Blast from the past!

I was thrilled when one of my best friends from elementary school asked me to come shoot her adorable little family and her in-laws. (Thank goodness for Facebook!) After many, many years, it was so wonderful to reconnect with Michelle and to see how far we have both come...also very surreal! ;)

I am so embarassed to post this, but here we are in 4th grade. Hot stuff! Isn't it funny? Like my perm? I am pretty sure that is a home made tie-dye I am wearing.

This was the cutie pie that greeted me when I got there. She is the spitting image of her mom and she obliged when I asked if we could do a couple of "practice shots" before we started.

Isn't she a doll!!!

Then we rounded up the rest of the fam and had some fun.

Sydnee was proud to show off her Nani and Papa.

Syler wasn't so sure about getting his photo taken, but he enjoyed some nuzzles from his daddy.

Aren't they sweet?

And them too!

She hasn't changed a bit! Time has been good to you, Michelle. You are just how I remember you.

It was so fun to meet her awesome husband.

The lighting was golden and I got some great flare.

Thank you so much for having me! I had so much fun! It was so great to see you and meet your loved ones :)

One hot mama!

I spent a nice crisp fall morning with an awesome mom and dad-to-be, Meghan and Josh. These two are truly beautiful on the inside and out and were game for anything I wanted. I love that!

Meghan is the sister of one of my favorite grooms. You may recognize this couple from Megan & Patrick's beautiful wedding in August.

Look at those eyes!

She is 31 weeks...can you believe it? Such a tiny little bump!

They don't know what they are having yet...so they are sure anxious to meet this little person.

LOVE this one!!

Well, since I took so long to post these on my blog, Meghan knew the password for her gallery and already saw that I had posted them. So this is not much of a "sneak peek!" :D I am so glad you loved them all! Enjoy!

Apple Picking Season

We took our annual day trip with the Noto's to pick apples. This year we did not make it all the way to Michigan like we hoped, but it was still great. Last year we all fit it one mini-van...not so much this year. We each had to take our own since we have each added a new addition to our families. You may remember the pics from our trip last year.



This year we went to the Royal Oak Farm in Harvard, Illinois. I would definitely recommend it.

Aiden enjoyed his first apple picking trip.

Don't you just love their flannels?

He was a hungry boy.

Big bro Anthony showed him the ropes.

They also have pumpkins there.

Brynn and Anthony being goofy.

B wanted to carry the big bag of apples...

But she sure didn't want a family photo :(

She was outta here. Oh fine.

Kyler enjoyed his first trip too, but was sad he couldn't join in eating the cider doughnuts. (By the way, they were the best cider doughnuts I have EVER had.) Next year Ky!

Kari & Alex: Wedding

I am so excited to finally share this sneak peek of an awesome wedding Faye and I shot two weeks ago. Kari and Alex planned a picture perfect day and I feel so lucky to have captured it for them. Their families and bridal party were so wonderful and sweet to us.

You may remember Kari and Alex from their engagement session we did this summer at Millennium Park. They are proof positive that Match.com really works :)

Both the wedding and the reception took place at Eaglewood Resort in Itasca, Illinois. Although the day was rainy and overcast, the venue was phenomenal.



What do you think of the new logo? I am trying out some new looks.

The girls painted one fingernail black in honor of Kari's cousin who was recently in a car accident and is still in a coma. She had her fingernails painted black at the time of her accident. Say a prayer for her quick recovery.

Wow.

Erika and her team from Noel Rose were on hand to provide the hair and makeup. The bridal party was stunning.

Love this moment between Kari and her maid of honor.

The rest of the bridesmaids getting a first look.

Wowza.

The guests and the bridal party had to go outside the building to get in to the tent for the ceremony. Luckily there were these big umbrellas to keep everyone dry.

This is by far my favorite image of the day. Maybe my favorite image ever. I strive to tell a story with each image I take. I think this image sums up quite nicely the importance of the whole day. Kari's dad waited quietly to escort her down the aisle as she composed herself. These are the moments I love about weddings and this is why I always shadow the bride (and usually dad) before they walk down the aisle.

Showtime.

"All you need is love."

The resort offered to give the bridal party and Faye and I golf carts so we could go out on the golf course and to take some fun photos...you can imagine my disappointment when the puddles prevented that from happening :( But we managed ;)

Kari's dad was so proud to wear his "Father of the Bride" hat.

Their first look at the reception room.

This cake smelled so good. Faye and I were salivating.

But the coolest thing of all was the martini bar with the ice sculpture. After the martini was prepared, it was poured through the ice sculpture and served chilled. There was more salivating by Faye and I.

First dance.

The dancefloor was packed all night long as the High Society Orchestra rocked the house.

Kari and Alex, we can't thank you enough for having us at your wedding. Your attention to detail was evident as was the love you two share for each other. Thank you for letting us be a part of it all.