A Surprise Engagement!!!

She had no idea...

I knew for a couple weeks when Melvin ingeniously asked if we could capture his proposal and my heart was still racing! Racing and melting! My gosh was this moment precious. 

I love hearing your stories. How couples met, how they got engaged, all the fun details of wedding planning but to actually be there for a moment they'll remember for the rest of their lives is a deeply moving opportunity.

 We could not be happier for them! 

Congratulations!! 

-Melissa

I'm mildly obsessed with the photos that Nicee got from the moment so I posted a few... (: 

The only thing better than having the love of your life “pop the question” is actually catching that moment in a photograph so that you can relive it over and over again.  Melvin & Marquita.  I am so honored to have had the opportunity to capture those moments for you two.  I wish you both much love and many many blessings for the years ahead. 

Congrats!

-Nicee

A Day In The Rose Garden With Nicee...

Photos & Post By Nicee...

I can't think of a more perfect child to photograph in a rose garden then this cutie!! Little Miss Ava is certainly mommy's little girl- her twin even, right down to those beautiful blue eyes! Oh, but was she shy! During our shoot Ava kept doing the cutest thing ever... every so often when Stephanie would put her down, she'd muster up enough courage to approach me. But when I’d peek from behind my camera, she'd turn and run back to her mom and dad! Oh how it tickled me so! What a delight! These pics definitely captured Ava’s beauty and innocence… Proud photographer moment. :)

Awesome Family...

I've fallen in love...

With this family.

Considering they book a photoshoot like every other week (Sorta kidding but not really) I've grown kinda fond of em. (: 

Luckily we still have Mallory & Joe's wedding yet to go otherwise I may just go on McGowan withdrawal. 

For real...You guys are awesome. 

Yes...Even you T-Mac. (: 

Croatia Wedding!

This was my shortest trip to Croatia. 

Got immersed in the language, food, the people, the traditions, and then realized that I'm actually still in Chicago. 

When all the discussions are either in Croatian, or are talking about what it means to be from there, when the ceremony is not only in a Croatian church but is given in the language, when shots of liquor are given up greeting, and traditional platters of homemade pastries brought by guests overflow numerous banquet tables, and when "Sweet Caroline" is replaced with well... I don't know the name of it because it's in Croatian you feel like you've been transported. 

I absolutely loved it! And I absolutely love today's couple Tom & Ana. 

They're laid back, yet willing to try anything. Including literally jumping bushes to stand on the tippy edge of a fountain.  Seemingly quiet but then can open up and share about life. Their eyes would fill with  genuine appreciate for each one of their guests and then be the first ones lining up a traditional dance or the one to grab the mic and bust out some awesome lip-syncing.

I admire the deep respect they have for one another. They didn't just want to merely please or appease the each other which is good don't get me wrong, but they really took to heart what the other's opinion was; they had a profound respect for one another. 

It was one of those days where I left feeling truly honored to be a part of it. 

It really was something special. 

Congratulations Tom & Ana, may your eyes always sparkle they way they did this day when you look at one another. 

A Day With Twins... A Nicee Shoot.

Words cannot express my excitement from a day playing with these twins!! Grey's shyness is the perfect compliment to Claire's adventurous spirit and together they are so cute and photogenic!!  Kudos to Mom and Dad for all their energy!  I know it takes a ton of energy to keep up with these two kiddos I had a fabulous time with you all! 

-Nicee

The Day I was Cool...

Okay... Before I totally sounds like I had a deprived childhood since I claimed I didn't have many name brand toys growing up, my family is the most generous, loving, and inspiring group I know. That being said... Yes, I spent more time picking "berries" off of our floral couch than I did with Barbie. 

Totally attribute my creativity to the imagination I was encouraged to have. Now my clothes...I had to get creative with those early on. Brand names? Not a chance. At the time wasn't so fun but I'm now the deal queen! But when you're ten...? You just wana be cool. Today's family, a long time friend of mine made me cool for a day. At summer camp she lent me not only a hemp neckless with rainbow beads in it, but dare I even say it an ADIDAS shirt (Gasp! My dream at the time!) AND.... a pair of black umbro shorts! Most of you don't even know what Umbro is and for those of you that do you're probably chuckling that it was as epic to me as it was. Oh...how cool I felt that day. 

After many years of soccer camp we reunite 10 years later while attending the same college and dominating on the soccer team. Miss Jeanne... Yeah... the one in the red... She was All American. 

And our team... We were national champions.  

Juuuuuussttttt saaaaayin'! (: 

And we're still friends to this day. Shot her wedding. Went to her baby shower, they too support us when we go to India, they're kinda great. And it is SO fun seeing her with her kids. 

You can just tell she's an amazing mom. 

Love you Jeebs. Thanks for comin' and spending the day with me and my camera. (: 

Love Love!

Shoot with Nicee!

Ok, so how adorable is this little guy?! Meet Zachary. He is thee perfect mix between his 2 amazingly attractive parents. With his big eyes, tan skin, and soft brown hair, I was literally in awe from our introduction. Put the 3 of them together in front of my camera, and they could do no wrong. I mean this family is so hot they make a 40 degree day look like the middle of August!! Lol. I soooooooo enjoyed sharing the day with you guys!

-Nicee