This little one is growing up too fast! Earlier this year, little Gianna and I met at her family's home. We hung out and sang "The ABC" song. This session she came to see me in the studio so we could celebrate her first birthday and smash a cake. Man, things have changed! Gianna is SOOOO over "The ABC" song. She is walking. She does NOT like cake. hahaha. She was rather mad at us for trying to make her dirty and eat this weird new food. No matter. Mom, Dad and Sarah a

I could not be happier for my sweet friends. They welcomed their first child into the world this past July and I had the pleasure of meeting her. This is certainly the first of many photo sessions with the adorable Haley Grace. I cannot wait to capture growing up! XO Flowers: www.Stemmingfromlove.com #babyphotos #babyportraits #newbornphotography #newborns #chicagofamilyphotographer #familymemories #familyportraits #familyphotography #napervillefamilyphotographer

I really treasure getting to document my friends lives. Emily and I have known each other for several years now. From working together, break-ups, overseas assignments, corporate reorgs, new loves, engagement, wedding, laughs with several bottles of wine, crazy dogs, less crazy dogs and NOW baby... watching her transform into this this amazing woman has been such a joy. And of course, getting to know Alvin has been pretty great too. I am looking forward to see how parentho

Little Mila was lucky enough to get 2 cakesmashes for her first birthday. One on her actual birthday and another for her 1st birthday photoshoot. Pretty great birthday, I'd say. There was only some minor coercing needed to remind Mila of how great sugar can be... Mom and Dad were happy to help show her the ways. Since Mila delicately smashed the cake, I was even lucky enough to get a little piece post shoot too! Celebration all around!! Happy Birthday Baby Girl! #downer

I would like to introduce Baby Gianna. Likes: Shiny reflectors Sophia the Giraffe Mom and Dad The ABC song Zoey the Dog Dislikes: Naps A new add to the likes list is a photoshoot. Gianna had a great time getting her pictures taken. She rocked her 6 month portrait session. Luck for me she learned how to sit up (well kinda) that day before we met. Scroll down to check out this adorable face! #familymemories #familyportraits #familyphotography #chicagophotographer #chicagofam

I love reconnecting with families on an annual basis. It is so fun to watch the kids grow up and to think of new ideas for the session. You can't just do the same things... 'cause that was so last year! This summer The Anderson Family wanted to do a red, white and blue theme since we were shooting so close to Independence Day. The family had a little breakfast picnic that included red, white and blue sprinkled donuts. After breakfast we wondered Lincoln Park for some lovel

I really love documenting cake smashes. It is always so funny to see how the kids react to sugar. In Sam's case, it wasn't his first taste, which made him even more excited to dig in! After a few shots with his older brothers and a quick outfit change, we were ready to get mildly dirty! #familyportraits #lifestylephotography #cakesmash #localbusiness #portraitphotography #napervillephotographer #babies #familyphotography

My dear friends Sarah and Erik have officially brought their first human into the world. Little Mila Marie came somewhat early to the party but luckily Mom and Dad were ready for her... for the most part :) The crib may or may not have been put together while Sarah was still in the hospital. No judgement! The nursery was adorable with little pooh bear details everywhere. Everyone is doing awesome and Mila couldn't be cuter. Congrats you guys! #familyportraits #newbornphoto

Congratulations to Brittany and James! They recently welcomed their baby boy, Vincent into the world and allowed me the pleasure of hanging out with them. He did so great! Grandma and Grandpa were in town and were able to get into the action as well as the dog! We had some serious outtakes from the full family portrait. Whisky isn't sure about her postiion as #2 quite yet :) #lifestylephotography #portraitphotography #newborns #familyphotography #babies #napervillephotograph

Luca + birthday cake = uber cute cakesmash photos. You are welcome. Mic drop. Seriously. This handsome little dude was fighting a chest infection but was still up for getting dirty with a little help from his family. Happy birthday Luca! #cakesmash #firstbirthday #babies #familyphotography #chicagophotographer #napervillephotographer #babyboy

In typical Amy fashion, my dear friend started plotting her daughter's cake smash photo shoot 3 months ahead (slight exaggeration). We landed on a clean, uncluttered look so little Emery could go to town on her cake. Amy found the most adorable outfits and hair pieces for the final touches. Emery was really working the camera in some of her solo portraits but got a little testy when big brother tried to steal the spotlight. Two outfit changes, no wardrobe malfunctions, one

Mr. John Collier or just Collier to his friends, is the newest member of the Kitchens family. His brother, Sampson and Sister, Sadie were extremely loving and protective of the little human.... and ALMOST stole the show during the session. With a little help from Grandma and some friends, mom and baby are settling in nicely. I am sad to report that since the shoot, sister Sadie has passed. I am so happy I was able to capture some images with little Collier and Anna's first b

Last weekend, we got another snow storm in Chicagoland and I really wanted to shoot in it! My dear husband encouraged me to run a special to see if anyone was interested... mostly because he didn't want me to make him go outside to take photos of him. Lucky for him, The Krakowski Family was game! Emily mentioned prior to arriving that they wanted to take some fireplace shots before heading into the snow. They had the fire blazing for me to create the perfect spot for some f

This fall was such an overwhelming amount of awesomeness. I was booked with at least 1 family sessions pretty much every weekend from the beginning of Sept through mid Nov and a smattering of weddings (4). I even pulled together the 1st Annual Mini Session Extravaganza at St. James Farm in Warrenville. One location, 7 families! You guys really made me work for it! haha Thank you to all my families -- existing clients and new ones. You made this fall a spectacular step forwa