I'm excited to share this maternity session done in Winnemac Park a few weeks ago! Liz and Ben were natural models and their laid back attitudes made the session fly by. The flower crown I made using flowers found in the park. Check out our morning with this mom and dad to be!
Nicole & Jesserend Chicago Beach Engagement Session
In one week these two tie the knot in Dripping Springs, Texas! Not only did I get to take their engagement photos but I also have the honor of standing with them in their wedding. Take a look at our beachside engagement session!
Travel Photography: Eugene, Oregon
Last month, I went to Eugene, Oregon, to see my one and only sister graduate from University of Oregon with TWO master's degrees. It was a very immersive experience as I followed Lindsay everywhere. We partied non-stop in true Eugene fashion. My parents were there, you'll see several pictures of them in this post. Take a look at a week in Eugene, Oregon!
First Ever Mini Sessions
I recently held my first ever mini session, which I'm happy to report was a success! There was a hiccup, however. Due to the excessive rain in Chicago, our shoot had to be rescheduled, TWICE. I offered an indoor lifestyle shoot in lieu of the outdoor photo, but the family had their heart set on an outdoor shoot. When the day of the photoshoot finally arrived, it was a breeze. The family was super laid back, and baby Oscar was an excellent participant! Take a look at our long anticipated, first ever mini session!
Travel Photography: Los Angeles, CA
Shots from my last two trips to LA. Featuring SoCal classics: Venice beach, the griffith observatory, botanical gardens, the super bloom! Check it out!
Tessa
Tessa is one of my favorite people to photograph. She is always willing to try something new and brings constant enthusiasm towards each project we tackle. Her style is unique and refreshing (notice the Four Loco tank). Take a look at the shoot we did last week!
Road to Hana
The Road to Hana is a trek in Maui known for its gorgeous scenery. There is no other landscape like it on the mainland. I was fortunate enough to take this journey a year ago and would be remiss if these photographs were not shared. You must see this in your lifetime.
Until you make the trek for yourself, you can take the journey with me. Enjoy!
"It's not about the destination, it's about the journey."
My engagement!!!
I took 4 photos the day I got engaged. The photos on their own may seem insignificant- a picture of Brian, a photo of a bridge, another of a creek. But when I go through these photos I see the story of my engagement. A day so special, I couldn’t help but share.
It was Christmas day, 2016. We were making our way to Brian’s parent’s house in Elgin, talking about what a photogenic town Elgin was and how we wanted to take more pictures there. When we got off the highway, into said town, I noticed we were not on our typical route.
"Weren't we supposed to turn there?" I asked.
"I want to show you something," he casually replied.
A few minutes later, we arrived at the Tyler Creek forest preserve. Brian said this was a place he used to come visit when he was living in Elgin- that there was a bridge in the woods he wanted me to see. I assumed the purpose of this detour was to take pictures, so I grabbed my camera and hopped out of the car. Brian took my hand and we walked toward the bridge.
As I was walking and looking at the snow covered ground I got the feeling I was going to come back to this place someday. That I would have the opportunity to see these woods again in their full green glory.
When we reached our destination, I saw the bridge with a creek flowing underneath. I knew exactly the photograph I wanted to create. I was dreaming of one of those shots where the landscape is completely still, but the water looks blurry from its movement.
Apparently, I was really into creating this photograph, because I completely lost track of where Brian was or what he was doing. Then I heard him say, “hey baby,” only to turn around and see him on one knee, in the snow. He was holding his grandmother’s engagement ring and said the words every person dreams of hearing, “will you marry me?”
It was a complete surprise. I wish I could say I immediately screamed yes and we embraced for all the world to see, but I’m pretty sure the way it happened was a little different. I was in shock. I couldn’t believe it. We had talked about getting married, but I had no idea he was going to ask me on that day, let alone that winter. Eventually, I got around to muttering the word, yes- and there we were. In one of the most life changing moments of our lives.
Baby Dexter: Lifestyle Shoot
Last weekend, I made my way to Carpentersville to do a lifestyle session with one of my favorite families. Take a look at this lifestyle shoot with the Bowmans, their daughter Wrenna and baby Dexter.
Chi-tecture
Recently, I put together a series of photos for a cafe. These photos feature some of my favorite parts of Chicago, so I thought I would share them with you all. Enjoy!
Chicago Women's March
Photographs from the women's march on Chicago.
Read MoreImmanuel & Abel Chicago Wedding
Mannie and Abel's wedding day had such a warm, special feel. Family and long time friends made up the guest list. The reception was held at Abel's family's restaurant in Pilsen. Food was made and served by friends of the grooms. Love was felt in every aspect of their wedding and I was honored to be a part of it. Take a look at this gorgeous couple on their special day!
Want more? Check out Immanuel and Abel's engagement shoot here!
Erika & Jackson Wedding
As a wedding photographer, I couldn't ask for a better couple than Erika & Jackson. Logistically the day was a breeze thanks to the notoriously organized Erika. My favorite part about shooting this wedding was the recreating of photographs. The bride had pictures from her mother's wedding she wanted to emulate and we did just that. Check out this beautiful couple and our modern take on family tradition.
Bulls Game Surprise Engagement
Last night, Jake & Michael made history as the first same sex couple to get engaged at the United Center and the 2nd same sex couple to get engaged at an NBA game. Jake planned the entire evening for his now fiance Michael, a huge Chicago Bulls fan. Normally, proposals are not allowed at these games; however, Jake caught the attention of the Bulls administrators with a compelling telling of he and Michael's love story, so they made an exception.
Friends and family of the couple were at the game, hidden in the stands, as well as a photographer hired to capture the evening.
During the 3rd time out of the 2nd quarter, the moment we were all waiting for arrived. Benny the Bull pulled an unsuspecting Michael to center court where Jake popped the question. Check out the photos below to see how the night unfolded!
Garfield Park Conservatory Family Shoot
Check out this holiday themed photoshoot with one of my favorite families! Captured at the Garfield Park Conservatory.
Happy Thanksgiving!
from Erika & Jackson's engagement session
Last night in Wrigleyville
UPDATED: Now with photographs of the Cuvs victory parade.
Last night the cubs won the world series.
Travel Photography: Mexico
Spent last week in gorgeous Cabo San Lucas with the family. I had the opportunity to shoot some stellar landscapes and night shots. Check it out!
Mikey & Molly
This happy couple was married in an intimate ceremony last month. It was an evening full of joy and love. Take a look!
Location: Bernie's Book Bank // Flowers: Simply Flowers // Jewelry: NLS Jewelry
You can view Mikey & Molly's engagement session here.
Erika & Jackson
In honor of their upcoming nuptials, Erika & Jackson are on the blog this week! The photos below were shot in Evanston last fall.