Sage, born shortly after midnight on December 24 is 6 months old now and these days is shining a brilliant smile.

Lindsey and her father Alan stood at the top of the stairs overlooking the ceremony for a few moments to simply take it all in. I love that- what’s the rush? Soak it all up along with the significance of this moment.

Backyard weddings can be a lot of work but they also can be that perfectly small, intimate vibe that you are looking for. Add in a whole lot of elbow grease, the love and support of family and friends, and an extraordinary designing, planning and styling team (Elysse Goerss, Blessings From the Moon Events Co,) and you have yourself a gorgeous celebration right in your own backyard. That said, June 17, 2023 was a very hot day in El Dorado. The sun was strong and bright and shade was hard to find. Donna started out at an Air BnB in…

Who doesn’t love a wedding reception that spontaneously erupts into a conga line? Add in some wedding favors of stick-on mustaches and royalty hats- oh, yes, please- sign me up. Apparently, this is also Van Erden Thanksgiving tradition and the energy was celebratory and perfect – just the kind of impulsive fun I believe Erik and Ashlie were looking for to seal the deal. They were also looking for a beautiful location with a relaxed vibe to be married in. They wanted a place where their family and friends could celebrate alongside of them and a place where they could…

I loved getting to be back at the beautiful Flower Farm for Stephanie and Carson’s wedding. Having previously tied the knot in 2020, it was time for the big celebration with friends and family and what a better time to celebrate with Carson’s recent graduation from medical school in St. Louis. Oh, and did I mention, they moved to Irvine just a few days before their Flower Farm wedding…talk about ambitious! Stephanie and Carson dated for many years and then officially married during covid. They didn’t want to wait any longer. They were so easygoing with the day and with…

Get involved in something. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Do your best with your schoolwork, but find a passion project too. Saying hi and smiling can brighten someone else’s day

It was so wonderful to get to photograph Tom and Jillian’s senior photos celebrating their graduation from Oak Ridge High School. Tom is handsome with those gorgeous blue eyes and so sweet and kind. He loves all things computer games! Jillian-poised, with those deep brown eyes, beautiful hair and bright smile is also such a sweetie. She sang for me during the session having just returned with her choral group from performing at Carnegie Hall in New York City! Amazing. 

Benito: meaning “Blessed”
and I’m certain his parents feel this way too. Look at those bright eyes and that smile! Benito stole my heart instantly.

It’s not always “hitting the ground running” with a session, especially with toddlers and a timeframe. While this one started off a bit shaky, we were able to find a rhythm with Miss Madelynn and capture some lovely images. While I’m certain Mandy and Tom, whom I photographed their gorgeous spring wedding in the exact same location in 2019, were wishing they didn’t have an upset little one. They stayed calm and patient and we all worked to refocus energies. I pulled out every trick I knew and ultimately I got to capture that sweet, curious, toddler with the adorable…

Graydon is growing like a weed. Having met him for the first time at his birth, I’m so grateful to get to check in on him annually and the things that make this eleven-year-old, tick. In fact, this is my tenth session with Graydon. Though this session did not include it, I understand that he is a star and fierce competitor in All-Star Karting. It’s something he’s been enjoying for a long time as his dad Tom is big into fast cars:) I plan to head out to the track so I can witness it for myself. Tom shared with…

She was on a Cheer Team from Kindergarten through Junior year and then chose to intern in a dental office, senior year, to become a dental assistant while she goes to college. This fall she is moving to San Luis Obispo to attend a community college for 2 years and working as a dental assistant. The ocean calls her however, and she would like to transfer to a good dental school near the ocean.

When he’s not busy (I wonder when that happens?), he loves hanging out with friends, working out at the gym, playing spike ball and Xbox, and playing golf. He’s also an avid Chicago sports fan but also loves his hometown Kings.