Recap 2016

Dear 2016,

You have been hard, the biggest challenge of my LIFE, but you have also been a blessing. This year brought me my son, Nicolas, it brought me answers to my health, and it also brought me so many wonderful photo sessions. I say this every year, but I TRULY mean it when I say this, "I am so lucky to be able to be a stay-at-home-mom AND continue working on my passion - my photography." Yes, this year may have been a lot slower because of my Dystonia and yes I had to turn down many clients, but every chance I had to pick up my camera and photograph another family was filled with such a sense of JOY and pure BLISS. Thank you for every single person in my life. I am incredibly grateful for your endless support and love.

2017, I am ready for YOU! I am ready for a year filled with accomplishments, for more answers, for more joy, and more photo sessions with my wonderful clients! 

Ruby Dent

This family...I have so much love for them. I have had the privilege to photograph George since he was four months old. And here he is now, sweeter than ever, and proud to be a big brother to his sister, Ruby. He quickly introduced me to her as soon as I walked in their home and made sure to give her plenty of kisses throughout the morning. I absolutely LOVE how their home has so many special touches from their families. We got to incorporate a few special things, like a quilt that was Justin's grandmother and Marlee's flower band that she wore on their wedding.   Marlee and Justin, I am BEYOND grateful for your trust in me to photograph these special moments. I cannot wait to be a part of their next milestone.

The Schlueter Family

I LOVE photographing families where their first baby becomes a big sister/brother. The joy in their faces is contagious. They are SO proud in their new role in the family. Etta's energy throughout the session was amazing! She gave ME energy...we got to twirl and jump together as baby June was busy getting fed. When baby sister was ready to be a part of the shoot, Etta showed how much love she has for her. It was truly so sweet to see her take care of June.

Recap of 2015

Every year I am in awe of all that I gain from each photo session. Whether it's a wedding, a newborn session, or a family session, there is ALWAYS something that I learn about life and myself. 2015 has been filled with so much joy and a few surprises. In June, we found out that we were expecting our second baby. We have been blessed with our daughter, Daniela, and now we are waiting to meet our son in just 2 short weeks. (Or sooner, if he decides to come earlier.) My fall season was cut short because of a neck injury and was unable to take on quite a few sessions, but I had to put my baby and pregnancy first and rest as much as possible. My dear clients were so understanding, and for that, I am forever grateful. I'm reminded how lucky I truly am to have such a gratifying job where I can work with such wonderful families. To those families, Thank You! I am so thankful for your support and love.

2016, we are ready for you! I am excited to work with more families and capture more memories. 

Please be sure to click HD (on the bottom right corner of the video window) to view in the best quality possible :)

The Hinman Family

Anjli has a very special place in my heart. She was one of the midwives that attended me during my first pregnancy. She was always so loving, supportive, and made me feel like a strong woman who was about to become a mother for the first time. Anjli's love and support made me feel like a friend, not a patient. Her tender care for women is so inspiring. I was so honored when she emailed me to photograph her sweet family. Her son, Avi, is a week younger than my daughter - and he was such a joy to play with and capture his beautiful personality! 

Anjli & Jeremy, thank you so much for allowing me to photograph these sweet moments! :)

Claire Turns ONE!

Sweet Claire turned one last month and I was literally in awe of her beautiful long hair! She was so fun to photograph and chase around. We listened to music, danced, hugged her dolls, and ate Cheerios. I love this age so much and seeing how they view the world in such a different perspective. I always leave family sessions inspired by the little ones. I can honestly say that I feel so lucky to have such a beautiful job. 

Finn Royal Hawkins

Finn Royal Hawkins was the center of attention for this sweet newborn shoot. But what made it EXTRA special was having all four grandchildren together at "Mimi's" house. The four of them together fill their grandmother's house with so much life and pure joy! I could hear the two boys running around and having the best time together while I was photographing this precious little boy. 

Jack Nicolas Krohn

It is my greatest joy to photograph these special moments in my family's life. This newborn session was EXTRA special to me because this beautiful mama is my cousin.

Growing up, Ana was like a sister to me. I looked up to her so much. I would be one of her dancers as she choreographed the annual dance for our family every Christmas, we played with our American Girl dolls for hours and hours, and I had my first sleep over with her. She was my role model as a little girl.

On April 29, 2015, she received the most beautiful gift in the world - the gift of being a mother. Jack Nicolas Krohn came to this world and has forever changed Ana and Adam's life. I truly cannot be more happy for them. Ana and Adam, you are both already amazing parents and Jack is so lucky to call you mom and dad. 

Welcome to the world, Julia Karwecka

Every time I do a newborn shoot, my heart fills with so much peace and my passion for newborn photography grows more immensely. There is something so magical about capturing the first moments of a child's life and the love that the parents have for their little precious being. Sylwia and Rafal were so warm and welcoming towards me and opened their home with gracious arms. But the most rewarding part of the day was seeing the pure joy in their eyes and having their beautiful daughter, Julia, in their arms. 

The Leake Family

I met this sweet family in our neighborhood parent's network, Grant Park Parent's Network. I've had the joy to see their son, Alex, and my daughter grow up together in this past year. It's incredibly special to have a group of moms to connect with and feel like you are not alone in this new thing called, Parenthood. I am so grateful for this group and the amount of friends I have gained. 

I had so much fun with this special family. We got to twirl, pick flowers, jump, and blow some bubbles. It was a perfect way to start the month of May. :) 

Maternity Session - Melba + Alejandro + baby Daniel

This sweet family is extra special to me because I've had the privilege to document their engagement, wedding and now ...they are having a beautiful baby boy :) Daniel Alejandro is so lucky to have these two amazing people as his parents. There is nothing more beautiful than seeing a woman carry a baby. I am still in awe of how powerful our bodies can be and what they are capable of. Melba, you are absolutely glowing and have such inner strength and beauty. We are so excited to meet your little one.