Happy 4th of July!

Hello! Just wanted to pop in and say Happy 4th of July week! I spent the weekend before the 4th in Wisconsin visiting family, snuggling my dog, squeezing my nieces and taking photos. It was so relaxing to be out of the city for a long weekend. Never thought I'd say that it was nice to get out of Chicago. Who am I becoming?! When I returned home from Wisconsin in the wee hours of the 4th, I decided I wanted to do something I've never done before: photograph fireworks! In all my years as a photographer, both amateur and pro, I've never done it and I am really wondering why! I had so much fun photographing the Glen Ellyn fireworks, and was so close to the action, that I wish I'd done this sooner. I blew off the dust on my tripod that I rarely use anymore and had a blast playing with shutter speeds and seeing how I could capture this lovely show. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and got to take in a fireworks show. If not, see my favorites below! 

Emma & Tito - Couple's Session in Chicago

Emma & Tito are officially already married but they're having a celebration next January in the Caribbean and I can't wait to be there to photograph it. This session is from their "engagement session." All of my wedding packages come with an engagement session so that I can get to know my couples better before their big day and so they can see how I work. They get pretty pictures, I get to play. It's a win-win for everyone! 

Once again, someone was looking out for me and the weather was in my favor. It looked like rain most of the day until I headed their way! We started at their home where the golden hour light was just beginning. We then headed to Belmont Harbor to get some portraits at Lake Michigan with that gorgeous Chicago skyline at dusk. It had also rained a lot prior to this day so I got to play with reflections and puddles on the way to the lake! Check 'em out below. 

10 Year Vow Renewal at the Wisconsin Capitol in Madison

I headed back to my roots last month to photograph this sweet vow renewal. Kim & Greg renewed their vows in front of their two adorable children and closest friends and family at Burrows Park on Lake Mendota in Madison, WI. I drove up from Chicago among dark clouds and looming rain but as soon as I arrived in Madison, the sun came out a-blazin' and it was hot and beautiful! 

We met at the Capitol for some family portraits and it had been so long since I photographed there that I was seeing it with fresh eyes! When I shoot in the same place frequently, I tend to get in a creative rut and it can be challenging to come up with new ideas. But after a long break, it was so fun to shoot there and the late afternoon light was STUNNING! Here are my favorites from their special day.