Rodseth Family || Gabis Aboretum Valparaiso, IN Maternity & Family Session

As the winter sun cast its gentle glow over Gabis Arboretum in Valparaiso, IN, I had the privilege of capturing the joyous moments of the Rodseth family. Elise and Amelia, with their sister hugs and giggles, also adding an extra layer of sweetness to the session. Kristen, whom I met nearly three years ago during a neighborhood stroll, has become not just a friend but a cherished client. Watching her family grow has been a heartwarming journey, and it was a delight to document this special chapter as they eagerly await the arrival of their newest addition, due this April.

Maternity sessions hold a unique allure, capturing the tender moments of anticipation and hope as a family eagerly awaits the arrival of their little one. It's a privilege to witness and document these precious moments, each one telling a story of love and anticipation.

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Posz Family || Sunset Hill Farm Valparaiso, IN Family Session

Capturing the essence of family love amidst the breathtaking Fall colors at Sunset Hill Farm in Valparaiso, IN was an unforgettable experience with the Posz family. With their toddler son and adorable 6-month-old daughter, the session was brimming with warmth and tenderness. Parents beamed with affection not only towards their children but also towards each other, creating a beautiful atmosphere of connection. As the session drew to a close, their beloved pup joined us, adding an extra layer of joy to the memories we were creating. Sunset Hill Farm provided the perfect backdrop for this heartwarming family session, reminding us of the beauty of love, both human and furry, in the midst of nature's splendor.

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Capturing Memories: An Extended Family Session at Dwell Vacations - Dahlia House

Nestled in the scenic beauty of Berrien Springs, MI, lies the exquisite Dwell Vacations - Dahlia House, a haven of luxury and charm. Imagine a week of laughter, love, and cherished moments as an extended family comes together for a summer retreat. As a photographer, I had the honor of being invited into their midst to document their unforgettable time together.

From the moment I stepped out of the car at the Dahlia House, I was captivated by its beauty and alluring ambiance. Amidst the lush greenery and tranquil surroundings, this property provided the perfect backdrop for our photo session. Against this picturesque setting, we embarked on a journey to capture not just images but timeless memories.

What ensued was a delightful blend of candid moments, playful antics, and posed portraits, reflecting the genuine bond and joy shared by this wonderful family. We had such a sweet time capturing the whole crew, cousin photos, adult sibling photos, etc. Each family unit also received a collection of updated photos capturing the essence of their individual dynamics, as well as the collective joy of being together.

As I left this session, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to document such a special occasion. 

If you're considering a family gathering or reunion, let's connect to create your own timeless memories to cherish for years to come.

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Meeker Family || Sunset Hill Farm Valparaiso, IN Family Session

Join me as I look back on this beautiful Fall session with the Meeker family at Sunset Hill Farm in Valparaiso, IN. This session was filled warmth from the family and the glow of a fading sun and the vibrant fall colors. Sunset Hill Farm always provides a gorgeous landscape and it was so sweet to once again have the Meeker family in front of my lens in this glorious space.

I have had the privilege of capturing the Meeker’s for their one year anniversary and maternity photos when they anticipated the arrival of their third baby girl. Despite distance, Brittany (mom) and I have become great friends throughout the years as we’ve journeyed together on this wild ride of motherhood. So as the years go by and I see how fast kids grow up, it was all the more sweeter to capture these family photos for my friends to cherish forever.

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Valparaiso, IN Winter Mini Sessions

Step into the warmth of my in-home studio, where winter minis sessions unfolded against a neutral brown paper backdrop. Amid the simplicity, families shared tender moments that resonate with the essence of the season. Laughter filled the studio, creating joy-filled moments to be cherished for a lifetime.

Capturing the charm of winter against this neutral canvas was a delightful experience as a photographer. The versatility of these sessions allows the memories to become an integral part of homes year-round. Join me in reliving the magic of these cozy winter minis sessions. 

Interested in booking your own studio session, please let me know! I’d love to chat more. 

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Buchelt Family || Valparaiso, IN Extended Family Session

As a photographer, there are sessions that leave a lastly impression on me, and this session surely was one of them. Whether it was the grandparents still giddy with love and affection towards each other after many years together, the children exploring the cockpit of 'Chippy' with wide-eyed wonder, or the whole family gathered against the backdrop of the plane's wings – each frame told a story of love, connection, and the beauty of family ties.

