We've Moved!

How's The Weather?

Typically, one doesn't talk about the weather unless you're killin' time or caught in an awkward convo but considering we went from literally 60 degrees to 12 and these images were on the 12 side I think we should give props to this couple! 

I guess the one perk of frosty temps is it's physically difficult to blink so in all the images their eyes were open. (: 

For real though, Ky & Ashley you were troopers! 

And you're pretty dang adorable too. (: 

Here's to warmer temps for your August wedding! 

Prayer...

It was a moment in-between what I would call typical wedding chaos of we're slightly behind schedule, still running around getting ready when the bride Raquel calmly gets my attention. I honestly think I'll remember this for years to come as it was a surreal moment in that I could feel the hustle and bustle behind me but it's almost like my moment with the bride was in slow-motion. She touched my arm and said: "Just wanted to let you know that I've been praying for you and your husband. For whatever reason missions is on my heart for you guys." I honestly coulda lost it. And if we weren't running late I may have taken a moment and let myself do so. India has and continues to be on my husband and my heart. We go every year to work with an all girls orphanage that has absolutely stolen our hearts. In some ways we're at a fork in the road and Raquel's words were timely. 

I've said in the past that I pray for all my couples. Not necessarily with them or in some obvious way but little moments here and there when things remind me of them. But to have a bride say she was praying for me? Unexpected and meaningful.  

Fast forward a few minutes after we got her in her dress... 

She was stunning and so I wanted to get a few images of her but also wanted her to have a ready heart to cherish the moments that were to come. So I told her to take a second and pray for her marriage to herself. When we were done she wiped a tear. One of my favorite shots and moments of the day. 

Then after the ceremony, in this tiny little white chapel the bride, groom, and myself are doing portraits and now knowing what prayer means to both of them I told them to take another moment now that they are together and just pray for their marriage. Much like I've been doing while writing this post. (: 

And again, it ended up being one of my favorite images of the day. 

Eugene & Raquel, 

I pray that in the greatest and even in the most challenging times of your marriage that you'll be able to look back and see a path of faithfulness that God has provided for you guys and allow that to be an ever-flowing source of encouragement for you. Keep praying for one another as well as together as no doubt the Lord will answer. So thrilled for the adventures ahead for you guys. 

Congratulations!

Estate...

Several years back I photographed Lauren's (2nd from the right) wedding on her families estate. What qualifies for something to be an estate? Well, none the less pretty confident this place fits the bill it's absolutely gorgeous! I feel like it's the kind of house that would have a hidden room when you pull the candlestick in the library. But even with how lavishly stunning the property is what honestly is even more obvious is how down-to-earth the family is. When we finished photos I heard a whole group of teenagers were coming in from the city who otherwise wouldn't have meal options during holiday break. How cool is that? Awesome to get to re-unite with this great family. 

16 In Counting...

I loved this idea. They got all the cousins together and they wore t-shirts with the number in which they are in the order of he family. So cute! Sometimes when things don't go as planned or a toddler well, acts like a toddler during the photos you end up with what I think can be some of he cutest pics of all. (I'm sure mortified parents would beg to differ) But at least it gives us good photo sabotage when I shoot their weddings in 25 years. (:

Near & Dear...

Cori is one of those friends that's hard to find. She has been near and dear to my heart since college. We both were on the same soccer team in college (national champs, woot! woot!) (: we're extremely sarcastic, have an obsession with coffee and both well.. For a lack of a better way to put it are ones  to cut the crap and just be real. I can't tell you what his girl means to me. So it's a little hard to put into words when I say I'm so incredibly proud of the mom she has become. Lil Morgan was born 5 months ago and my oh my can she steal your heart!
 I obviously am glad to take some pics of that adorable face but even more than that, I'm glad I got to see that face pop up from the crib in the morning, or light up even though my thighs burned from doing a silly dance over and over to get her to laugh. I love living life with my dearest friend despite the fact that we live across the country from each other. So grateful for the past few days.

Photo Bomb...

This new dad, Chris, literally does such a good impression of "Borat" that I couldn't remember his real name for awhile because that's how I had come to know him.

