In honor of this sweet couple's big day tomorrow, I am happy to share some of the fabulous engagement session images we were able to capture. Jenny and Andrew wanted to wander downtown Naperville with a couple breaks built in. Andrew was recovering from a broken ankle, so of course we obliged with a stop at Hotel Indigo's bar and then on to The Craftsmen for a bourbon break.... 'cause, why not?! Jenny and Andrew are my first wedding of the 2019 season and I am so excited to

Kathryn and Grant are so awesome. I am so excited that they picked me to be part of their wedding process. First off, they are super smart and hard working peeps, which I love. Second, Kathryn went to school really close to where I grew up in PA and she's an east coaster (so we bonded). Thirdly, Grant is just cool. Grant and Kathryn wanted a snow shoot -- boy did they get it + frigid temps! Total troopers. For our session, Kathryn we dead set on making us all some hot spik

I met Justin and Amanda over coffee to talk about all their wedding plans. A small and simple wedding at Meson Sabika with close family and friends from all over (Michigan, Ohio, Ireland and local). Aside from the crazy heat and humidity that day, it was just that. I met the bride in the early afternoon for some detail photos and her getting into the dress. followed shortly after the with first look and a few portraits with the two of them and family. With sweat dripping off

I am writing this blog with a glass of whiskey on ice to honor the marriage of two fantastic people. I met Aimee and Dave in December of last year. Honestly, after our second meeting (their engagement session), I felt like I was part of the family. They are both so warm, fun and welcoming. We bonded over drinks, football and pretty things. Aimee could not wait to marry Dave and Dave would glow whenever Aimee sent a smile his way. It was more than adorable. Their wedding

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

For those of you not aware, my husband and I have been quietly working on renovating a room in our home to create studio space for boudoir, portraits and headshots. I honestly don't know what I would do without him. He's a drywall spackling machine and very creative. He helped me create a beautiful space, handmade headboard for the room and put up with my indecisiveness on some finishing touches. I am pretty lucky to have such a partner in crime because now I get to creat

Chelsea and Jeremy met in college and turned their friendship into a love that will get them through anything. A kind of love that can change the world. A kind of love that's kinda like a super hero power... These two are incredible separately but even better together. Strong, confident, caring and some of the nicest people you'll ever meet. I had some a lovely time capturing their special day. The family and friends they surrounded themselves with was very special. Chelse

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

All these freezing cold engagement sessions would suggest that I like to abuse my clients..... The abuse is mutual haha. Aimee and Dave picked the shortest day of the year (and one of the coldest) to get their engagement photos taken. It will be quite the opposite when they get married on June 22nd, the longest day of the year. I am really looking forward to spending more time in the sun with them! We toughed it out in downtown Naperville for some shots outside while the sun

Introduced officially through family, Megan and Dan knew of each other and there may have been a secret crush back in high school. They dated for about a year before Dan popped the question that would begin their forever together. On a sunny but chilly day after Thanksgiving, we met at St. James Farm for their engagement session. We were all happy to get out of the house and work off a little Thanksgiving dinner, so we wondered the forest preserve until the sun set behind us

To say I am little obsessed with the colors in this wedding is an understatement. The mix of vintage and modern feel to the Danada House, the perfect time of day to shoot (minus the cold) and the "up for anything" attitude of the bridal party... even smoke bombs! I couldn't ask for anything more. Julia, Brian and I got to know each other this past spring walking through the woods for their engagement session. They are fantastic people and complement each other perfectly, so

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

Well, almost.... My brother and sister-in-law will be celebrating 5 years married this fall. We unfortunately don't get to all be together that often, so we try to have as much fun while we can. During their visit this week we went kayaking on the Fox River, played yard game Olympics (Can-Jam, Croquet, boccie, big jenga and badminton), western burbs brewery tour and squeezed in a 20min photoshoot. I totally guilted my brother into it. I needed a cute couple try out some new

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

Christy and Ed's pending nuptials have been a long time coming. These two love-birds met through friends back in HIGH SCHOOL. They continued dating through college, long distances, school transfers, bachelor degrees and masters degrees. After all that schooling in manipulating numbers and understand regulations (tax people), Ed was finally wise enough to propose to Christy HAHA. Just kidding, Ed! We had hoped for a lovely spring afternoon since it was the 3rd week of May....

This past fall I had the pleasure of shooting for Rachael Watson Photography and helping capture Natalie and Toby's special day. We met the bride and her energetic and sweet bridal party at The Haight. After the bride was dressed in her best party attire, we had a series of heart felt and loving first looks. One with the bridemaids, Natalie's father and of course... the Groom! The evening seems to fly by as all their guests were enjoying themselves and I was having a blast

This post has been eluding me for months! This past winter, I really wanted to play around with some different lighting set ups and do something a little moodier and a friend of mine and I had been trying to coordinate a session with a few of her aerial artists - we finally connected to create some magic. Now granted, the lighting set up was not perfect and we worked with what we had in the studio space. I was able to mess around with lights and camera settings while they p