NEW HOME ON THE WEB || I'VE MOVED!

I have a brand new home on the web and my Blog has moved to a new location. These posts will remain here, but if you want to see my new work, check out my NEW WEBSITE and BLOG!!

GIRLS PHOTOGRAPHY TRIP || 24 HRS IN CHICAGO

You know you are CRAZY if…

You spend an entire day in downtown Chicago taking pictures with photographer friends, AND you think it was the BEST day ever!!! SERIOUSLY, BEST DAY EVER!!!

It was even Emily's birthday and she was totally ok with spending it with us!!

We planned our day around where the light would be the best, how far we could walk in our heels, where the best food was, and how much it was going to cost to Uber or Park at said locations.  We rode the "L", walked a lot, moved our car twice and took an Uber 3 times....just to get where we wanted to go!! We ate at all my favorite food place in the city and if that wasn't enough, we ordered Chicago style pizza and picked it up on the way home!!

We must have looked like three crazy ladies with all of our photography gear and our changes of clothes, but it really was THE BEST DAY EVER!!!!

I love these two photog friends of mine, Emily and Stephanie.

We met in a private Facebook group after taking courses with Amy & Jordan Demos. We became instant friends and when Emily mentioned that she wanted to come to Chicago for a girls trip, I was all over it!!

I am so grateful for their friendship. I might have given them a crash course in my crazy life for the last 5 years on our drive into the city. They probably learned more about me than they ever wanted to know, but they listened, encouraged and made me laugh. We swapped clothes and helped choose outfits, we laughed and told each other that we were amazing!! {Because we ARE!}

I came home feeling refreshed, renewed and ready to work. I feel their love and support as we are able to ask each other questions, help each other with struggles, bounce ideas off each other and cheer each other on! The community that Amy & Jordan have created is the best part of their amazing classes. Yes, I've learned a LOT about photography, lighting, posing, and business...but nothing could replace the lifelong friends I have gained and the joy it is to be on the same team! Community over competition is their motto, and I 100% agree!!!

ANDY & CHRISTINE || NAPERVILLE RIVER WALK

I woke up the morning after Thanksgiving to a text that said "So, this happened last night" and a picture of an engagement ring. To say I was shocked would be an understatement. I had just been with Andy and Chris the night before and I did not get the feeling that this was going to happen so soon - I'm pretty sure she was in shock for several days as well!! If you know anything about Christine, you know she's a planner. EVERYTHING is planned out in her life, and Andy swooped right into her life and threw off her careful planning - in ALL the best ways!!

Christine has been like a sister to me for many years, in fact she was the first person I texted when my ex-husband told me he wanted a divorce, and her house was my save haven for the first few days of trying to figure out what I was going to do. She felt safe to me. She know what I was going through, she knew exactly how I felt and she was there with open arms to catch me when I was falling.

To say that I am EXCITED for her doesn't even come close to how I feel about her having a second chance and finding love again. Earlier on the day of their engagement photos, we had a bridal shower for her and she smiled from ear to ear as we talked and laughed and dreamed about their life together. During their session, they were like two giddy teenagers, falling in love for the first time. It was a pure joy to watch them together. Their love and light was infectious and they radiated hope and happiness.

Andy and Christine, I am SO, SO happy for you. I am so grateful you found each other and that you gave love a second chance. I'm so excited to photograph your wedding day and I can't wait to see what the future will bring for you and your family!!

THE STEWART FAMILY || JOY AND LIGHT

It was pretty clear from the moment they stepped out of the car that this little girl brings this family so much light, and has them all wrapped around her little finger. She was the sweetest, most adorable girl the whole time, and she was very cooperative while we were doing this photo shoot. Most of the shots were centered around her, and she was such a good listener. We weren't sure how long she would last - you know how kids can be, especially when you really want them to cooperate, but she did a great job and we got SO many great photos. I had such a hard time choosing my favorites from this photo shoot.

I know that this family has had it's fair share of struggles. I know they have had health issues and pain and just really hard times. But, you wouldn't know it when you meet them, they are so positive, happy and full of light. They make you feel special and important. I loved watching them together, I loved seeing how much they all care about each other and how much they cherish being together as a family.

I know from my own personal experiences that going through hard times, and struggling together makes you stronger and more united. I find this to be true of the Stewart family. Thank you Dawn for letting me capture your family. You should be very proud of each one of your children and in-laws. They bring light and joy to all those they meet. I am blessed to know you and your children, keep doing what you are doing. Keep cheering them on to be their best and know that I am inspired by your love, your strength and your light.