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!

One Year Old Chicago Birthday Smash Cake

This sweet girl was born just before Covid-19 was declared a pandemic last year, and she was the last newborn I photographed prior to Chicago going into lockdown. I had a surge of newborn sessions in early 2020, and I’ll be forever grateful that I was able to get the majority of them photographed before the world shut down. Those babes are all turning one now, after living their entire first year under the weight of a global pandemic. I know they have no idea the magnitude of this burden, but I assure you their parents do. Phew, what a year!

Nonetheless, this little lady LOVES Elmo and was able to have some photos taken for her first birthday to celebrate her big milestone. I love her so, and I love how full of joy she is. Her smile makes my day every time I see her and it has helped me get through this year many times. I adore you, little A, and I love watching you grow!

Chicago Smash Cake Session - One Year Old Lumberjack!

The pandemic isn’t stopping Mr. Jack from turning one and he is here for his smash cake! I had so much fun with Jack while he smashed, played with, and gobbled his cake. We took a few photos of just him in his little lumberjack shirt before he switched to the lumberjack diaper cover overalls & bowtie. Have you seen anything cuter?!? He took this cake-eating business extremely serious, using all appendages to grab cake when his hands were already full and putting his face right in his cake!

And can we talk about that cake! SO beautiful. It’s from Toni’s Patisserie in Hinsdale and it was so pretty. It looked just like a birch tree for this perfect little lumberjack and the way he devoured it, I’d say it tasted amazing as well! The very last photo here shows him trying to share with me - I politely declined, obviously! But he sure is sweet!

Pro tip: Chocolate Cake Is Great For Smash Cakes!

Chocolate cake, or darker cakes or even dark frosting, tend to show up well in photos if you’re really looking for that “messy” smash cake look.

I photographed Jack’s Fresh 48 session last year and he was not happy I was there! His in-home newborn photos were a breeze and I’ve photographed him & his sister a few times this year for their family’s milestones. This smash cake birthday session was full of smiles and curiosity! I so enjoy this guy, and his whole family and am so so grateful.