Chicago Girl

I've been so bad about blogging lately..wedding season has arrived and I've been trying to fit all my engagement shoots in so I have neglected my blog a bit! To my clients that I've worked with in the past two weeks: I PROMISE to get your images posted this week! You can view them on the client login page of my website. :)

Well here's NATALIE!! She's living the life I've always dreamed of in Chicago across from Wrigley Field! I love Michigan and living the suburban lifestyle but I've always dreamed of living in a flat in downtown Chicago. There's just something about that city that I love..the young energy, lake Michigan, the way the city sparkles at night, the awesome shopping (can't get enough of Crate and Barrel and Pottery Barn on Michigan Ave) and of course Garrett's Popcorn!

We will be visiting you soon Natalie!!

High School Sweethearts

Tiffany & Christopher
What they share is rare..a relationship that developed over 7 years ago while in High School...and still so in love and the best of friends! Christopher flew in for the engagement shoot from Phoenix where he is a Police Officer, Tiffany will be soon be joining him there as his wife. What an awesome place to start your lives together! I had so much fun with you guys and am honored to share in your special day!

{A true bond}

The Swain Family

"The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life."

Nothing could be more true for the Swain Family. It's so refreshing to see a family today that is so bonded; siblings that truly love, honor and respect one another, demonstrate joy in each other's life, and stand by each other in times of not only happiness but hardship.

They are the true meaning of family.

Finding THE ONE photographer

A great link to check out for those still deciding on a photographer:

Bespoke: Finding THE ONE photographer

When you’ve met with the ones whose work you love, choose the person you like the most. “What if I like someone else’s portfolio more?”Choose the PERSON you like the most. It is absolutely imperative that you and your groom like your photographer. You needn’t have to any particular affinity toward their baker, florist, or rentals coordinator; these people drop off their goods and leave. They are not personally involved in your day. In fact, you probably won’t even see them. But your photographer’s role is a unique one. He will be with you throughout the event—perhaps even for the entire day. -Monica Rae Gill, owner of The White Box of Wedding Design and J.Cricket Events.

Bespoke: Finding THE ONE photographer (part two)

Bespoke: Finding THE ONE photographer (part two)

{HEART & SOUL}

Colin & Devon

When I meet with clients I bring albums, brochures, slide shows, and various examples of my work therefore, I rarely have pictures with me of my twin boys. I know...I'm a photographer so what's up with that?! Well for those of you who have not had the pleasure of seeing these adorable little faces..here they are...soon to be three years old! They are truly the loves of my life, my inspiration, and my heart & soul.

{WEDDING PLANS}

Ideas & Inspiration

Planning your wedding can be overwhelming..that is if you're anything like me. I spent months and months looking through bridal magazines, even ordered all of the back issues of Martha Stewart Weddings. Just when I thought I had all in place, I would see a color combination that I loved, a table arrangement that I had to have, a small detail that was sure to make all the difference in the world. When the big day finally arrived everything that could have gone wrong did, including a torrential down pour only minutes prior to the outdoor ceremony. As the wedding coordinator ran around frantically making alternate plans, I stood still and looked around. It wasn't the flowers, the programs, the crisp linens, or the table favors that I noticed but the people; the man of my dreams, my family and friends that I love so dearly-all of them for the first time in my life, in the same room at the same moment to share with me in my happiness. I can honestly say it was the best day of my life-rain and all.

Here is a link to a site that is truly inspirational as you plan your big day.

http://snippetandink.blogspot.com/

{KAYLEE}

A whole lot of soul!

I spent the day yesterday with Kaylee-I've never met anyone with such soulful eyes! She is an aspiring young model with a lot of spirit and energy! She carried her Ipod with her throughout the day teaching me the latest dance moves and singing to hip hop and rap-I am now "with it"!! She also convinced me that I have to get a myspace, and wear my hair with an uneven part. You can see from her pictures that she's got it-and it's just a matter of time before she's gracing the pages of Abercrombie!

{KATIE}

Joy, beauty, giggles, love & pure sweetness

This past weekend we celebrated Katie Hyndman's 3rd birthday!

Katie is just two months older than my twin boys Colin & Devon hence, they have known her since birth. They have been pining for her attention ever since!

As I sat and watched Katie, Colin & Devon so full of joy, beauty, giggles, love and pure sweetness I was reminded of how fleeting these moments are.

It will be gone before you know it.

The fingerprints on the wall appear higher and higher. Then suddenly they disappear.

Happy Birthday Katie!