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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Shelly + Wyatt || Indiana Dunes National Park Engagement Session

When I was in high school, Indiana Dunes National Park was one of those places we used to go in the summer time and I absolutely loved it. Such a beautiful and peaceful place to be. Now I have a husband who actually grew up in this area, and we’ve created many fun memories there too. Fun fact - Ari’s (our daughter) first beach day took place at the Indiana Dunes! Gosh, this place has a special piece of my heart.

When it came time to planning Shelly and Wyatt’s engagement session they knew they wanted something in nature and at golden hour. When we decided on the Indiana Dunes, I was thrilled! I learned even more so how magical and gorgeous the Indiana Dunes are at sunset.

Shelly and Wyatt are a fun, low-key couple that have been together nearly a decade. Their love for each other feels easy and natural, and I loved every minute of capturing it.

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Kylie + Joe || Hans Fahden Vineyards Napa, CA Wedding

My trip to Napa, California to photograph Kylie and Joe’s wedding was such a dream. I had never been to Napa and it is as gorgeous as everyone describes.

When Kylie and Joe got engaged they knew they wanted to have a small, low-key wedding with just their family present. They choose to get married in Napa because of its beautiful scenery and laid-back, friendly vibe. It also gave their families all an excuse to relax and enjoy a trip together!

When Kylie asked me to tag along on this adventure I was completely thrilled! I actually ran into our living room with excitement to tell my husband hah! … Kylie and Joe were so much fun to work with. Given that their day was so laid-back they were open to any and all ideas I shot their way, and I think it shows in the photos! We ended up getting some amazing captures throughout the day.

I’ll just end it here and let these photos speak for themselves!

One more thing!! FUN FACT: In the past year I have photographed three siblings weddings! Kylie’s brother, Mike, and sister, Claire, also had weddings this past year. Capturing this amazing family’s weddings has truly been a career highlight for me. Click here to see Mike and Sarah’s wedding, and here to see Claire and Scott’s wedding!

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Vendors:

Wedding Planner - Duncan Reyes Events

Venue - Hans Fahden Vineyards

Bridal Gown - Dear Heart Bride

Groom Attire - Nordstrom

Hair & Make-Up - Sherrie Long

Officiant - Kimberly Thompson

Florist - Floramor

Guitarist - Montara Music, Mike McCall

Wedding Menus and Place Cards - Hyegraph Invitations & Calligraphy

Catering - Elaine Bell Catering

Bakery - Flour & Bloom

Frances + Jono || Humboldt Park Chicago, IL Engagement Session

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Sarah + Mike || Fullerton Beach Chicago, IL Engagement Session

Sarah and Mike’s engagement session was truly so sweet. We went to Fullerton Beach and the sun was setting just perfectly throughout their session, and the Fall colors were popping through the trees. Sarah and Mike made each laugh with such ease, and they were down to try all my weird ideas - so appreciate couples that are willing to just roll with things and see how they turn out! Looking forward to capturing their love and laughter again on their wedding day next year. <3   

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Megan + Joe || Glen Flora Country Club Wedding, Waukegan, IL

Megan and Joe tied the knot in late September. Their day was filled with so many sweet and meaningful moments — I had such a hard time narrowing down the photos I would share for this blog post! 

Some of my favorite moments from their wedding day included: their bridal party photo session was hilarious - they seriously have such a fun group of friends; Megan and Joe’s portrait session was gorgeous and sun-filled; the entrances of the bridal party were too funny - they each walked into a unique theme song from a TV show (love this idea!); and, let me tell ya, Megan and Joe’s friends and family sure know how to throw a dance party. See all this and more below! 

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Vendors: 

Photography - Erika Mattingly Photography 

Reception Venue - Glen Flora Country Club

Coordinator - Charlotte Winters

Officiant - Henry Hurt

Florist - Larsen Florist

Bride's Attire - Mackenzie Michaels

Hair - Dapper Classic Barbershop

Make-Up - Sierra's Makeup Artistry

Ashton + Dan || Valparaiso, IN Backyard Wedding

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Vendors: 

Photography - Erika Mattingly Photography 

Caterer - Grindhouse food truck 

Bridal Attire - Cathy Telle

Celi + Mark || Chicago, IL Engagement Session

This may be one of my favorite engagement sessions to date. What's funny though is that this session didn't really go as planned.

We had planned to shoot photos in this public garden near Millennium Park; however, there was a huge event going on in the park so the owners of said garden decided to close down the gardens for the night for fear of many people running through/ruining the gardens... eek, right?! Not for these two. 

When Celi and Mark showed up I told them the news and we decided to still have the session anyway and just walk around the area. We hit the bridge and gardens by the Art Institute of Chicago. We then walked down Michigan - J walked our way through the streets and had an amazing time. Nothing could have phased them; they were having such an amazing time laughing their way through the session. Our time together seriously included SO much "makes my stomach hurt" laughter and it was the best. 

