008 - 12:21 pm

Brittany - how about you have a little mini Stevi and Matt! haha than I can come and babysit while your off to one of your glamorous weddings!! hehe miss u Stevi! well I love both- but Anthony is not fond of dogs at all, I mean he was at one time when he was little, but I am pretty sure he is a cat lover. I could go either way- although I love big dogs and don’t care much for little ones! they are too yelpy! speaking of kitties- I have to take our little Captain Jack to the vet today- we think he has worms! poor thing. hopefully it goes well.

Over all cats are easier to take care of and they have such funny personalities (each one is different)! As far as allergies go- the dandruff is what gets in the air and causes them! And you can keep your cat healthy and limit how much dandruff they have by putting a teaspoon of Olive Oil on their dry food each day…they like it too! This helps keep their skin from getting to flaky.

December 5, 2008 - 11:56 am

Jaclyn Simpson - well…I certainly know which way Zanmi votes! She said she would love a friend. Personally, I like both. Cats are just lower maintenance. I have become quite fond of the labordoodle (at least that’s what I think they are called) tthese days, although they are the size of a small horse.

December 5, 2008 - 11:21 am

Christen Cornett - I am definately a dog person. We use to have cats when I was little, you may remember. But now we have 2 dogs and I’m just able to connect with a dog better. Plus the thing we didn’t like about cats when they got bigger was that they always would jump on the table and counter tops which mom couldn’t stand. So we were finally able to get a dog. Dad wasn’t too keen on the idea but he fell in love with Sampson. He told us we couldn’t have Emma either but once he got to know her he loves her too and both of the dogs are attached to him. LOL!! Having a dog can be a pain to take care of sometimes. Especially when it comes to take them out to use the bathroom. But then you just get use too it and it’s fun to watch them in the yard playing. I love it. LOL! By the way…I like the whole baby idea better. Hehe. Just thought I would though that in.

Take care and I love ya!!

*Looking forward to Christmas!!*

December 5, 2008 - 10:53 am

Gay Ham - Hey, Stevi, it’s Ashley Ham’s mother. I am definitely a dog person – do not like cats. Ashley always had to have a cat growing up and we had an outside dog. About 12 years ago I got a maltese and he is a sweetie. His name is Sir Doogie Hamser (remember Dr. Doogie Howser). I have been “stalking” your blog from Ashley Ingram’s blog. I retired this year and am enjoying it lots. Finally I have time to do things I never got to do and reading blogs is one of my favorite things to do. Is your mom still living in Amarillo? Gay

December 5, 2008 - 4:07 am

mary - beautiful images!

i am definitely a dog person personally. the love of my life ( besides my hubby and photography) is my minature poodle rilo who we actually ended up finding! a mean woman abandoned him because he ate the carpet and we ended up finding him. that dog in your pictures is soo adorable! i grew up with a dog that looked just like it!

unfortunately i do not know alot about cats…for me they are nice to see when visiting friends. i personally get offended when i call their name and they don’t come to me and sit on my lap and give me kisses. haha. so i am going to stick with dogs!

good luck

Avery House

about averyhouse

Are you a dog or cat person? Or both?