{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.

(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.

{Happy Birthday Kade!} : : Chicago Event Photographer

Sunday was a glorious Spring day, and a perfect day for a Birthday Party at Family Grounds Cafe for sweet Kade! The food looked delicious, kids young and old had a great time playing and there was even a proclamation that "this was the BEST birthday party EVER!" Thank you so much, Kira and Brady, for including me in such a joyous celebration!