{The Tyler Family} :: Chicago Family Photographer

I love nothing more than to work with a family that I've the privilege of seeing through the lens on many different occasions. And really, what better form of flattery than repeat business? We had an absolutely perfect day, and a perfect setting right outside their front door to do the Tyler family portraits, and I couldn't have spent it with a more beautiful family :) Thank you, again and again, for inviting me in your lives! And thanks for the delicious tacos, too!

{McMillin Family}

It is so sad to bear the thought of losing another friend to moving away, but I'm so very thankful that I've had the chance to watch these kids grow :) And what a great way to go out by celebrating and taking photographs in some of their favorite places in this great city!? We had an absolutely perfect morning, and I couldn't think of a nicer family to spend it with. Thanks McMillin Family! Chicago will definitely miss you!

{Baby Analise} :: Chicago Baby Photographer

Welcome to the world sweet Baby Analise! We'll be sad to see you move away to St. Louis, but you'll always be a Chicago Girl :)

{Seyferth Family} :: Chicago Family Photographer

There is nothing I love more than big brothers & sweet little sisters! Something about the dynamic they share is so very sweet, almost like they are protective already. Just like these two kiddos....although I know its sooooo difficult to tell they're related ;) What a beautiful session - thanks so much Seyferth family!

{Bella & Charli} - Chicago Children's Photographer

This is the story of two very sweet sisters that share the same birthday. This month sweet Charli turns one, and big sister Bella turns three!

But, this is quite a bigger story than that. I don't usually preview this many photographs from a session, but I feel so very strongly about these photos and about this story, that I'm going to go ahead and do it, just this once :).

It is not a new story....most people know there is something incredibly special about motherhood. It is absolutely the hardest job I've ever had. Giggles, laughs, cuddles and smiles are all most parents have to compensate for the daily struggle that oh so obstinate and head strong kids put up.

I look at the following series of photos and my heart swells. Maybe its because I'm emotional, maybe its because I love this mom and these kids so very much, or maybe its just because these are moments of simple, unabashed love and beauty. Chaos and joy - which is everything that motherhood is. These stolen moments get us through the times when the screaming doesn't stop, toddler is winning the battle, that we want to loose our cool, and we want to run away to Siberia....

Because of these photos, I encourage you all to get in front of the camera with your children!! Play, love and have fun :) What surprises me is that most parents are so apprehensive to get in front of the camera, and I implore (as a parent, not as a photographer!) you all to reconsider. Having moments like these, frozen in time, will be treasured memories for you and your children for years to come.

{The O'Brien Family} :: Chicago Family Photographer

I can't wait to do more of these types of portraits! Perfect for extended families :) Each family unit is photographed separately, then the images are compiled together to create the perfect family photograph!

{My Kids} :: Chicago Children's Photographer

As much as I hate to admit it, more often than not I forget to make the time and capture special moments between my own kids :) Preserving these moments in time is such an important task!
When I do finally give them their own photoshoot, I'm always reminded how very grateful I am that I have this wonderful gift of photography to give to my family, and to others.

Thank you to all of you out there that have entrusted me with your memories!

{The Woolfe Family} :: Chicago Family Photographer

I absolutely love outdoor sessions, especially along Chicago's seemingly endless shoreline with big city skyline and beautiful sandy beaches! I don't, however, always love dealing with our ever changing weather :) This day, luck was on my side. Despite the crummy forcast the Woolfe family was up and ready to gamble, and I think we beat the odds! We had a mega fast family session and grabbed some great shots before the angry skies opened up (which they did...on the way to our vehicles!). What a great way to commemorate two big birthdays - Happy 3rd birthday to J and Happy 1st Birthday to M!

{Jackson M.} :: Chicago Children's Photographer

Jackson is such a sweet little guy! I absolutely adore his sweet baby blues. Don't let this little Southern boy outfit fool you :) He's less about frills, and more about cruising around and exploring every little bit around him! He's just over nine months old, and ready to start walking at ANY second. It was great chasing him around, and SO much fun to photograph him in his own surroundings. I love this crib shot - it reminds me of waking up and seeing my little guy standing up in his bed, so happy to see me :) Great idea, Mom!

