A Happy Semi-Accident...

At some point during a photo shoot I'll say something like: "Now, if you have any ideas, I'm all about it, just let me know." and 9 out of 10 times whether they see something they want or not they don't say anything. Well...Jerry & Amy did. and it ending up being my favorites of the day. They asked if they could sit in the grass with the purple flowers. Which even at that stage was awesome. But then, I don't know if they in relief that the shoot was over or what, they fall back on the grass. I just remember calling out: "Don't you move!" Many clicks later the best images of the day (to me) were complete. So glad they spoke up!

Baby Julia...

I've always known that being a photographer has allowed me almost a back-stage pass if you will on some of people's most life changing events but it's definitely hitting me afresh today. Here I am, before all friends and grandparents even get to see little Julia and I'm there with my camera during her first hours. I don't know....That's really heavy stuff for me. What a privilege! And it's not even like this is their third kid, and it's old hat by now, no...It's their first. There first moments and memories as a family for them and I'm asked to encapsulate it into a lifetime of images. Wow...

Anticipation...

Considering this is the first shoot I've had recently in the city where my hands were legitimately frost bitten to say I was excited may be a little bit of an understatement. Like the first day where there's no more snow in sight or the first opportunity to sit outside in a hoodie rather than a parka there's little signs of change and I couldn't be more ready for it.

I've had an unusually busy winter and though I love winter shoots I also love flip flops...And I'm ready for the change. (:

Today's shoot was pivotal. Not only is the weather changing but also the type of photo season. We're now hitting engagement season and I'm pretty stoked about it. Are you kidding me? I get to hang out with awesome couples like these guys. (: Super cute, great fun, really looking forward to their big day

Little Snow Lot of Fun...

So we're winding up the winter season here and I gotta say this was a good one to end on. The moment we started it began to snow and it was just gorgeous. Chilly? Yes. But worth it none the less. The couple was even willing to off road it through paths of a half foot of un-trekked snow to get the perfect shot. Unfortunately, I'll have to pass the baton to another lucky photog for their actual wedding as I'm not available that day and it truly is my loss. They are so easy going and obviously adorable together. Though for just a day glad I got to experience it with them.

Ryan & Emily...

The beauty of my job is I get to meet so many great people. And every once in awhile I meet someone that I'm actually quite alike and think "I could probably be friends with them in the outside world." From crafts, baking, and the love of all things outdoor vintage the bride Emily and I could very well cross paths again. Despite not meeting prior to all things wedding we actually attend the same church which is where the wedding was held. (The Orchard in Arlington Heights, it's pretty fantastic and you should check it out) (:

So yeah... From the little acorns in the flower bouquets, the groomsman (including the pastor!) wearing sweet adidas shoes, to the hand made cake topper this wedding was full of creative and personal touches . You could tell that the bride Emily had spent countless hours making this wedding all that it was but yet she and her groom Ryan had the right perspective throughout the day. Sure all the details are gorgeous but in the end it's about family, friends, and most importantly uniting as one. I can only imagine how cute their first home will be.

Finally, My EL Shoot...

Every now and again I get these spurts of all sorts of photo ideas. After endless post it notes, scribbles on scraps of paper, and sketches of what could be I have to wait for the "right" couple to make it all that I had hoped.

I really have been striving to push myself this year. Learn more...Create unique moments...Flirt with the line of "I don't know if this is going to work but if it does I'll freak." Thoughts of being thigh high in swampy waters as the mist rolls over the reeds or in todays case spending this unique photo day walking in the familiar footsteps of the everyday with this couple. It may not sound unique but really, when you have a conductor stop, move, and let your couple drive the El train they've had so many memories on it is.

What's funny about it less than 24 hours before we set up the time to do this I was telling my husband: " I really want to do pictures on the El. But it has to be the right couple or it won't look right." The very next day I wake to find an e-mail from Jenn hoping to do their engagement pics on the train as it has special meaning for them. Um...yes please.

So here are a few delights of our day together...

Thank You Marshall Fields

(This is random but I feel like this pictures looks like it's the cover of "Once." If you haven't seen the movie or heard the soundtrack finish reading this blog then go and rent it, it's amazing.)

I LOVE LOVE LOVE photo surprises! I was already gushing over my couple Jess and James and to my wonderful surprise I look a little closer to my hustling and bustling city background to find hearts and wedding dresses in my background. I'd now like to give a shout out to Marshall Fields for rocking my world on Sunday. (:

Keepin' it short and sweet because really this couple, and the pictures really speak for themselves. Loved it!