What better way to end my wedding season than with a beautiful couple on a beautiful day at a beautiful venue. Also, I had the fantastic Carrie Bower as my second photographer, which made it even better. I am not exagerating when I say that EVERYTHING about this day was gorgeous. After many days of cold and dreary weather, the sun came out and gave us a day full of warmth and some really amazing light. In fact, if I had one word to describe the day it would be LIGHT. Not just the ambient light you’ll see in the images below, but also the light that just exudes from Dan and Chelsi. It’s evident that their love for God permeates and flows from their lives, and to everyone who is around them. And, as you can see from the images, Chelsi’s smile just lights up a room.

The ceremony took place at First Evangelical Free Church in Rockord, which has some really nice property for taking lovely photos. See what I mean about the beautiful light?

I always love to capture the first looks of both the bride and groom as the bride comes down the isle. There were definitely some teary eyes happening between the two of them.

A special moment as they  took communion.

Just some lovely details.

The reception took place at the brand new Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens in Rockford. Chelsi and Dan had the honor of being THE very first couple to have their wedding reception there. They even got to be on the news because of it! The Conservatory is beautiful and the staff all did a fabulous job!  As you can see, it was an amazing place for portraits with, again, fantastic light.

The conservatory happens to be right next to Sinnissippi Gardens, so of course we took advantage of it for some more beautiful portraits and bridal party shots. Once again, perfect light. And, it helps when you have such a good looking bridal party…

…who happen to be the best jumpers I’ve ever photographed.

I love this photo because of Dan’s look. More than once during the portrait time, I would catch him just being in awe of her beauty. I think every girl should have a guy who’s breath is taken away every time he looks at her.

And of course, right on cue, we had the most beautiful sky at sunset. It was like God was just smiling on their day.

I have to end with this last one. Their first dance was perfectly choreographed and just so fun to watch. I smiled through the whole thing.

Thank you Dan and Chelsi for letting me be a part of your day.

My last Senior Session of the season happened to be with my Nephew Dustin. I seriously considered sharing all sorts of cute “when he was little” stories about him here. But I’ll refrain…I won’t share ALL of them. I will tell you that he was THE cutest little guy. He was one of those little charmers too. You know, the kind of kid that just flashes a smile and suddenly whatever mischievous thing he did is cute. He always had older girls swooning over him and wanting to take care of him. The when he got older, little girls swooned over him. My daughter Abra  hadn’t really known him before he and his family moved here to Wisconsin from California, and when she met him for the first time she was obsessed. She kept calling him “That Big Guy.” When our other daughter Ashley came from Haiti and met him for the first time she was obsessed with him as well. To me he will always be that sweet little 4 year old who truly believed that MY wedding was taking place so that everyone could watch him walk down the isle in his handsome tuxedo. Hard to believe that little guy is all grown up. Here are a few of my favorites.

Dustin, We’re really proud of you!!!

I really enjoy photographing Senior Guys. While the principles of photography are the same no matter what, the posing and interaction for a guy are so completely opposite of photographing senior girls, or babies, or weddings. It’s kinda fun, and the results bring some diversity to my portfolio. I was really excited to photograph Cody because he’d mentioned using his skateboard as a prop and I had all kinds of ideas for it. My favorites being the 3rd and 4th photos below where I had him jumping over me several times. I was also excited because he wanted to use one of my favorite spots, The Williams Tree Farm, as one of his locations. Cody works there and I thought it made for a perfect backdrop. Of course I also found some great urban spots downtown that really worked well with the clothes and colors that Cody chose. Here are a few images from his session that I really liked.

Thanks Cody. You did a great job!

Meet Branden. I was very excited for his Senior Session because not only is he an awesome guy, but he is really talented. I think he is a Rock Star who is going to change the world. I get to sing and serve with him on stage at my church (my other job) and I can tell you that is he the real deal. We had a great time at some great locations and I was quite impressed with his modeling skills.  He made my job so easy. Here are some of my favorites from his shoot.

Taking Emily’s senior photos caused another one of those “makes me realize how old I’m getting” moments. I’ve known her since she was little (which seems like it wasn’t that long ago really) and couldn’t believe when her mom told me that it was her turn for a session (I photographed her older sister as well.) As you’ll see from the images, Emily was really comfortable in front of the camera and she has such a fun personality. We had gorgeous weather, perfect light, and we even chatted about a musical or two. We just had a lovely time. Here is a peek at some of her images.

