Wishing you all a joyful Christmas!

Elgin newborn photographer :: Sneak Peek of baby I

I can't help myself! I really don't want to ruin the surprise of Christmas cards and birth announcements for this family, but this little boy is too sweet not to share!

Krysta and Steve's wedding album :: Elmhurst wedding photographer

Krysta has waited so patiently for this pretty little box...

And finally, after choosing her favorite images and picking just the right cover materials, her wedding album is finished to perfection. Now that she's had a chance to show it off to her family and friends, I get to share it with you!

Krysta and Steve chose an album from our Upper Elements line. With a luxurious silk brocade cover, this is a beautiful and unique book that is easily customized to match your wedding colors or home decor.

The silk cover gets me every time. It's really so, so beautiful!

Inside, each page is custom designed to tell your wedding day story.

Thanks, Krysta and Steve, for trusting me to create this beautiful treasure for your family. I hope all the wonderful, joyful feelings you had on your wedding day come flooding back every time you open your album.

McHenry family and child photographer :: The Ebel Family

Oh, the weather! These November days can be so unpredictable, but we've been blessed with some GORGEOUS weather lately. I'm so thankful for that!!

I met the Ebel family at the McHenry Dam, where they love to hike with their children. It was a little on the chilly side, but Mama had stashed thermoses of hot chocolate in her bag, so the kiddos were sipping sweet warmth in between setups. I loved wiping their chocolate mustaches off over and over. :)

Can you tell how much FUN we had during this session? I sincerely hope that every family feels relaxed and enjoys the process of creating their family portraits - and I want those fun feelings to show in the images we make together.

Ebel family, you're fantastic! I'm so excited to meet your third little bundle this winter and watch your family love keep growing. 

To see more of the Ebel's, visit their gallery here, or watch their slideshow.

I Heart Faces Challenge: Black

This is Aaron at 18 months. Mike and I were looking at this photograph just the other night, wondering how our baby has grown up so fast.

One of the things I love about this photo is how simply it was captured. No fancy lighting tricks. I opened our front door on a sunny day, and snapped like mad while he watched the garbage truck roll down the street. 

we know how to have a good time! :: Crystal Lake and McHenry family photographer

We had such GORGEOUS weekend weather here in the Midwest! I had not one, but TWO wonderful family sessions, so I'm busy editing today. Thought I'd drop in and give you a little sneek peek...

This family was so much fun! Giggles galore!!!

More to come soon...

Amy & Pete (married!) :: Rolling Meadows Wedding Photographer at The Cotillion Banquets

"I was threatened by her brothers," Pete told me, as he explained how he and Amy began their relationship. After hanging out as a friend of the family, Pete finally decided to take the next step with Amy, much to her brother's protective dismay. Of course, those brothers were eating their words as they stood as Pete's groomsmen and watched Amy become his wife on a beautiful October afternoon. 

I love, love, loved Amy's vintage-inspired lace dress. And look at her gorgeous cathedral-length veil, edged in her grandmother's wedding lace. Personal touches like that make me melt. Amy, you are such a beautiful bride!

Special thanks to Gary of Windy City Hitman, who kept the party rockin' and the dance floor packed long into the evening, and Rick of Best Booth Plus - the photo booth added so much fun to the celebration.

And a most special thanks to Pete and Amy for inviting us to share in their wedding day. This is a couple who really knows how to have a good time, and they have an amazing group of friends and family supporting them. I know they have many happy years ahead of them.

To see more of their beautiful wedding day, visit their gallery or watch their slideshow.

Amy & Pete :: the slideshow

While I'm getting Amy & Pete's gallery all ready, I thought I'd share a link to their slideshow. We could not have asked for nicer weather for this October wedding - and I can't wait to show you more!!!

Watch their slideshow here.

Fun Fabric Backgrounds

I have a stack of fabric sitting by my sewing machine, waiting for me to turn it into something new. But today I was hit by the inspiration bug, and decided to put that fabric to use while it waited for me to get to my sewing machine. Fun, right?

As usual, my firstborn was totally into the photo experience (especially when there was a lollypop to be earned!) and my youngest was not into it at all. While these images of her aren't "perfect," I do love that they capture so much of her independent, strong-willed personality.

I'm pretty sure I'll be making a trip to the fabric store this week to find some fabrics perfect for more portraits. I'll take any excuse I can get to visit the fabric store! ;-)

Amy & Pete (coming soon!)

October 1, 2011

Palatine Wedding Photographer at European Crystal Banquets :: Maggie & Steve

When I walked into Maggie's suite at the DoubleTree, two things took my breath away. First was the gorgeous gown hanging on the closet door, with a train more dramatic than any I've ever seen and silk so soft it felt like it was melting in my hands. "It just looks so much like Maggie," I told her mom as I stood and admired it. It was such a perfect choice!

And the second thing to take my breath away was the huge bank of windows on the opposite side of the room. I knew I'd be pushing couches and chairs aside to take advantage of the beautiful light that filtered in through the curtains.

 Too stunning for words. Maggie, you are BEAUTIFUL!
(And do you see those gorgeous flowers? Special thanks to Krystyna of Flower Art Studio for the gorgeous florals. They were totally amazing!)

It was threatening to rain all afternoon, but each time I thought the drops were going to start falling, things would suddenly brighten up a bit and the rain would hold off. I think God was smiling on us, giving Maggie and Steve the outdoor pictures they both really wanted. A little wedding present from heaven! :)

Maggie and Steve are one of the few couples I know who spent as much time preparing for marriage as they did planning the wedding. They literally spent dozens of hours taking classes, meeting with a mentor couple, and talking through their expectations of marriage. If I could give just one piece of advice to couples, it would be to prepare the way Maggie and Steve did! I'm so proud that the two of them put a high value on the quality of their marriage, and I know the hours of preparation will pay off for years to come.

Thanks, Maggie and Steve, for inviting us to be a part of your special day. You put together an amazing celebration with so many fun little details! From the candy bar to the fireworks to the live music, it all added up to a beautiful day!! We wish you much happiness as you begin your life together!

You can see more of Maggie and Steve's beautiful wedding by visiting their gallery.

Or click here to watch a slideshow of this gorgeous couple.

Chicago Wedding Photographer at Victoria Rosemont :: Stacey & Chris

It wasn't the veil or white dress that really transformed her into a bride, it with the big bright smile plastered across her face all day long. Stacey is one of the most joyful, positive ladies I know, and she was radiating happiness on her wedding day to Chris. 

I LOVE that personalized hanger. So cute!!!

Stacey and Chris we married in beautiful St. John Cantius Church in Chicago - one of the oldest (and most beautiful) in the city. It's also the church where her parents and grandparents were married, and the richness of that family tradition made her wedding ceremony something extra special.

If there was just one word to describe Stacey and Chris's day, it would be joy. You can see it on the faces of all who celebrated with them. Keep that joy, Stacey and Chris, and it'll sweeten the good times and get you through the hard times. I really loved being a part of your wedding celebration, and wish you both all the best!

You can see more of Stacey and Chris's wedding day by visiting their gallery.

Or watching their slideshow.