Letting Loose

Leah wasn't so sure about me at first.  It took a while for her to let loose, but she finally came around.

So, maybe she didn't get totally crazy, but she sure is a cutie!  Happy 1st birthday Leah!  Looking forward to your birthday party.

Lucky 13

Thirteen has always been my lucky number.  I was born on March 13th.  13 was always my jersey number when I started playing sports.  I could not wait to turn 13 and officially be a teenager.  Oh, the things I would tell my 13 year-old self.  

In fact, a few years ago Court and I started writing a book about giving advice to younger girls to help them survive the craziness that is the teen years.  I am sure there are a million such books out there like that, but we were going to write it in a tongue-in-cheek manner with a little sarcastic, subtle and dry humor.  Cause we think we are funny.  Actually, we were going to call it "A Midwestern Girl's Guide to Being Fabulous." It is still a work in progress.

Twins Carson & Dylan make 13 look beautiful and effortless.  Their mom, Amy (B & Ky's babysitter), can't believe her baby girls are now teenagers.  We did some fun pics to celebrate the milestone.

They were such good sports as it started raining and the mosquitos started biting.  We shot these pics super fast, although I could have shot all day.  I got to accessorize them with lots of fun stuff that I kept pulling out of my Mary Poppin's bag.  They were like my little dollies.  Love you guys!

Born on the 4th of July

Meet sweet Zander.  The newest member of my baby plan club.  This little patriot's dad is a Chicago Firefighter, so we had some fun with his helmet.

Doesn't it look like the snake is going to bite Z's toes?  I didn't notice that until I was editing these pics.

Aren't mom's eyes amazing?

Thank you so much for having me out.  I can't wait for our next session.

Finally, 4 of 4.

Finally, a little closure would be nice.  I had a busy weekend and no computer time at all,  I shot another beautiful wedding on Friday.  This was the much anticipated wedding of Sarah & Josh with the vintage lake theme up in Lake Geneva.  Then I made my summer complete with a Kenny concert at Country Thunder on Sunday.  Life is good.

By the way, I ran in to one of the bridesmaids from Laura & Dustin's wedding at Country Thunder.  Hi "Q"!

But back to Laura & Dustin...

Their cake was so delicious.  Cheesecake...mmm.

We got the party underway then snuck out the back door for a few beach sunset pics.  I am so glad we did.  These are some of my favorite photos I've ever taken.

When we got back, the party had picked up even more.  I don't think anyone even realized we were gone.

I turned my camera over to my new buddy and groomsman, Joel, who got some great shots for me while I did a little of this:

and this:

The next day Chad's Aunt and Uncle invited all of the guests over to their place for brunch.  They rent this place out if you are looking for a great place to stay up in this area.  It is right out of a magazine.

On the way home, the GPS took us a different route than we took on the way up.  I kid you not, it took us down this road.

Chad had to get out to see what was around this soft, muddy/sandy bend.  Thank goodness for all-wheel drive.

Well that's it!  I guess it was kind of a long story.  As you can tell, it was a really good time.  Let me know if you are planning a destination wedding.  I would love to be a part of it!!

I forgot to mention that the day after this wedding, Jonathan Schaech (Christina Applegate's ex) and Jana Rae Kramer (from One Tree Hill) got married in the same spot as Laura & Dustin.  I have not seen their photos yet, but am curious.  I can guarantee they did not party as hard as this wedding party.

Congrats to Laura & Dustin.  I hope you enjoyed your week of relaxation up north.  Thanks for having me.  All my best. xoxo