Will - Class of 2018

Meet Will! I photographed his older sister Claire a few years ago (before I was even blogging!) and her session was one of my favorites that year. So, I was excited when I got to meet Will and saw they had the same smile! We photographed at the Memorial Union Terrace at UW Madison, one of my favorite spots to shoot in Madison because it's so diverse! You have Lake Mendota, of course, but also the fun chairs & hanging lights, the ivy-covered walls of the old buildings, columns, boats, and even a wooded path. OH! And my favorite spot: the beautiful glass wall inside the Union (and maybe Will's too since it was A/C inside and a relief from the heat!) 

This is the very same wall we took his sister's photo on and we did this as a half-joke to semi recreate hers but I LOVE it! Love this glass wall even more than I did before! 

Best of luck to you, Will! May you chase your dreams and never stop enjoying life.

---

Sweet session at Heritage Bicycle

When I first moved to Chicago, I quickly discovered that one of my favorite things to do in the city was find unique coffee shops every time I was in a new neighborhood. Not only did it help fuel my coffee addiction, I got to know my way around the city pretty well based on coffee shop locations! However, this little gem - Heritage Bicycle - is in the neighborhood directly next door to mine and I've read about it, but still had not made it in here. Until now! For this adorable, laughter-filled session. Elizabeth and TJ mentioned that this is one of their favorite spots to go to on a relaxing weekend and I knew I had to document them in it! I fell in love with this coffee shop and I fell in love with Beth & TJ. They make each other (and me, honestly) laugh, they're both incredibly thoughtful, real, silly and so genuine. I had the best time getting to know them on a hot summer night in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood. Thank you both for humoring me with this collaboration and for laughing all the way. And thank you to Heritage, for being so delightful and accommodating. PS. Their coffee, and iced tea, is amazing! Check them out if you're in the area. 

My favorite!

Skyler is ONE!

Holy toledo, where in the world did time go?! Seems like just yesterday this spunky girl was born! I love her to pieces and am so glad I got to spend her first birthday with her. My sister and brother-in-law have quite the beautiful character on their hands. She's been noisy since she came out of the womb and she's only getting louder! So much to say and she can't even talk yet. And don't get me started on how she does not stop moving. Ever! This girl is going to rule the world!  

Can I also just gush about the light on the farm for the family part of the photos?! WOW! We waited out a mini rain surge that night just before we started and got the most beautiful light and glistening grass. So worth the wait & wet feet.

Best buds.

They were having a contest to see who's loudest!

Those eyes!

I love the grass on her feet! Total farm girl! 

She's smiling at her cows, not me!