CJ + Jacklyn Engagement // Chicago

I am so excited I get to take photos these two and again for their big day. CJ and Jacklyn are so in love, their magnetism is hard to miss. I noticed how much they say “i love you” to each other and how  almost in disbelief they have found each other. I was referred to photograph their wedding from my mother’s husband who happened to be booked to play acoustic guitar at their wedding in October of this year. Jacklyn and I met first right down the street from my condo in Chicago with her dog, Sampson. We were neighbors! So we decided to meet before she decided to pull the trigger on the wedding package. 

We met each other by the big LOVE art mural in Bucktown and then we walked down a street there and headed to the park near the 606. They made my job easy because they had no problem showing some affection for the camera. I love love and these two had plenty of it. Stay tuned for their next blog post about their wedding! yay!

Brody Michael is Here // Chicago

I shot Michelle and Brian’s wedding a few years ago and I just love when my clients have babies! I was able to meet Brody when he was just 10 days old. He was still so little, wrinkley skin and oh so hungry! Those newborns love to cluster. JI always have to allow for enough time with newborn shoots. Sometimes they won’t eat, they won’t sleep or they just want to be held. And in the end we were lucky enough to get some shots of Chopper with Brody, their beloved boxer who’s been with Michelle for years and years. Thanks for reading!

J

Hall Family // Chicago

I met one of my favorite clients at the beach, normally we just do local shoots at her home but today we ventured out to a bright early summer morning shoot. The sun was bright, the volleyball leagues were playing, the runners were out in full force. For some reason Valentina wasn’t up for a shoot. We tried walking with her, we tried tickling, giving her snacks, and it just seemed that this day was not her day. Her mom felt so bad because we made the trip out, we really wanted to make it work so then we took a stroll near the water. As we got close, we’d run from the wave. That’s when her tears started to dry. Valentina started to open up to me a bit if I just kept back and let her have her moment in the water. That’s when we got our photos!

J

Quinn Lake // Chicago

Quinn was born to some good friends of mine. Their son is just a month younger than my daughter so we were pregnant together. Quinn is sucha well-tempered baby, they are so lucky to have her. She is sweet, she sleeps, she eats AND she looks at the camera. If I was guaranteed to have a Quinn, I think I’d be better equipped to have No. 2! I went over to visit them at their home on a summer night, her brother wanted to go play outside and Quinn and her mommy were the best subjects. After a toddler bribe (happens ALL the time), I was able to capture a few of just the new brother and sister and  This family is so sweet, I am so lucky to have them as friends. <3

J

Lefevour Family // Oakbrook

It had been almost 4 years since the last time I photographed this family. Mikey was barely crawling and Mae was still so little. They’re both so tall now and hilarious. I love their brotherly- sister love. He always wanted to do what she was doing. I love when little boys look up to their sisters, that’s my feminist bone coming out. JWe met on a warm summer night in Oakbrook, I had never been to the Graue Mill, a water-powered gristmill and it sits on the Dupage Country Forest Preserve. It had water, trees, paths, and gorgeous summer light. I just wish it was closer to the city so I could shoot here all the time! So much personality in this family, we even had a to take a few photos with thumbs up to appease Mikey, the youngest. Haha! I hope you enjoy!

J

Michael + Heidi // Dubuque

Finally getting around to post this gorgeous couple and their stunning wedding back near  her hometown in Iowa. Heidi and Michael live in Seattle and wanted to have their wedding close to home. I only met them when I showed up to take the photos that day! I drove in from Chicago the night before and had such lovely time meeting them and photographing their big day. It’s hard to pick just a few, so if I went overboard in picking them, I apologize! Enjoy!

X

JB

Maureen + Clayton // Chicago

So this post is WAYYYY overdue. I apologize. I started a new full time gig and with a baby… well, nothing goes as planned. Never the less, I am SO excited to share this post with you. I not only shot this wedding (totally pressure and care free), but was the graphic designer, the matron of honor, the speech giver and best friend extraordinaire! Maureen just wanted me to take some photos of Clayton and her before the wedding, the two of them and a couple snapshots of their family. Since the pressure was off, I just carried my camera around the whole night. My husband took some shots when I couldn’t and I gave her brother a 10 second tutorial on how to shoot (all settings set) so he could take some photos of the ceremony. It was hilarious and it was fun! After all, your photographer is with you more than your fiance/husband, she just wanted her best friend too and it just so happens I am a photographer.

The wedding took place at Prairie Productions in the West Loop in Chicago. The ceremony was in the courtyard, exposed brick, Italian patio lights and the sweetest words to each other. The event took place on a Friday in September, and it was a beautiful! A warm day with a crisp chill to the breeze, perfect for an autumn wedding!

All taken with my Mark III and a 50 1.2. No double cameras, no switching out lenses, it was quite liberating! I hope you enjoy these photos, it’s not everyday you get to attend your best friend’s wedding and shoot it at the same time.

