Family Portraits: Drakes Family

Autumnal joy in New Lenox, IL with the Drakes!

Our First Thanksgiving

This year, Brian and I hosted our first Thanksgiving. A momentous occasion for newlyweds, ours was very laid back. I snapped a portrait of each guest with their dinner contributions. Take a look at our very first, very laid back Thanksgiving.

Family Photography: McDonald Family

I’ve known the McDonald’s for over 10 years, they are always so gracious and a joy to be around. Earlier this summer, I went to their family home where I got to meet the newest addition of the family, baby Violet. She was just weeks old when these photos were taken. Have a look!

Family Photography + Cake Smash: DeRoo Family

On a rainy Sunday in June, my husband and I drove to Schaumburg to do a family photoshoot with one of his oldest friends, Chris DeRoo. Brian has known Chris since they were maybe 5 years old? He's also known Chris's wife, Megan, since high school as Chris & Megan were high school sweethearts. They now have two beautiful boys and are in the process of relocating to St. Louis. Their youngest son, Henry, just turned one, so we added a cake smash to the session. Take a look!

Benjamin Craig

My friends had a baby! His name is Benjamin Craig and he's perfect. He was given the name Craig to honor his Grandfather. Check out these moments I captured with Chris, Kristin and baby Benjamin. 

Castro Family: Extended Family Session

Take a look at this extended family session done at Walton Island in Elgin. The models are my beautiful sister-in-law and her wonderful family. 

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! 

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. 

Garfield Park Conservatory Family Shoot

Check out this holiday themed photoshoot with one of my favorite families! Captured at the Garfield Park Conservatory.

Bailey Family Photos

There is nothing better than a great photoshoot with great people! I was lucky enough to have a shoot like that this summer. Take a look at Noah, Amber and their beautiful family. 

Location: Chicago River Walk, Trump Plaza, Wrigley Building

The Road to Hancock County

I spent this past weekend down at 'the farm,' as we call it in my family. 'The farm' is the farm my mom grew up on in Hancock County, most of her family still lives down there. I was there to celebrate my cousin Mary's bridal shower. The drive from my apartment in Chicago to Hancock County is about 5 hours. In that time I got to know 2 new podcasts: The Candid Frame & Tips from the Top Floor. These photography podcasts made great travel companions on my solo drive. They were interesting, not too long and most important, inspired me to get out and shoot. Take a look at what I saw: