Downtown Chicago Maternity Session {Art Institute, Wabash Bridge, Hero Coffee}

I simply adore these two. We met right after Christmas for their maternity session, and it had snowed a lot while I was in WI for the holiday. When I returned and we met downtown for their session, the snow was already gone and it was almost 50 degrees! I was so bummed to not have that beautiful snow among the twinkling lights and evergreen boughs, but alas, we made the most of it with these downtown views. We also ducked in the mini alley at Hero Coffee where the twinkling lights are always on. It was a beautiful evening for a maternity session with a gorgeous couple. Stay tuned, I’ve got Fresh 48 and home newborn photos coming at ya’ soon from this lovely little family!

Montrose Harbor Engagement Session with S & K {Chicago, IL}

When I first talked to Staci about her engagement session with her fiancé Kevin, she told me that they love to spend time outdoors & basically just be goofy and laugh together. All the time. She was not kidding - I witnessed this first-hand and got to document it for them & it was a blast! These two have the best time together, no matter what they’re doing. I was able to photograph their engagement session just a few days before their courthouse wedding last summer and I loved getting to know them. Staci even wore her wedding dress at the start of the session and then changed into a gorgeous jumpsuit. They love rock-climbing, hiking and being outside so they wanted to incorporate nature into their photos. Montrose Harbor is the perfect spot for that! It’s got a forest area at the bird sanctuary, it’s got the beach, the boats and it’s got that majestic view of the great Chicago skyline. We met just before sunset and the sun showed off that evening. The harbor photos are some of my favorite couple photos I’ve ever documented! Those colors, that sunset and this adorable couple - it all blew me away! Congratulations, you beautiful souls - I hope you’re loving newlywed life and enjoying your pups!

At the very end, they changed into their rock-climbing gear and we took a few more photos.

Springtime Chicago Area Maternity Session - Glen Ellyn, IL

There’s something about springtime maternity sessions that are so magical to me. The light after a long, dark winter seems extra beautiful and glow-y. The anticipation of my couples SO looking forward to meeting their littles. It all gets me right in the heart. Sarah & Tom were no exception & I had a blast with them! They were referred to me by Tom’s brother and sister-in-law and Tom looks so much like his brother Matt, whom I’ve photographed many times, that I kept calling Tom his brother’s name. It happened so many times, and I would catch myself immediately and they would laugh but boy did I feel bad! I typically do things to make a fool out of myself to get clients natural reactions, but this was unintentional and not quite the same as me horribly singing “Call Me Maybe” to high school seniors to get them to laugh! I’m so grateful for Sarah and Tom’s grace and I cannot wait to meet their little one and capture the start of their parenthood journey.

Also, does Sarah have a celebrity look-alike?! The whole time I kept thinking she looked like someone famous but couldn’t place who. She said she’s gotten Rachel McAdams before, and I can see that when she smiles and when she talks. But I don’t think that’s who I’m thinking of. Maybe a bit of a Jennie Garth? What I Like About You Jennie, not 90201 Jennie! If you think she looks like someone, let me know in the comments because it’s driving me crazy that I can’t place it!