I've been to many first birthdays in my life, and I have to tell you, there's a certain energy around babies turning one. It's always such a monumental moment. Sehaj's birthday was extra special because he was extra happy. The theme for his party was "you are my sunshine", and I can totally see why; he is genuinely a ray of light.
Photographing a large family can be pretty overwhelming. I have to admit, posing 19 people had me briefly intimidated. However, the Mangiaracina Family made it such a breeze! Everyone was super patient, super witty, super personable, and super creative! I hope the amount of fun we had that day is depicted in these portraits. Enjoy!
Parents come with all types of backgrounds – partnered, single, straight and gay/lesbian. The path for building families has become diverse, too. Ashley and Melissa took the route of IVF to start their family. After a long journey, with many stresses, a few heartbreaks, and countless moments of joy, baby Alyssa is finally here! I was honored with the opportunity to take her first professional portraits ever! So exciting! World, meet Miss Alyssa Claire Ruther!
Watching my client's children grow up is one of the greatest parts of my job. I've been working with The Ojeda Family since their son, Billy, was only an infant. Over the years we've shot at a theme park, a beautiful train station, in the comfort of their own home, and numerous parks. Shooting with them is always fun! Not only are they open to executing any theme I suggest, but also we just have a good time doing it!
While most were preparing for a new year, this couple was preparing for a new life. Craig and Sheri were married at the historical Lake County Courthouse in Crown Point, Indiana, and celebrated their reception at Wicker Park in Highland. It was a blissful winter wedding filled with love, happiness, an epic midnight balloon drop, and pup in a tux!
I truly look forward to each one of my weddings, but when I'm asked to photograph a couple that's like family to me, it's a little more special. Kraig and Amy had a spectacular, summer wedding at the Illinois Beach Resort in Zion. I can’t say enough about these two. As a couple they compliment each other perfectly. Their wedding was equal parts joyous moments filled happy tears and wild celebration shenanigans!
Traditional wedding toasts are so overrated. For Nick & Marissa's wedding, the maid of honor, Cori, not only had a speech prepared, but also a rap! The best man, Anthony, and bridesmaid, Veronica, also prepared a performance for the couple. Ice sculptures, signature cocktails, violinists, a photo booth, a live band, surprise performances, touching toasts, and a smoke machine, what more could you ask for! I'd say Nick & Marissa had the dream wedding!
The grounds of Allerton Park are sweeping and beautiful, which is probably the reason Stephanie & Billy booked it for thier wedding. Unfortunately, on July 11 2015, the day of their wedding, it rained. At the time, this seemed devastating, but looking back now, you would have never known. The wedding was still beautiful, the bride was still stunning, the happy tears still flowed, and the newlyweds looked more in love than ever. Also, they say rain on your wedding day is good luck! Cheers to this lucky couple!
We flew from coast to coast for Bryan and Veronica's wedding at the Seashell Resort & Beach Club in New Jersey. The simple elegance looks absolutely amazing with the ocean and blue sky as the backdrop. Their day was the epitome of beach weddings with easygoing vibes, sandy toes, and the most romantic setting.