He's hilarious. He once photo bombed a shoot of mine by wearing a jersey and a mullet wig. Might seem weird but the fact that it was a maternity shoot (that wasn't his) made it even funnier. And I may or may not have seen him "lingering" in the background of a few photos I had later today. (: 

Well, he and his wife (shot their wedding a couple years back) just had their first baby three weeks ago! Though no doubt exhausted they're still cracking jokes and seemingly are pro parents already.
Congrats guys!!

Cheese! A shoot with Nicee!

"Cheeeeeeeeeeeeeese!!" That is the word that best describes my shoot with little miss Kara!  Every few moments she'd yell cheese with the biggest smile she could muster. She definitely wanted to make these the best holiday cards ever (got a preview of the cards and they're awesome!!), with the help of her smoking hot parents of course!!! I mean really, how cute are they?!

-Nicee

Solid Family...

There's something about this family that I just loved. The way they embrace life yet are seemingly still so grounded. Grateful for what each other means in their lives. And their kids are so incredibly polite. Leaving that session I knew those images were going to mean something to them and I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to be the one to provide that for them.

American Eagle Shoot...

Dear American Eagle, I found these kids first, I officially claim the rights to being he photographer for their first ad campaign. What middle schoolers look like this!? Maybe a better question would be what middle schoolers act like this!? 

They were so kind to eachother's and remarkably polite.

 There is hope in the world. (:
P.S- "F.R.I.E.N.D.S" fans... Does he not look just like "Ben" in the older years!?

Chilled Out Family...

This is one of those couples I wish I could introduce to everyone, cuz surely you'd love em too. They are one of  the sweetest, most down-to-earth couples.

You know how people say animals take on the traits of their owners? Well thankfully, for the world, Ryan & Emily's 3 month old son, Owen seems to already be taking after his super cool parents as he's super mellow, didn't cry even once! I've seen adults act less put together.

Congrats on the lil' man!

Cheeks... A Shoot With Nicee.

Now if this isn't thee most laid back, chilled out baby I've ever met, I don't know who is!! Once Aidan nestled down in the crook of his dad's arm he was set to go. He never made a peep. No matter how we posed him, he was content and maintained his absolute adorableness. And his cheeks...Oh his cheeks!! Oh how I adore a baby with soft round cheeks. And his were to die for!

Thanks for spending the afternoon with me Susan & Chris. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!!

-Nicee

Pinterest Family...

Yes... Mentally I name just about all of my shoots based off of total generalizations. (:

For example, this shoot was my "Pinterest" shoot. First, let me say that I have a minor obsession with Pinterest. I actually had to quite cold turkey because in photo season, I barely have time to go to my mailbox let alone browse how to turn my mason jars into soap dispensers. (:

All this to say I got my Pinterest "fix" after seeing this families outfits. 

Their personalities were as fun as their clothes!

And despite this shoot being across the country from where we are on a daily basis we actually have mutual freinds that we didn't know about. Love finding new connections and love me some Pinterest!  

Boys Will Be Boys...A shoot with Nicee

Boys will be boys! Peter & John are no exception which works out great to get some fun shots of them and their lovely mother by the trees.  Plus the Christmas hats she brought along were a fun addition. (: 

Their enthusiasm and brotherly love was refreshing, even when they put each other in head-locks! Lol. The bond between these brothers is strong and I look forward to watching them grow closer throughout the years!!

Happy Holidays!!

Trading Snow For Mud... A shoot with Nicee...

It's amazing how children are instantly drawn to mud. Even in a park with bridges, grass, sidewalks, and benches the mud is always alluring. Upon approaching this amazing family the first words I heard Dad tell Emily was "stay out of the mud". By then, little miss Emily already had a nice mud smudge on her light brown Uggs. Now while a  smudge on my boot would totally ruin my day, Emily was all smiles and had no effect on her cuteness!  Emily & Will are thee most adorable bro & sis ever! Totally enjoyed my time with you guys!

