H FAMILY LIFESTYLE PHOTOS - Osceola, Indiana Family Lifestyle Photographer

Well, I can’t really say enough about this fun family because they also happen to be our best friends! My husband and I have been friends with this awesome couple before we were even married. They traveled all the way to Florida for our wedding and now, many years later, our daughters are absolute besties and our sons, well, they’re too young to know it but they’ll be best buds, too.

I always feel a special privilege when friends trust you take their photos. Its such a special thing to be able to do for people and I always love a chance to get together with them. And of course, my own daughter had to sneak in and take some quick pics with her bestie, too.

indiana family lifestyle photographer

south bend indiana family lifestyle photography

H FAMILY AND MILESTONE LIFESTYLE PHOTOS - Michigan and Indiana Family and Milestone Lifestyle Photographer

There aren’t many things I love more than being able to follow a family’s journey from the very beginning! And this family is a perfect example. I met them when they hired me to document the birth of their second son, who is now over a year old! Following his journey and seeing him turn into such a fun loving and energetic toddler has been so rewarding.

We had a blast on this cool fall evening for their milestone and family photo session. Full of smiles and not wanting to sit still long, we got to go all over the place and find lots of fun spots to shoot in. Mom and Dad surely have their hands full with these two handsome fellas, but there was no shortage of smiles and love. Can’t wait to see them again soon!

H FAMILY LIFESTYLE PHOTOS - South Bend Family Lifestyle Photographer

There’s no question that I have a soft spot for this gorgeous family. Not only did we go to high school together way back when, but I also got to document their youngest daughter’s Fresh 48 and her entire first year. Now she’s a spunky toddler and we get to do full family sessions out on their amazing property. Not only are their kids absolutely gorgeous, but they’re equally as well mannered and fun.

This was hands down my favorite family session of the season as we had absolutely perfect conditions. Plus, Mom asked for some simple, classic black and whites of each kiddo to hang on her walls and they turned out gorgeous! Can’t wait to meet back up with them for another family photo shoot (or you know, just run into Mom and Baby L at Target…because that seems to happen weekly lol).

plymouth and lakeville indiana family lifestyle photographer

plymouth and lakeville indiana family lifestyle photographer

plymouth and lakeville indiana family lifestyle photographer

plymouth and lakeville indiana family lifestyle photographer

plymouth and lakeville indiana family lifestyle photographer

plymouth and lakeville indiana family lifestyle photographer

plymouth and lakeville indiana family lifestyle photographer

plymouth and lakeville indiana family lifestyle photographer

BABY E'S NEWBORN FRESH 48 PHOTOS - South Bend, Indiana Baby and Family Photographer

Oh what a story this sweet girl had! I first met with Baby E’s mom to discuss her options for birth photography. As a first time mom, we didn’t really know what to expect when labor came, so we were prepared for 37 weeks on. When I finally got the call that it was go time, I knew from experience that I probably didn’t have to rush. First babies often take a while. But then, I got a more rushed text that said things were moving pretty quickly and from the sounds of it, I knew I had to head out!

When I arrived, mom was laboring hard and already at 9cm! Awesome! This would be a really great, fast birth. HA! Babies never do what we expect, do they? Fast forward twelve hours and still no baby…and I had a wedding to be at to photograph! Luckily, my amazing back up photographer came to the rescue and I ended up missing this sweet baby girl’s birth by less than an hour. I would have loved to be there since I had gotten so invested in her journey earthside, but such is life.

And I did get to come back and visit for her Fresh 48 photos. What an alert and gorgeous baby she was. And her parents could not have been more smitten. This was a fun and rewarding session from start to finish and I feel lucky to have gotten to meet her momma and daddy, as well as Baby E!

GENTRY'S MILESTONE PHOTOGRAPY - South Bend & Mishawaka Family and Child Photographer

Oh Gentry <3

I’ve had the privilege of following her journey since her sweet family moved into their dream farm house that they are renovating. She is full a spice and sugar and has never met a stranger. We snuck in this mini session before her sister arrived and once again, she made me smile the entire time. Her love for life, the outdoors and animals was obvious and she definitely runs the show around there. Even her big, tough firefighter Daddy is wrapped around her little finger!

Thank you F Family for trusting me to document your sweet girls.

ALYSSA AND JOSEPH - Plymouth, Indiana Wedding and Engagement Photographer

Alyssa and Joseph were such a fun, laid back couple! When Alyssa first reached out to me inquiring about wedding photography, I thought I recognized the name. After a little chatting, I realized that way back when, she had been a student of mine when I was still teaching (although not for very long as I left for maternity leave that same year). I always have a soft spot for LV alum who I get to work with!

As soon as we met on this gorgeous fall night, it was obvious these two had been together forever. They have that easy comfort that many couples don’t find until they’re well into their marriage. Hearing about their wedding plans and plans for after marriage was such a fun and refreshing conversation as we took advantage of the gorgeous scenery.

I can’t wait to work with them more on their wedding day this fall!

Y LIFESTYLE FAMILY PHOTOS - Nappanee Indiana Lifestyle Family Photographer

Extended family sessions are always so much fun! I love watching young kids interact and when you’re not doing traditional “say cheese” photos, everyone has a great time (and usually lots of laughs). I mean, I don’t know which ones they chose to hang, but I would totally frame the ones with nose picking and scowling. Because that’s real life, right?!

This great group is growing every year and adding more and more babies. I hope I get to keep up with them and document some more fun moments along the way.

HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY BABY K - South Bend Indiana + Michigan Family Photographer

Whenever I get an inquiry for a family documentary session, my heart does a happy dance! This one was no exception. This sweet family of three had such a fun story of their lives and they wanted to celebrate their normal through candid family photos.

