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!

Pony Tail Magic...

Girls, you'll especially know what I'm talkin' about when I say, having a good hair day can totally propel your the rest of your waking ours to greatness. Obviously, the other side of that coin doesn't bring good news which is what I was feelin' when I was desperate to get my hair in just a plain ol' pony tail. Shoulda been simple enough right? Well, it just wasn't happenin'which wouldn't have been a big deal except I know that the pony was the only thing that could get today's kids to smile. For real, the mom goes: "oh no... Your hairs up."

Wasn't as easy as with the pony charmer but let's be honest, these kids are gorgeous, their bad day is no bad day at all! Stunning family.

When Two Great Friends Marry...

Our friendship kinda started by accident.

Back in the day before I snagged my hottie-bo-bottie husband, my now husband and I were still in the stage of I have great sway of what he does since he liked me. Well, my plan to get him out to late night Denny's (it was college people, plus the sampler platter is legit, don't judge.) totally backfired and it ended up being me and this guy Aaron that I barely knew. Thought it be awkward but 6 hours later we're still in the car having a heart to heart. And he has been one of my best friends ever since.

As quirky & fidgety as "McMahoners" as we like to call him is, he, more than anyone I know can sit for hours and genuinely talk and desire to hear about your life. (One of the many reasons he makes a great councilor. He has unofficially been my husband and mine for years.)

When I'm at my breaking point on the verge of tears, Aaron's there.

When my car breaks down and I need help, Aaron's there.

When I have leftovers in the fridge, Aaron's there. (:

So I couldn't be happier for him to have found Abby. She is the real deal and no doubt, the perfect match for our dear friend. In fact, I've gained a new Aaron in my life now that I have Abby. She's genuine, sarcastic, and loves God with all her heart, and bonus, she loves coffee. Pretty much the best attributes anyone can ask for. (:

We took a few pics at one of my favorite cafes; Cook Street Coffee.

Toasted Marshmallow, Brown Sugar latte, hello! (:

So so stoked for these two! Can't wait for all the lifelong memories we'll make from our friendship.

Love you guys!

Family TIme... A Shoot with Nicee...

Loosing my teeth was no doubt an awesome experience growing up, but I don’t remember being as cute as Miss Julia is!! I mean seriously. How adorable is she?! With her soft blonde curls and big smile, I could not help but take a million and one snapshots of her! From the moment I entered their home, I felt like an extended family member. Nicole and her husband were so welcoming and warm. And Julia, well Julia, was just a doll. She even offered to let me play with her dolls in her dollhouse. How precious is that? ! There’s no doubt she’s gonna be an amazing big sister to the beautiful Lyla Rose!

What a precious family! Thanks for sharing your Sunday afternoon with me

Let Me Take Yo Picture...

So much goes down during photoshoots that most of the time no one else notices. 

Take the dude creepin' on me with his camera in this pic for example. He literally paced back in forth till I put the camera back up to my face to take his pics...of me. 

You do know that I can see through my camera right? (: 

We got nose pickers, people' talkin' to themselves, people trying at all costs to be in the photos like a real life "Where's Waldo" all sorts of stuff "behind the scenes." 

Something front and center today other than the creeper is this amazing couple who got engaged two weeks ago! They love the city and I love shooting where people get engaged, I'm a sucker for nostalgia; So off to Orchestra hall we went! 

Excited to shoot their big day in June! 

Not Your Average Picnic...

Don't get me wrong, I love gardens, parks, the beach, and forest preserves with the best of em but I was pretty stoked to hear that a previous bride & groom of mine wanted to take their family pics in an area that wouldn't be the norm. If you by-pass the iffy- nature of the location, and the skateboarding documentary goin' on in the background this was actually a sick location to shoot. 

You may want to by-pass the weather too. Not everyone can be a rockstar in the temps like 2-year-old Emma. Seriously, she handled it the best out of all of us.

And MY GOODNESS is she CUTE! 

So glad I got to reunite with this family. (: