I’ve known Emily and Nathan for a long time.  Emily is the daughter or my Dad’s best friend and Nathan and my Dad work together.   All of our families enjoy duck hunting…A LOT!   I can remember the first time I went hunting with Nathan.  He was passed out in the corner of the blind and when a group of ducks landed in the hole, he jumped up shot and went right back to sleep.  Too funny!   Anyways, back to the happy couple!  I had a blast with Emily and Nathan.  I could have photographed them all day (as you can tell from the number of photos I am choosing to post!) because they were so much fun and the chemistry between the two of them is undeniable.  I am looking forward to their wedding next May!

The location they chose for their session is very special to both of them.  Emily’s dad had this log cabin built and some would say this is where it all started for the two of them.  My Dad tells the story of the summer Emily and Nathan started to be interested in each other.  It was the summer that this log cabin was being built.  Each day at lunch time the two of them would sit next to each other and as the summer went on they sat closer and closer!  Everyone knew it was the start to something great!

They wanted to try a few shots in the pond and I think they turned out great!

This is my ABSOLUTE favorite of the day.

Barb found me on facebook of all places!  She had heard of me from several friends and family members and when it was time for her firstborn to go off to college she decided it was time for a family portrait.  The day of their session was one of the hottest ones of the summer, but we found some cool shade underneath the trees at City County Park in Princeton.  They even brought along their golden retriever!  I love dogs so I will never turn someone away who asks if they can bring Fido along!  Hope you enjoy the few shots I decided to share.

I am undecided if I like this one in color or black & white, full frame or cropped.  What do you think?

The Walters Family asked me to photograph them out at Grandma and Grandpa’s house for their anniversary.  We sure got lucky!  Rain threatened to cancel our photo shoot all morning.  Fortunately we got this shot right before it started to let loose!  As soon as I drove up to the property I knew this barn was the perfect spot.  Then when I saw that Grandma had bought each family colored polo’s this idea came to mind.  I think it turned out great…even the dogs were cooperative.  Thanks, Walters Family, for asking me out to the farm for your family portraits!

Since I am behind on my blogging this post is already being published after Alicia and Marshall have been married!  We had a great time on this photo shoot.  They brought along their beautiful baby girl for the first part of the session and then we finished up with just the two of them.  We created a beautiful guest book for their wedding from their engagment session.  Maybe I can snag it from them for a few photos and post them on here so everyone can see what they look like!  Check back soon for their wedding photos…Alicia was a stunning bride if I do say so myself!

It was so sweet to watch Marshall interact with his baby girl.  He spoke to her in this most ridiculous, but adorable voice!  I am pretty sure she will have him wrapped around her little finger when she grows up!

This is one of my favorites from the day.  Isn’t Alicia just beautiful?

This is my other favorite…they look so happy!

Cece’s mommy called me to set up her six month portraits and I was definitely excited!  I love this age.  They are so happy and smile so easy that it’s hard to take a bad picture.  Sometimes we have to work a little harder at this age, especially if they are on the go, but in the end it’s always worth it.  We went out to Cece’s Grandma and Grandpa’s house and they had beautiful spots to use as our backdrops.  Grandpa takes very good care of his landscape and the lilies were in full bloom!  I just love this first photo of her laying in the grass on the blanket…so simple and all about her.

The photo shoot was originally just for Cece, but we decided to put mom and dad in there for just a few.  Glad we did!  You can never have too many family portraits in my opinion.

Soooooo happy!

And because every cute baby looks even cuter in a hat I had to save this one for last!  Looking forward to your one year pictures Cece!

When Melissa contacted me to photograph her and her daughter, Jasmine, their only request was for it to be fun and laid back.  We were hoping for a rainy day so we could bust out raincoats and umbrellas to get something real different, but instead we got one of the hottest days of the summer!  I guess the rain shots will have to wait until the next time around.  When I asked them where they might want to go Jasmine came up with the Red Covered Bridge in Princeton so that was our first stop.

I love the relationship between a mother and daughter.  They are so cute together aren’t they?

Then we headed to the train station and surrounding area for a few more shots.  I think this last one was their favorite so I ended the post with it.  Thanks so much Melissa and Jasmine!  You guys were so much fun to work with and I can’t wait until our next photo shoot together.

I’m finally catching up on my blogging.  It’s been a busy summer with weddings, family photos and getting my new studio settled.  Once the studio is finished and I’m finally open I will blog about it, but for now I’m just going to catch up on the recent photo shoots and weddings.

On June 6th Lydia & Gabe were married at the First Baptist Church in Geneseo, IL.  It sure seems like we keep getting lucky with the weather!  The day started with rain, but by the time the outdoor reception began it was beautiful out.  Lydia & Gabe had a ton of help with everything from flowers and decoration to the dinner.  Lydia’s mother even made the bridesmaid’s dresses and I think she did a wonderful job!  Last weekend Lydia’s sister was married and I got the chance to see her again.  She says married life if wonderful.  Congratulations!

Lydia’s mom & dad did a skit at the reception that had everyone in stiches!

I confess…I am pretty behind on blogging.  I’ve had a very busy month (with some big news that I will share very soon!) and I have gotten a bit behind with the posting.  I apologize!  I am going gang buster this week and getting a lot done so check back very soon for all the full blog posts!  For now here is a sneak peak at the past four weddings.  Enjoy!

LYDIA & GABRIEL 6-6-09

DEDE & JOHN 6-13-09

GINA & MIKE 6-26-09

LEAH & BRIAN 7-4-09

I wanted to post another bride & groom shot from Leah & Brian’s wedding, but I just LOVE this shot of the girls.  They were a blast!

This is the second part of Mandy & Brian’s wedding post.  My first post was mostly formal shots of the bridal and groom and their bridal party, but I had to share a few from the amazing ceremony.  I still can’t get over how simple and beautiful everything was!  I hope you enjoy theses shots from the ceremony and a few detail shots.  I sure hope there is another beach wedding soon!  Keep your fingers crossed and if you know of anyone send them my way!

Brian had the best reaction I have ever seen from a groom as his bride is walking towards him.  Adorable.

At first glance this looks like a boring picture, but check it out a little closer…video camera, digital camera, Kodak throw away camera…too funny!  Their own front row Paparazzi!

Brian continued to choke up throughout the whole ceremony.  One of the sweetest moments I’ve ever witnessed at a wedding.

A few details from the ceremony and dinner.  The sunset was gorgeous that night!

This photo shoot  was a surprise for Michelle’s husband, Trent, for Father’s Day.  Michelle mentioned when she picked up her order that it had been pretty hard to keep this a secret from her inquisitive husband, but thankfully she was sneaky and no one else let the cat out of the bag!  We started in the studio and then made our way to Hornbaker Gardens for the rest of the session.  Michelle & Trent, I wish you the best on this journey towards parenthood.   You will be amazing parents and I look forward to meeting your little one in a few short months!  Thank you so much, Michelle, for asking me to do this for you.  I had a great time!

My favorite.