7 Years With The Great Love of My Life...

After 11 years of being together and as of today, 7 years of marriage I find it sometimes hard to put into words what this ridiculously handsome husband of mine means to me. Without getting too gushy (cuz I will boohoo in-front of my computer!) The little things that would on the surface seem insignificant or in many ways not out-right noticeable are the things that make him my better-half. Those of you who know Bart know he's "over the top goofy," life of the party,  which don't get me wrong, he is the funniest person I know but he's also one of the most thoughtful. 

You see that blanket? Re-wind time to my first birthday while we were dating...I walk in to his apartment (after arguably what was already one of the best days of my life thanks to him) there's candles everywhere...and after he serenades me (yes...it gets better!) he gives me this gift; a blanket. And not just any blanket but one he made himself! A college senior learning to crochet? Awesome. 

 He went on to say he made it so that we could stay out longer together in the gazeebo before I'd ask to be walked back to my dorm at night because I was cold. Fast forward 3 years and he sets up this romantic proposal in that same gazeebo.  Mega thoughtful right?

A few short months later near that same gazeebo I stood hand-in-hand with him vowing my heart forever.

That was the first of what has now been hundreds of weddings for me. I'm obviously now on the other side the wedding aisle (: 

 but I often get asked: "Seeing what you've seen would you change anything about your own wedding?" 

I can honestly say no...

Wanting to go back on something implies regret. I've never had a regret when it comes to Bart. 

For as busy as I end up... 

For how often I can take him for granted...

For how I sometimes give him the raw end of the deal...

He is and always has been yes, that humor in my life that many of you have come to know him for but behind the scenes this intensely thoughtful, supportive, true-to-his-word man that I still can't believe I got to marry. 

Happy Anniversary Barto! 

Thank You Google...

People often ask how i get my clients to which I can honestly say primarily its through word of mouth (which p.s- thank you for passing my name along!) and considering this shoot was out of state (What? We don't have mountains in Chicago?) (: I assumed that a referral must have been the case. well, long story short, after a few confusing questions/answers  it turns out we had google to thank for having us meet. But not until the end of our booking did we realize that ironically, they know others that I was going to be photographing later that week. So glad they found me as this family is as easy as it gets. They're gorgeous, photogenic, and undeniably sweet.

Thanks guys for spending some time with me. And thank you Google for the connection. (:

So... If we saw mountains in Chi-town (like real mountains not the bunny hills that they charge a fortune for us to "ski" down) we'd flip right? Well...In Arizona, To find real trees (Not cacti) and grass is a mega big deal. So many a photos were taken on this little stretch of grass. (: 

Speed Racer...

Ooohhh my goodness how precious is little Sophia!! I guess that makes sense considering her two gorgeous parents. She may look like a doll but I'm pretty sure she'll be a soccer player like her mom & dad cuz that child musta ran a mile in our brief session! (:

It's all good, gotta work off my holiday obsession; eggnog chai. Seriously... It's epic you probably should go to Starbucks, get a cup, and read the MMP blog of course. (:

Cheaper By The Ten...

About to go old school on ya, you ever see the movie Cheaper By The Dozen? Ok... I guess it's not THAT old school but the point is I feel like this is that family. Big on numbers, (There's only 10, I counted) (:  big in heart, and this may sound weird but it feels like the holidays when I'm with them. No... It's not because there's a festive wreath in the background of our pic either. The 60 degree weather, though brilliant for Chicago in December, doesn't help it feel like the holidays. Maybe it's because  I shot their daughter's wedding in the wintertime? or maybe they're all those type of people you just want to be around. (I guess that's the opposite of the holidays for some. Not me, love you familam!)  all this to say they're a great family and I appreciate the times I have with them.

Easy Peasy...

You'd love this family, I'm sure of it. The kids are absolutely endearing, polite, and oh so cute! The oldest, Angelina (4yrs. Old) would be the first to run up to me to hold my hand after a set of pictures. Presh! And the twins? Put one in each pocket please, my goodness are the little sweethearts. Even after a long car ride, the sun pretty much was already set so it was chilly, and spot after spot they just went for it! Easiest shoot with 3 kids under 4 ever. (:

Had a great time with you guys!