My baby is growing up way too fast!

Susannah is ten months old. How did that happen?

At least I have these wonderful images to remind me of just how sweet she was at this age.

click the image to view it larger

Hope you have a great weekend!

In their own West Dundee backyard :: The Stoll family

"This might be the last family portrait of just the four of us," this mama said as she and I talked over ideas for her family portrait. Before one of her boys moves away or adds a daughter-in-law to the family, she wanted one more remembrance of their foursome.

Thank you, Stoll family, for inviting me to preserve this very unique time in your family's life. 

To see more images from their session, click HERE to watch a slideshow.

Or go HERE to see their proof gallery.

A fairytale wedding at Palatine's Immanuel Lutheran Church :: Stephanie & Kevin

I've been keeping tabs on Stephanie for about five years now. Her dad is my dentist (the best in Chicago!), and when Stephanie decided to go to college at my alma matter (go Calvin!) it meant I got an update on her studies with each cleaning. She's joined me in the ranks of Calvin Alumni now, and it was my privilege to photograph her beautiful wedding to her high school sweetheart, Kevin. These two make one dynamite couple, and their genuine care for each other is so evident. Remember the little sneek peek I gave you in this post?  Here's a few more of their very special day...

Thanks, Stephanie and Kevin, for letting us be part of your wedding day! We had an amazing time, and I'm looking forward to future updates on you two each time I go to the dentist. :-)

To see more in a slideshow, click HERE.

Or visit their full gallery HERE.

In my Elgin studio :: the Busch children

Oh, my! These kiddos are BEE-You-TEE-Ful! I just love how their blond hair and freckles looked in all that white. Their mama has been dreaming about having these images made for a long time, and she and I both got excited as we saw here dreams turn into a reality on picture day. The very next day brought a trip to the dentist to get braces on for big brother, so this was one last opportunity to capture his pearly whites pre-metal-mouth. :-)

Have you ever seen a better looking trio?

One very handsome big brother...

and his sweet little sisters!

This one is my very favorite from the session. Mom says they agreed ahead of time that reading was something they all like to do, so we worked that into a portrait.

They just look so angelic! See more of their session HERE.

Thanks, Busch family, for spending an afternoon with me. Hope you had as much fun as I did!!

A super tiny sneek peek of this gorgeous Makray Memorial Golf Club wedding :: Stephanie & Kevin

Stephanie & Kevin's wedding was breathtakingly beautiful. I'm working with the images today, and can't resist sharing just a few.

More to come later this week! See you then!!

Glenview Wedding at the Redfield Estate :: Jerry & Alex

I was not the official photographer for Jerry and Alex's wedding (Jerry's sweet sister-in-law had that job), but that meant I could have a lot more fun and get creative without having to focus on anything in particular. And I was like a kid in a candy shop!

This couple created a beautiful, unique wedding celebration that really did feel like a community event - the flowers were arranged by the bride's aunt, the cake baked by the Maid of Honor, and the reception hosted by Jerry's two hilarious brothers. Here's a peek at this gorgeous couple and their special day:

My favorite moment of the evening came during the couple's first dance. When the music began to play, Jerry quickly realized that it was the karaoke version playing. But rather than stop the music and get a fresh start, this karaoke king began to sing to his bride. He sang the whole song! It was the most romantic first dance I've ever seen, and there wasn't a dry eye in the room by the time the song ended.

Jerry and Alex, we were so honored to witness your vows and celebrate the beginning of this new chapter in your lives. Hope you're having a fantastic honeymoon!

Wheaton Engagement session :: Erin + Paul

I'm playing catch-up a bit after a super busy July 4th holiday weekend, but didn't want to pass up the chance to share this beautiful session with you. I met Erin and Paul on the grounds of Cantigny in Wheaton,  as the sun was just beginning to dip below the tree line. Combine that perfect light and the gorgeous gardens with this loving (and lovely!) couple, and it was a recipe for FAB-U-LOUS.

From Sharp Images Custom Photography

From Sharp Images Custom Photography

From Sharp Images Custom Photography

From Sharp Images Custom Photography

Erin and Paul, I'm REALLY looking forward to your upcoming wedding. Thanks for making these beautiful images with me!!

To see more, CLICK HERE to see the slideshow.
And see the entire session HERE.