This blog post would not be complete without a shoutout to ‘Chippy.’ Chippy played a symbolic role in this session, it was more than a family plane. It was a testament to the adventures shared, the journeys taken, and the memories created. Including Chippy in the family portraits added a unique touch, reminding everyone of the adventures they've embarked on together and the countless skies they've conquered as a family.

With all that, I invite you to join me in celebrating the beauty of family, love, and the magic that happens when 'Chippy' becomes a part of the frame.

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Brinkman Family Session || Caldwell Woods

I remember when I first met Noah, the adorable little girl with the pink overalls. She was a newborn then but she’s over two years old now. And soon this family will be welcoming their third bundle of joy into the family. It honestly is such a joy to watch other kids grow up and then to help document these days for their family to cherish for years to come.

Here are a few sweet captures from my time with the Brinkman family.

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Arrington Family Session || Caldwell Woods

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Caldwell Woods Family Session || Chicago, IL

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Day Family || Wheaton, IL Family Session

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Anna + Kevin || Humboldt Park Maternity Session Chicago, IL

A few weeks ago I had the great joy of capturing my friends' maternity session. Anna and Kevin will be parents any day now and I couldn't be more excited for them!

Sappy/personal story coming at ya - Capturing my friends' maternity session brought me back to when I was pregnant with Ari and the maternity session a friend did for me.

I loved those photos but the importance of them did not really hit me until after I had Ari. A couple weeks post birth, I remember putting my daughter down for a nap and pulling up our maternity photos. Friends, I balled. Like a real good ugly cry. It all came full circle for me. This precious baby that was now napping next to me, also grew into a person inside my body. Now she wasn't there anymore but here she was and I could now touch and feel her skin, hands, feet... Postpartum emotions may have played a role too, but nonetheless, it was such an emotional thing for me to walk through and hit me in a way I didn't see coming.

It made me appreciate those photos that much more. These images helped capture that 9 month season. A season that felt so long at the time but post birth I'd sometimes wish I could carry my sweet girl a little while longer.

You may be wondering, why am I sharing this? I think it is such a good reminder that these seasons we are in while they may seem long and exhausting, they are also short and beautiful. Whether you are engaged and hoping to get married in the next year or two; expecting your first baby any day now and tired/achy more than your comfortable with; have a newborn at home and lacking much needed sleep; or, have littles running around and you can't seem to get everything on your to-do list done... There are many more seasons but these are just a few I've walked/am walking through. But my encouragement is to be sure to photograph the season you're in! I assure you that one day you will look back on those photos and be thankful that those good ol' days were captured.

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Scott Family || Chicago, IL Family Session

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Rakoczy Family || Valparaiso, IN Family Session

As your kids get older, you may be a little less likely to have your family photos taken. However, I encourage you to still do them! These years are still so precious and your kids are probably growing up faster than you could believe. Take some time to capture these older ages too. I promise you that we will still capture some sweet memories that will be cherished for years to come.

Side note, I am also a huge fan of grabbing some solo parent photos too even when it is a family session. It’s so important to capture your love too!

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Tanaka Family || Humboldt Park Chicago, IL Family Session

This was my second time capturing the Tanaka family and what a joy it was. Our first session together was back when their son, Logan, was just two months old. Now he is two-and-a-half year old with a personality that just lights up the room. The smiles shared by this family were infectious. I am so thankful my work brings me to a place that captures the pure joy and happiness children bring to the world.

Looking forward to capturing this family again now that they’ve got a new little man added to the fam!

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Cantigny Park Family Session || Wheaton, IL Family Session

Gosh, I love the Fall! Not only are the colors of the trees gorgeous, but it also such a great time for family photos! I had such a sweet time with Chris, Ellen and their sweet baby girl, Brooklyn. The morning of the session, Brooklyn starting doing this thing where she'd stick her tongue out. So throughout the session, she stuck her tongue out and it was the cutest thing! 

One thing about family sessions that I've come to learn is that you truly don't know what to expect when children are around. You may have a baby that is happy the whole time, or you may have a baby that isn't really feeling it that day... towards the end of this session Brooklyn really wasn't feeling it. BUT there are some hilariously cute teary photos of her that her parents will equally cherish because sometimes that's real life. Babies aren't going to be smiley all the time and that's okay! My thought is this - Those teary moments are great to capture too because they will certainly be apart of your journey as a parent and having moments like these to look back on when your kids are older will give you all a good laugh or two!

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