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The Moeller Family | Baby Kane

I love this family. Beautiful, fun-loving, strong, united.

Before we got to baby Kane, I had a chance to catch up with big sister Maeve and big brother Liam. If you remember them from their previous sessions, these kids have won the genetic lottery. And they are pretty funny together too.

It didn't take long for them to get all silly on me. Jump and dance on the table - sure, why not?

Kane was ready, so we headed into the nursery.

Kane - Irish for "Fighter" - got a little cranky, but Mama was there to comfort her little man.

And the reality of a family photo with three kids under 5. :)

Big brother. Little brother.

Some alone time with Kane.







And I'll finish with this silly picture of Maeve taking a lunch break on the counter in the kitchen. :) I just like the silly pictures of kids being kids.

Thank you Bill, Maeghan, Maeve, Liam and Kane. What a perfect family you have. Stronger, more united, and beautiful as ever. Love you guys!

 

Emily & Jared | Married

Ceremony: Our Lady of Providence

Reception: The Falls

Florist: Floral Memories and More

Slideshow: Click here!

 

I remember that I was relaxing under the sunny skies of Florida when I got a call from Emily's mom about booking me for Emily & Jared's wedding. I photographed two of Emily's cousins' weddings and with Emily planning from Ft. Smith, Arkansas, she relied on her family's help to pin down the details to make it all happen. That's what stood out to me about Emily & Jared's wedding - from the planning, to the day-of preparation, and throughout the whole day - their families and friends were there for them every step of the way.

And it all came together from the very start. 

I was very fortunate to have the awesome Kelly Park shooting with me that day. Here's one of her shots:

It was getting a wee bit dark, but Emily lit it up. :)

With the sun setting, what better place is there to stop and take a break indoors?

LOVED all the gorgeous purple at the reception.

Everyone was ready to par-ty. :)





What a wonderful day from start to finish. Thank you Emily & Jared for including me in such a perfect day. I hope Ft. Smith continues to treat you well. 

The Andrews Family | Paige is 18 months

Sweet baby girl Paige has changed quite a bit in the past six months. Still a beauty and full of personality - but just a bit bigger, just a bit more hair.

Ahhh, Christmas. :)



Thanks Ben, Jean Marie and Paige for finishing out my 2011 family sessions with such a smile on my face. Can't wait to see what 2012 holds for you.

Suzanne & Matt | Married

Ceremony: Shrine of St. Joseph

Reception: World's Fair Pavilion

Caterer: Pairings

Florist: Wildflowers

Band: Arvell & Company

Bakery: Lubeley's Bakery

Dress, Boutique: Bella Bianca (Chicago); Dress, Designer: San Patrick

Wedding Planner: Tiffany Munster, Soiree Wedding & Events (Chicago)

Slideshow: Click here

 

Timeless. Beautiful. Classic. Heartfelt.

Suzanne & Matt's wedding were all of these things and so much more. To say I was looking forward to this wedding is an understatement. My sweet friend Maeghan introduced me to this couple and when Suzanne told me they were having their reception at the World's Fair Pavilion - where I was married 8 years ago - I just wanted the day to hurry up and get here.

The day started out with the girls getting ready. My trusty sidekick Liz was there to capture these amazing images.

I love this picture of Suzanne's mom gazing at her daughter. You can see where Suzanne gets her beauty. And grace.

Hello Mr. Choo.

In the meantime, I was hanging with the fellas at the reception site. And even though there were a lot of them, they were the most cooperative groomsmen ever. Gold stars for all of 'em!

Dashing.

Suzanne did not want to see Matt before the ceremony, so once the guys were finished, she came swooping in with the ladies. I really could have taken the whole day photographing Suzanne. Here's why:

:)

And off to the church.

And the two best reactions ever. Like EVER. #1:

And #2:!

And even though the wedding coordinator was chaperoning us the whole time, I got my 10, really 5 minutes I needed right after the ceremony to get the husband + wife shots. Oh yeah, and the sun was going down. :)

The WFP. Just like I remember.











Cheers! Suzanne & Matt, I wish you a lifetime of happiness and joy. Thank you for taking me back to a place so special to my heart. I know it will mean the same to you both from now until, well, forever. 

The Pickering Family

Ah, my last outdoor family session of the year. With some of my favorite people.

I'm thinking of submitting a couple to Ralph Lauren for their ads. :)

Mr. Handsome. Both of 'em.

I found a special little nook in Forest Park. That place still surprises me. We stumbled upon a gingko tree. A perfect backdrop to show off the perfect baby footwear.

Drew's boots were made for kickin' leaves.

Lucas had a different reaction to the leaves. :)







Thanks Jody, Wes, Drew, and Lucas for finishing my fall season on such a high note!

The Gross Family

Little Sam is not so little anymore. He's gone from baby to boy. He does silly things. He plays in leaves. Climbs on logs. He doesn't always listen to directions. :) But when he looks at you and smiles, your heart still flutters.

Even though he's gained some independence, he still needs a helping hand every now and again. I know two people who are always there ready to give it to him.

Because sometimes you're not sure where that kiss is going to land ...









Thanks Tim, Jenny and Sam for a Saturday afternoon of exploring!