When I asked Mom to tell me about her family, she responded, “P… and I have been together for almost 8 years, married for 3, and we welcomed our beautiful last November. P… is from Ohio and I am from Ireland, where K was born. We moved to South Bend … and P works at Notre Dame. I am at home with K full-time and also do some freelance writing. We are both historians, so there are a lot of books around the house and we read with K a lot. K is a confident, energetic, happy baby. He loves chatting, crawling around, going on the swing, standing up on anything that will hold his weight, and anything that won't. He likes to potter around in the kitchen when mummy is cooking or clearing up. He has his own kitchen which his grandma bought him for his birthday and which he really likes too (although not as much as the real thing...) His latest favorite activity is climbing the stairs, especially if mummy is chasing him, and he hates being prevented from doing so by the stair gate. He loves eating, pulling out all the kitchen implements and making a lot of noise, and "reading" his many books. His favourite teddy is Lion and he is very good at giving Lion hugs. He loves horsing around with his daddy which makes him laugh a lot, and he gets very animated when we play good music and he can dance along and clap his hands. He has also always had very good fine motor skills and he loves pressing buttons, playing with his ring stacker, etc.”

What I love about documentary family sessions is that they allow all of these sweet milestones, stories and moments to be captured in a beautiful way. Nearly everything mentioned above is showcased in this fun gallery and I hope this family enjoys looking at these as much as I enjoyed taking and editing them!

DEL POZO WEDDING - Indiana Wedding Photographer

Kati & Billy’s love story was the epitome of “meant to be.” As Katie sat in the makeup chair getting ready to marry the love of her life she shared their story…

Kati had moved to Chicago, Illinoise years before and her sister (who was also her Matron of Honor), immediately told her she had the perfect guy for her: Billy. However, fate intervened and ironically, Kati ended up dating his roommate and over the course of about ten years, other relationships and life in general kept them as friends with bad timing. But then, one day, Billy called up Kati and the stars all aligned and they ended up on their first official date. And from the sounds of it, neither had any doubt that this was how things were meant to be (and her sister was even kind enough not to rub in too many “I told you so’s").

Their wedding day ended up being absolutely perfect! Being a November wedding, you never know what you might get as far as weather but their day was cool but gorgeous. The sunset was epic as was the stunning venue at Oakwood Resort in Syracuse. It’s set on such a beautiful lake and foliage was at it’s peak.

I felt so privileged to capture their day for them and I hope that the joy and laughter that filled their wedding day resonates in every single day of their marriage!

Venue list at the bottom of this post.

• Ceremony & Reception Venue: Oakwood Resort Hilltop

• Hair & Makeup Artist: Studio Nouveau (Jocelyn)

• Dress was purchased at: Volle's in Lake Zurich IL

• Groom/Groomsmen attire is from:

• Florist: Debbie Atkinson

• Wedding Coordinator/Planner: Julia Schwantes

• DJ/Band: Ohana DJ

H & A ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS - Michiana and Indiana Wedding Photographer

This session is special for SO many reasons!

While it just so happened to also end up falling on what was probably the prettiest “golden hour” evening of the season, this engagement session held a special spot in my heart long before it started. You see, this gorgeous bride-to-be was also my daughter’s nanny as an infant! When I was still teaching, H spent several days a week watching my baby girl and for me, that’s no small thing. For me to trust someone with my child, I’ve got to really love you haha. So when H texted me and asked if I would be up for handling their engagement pictures, I couldn’t agree fast enough.

I ended up having so much fun getting to know her hilarious fiance as we toured the beautiful property. They were full of laughs and totally up for anything. In fact, A even taught me something: use the “drunk walk” prompt immediately after the “spin her around in circles” prompt! (Haha).

I could not offer more well-wishes for this couple and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for them.

WELCOME BABY DAWSYN - Indiana Newborn Photographer

This family. Where do I even start?

They were my VERY FIRST family documentary clients! They trusted me before anyone else to capture memories of their sweet daughter in the throws of their dream-house renovation project. They quickly grew to be more than just clients but friends! Fast forward a few years and a few more sessions down the road and I had the privilege of documenting their sweet second daughter, Dawsyn.

I was so excited when I got Mom’s initial message inquiring about newborn sessions and the chance to see their oldest girl become a big sister. After Dawsyn’s arrival, I anxiously awaited the call to come and meet her! And when I did and I walked into their farmhouse, the first thing I thought: “Holy moly, they’re identical!” Dawsyn looks JUST like her big sister! My heart melted immediately. Big sister was so excited to show me her new baby and it was obvious that while she still wanted (and needed) Mom and Dad’s attention, too, she was a huge helper in the family now.

Capturing these moments for this family of four was such a joy and I truly hope I get to continue on their journey with them. Thank you, F Family, for allowing me into your lives all this time.

E & J ENGAGEMENT SESSION - Indiana Wedding and Engagement Photographer

Joined through a mutual love of science and laughter, these two are a match made in heaven. E & J are the perfect balance for each other and there’s no shortage of excitement for their 2019 fall (almost winter) wedding. Seeing and hearing their joy as they shared the details for the big day, it was obvious that this is going to be a fun wedding to document!

And to prelude their big day, E & J opted for an engagement session to kick things off. While we wandered around a gorgeous state park, their comfort with each other was obvious. The setting was beautiful and diverse and even though the initial goal had been a golden hour session, the midwest weather decided to give us some mild temps with steal gray clouds…and it was gorgeous! Sometimes, I’m so grateful for unanswered weather prayers because they often end up in the most stunning photo opportunities.

Thank you, E & J, for spending the evening with me and letting me capture the first part of your ultimate love story.