As I sit down to write some words about this wedding, I’m kind of at a loss for them (in a good way of course.) There is so much about this day and this wedding that I want to share. But I feel that you almost just had to be there to experience Jerry and Angie’s immense love for each other, their kind personalities, and the story behind their meeting and how their families have become one. I won’t go into details, but I feel as if their finding me as their photographer was by divine appointment. Literally. I was so blessed to be a part of their day and to have met all of their lovely children. And, to have had the opportunity to capture something so meaningful for them in such a beautifully unique location. I guess if I HAD to choose one word to describe the day it would be DEEP. Deep love for each other and Deep relationships shared with their children, friends and family. I think the following images will really give you a glimpse into the beauty of their day.

The Ceremony and reception took place at The Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford. It was a perfect location.

The girls got hair and make-up done at the High Maintenance Salon and Day Spa, where Angie works. I loved this moment when her little guy decided to join her.

After hair and Make-up, they headed over to the gardens to get dressed. I love that the Gardens paid attention to a lot of details when selecting and decorating the environment for the bride to get ready in.

The next two images are my new favorites.

I think Angie had a very Classic Hollywood look about her.

The girls held these umbrellas as they walked down the isle, then switched to fans later on.

Angie with her girls.

Very handsome bunch don’t you think?

Jerry with one of his boys. Fun fact: Jerry and Angie both have a son and each are named Jerrin (sp?) What are the chances of that? And, they are both such cuties!

The “isle” at the gardens is very cool. It’s very long, and all the guest face it. I think every bride deserves an isle like that so that guests can better see the joy on her face.

Jerry looked quite dapper.

Seriously, just gorgeous.

Thank you Jerry and Angie for allowing me to document such an important day in your family’s life.

I’m so excited to finally share images from Chelsi and Dan’s E-Session. It took me a while to get them up because, well, there were just too many that I loved. I have managed, however, to narrow it down to about 20 something of my favorites. I absolutely love e-sessions, and this one goes onto my list of favorites. First, because it took place in Lake Geneva, a place I happen to love spending an afternoon at. Second, because it was a gorgeous day with perfect weather and beautiful light. And third, because I got to photograph such a wonderfully good looking and sweet couple.  If there was one word I had to describe this session with Chelsi and Dan, it would be…Effortless. Effortless because of all that I’ve previously mentioned. Effortless because they were so natural in front of my lens. And Effortless because they just exuded joy and love for each other. I think you can see the evidence of that in the following images.

You may remember this good looking couple from their e-session this past spring. Well Dan and Andrea’s day finally arrived a few weeks ago and it was perfect. The weather was gorgeous and Andrea looked stunning. No detail was overlooked, as you will see from some of the images below. I was truly blessed to have been chosen to capture such an important day for such a great couple who are so in love.

Andrea was so happy all day. If she was stressed at all, you couldn’t tell!

I love watch and capture brides enjoying being pampered throughout the day.

The ceremony took place at The Cathedral of St. Peter in Rockford. It was gorgeous.
*Photo taken by my assistant photographer Tamsie.

Some lovely details.

We stopped off at Sinnissippi Gardens for all of the portraits. Something about the little ring bearers stance here that makes me giggle.

The girls (photo taken by my second Photographer Tamsie)

The boys. This image shows off Dan’s personality perfectly. He was adamant about getting plenty of photos of his Wolf Belt.  He had me laughing the whole day. The best part was seeing how he makes Andrea laugh.

All of the kiddos in the wedding were so cute!

Some of the portraits. I had a hard time choosing which to post.

The cake and cupcakes provided by Sweet Expressions Cakes and Catering. They were so beautiful and yummy. The cupcake table was quite elaborate.

I had to refrain from putting up more dancing images because there were just too many to choose from. Dan is a pretty funny guy and there were so many fun ones. But, I just loved these last three, so they deserved a spot I think.

Thanks Again Dan and Andrea for choosing me!

Ceremony: Cathedral of St. Peter, Rockford, IL

Cake: Sweet Expressions Cake and Catering, Roscoe, IL

Flowers: Balloons and Flowers by Haley

Portraits Taken at: Sinnissippi Gardens, Rockford IL

Reception: The Rockford Country Club

D.J. Jason Schintgen with Luxe Productions

Videography: Hart Productions Video

I had a fantastic session with Angie a couple of weeks ago. I am waaaay behind on blogging sessions so I won’t go into too many details about it. But, I will say that Angie is beautiful inside and out. I’m sure you’ll agree when you see the following images.

We had a great time at Big Hill Park in Beloit. It’s such a great place and I use it for a lot of my sessions.

While not your typical senior portrait,  I love  this one. I think it captures the fun and craziness of trying to get her beloved dogs in a photo together as well as shows off Angie’s beautiful smile.

Simply Beautiful.

You can always find a run down alley in Beloit!

We ended just as the sun was setting which makes for some gorgeous light!!

Thanks for doing such a great job Angie!! Hope you love em so far.

I love Chicago & I love this park! http://t.co/ASGfW6p