Think Pink

When Lauren & Kevin got engaged over two years ago, the year 2010 seemed almost futuristic. Like it was so far away, we would be flying around in little cars to get to their wedding.

You may, or may not, remember their engagement session in downtown Naperville...

During pre-wedding discussions, we talked about where to go for fun bridal party photos on their wedding day in between the ceremony and reception. Lauren said she wasn't too worried about where I chose because I stuck them in front of a dumpster at their engagement session, and it looked really good. It didn't even smell at all. That is where I draw the line.

Lauren's dad is a wonderful musician whose music filled the air many times throughout the day.

Being a fan of pink myself, her color palette for the day created some great eye candy for me.

I loved her Grandma's first look at her. Her Grandma is such a cutie.

Look at those eyes...open or closed, they are beautiful.

Lauren and her sis are huge scrapbookers and she was surprised with a gift for her big day from her sister and Maid of Honor.

LOVE Gerbera daisies.

If I would have had my Berkeley when I got married, I would have wanted a pic with him.

How cute is this trolley driver?

Speaking of cute...how about Brynn's BF Anthony, who was also one of the ring bearers. Lauren is his mom's cousin. It's good to know people who have friends and family that are getting married ;)

This series of images were really special to me. My favorite part of the day, well, one of them, is staying with the bride and her dad before they walk down the aisle.

I love how he is looking at his daughter. It's a mixture of pride, protectiveness, and, "Are you ready to do this?"

Then he had to take a moment to wipe away a tear or two. It was a very sweet moment that I was glad to capture.

I think Lauren just had to keep her "eyes on the prize" at the end of the aisle to keep from tearing up.

I did a wedding consultation last week and they asked me about formal wedding portraits at the altar. Yes, I do them. Do I think they are too traditional and boring? Yes. Are they the worst part of the day? Yes. Do I enjoy them? No. Do I rock them out as best I can? You bet.

These turned out beautifully. Loved that stained-glass window.

The wedding ceremony ran long, so we only had about 12 minutes to get them done before the Saturday evening mass.

But we did it. A big thank you to Faye for setting up my lights and moving people along. I couldn't have done it without her.

The most fun part of the day is when brides and grooms set time aside to spend with each other and with their bridal party for some fun shots. These are especially key when it comes time to design your wedding album.

Lauren & Kevin, what a wonderful day. We were so happy to be a part of it. Your two years of planning paid off and your day unfolded without a hitch. Thank you so much and I hope you had a great time in Mexico!

DYING

Okay, so I am DYING to see the boys’ pictures…….no pressure! ha ha.

Well, T, you are in luck. :D

Max & Aidan are two healthy, growing little guys. They are six months old already and are just about ready to start shaving.

Since I know that you have already looked at your gallery, I know this is not going to be the "sneak peek" it is supposed to be. But nonetheless, I hope you love every one of these. You and Adam make some cute babies. I loved spending time with them. Chad, yes, those are your ties. Thanks for letting me borrow them ;)

Laughing out loud

I was in Border's the other day and had a true "laugh out loud" moment.

I came across a book entitled Awkward Family Photos and spent a good fifteen minutes unable to stop flipping through this book while my kids ran around like wild banshees. I honestly could not put it down. I decided I just had to buy it, when I realized there was a website.

I just love their comments and descriptions. Here are a few gems:

(all images copyright www.awkwardfamilyphotos.com)

Twelve is Enough:

See if you can spot the same people posing as different people.

(submitted by Eric)

Twilight:

It would be the last time he was ever seen wearing white.

(submitted by Wendy)

The Squatters:

Love lift us up where we belong, but always lift with the knees.

(submitted by Evan)

Saturday Night Special: Roadside Assistance

All she wanted was a tire change, but she ended up with so much more.

(submitted by Rocky)

Are you crying you are laughing so hard? Oh me, oh my, I am laughing out loud right now as I type this...and I am not in the privacy of my own home. I am at my favorite coffee house in Geneva, Graham's 318.

You have to check out this site. They have so many more to tickle your funny bone. They even have them categorized by holidays, vacations, pregnancy, siblings, moms & dads, weddings, random awkwardness, etc., etc. LOL!

So, at the risk of creating some awkward family photos for my clients, I asked them to bring their living room furniture out in to their lawn...that's not awkward at all, is it?

I actually really liked this shot as I tested the lighting.

You may recognize this family from Megan & Patrick's wedding last August in Palatine. Also, baby Meredith from my baby plan.

Megan & Patrick are coming up on their one year anniversary.

Last time we saw Meredith, she was playing with some lemons.

And we can't forget Grandma & Grandpa.

Aren't they the cutest?

Four generations

We can't forget their youngest child:

Thanks so much for having me out. I hope I didn't create any "awkward family photos" for you. Also, thanks for moving your furniture outdoors for me. I think it was worth it!

Stars & stripes

Happy 4th of July to all of you. Be safe and enjoy your holiday weekend with your friends and family.

I am headed up to Glen Lake, Michigan to shoot a fab beach wedding. I will be unavailable to return phone calls and emails until later next week since I am then going to be on vacation for a few days. I will gladly get back to you when I get back in town around July 8th.

Peace.