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! :)

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!

Baby J is here! | Bartlett, IL newborn video and photo

Four years ago I videotaped David and Chara's wedding. One year ago I did 5 video sessions capturing their son's first year and created a video biography for them. Today I videotaped and photographed their new little miracle, Baby J!

I am honored and touched beyond words that they would trust me enough to ask me to come to the hospital hours after Baby J was born. This is a time for closest family and friends, and they wanted those moments captured as part of their new son's video biography. Thank you, David and Chara, for asking me to capture the most cherished moments through your life's journey together!