Justin and Haley

I was humbled when my darling friend Haley asked me, out of the loads her creative friends, to take her engagement photos. Not only was I excited to spend time with Haley and Justin, but to also have a relaxing evening on their sailboat! Late Sunday evening, bottle of wine, not a cloud in the sky...a relaxing way to end an early Fall weekend. The lighting was incredible once the sun started to set - it was a deep red that you only see this time of year. I am so happy to be great friends with these two loves. So thank you, Haley and Justin, for letting me be a part of your forever! <3

The Atkin Family

I've had the pleasure of photographing this adorable family three years in a row. This year, the fourth and adorable addition of a daughter was added to the scene, which increased the love and energy surrounding them. The Atkins love to have their lives captured candidly, and I feel so lucky to stand in the background for an afternoon to capture their every day. The weather was absolutely perfect, and those leaves!!! The leaves are what every Chicagoan looks forward to seeing each year, and the Atkins were lucky enough to enjoy a backyard full of them. I definitely looking forward to being with this family for a few hours every year!

The Rodgers Family

I photographed the Rodgers kids late this summer, when the air was sticky and the sun was high and bright. We went to Lincoln Park Zoo, one of their favorite areas. I didn't have to direct the Edie or Max at all - they just wanted to play with the flowers and plants surrounding them! It was so sweet to observe and capture. They were both very energetic, which was a bit tricky (!!!), but so much fun!

Brian and Jaklyn

I photographed Brian and Jaklyn's engagement session in the afternoon of an early Autumn day. The weather - both temperature and lighting - could not have been more in our favor. The couple was full of energy and ideas, so it was fun for me right from the start! We went to various iconic, downtown Chicago areas to capture the love of Brian and Jaklyn, who will wed in Chicago next May. I am so happy to be working with a couple so clearly in love, and so excited to spend the rest of their lives together!

The Yelton Family

After a long break from blogging, I am picking up again with showing you some of the work I've done in the past year! I have had a busy year of attending weddings of all varieties, from my best friend in Mexico to my coworker in downtown Chicago. I also started a new job at Groupon, and dedicated all of my creative energy towards building a photo studio as the Art Director. Thus, 2014 was the year to focus on things outside of my freelance work. Now that the dust has {mostly} settled, I want to, once again, bring my attention back to the job that I love so much!

I have photographed the Yeltons from their engagement until now, capturing every milestone in this adorable family's life! Their baby girl turned one, and is an energetic, smiling, young soul. Reminds me of her mom. :) You can hear Kendall's giggle through the images, and I hope they bring a smile to your face like it does mine!

Tillie

I photographed Tillie and her family last May, and she has changed so much in a matter of 7 months! It was so sweet to see how much she has grown, and how much more she talks! She has a huge personality, which shines through this set of photos. Enjoy!