St. Charles Photographer: Getting our before the storm...

I am catching up on blog posts today, finally!  Summer has kept me from my computer...but not from my camera!  I have been photographing this family for years and it has become such a nice annual tradition to work with them!  Unfortunately our crazy summer weather got the best of us and we had to reschedule a bunch of times due to rain, but we finally beat an incoming storm with this photo shoot.  

We also made a quick stop for some treats at The Sugar Path in Geneva, IL to celebrate a 1st birthday!  This series of photographs of James eating his birthday cupcake is my favorite!

Downers Grove Photographer: A Growing Family

This is such a wonderful family!  Growing and full of so much energy and love.  I loved that the kids were so excited to explore the spot we picked to take the photographs, and that their mom and dad let them explore :)  So often when I photograph families parent's feel the need for their children to "perform" for my camera, and honestly when children just act like themselves they make for the best photographs.  As a parent, that is how I want to remember my children at this age!  Playing, running, climbing trees, kissing, hugging and loving being a kid.  

The funniest part of the morning was when Colin climbed up this tree in an instant and shocked his mom and dad at his climbing abilities!  It was awesome!  He was one proud kid.  

So enjoy some of my favorites from the morning...

Oak Park Photographer: ...And Baby Makes 3

Nothing is better than seeing friend's welcome their first baby into their life!  My husband and I got the message that Baby Andrew was born and we were so thrilled for Krissy and Steve.  Their lives would never be the same and I was so excited that they get to experience the craziness, happiness, and mystery of parenting!

So I was thrilled to get to photograph Baby Andrew...and pleasantly surprised to show up to their home after that first week out of the hospital and find them so relaxed!  It was pretty darn impressive!  Their family seemed complete and it was great to spend the afternoon with them photographing and hearing all of the newborn stories that make me smile.  

Congratulations Krissy and Steve!  Thank you for allowing me to photograph your beautiful son!  Here are a few of my favorites :)

Geneva Photographer: Welcome Evie Jude!

So many of us have waited for the big day, when one of our most fabulous friends welcomed her baby girl, Evelyn Judith, into the world.  This little surprise is the most lovely little thing.  She is giving all of us our baby fix and shaking up this house of boys...so watch out world!  

I was so lucky to be able to photograph Evie Jude.  She was delightful...and of course beautiful!  So enjoy some of my favorite photographs from our morning together.

Geneva Photographer: And Baby Makes Three

Its been a long winter, but this day the sun came out and it was the first time that I felt like Spring really was near.  Granted it snowed today, but I am still hopeful for Spring!  Spring always brings new life, and so it was so perfect to be photographing this couple as they prepare for the birth of their baby girl!  

Good luck Jeremy & Lindsey as you prepare for the home stretch!  Can't wait to meet Baby Lorang!

Enjoy these sneak peeks...

Downers Grove Wedding Photographer: Perfectly paired with a beer...

There are so many things that I could say about this wedding and I know I am not going to make it through all of them!  

I taught Frank's younger sister my first year of teaching.  She was my pride and joy and the one student who really showed me the affect that photography can have on young people!  So I couldn't have been more thrilled when Frank called and told me he got engaged and that they wanted me to photograph their wedding.  

When I first met Stephanie and Frank I could immediately tell they were so in love...and were loving planning this big wedding.  They had so many incredible ideas and were really set on making this wedding as unique as they are.  Everything from the custom designed programs to the home brewed "For Richer of Poorer" beer that was served at the wedding, they outdid themselves.  Their creativity was astounding.  

One of my favorite parts of the wedding had to have been the food!  Unbelievable.  Pork belly, macadamia nut encrusted halibut, and wild mushroom risotto...all phenomenal!  Great job Lisa with Maison Cuisine!

So here are some of my favorites...vintage mansion for the reception filled with vintage furniture, handcrafted brews, and adorable bride and groom chocolate covered strawberries...a wedding made of perfection!

Enjoy!  And congrats to Frank and Stephanie!

St. Charles Photographer: Senior Portrait Time! STC North Class of 2012!

Graduation is right around the corner, so I as so excited for my afternoon with Lauren.  Celebrating the end of her high school days...and so excited for her new experiences in college!  I love this time of year for high school seniors!  So much ahead of them, so it was fun chatting with Lauren about prom, college, and how exciting it will be that she will be getting to travel during college with her swim team!

So congrats to Lauren and the rest of the Class of 2012...hang on tight, you are almost done!