J

Sayers Family // Chicago

Here’s a great little mini family shoot I did for Sarah and Ryan and their not-so-baby anymore, big girl, Frances aka Frankie aka Frenchie. Frankie just turned two shortly before this shoot and it was so fun shooting her. I think my favorite age is two, they are so funny and just talking so the things they say are so entertaining.

We met at a garden park in Logan Square, across the street from their home. It’s a great little space, one city lot with a patio, trees and wildflowers. I love this family a lot, we’ve been friends for years, I go way back with Sarah to my hometown in Iowa so it’s fun to be able to do these kinds of things for her. Enjoy these!

J

Kyle + Alicia // Chicago

It’s funny when I get to shoot couples whom I’ve met individually but never together. So on October 17th, I got to see them together for the first time on their wedding day! You can tell by some of the photos below that they are just goofballs, constantly laughing. We started the day downtown at the JW Marriott in the Loop. Alicia had her sister, Kyle’s sister and her best friend as her bridesmaids. Of course, as it happens, we were running behind but we had to do a first look with Alicia and her dad, by FAR the best reaction from a dad I’ve ever seen. He almost fell over, his hands crossed and fell swiftly to his heart and as his knees buckled, the tears welled up in his eyes. It was so sweet. Alicia and her mom did not have dry eyes after that.

We made it in time to meet Kyle for a first look in the West Loop, blocks away from their apartment. After they met, a quick swig of the flask started the day off. We ran around Fulton Market and took photos below the train, in the streets, anywhere we could get a city view. After some photos we headed over to the ceremony and event space, Bottom Lounge. I had been here many times before for a concert but had no idea they had an upstairs with a large deck with city views, it was a great surprise! The bride and groom walked down the aisle to Foo Fighters and Rancid. It was a rock occasion. Kyle’s brother officiated the ceremony and had everyone rolling on the ground. After they both said their I do’s, we headed in for a night of pinball, Malort, dancing and Cubs/Mets playoff game. It was a night to remember! I hope you enjoy these!

J

Michelle + Brian // Dubuque

One beautiful spring day, one gorgeous couple and one gorgeous wedding. It was so great to be a part of this special day, I was so excited to shoot it. The ceremony was performed at St. Joseph the Worker in Dubuque, Iowa and the ceremony following was held at a hotel downtown – The Julien. I have shot weddings at both of these locations before so it was familiar to me. Everything flowed so well and the bride and groom were wonderful. Congratulations to you both, Michelle and Brian!

x

J

Nicole + Andrew // Chicago

I had the pleasure of shooting Andrew and Nicole’s engagement photos last winter and come October, 2014, they’re hitched! The day started off rainy and cold and then it stopped and opened up just for us (at least I like to think so).  Nicole and Andrew made my job easy, their chemistry cannot be denied, I think it really shows through these photos. The love and admiration for one another is really special. Please enjoy!

J

Amy + Chris // Sycamore

Capturing Amy and Chris on their beautiful fall day was truly rewarding. My job really has its perks when I get to see  the vulnerable sides of people, brought out by the one they love and are marrying that day. It’s so special. The way these two looked at each other was quite magical and made for a great wedding day.

The site for the ceremony and reception was in Sycamore, IL, about 60 miles west of Chicago. The day was warm in the sun and had lovely crisp fall air. They opted out of seeing each other before the ceremony, Chris was really wanting to wait to see his beautiful bride until she walked down the aisle. This is very sweet and traditional which I think is so romantic. The day progressed and the reception was held at Blumen Gardens, a garden and landscaping business with a stunning outdoor garden and event space. It was rustic and beautiful–a great space to capture the newly wed Clabots. I hope you enjoy these special moments!

J

Scholls Family // Olive Park

Last weekend I had the pleasure of shooting The Scholls. Abby, a long time friend of mine (we used to build forts and ride bikes) had asked me to shoot her family and I was thrilled. I loved meeting Matt and Sam. Sam is 2 and probably the smiliest child I have every encountered. I know, every kid has their moment of tantrum and just being tired but he was a dream. I also have a sweet spot for 2 year olds.

We met at Olive Park and strolled around Oak Street Beach. The weather was stunning for the end of October, we lucked out. I hope you enjoy these!

J

Hello, World! Baby Aurora // Evanston

Aurora “Rory,” was a great newborn subject, she was making eye contact, she was so alert! And so cooperative! Her older brother, Radley, was very excited to have her around. He wanted to kiss and hug and hold her all the time. It was a pleasure seeing this family again after taking his 1-year-old photos the previous summer. I went to their new home in Evanston, on a beautiful tree-lined street and made me think, hmm, maybe the suburbs aren’t so bad! It was lovely. I hope you enjoy these photos of this beautiful family.

