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! 

Maternity Session: Oliphant Family

This beautiful couple has a special place in my heart. They were our neighbors for three wonderful years at our townhome. We became very close friends as we walked our dogs to the dog park every day. Chester and I were lucky enough to be a part of their wedding last year and when Lindsey asked me to take photos as they embark in their new journey to parenthood, I was beyond ecstatic!!! Andrew and Lindsey (and Ellie:), thank you so much for spending the afternoon  with us and allowing me to capture these special moments. We cannot wait to meet your bundle of joy and watch you become parents! That little one is lucky to have you both. :) 

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.

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.