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Kaylee + Stuart || Valparaiso, IN Engagement Session

Kaylee and Stuart are engaged, and I am so excited for them! For their engagement session, we went to the woods behind Kaylee's childhood home. Despite the cold temps, the sun was shining throughout the whole session and we had so much fun climbing over all the fallen trees. Cannot wait to capture these two again on their wedding day! 

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Kelsey + Drew || Chicago, IL Engagement Session

Kelsey and Drew's engagement session at Montrose Beach Harbor was my last engagement session for the year and it was such a good one. With little to no direction, they made each other laugh constantly. Their love was so effortless to capture. Sidenote: There is about a foot height difference between these two and Drew is known for picking up Kelsey often. Throughout the session, he picked her up maybe a half dozen times and it was adorable (included some photos of this throughout this blog post). Enjoy!

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Brittany + Austin || Cary, IL Anniversary Session

I met Brittany through a Facebook group for photographers. About a month ago we met up for coffee and instantly hit it off. Given that we are both photographers, naturally, we ended up taking photos of one another (If you're interested, click here to view those photos after you check out this blog post!). When Austin (her hubs) called me to see if I could do a surprise anniversary session for them, I was so excited! It was such an honor to be able to help celebrate their one-year anniversary as husband and wife. This session was packed full of laughter, passionate kisses and some dreamy light. Enjoy! 

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Brittany || Elk Groove Village, IL Portrait Session

Spent this Fall afternoon sipping on coffee, snacking on blueberry muffins and capturing images of this gorgeous lady. Brittany (also a fellow photographer!) is such an amazing person and a light for the Lord. So thankful for this new friendship... and many more coffee dates to come! 

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Brie + Erik || New Carlisle, IN Wedding

Brie and Erik got married at The Homestead 1835. Their wedding day was packed filled with beautiful moments. By the way, their little boy is adorable and a dancing machine!  

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Vendors: 

Venue - The Homestead 1835

Dress - Catherine's Bridal Boutique

Groom's Attire - Louie's Tux Shop

Hair - Serenity Spa

Caterer - LaSalle Gril

DJ - Entertainment Express

Hannah + TJ || LaPorte, IN Wedding

Hannah + TJ - maybe it was the way you two looked at each other, or maybe it was your personal vows you read to one another, or the the excitement you had for marriage, maybe it was how crazy/weird/awesome your friends and family are, or the awesome idea to have breakfast for dinner, or maybe the incredible dance party you had that led to TJ and all the guys in the pond, or maybe because you two are friends of mine and I am incredibly thankful and honored to have captured your day - or maybe just a combinations of all these - whatever it was, your day was incredible and is one that I will never forget. Thank you again for having me. PSA - Make sure you make your way to the end for a hilarious added surprise. ;) 

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SURPRISE! Click HERE to see this hilarious tribute to the groomsmen from Hannah + TJ's wedding day! 

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Vendors: 

Venue - Red Barn Experience 

Dress Designer - Paris House of Bridal

Groom's Attire - Rusted Oak

Make Up - Bethany Ingram

Florist - Carolina Rosa Designs Forever Floral (Bridal Bouquet + Groom Boutonniere)

Flower Crown - Emily Rose Flower Crowns

DJ - 27 Entertainment

Briana + Trevor || Frankfort, IL Wedding

The ceremony alone made this wedding great. Trevor mentioned to me that he was so much of an emotional guy until it came to his wedding. There were so many happy, joyful tears had between Trevor, Briana and their friends and family. Wishing these two a lifetime of happiness together. 

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Vendors

Venue - Southern Charm Venues

Dress - Bella Sposa Bridal

Florals - Flowers For Dreams

Caterer - Grapevine

Bakery - Tay's Cake

Gina + Paul || Chicago, IL Engagement Session

Gina and Paul are seriously the sweetest! Believe it or not, they actually found me through Instagram. They were my first inquiry from Instagram and I am so thankful for the chance to meet these two! The way Gina and Paul smile and laugh in front of the lens is simply adorable. Looking forward to capturing their love once again later this summer!

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Amanda + Josh || Chesterton, IN Maternity Session

I've known Amanda + Josh since last November when I photographed their pregnancy reveal session. As I have watched their family grow, I am reminded of what a joy it is to be a lifestyle photographer. I've been able to experience and share in the excitement with my clients as they celebrate new life chapters. This sunset maternity session was nothing short of beautiful, and I am that much more excited to meet their newborn come June.

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Sandra + Andre || Wilmette, IL Engagement Session

Passion. If I had to describe this engagement session in one word, it would be passion. Sandra and Andre have a love for each other that it so playful, caring, real, passionate... And, they had no fear in showing it.

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Hannah + T.J. || Chesterton, IN Engagement Session

Hannah and TJ at the Indiana Dunes. This session just shows how much these two love and care for each other, and I feel honored to capture these moments for them. Looking forward to their wedding this July. 

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Josh + Amanda + Hayden || Valparaiso, IN Pregnancy Reveal Session

Amanda, Josh, and six-year-old, Hayden, wanted to share their exciting news with their family and friends through photos. It was such an honor to be a part of this exciting time! I hope you enjoy some of my favorites from this Fall shoot.

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