J

Gabriella // Lincoln Park

I took Gabriella’s 14 Month photos on a dreary day in March. She wasn’t so sure of me at first. Her faces in the first few photos below express her feelings, haha! She slowly but surely opened up and ended up being a total goofball. I love see the personalities of little ones come through. She is the same age as my daughter so it’s fun interacting with other children her age, sometimes they are so different! I hope you enjoy!

xo

J

VanMilligan Family // Willow Springs

I recently found this lush green area outside of Chicago as part of the Cook County Forest Preserves. You can fish, picnic, hike etc. It’s gorgeous! I had Kenny and his family meet me there one summer night in early June and it was perfect. The sun was warm and low and the magic hour really did us a favor. I’ve known Kenny since I was a girl. His family moved into my family neighborhood when I was probably 8 years old. Kenny used to bike me home sometimes after I was at their house playing with his sister. We actually had the same circle of friends in college and he’s always been one of the best, his smiles are contagious. I met his wife, Tyler, and their two beautiful girls at Saganashkee Slough Woods. So full of energy and sweet smiles, I knew this would be a good shoot. You can always tell within the first few minutes of a dynamic. Sometimes it’s off, one child had a bad day, or a meltdown in the car, but this wasn’t that day, everyone was excited. The Slough has a lot of water so there were ducks and geese and lots of curiosity from the girls. We had such  good time, just enough for a few shots of just Kenny and Tyler, so in love.

I love these and I hope you do too!

X

JB

Zalaznik Family // Iowa

Just a few short years ago, I had the privilege of shooting Madde and Ryan’s wedding, in the exact same spot! I remember because I was pregnant and it was summer, they had the most beautiful atmosphere. The property belongs to her father and it’s actually the house he grew up in. It’s a gorgeous old brick farmhouse with tall ceilings, giant windows and all the character you could expect in a house like that. The property is even more stunning. All the trees, the green and the background of the rolling hills of Iowa, you’d like it was out of a Grant Wood painting. Madde and Ryan were accompanied by their two children, both from previous relationships, and the same age! They were brother and sister and best friends, their dynamic is so fun, I think that you can tell by these photos. I hope you enjoy!

Cheers!

JB

The Glocks // A Snowy Lincoln Park Day

I had the pleasure of meeting this adorable family for the first time this day. It’s always a little funny, because it’s somewhat of a first blind date. I stand with my camera gear at a meeting point and await a family who is somewhat put together (everyone always has cute jackets and their hair done when I get to see them). But when we saw each other in the atrium of the Lincoln Park conservatory, we knew who each other was right away and we laughed because oh boy, the weather was something!

What a day this was! We scheduled our shoot later in the day because we wanted to warm sun to be low and amazing. We didn’t get sun at all! We got a heavy, snowstorm! It was the first of the season, December heavy, wet snow. So we went with it! It was actually quite beautiful, it just made for some more challenging scenes. Nevertheless, Gretchen and family were more than happy to go with the flow. So we tried under some trees, and then some winter hats and then we just went with it! If you can’t beat it, join it right? That was our motto that day. And the snow just kept coming, everything was laced with white, the trees, the benches, even our eyelashes. They turned out to be delightful, and will be amazing photos for their holiday Christmas card. Dreaming of a white snowy Christmas?  J

Thanks and I hope you enjoy these!

JoAnna

The Stephensons // Eagle Point Park

I am so glad we decided to push this shoot by a day, Friday was turning out to be a pretty dark and gloomy day so I proposed we push it so that we could get some good light and they were totally flexible. The forecast said there would be sun on Saturday so we went with it. Do you see all this luscious warmth coming through the trees? Not to mention we were days out from December and we didn’t even need coats, the sweaters were perfect.

This is a special family to me, Kira, the mother, has been a dear friend of mine since we were in middle school. We both love cooking, wine, family, friends and OPRAH! Kira and Ricky met while serving our country and after coming back from tour, they got married and had three babies–one of which is not shown, Max. He is a sweet angel who left this earth too early. Kira has taught me so much during all of this painful time and her strength and positivity is second to none. What’s so special about these photos is that after Kira saw them, she expressed her gratitude to me for capturing them and she pointed out how present Max was on this day, you can see him in little light bubbles and rays shining through on each of them. I felt him too that day. I really had fun capturing this amazing family, I hope you enjoy these!

J

The Bluths // Lincoln Park

This family is from out west, they both went to school here in the city, fell in love and stuck around. They then had Adeline – the world’s most smiley baby. Seriously, if you can’t tell from the photos, every time I had the camera on her, she looked into the lens with those big blue eyes and smiled with her minimal teeth smile. Oh my, to die for. This sweet family requested one of my favorite spots in the city, Lincoln Park, near South Pond. The long prairie grass, the Studio Gang Pavilion, the water and the gorgeous skyline in the background makes it one of the best. Linden, Adeline’s dad, was a great tosser, (sounds funny) but when he would throw her in the air, she just giggled with happiness. This family was one of the best and I’m grateful I was able to capture them.

I hope you enjoy!

J