CarLeigh and William Engaged! | Bartlett, IL Engagement Photography

I have known CarLeigh's family for several years through videotaping community theater performances that they've either directed or starred in (or both), and last year I also videotaped CarLeigh's big brother's beach wedding. I was thrilled when her mom contacted me again to say there would be another wedding coming up soon! I mentioned that we recently expanded into wedding photography as well, so Images to Adore will be both photographing AND videotaping their wedding next month!

We met at Cantigny park in Wheaton on a hot sunny day in July, and kept cool by taking photos in the shade and exploring the park's beautiful grounds! William is a sweet guy and totally in love with his fiance. It's so fun to watch young love; it reminds me of way back in the day when Mike and I couldn't take our eyes off each other.

Here are a couple of my favorite photos from their e-session. Congratulations, CarLeigh and Will; we'll see you next month! :)

Toddler J | 18-month photo Session

I love the inquisitive nature of toddlers, and my favorite part of photographing the 1-2 year-old crowd is to try to capture the wonder and excitement in their eyes. I think J has some of the most gorgeous, expressive and soulful eyes, don't you think?

Peek-a-boo!

And a huge thank you to J's parents! We've already booked both a fall and winter photo session for later this year, and they are earning print credits by telling their friends and family about our services. Want to earn free prints also? Find out more about our Referral Rewards when you book a session with us!

Terrific 2's! | Bartlett, IL Child and Family Photographer

There are a magical couple days every year in late April or early May when the crab apple trees blossom and produce gorgeous and fleeting photo opportunities. The day after these photos were taken, a storm washed all the blossoms off the trees.

I was so worried about this session; if the weather was going to be rainy our backup plan was to take backdrop photos at my messy, poorly lit house. SO Glad that Mother Nature cooperated, and, in fact, was pretty spectacular for this photo shoot! It actually resulted in one of my all-time favorite photos I've ever taken.

For two-year-olds especially, it's my opinion that giving them a session location with a wide open place to explore is the best way to capture their curiosity and keep them entertained. Cantigny is my favorite go-to place, and this is exactly why! Brandon was an adorable two-year old with lots of smiles and laughs. He also loved playing with the little path pebbles. A lot. :)

A more natural edit vs the vintage edit in the first photo. I can't decide which I like better!

Thanks for such a fun day to run around outside and enjoy the weather. I hope you enjoy viewing the photos as much as I enjoyed taking them!

Gabriella in Wonderland | Bartlett, IL Photography

A friend that I showed this photo to thought that it had a very Alice in Wonderland quality to it. I would have to agree. Taking photos with Gabriella is always an adventure. In the short hour that we spent together last week, she led me on quite the adventure!

Traipsing around Cantigny Park, we had a pretend tea party and searched for those illusive Cantigny fairies in the flower beds. It's pretty difficult to get eye contact from two-year-olds, so I just create a fun environment for them to explore, and then try to keep up and capture it as they take in the wonder of it all.

I did made the mistake of bringing out the parasol too early, and it was a wee bit difficult to distract her from playing with it the whole time, but I'm so glad I brought it with!

My Family | Winfield, IL family photographer

I'm always photographing my kiddos, but I rarely take the time to edit the photos since I'm so busy with client sessions. I really enjoyed shooting an impromptu photo session with the family this Sunday, and here are a few of my favorites!

Even though Beth is only four, I can see what she will look like when she's an adult through this picture. She's growing up way too quickly!

It's a minor miracle when I get Clara to make eye contact for a photo, but I love some of her candid shots. She looks like a little flapper girl here!

A rare sighting of me in front of the camera rather than behind it. Don't hold your breath, it won't happen too often!

Hubba, hubba! Love my hubby's new glasses!

This picture truly says a thousand words to me! Anyone who knows my family knows that my daughters have extremely opposite personalities. This photo conveys that better than I could ever try to describe!