{The Leach Family} :: Chicago Family Photographer

This session was full of adventures :) First of all - Mom is a very special person in my life because she was our favorite nurse when Lola was born, so I was over the moon when she asked me to take portraits of her 1 and 2 year old children to commemorate their birthdays. I talked her into making it a whole family session, and Grandma and Grandpa even came along for the ride!

Our first location choice was swarmed with mosquitoes....I mean SWARMED! Luckily, they knew of another nearby municipal park, so cool, calm and collected we all packed back up and headed over to Plan B. What a beautiful Plan B it was!! Trees, baseball diamonds, and the occasional Metra train.....we ended up with a GREAT session! Thanks again for having me - it was a ton of fun - and SO hard to choose the few to preview here today :)

{Lily R.} :: Chicago Children's Photographer

Sometimes its funny how the world works. Lily, her mom and I found each other in a round about fashion, and I was so grateful that she asked me to do portraits to commemorate Lily's 3 years of life! We had a great time on this beautiful spring (but felt like summer!) morning running along the lake front. Lily is such a strong, beautiful and spunky little girl - I have no doubt great things are in her future :)

{Audrey & Whitney} :: Chicago Children's Photographer

I suppose growing up is what they are supposed to do.....but watching kids and families grow up before my eyes makes me so wistful :) I photographed Audrey just over a year ago, and she's such a little lady now, but still oh so sweet! Together with her new baby sister, Whitney? It was SWEETNESS overload!!

(Aurelia's Second Birthday!} :: Chicago Event Photographer

What a blessing! The family enjoyed the photographs from the First Birthday Celebration of this sweet girl, so they invited me back to see Aurelia turn two :) Mom did not disappoint this year, either! It was a horse themed gala at the Noble Horse Theatre. We all know EVERY little girl needs a pony!

Donna was so gracious to provide some of the wonderful people that helped her create this event - I've included links so you can see their work! Most of the items were found on Etsy....except for the tacos :) Those were made by her cousin Pillo :) Now, I have about a zillion photos I could have previewed from this event - everything was so spectacular! Alas, here are a select few.....Hope you enjoy!

These amazing decorations (and the invites, which I didn't preview but were ADORBLE!) were by Barbara at bndesigns on Etsy. Amazing custom paper items!


Oh my!! Aren't these hobby horses adorable? Hand crafted with care by nickmaxmama on Etsy!



You can just see a small part of this beautiful cake, but it was created by Creative Cakes here in Tinley Park. SO delicious, and gorgeous to boot!


And the dress....OH! THE DRESS!! Aurelia had one last year, and I didn't think there could possibly be one MORE adorable, but she did it. Made with love by Uniquely Monogrammed.

{Flynn W.} : : Chicago Baby Photographer

Not too long ago, I celebrated my first member of the Baby Mine program by photographing some beautiful maternity portraits of Amy Jo with her family. Now the baby is here; welcome to the world, baby Flynn! I was so fortunate to take advantage of amazing window light Amy & AJ have in their home - perfect for a newborn session! Flynn did everything in his power to stay awake for all the excitement, but we still managed to capture his beautiful, squishy newborn cuteness :)

I look forward to watching you grow, Flynn!

{Suncelia L.} : : Chicago Baby Photographer

Sweet Suncelia :) She's the newest member of the Baby Mine program, so you'll be seeing a lot of her in the coming year. She was wide awake and ready for action when I arrived. She's so gorgeous and tiny and beautiful and SNUGGLE-ABLE!!! Thank you Eleanor, for inviting me over. And for the Red Wall suggestion - quite possibly my favorite baby portrait EVER!

One of the things I love in addition to the more formal portraits is keep my eyes peeled and trigger finger ready. Every once in a while, a shot will pop up that I'm so grateful to get. Wall Canvas quality? Maybe not, but I love these two little eyes peering over the comfort of Mama's arms :) Melts my heart!