{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!

{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.

{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 :)

(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.

{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!

{Lola} : : Chicago Children's Photographer

So cliche, but its hard to believe that a month has already passed since my sweet little girl was born :) Lola is such an easy, relaxed little girl, and is full of smiles all of the time.....until I get her in front of the studio lights, that is!

Happy Half Birthday sweet girl!

{Bella & Charli}

You might remember Bella from this summer with her Great Dane....well, now she's a big sister! Baby Charli was born a few weeks before Lola, and she's celebrating 6 months of life on earth! I was so happy to photograph these two beautiful girls (they don't look like sisters. Nope...not one bit ;) ). Thank you Megan, for inviting me in your home!

I was doubly happy to be able to try out a new fringe blanket prop by Cricket's Creations! I love the colors and textures - I can't wait to use it more :)

{Sweet Ideas by Michele} : : Chicago Children's Photographer

This is a special preview showcasing a wonderful event that took place yesterday with good friend Michele, and her business Sweet Ideas by Michele. Sweet Ideas features customized children's clothing for any occasion. It is a fantastic, wonderful, ADORABLE idea for gifts, special occasions or just for adornment on your favorite kid! (HA! Can you tell I'm a fan!?) Make sure you check out her website, or you can find her on Facebook too!

For 2010, Michele and I are going to be teaming up and heading out to a couple of Chicago's great summer festivals (stay tuned for dates and locations). So we held a photo shoot to take some fabulous images featuring her new spring designs and customer favorites!

Thank you very, VERY much to our stunning group of models - and all the parents who came to play and wrangle those models along! I know I had a wonderful time - and look forward to a long, and fruitful relationship with Sweet Ideas in the future!

{Mia K}

Almost a year ago I took photos of oh so adorable Michael, and I was lucky enough to be invited to photograph his new baby sister Mia. She is 3 months old! She was such a dream to photograph, happy to endure our oohs and ahhs over her cotton candy pink-ness :) It was a nice sunshiney day, and light was flooding into the house which provided the perfect backdrop to capture this milestone age. Thank you again Amy & Matt!

{Lila E.}

It is so very hard to believe, but my own baby is scheduled to make his/her arrival in less than a week! I thought what better way to celebrate as a last hurrah before I take a maternity break than to photograph another amazing little baby, sweet miss Lila. She's 6 months old already, and quite the little charmer. We managed to coax a couple of smiles from her and enjoy her cuteness in all its glory! Thanks for bringing her over, Katie!