One of the things I love about being in Chicago is the great sense of community and support the local photographers give to one another.  Not too long ago I didn’t have very many friends to go to for advice, but because there are so many great groups out there (i.e. Smugmug Chicago user group, Chicago Photographers, Chicago Trash the Dress, and Chicago Photography Center) I’ve met so many amazing friends! A couple of months ago the Chicago Trash The Dress group did a “trash the dress” session and I hadn’t had a chance to blog the rest of the images until now (yes, I’ve been THAT busy. There were a gazillion gorgeous images that  I have been dying to get to and just too much else on my plate). Tonight was the first night I’d gone through my images in earnest and here were some of the gems I found…. just loved the romantic feel of these! Hope you enjoy! Thx to Melissa Diep who organized this session!

Now that I’ve had a few more spare moments than I’ve had in a long time…. I took some flower shots with the lensbaby this afternoon, just for fun. Hope you all are enjoying the weekend!

A precious newborn from a few weeks ago… He didn’t make a peep the entire time, so sleepy! Welcome to the world Saul!

A few weeks ago I had the honor of photographing bridal portraits for Bryttannee, who is getting married later this summer.  I had SUCH a fabulous time at this session, and she was so easy to photograph! Not only is she a bombshell (obviously - just look at her!), but she’s also got some pretty strong business chops too, as founder and owner of B.E. Beauty, with her own line of makeup products. (She’s also a very skilled airbrush tanner and makeup artist for you brides-to-be out there!)  Her brand is fun and fierce - words that describe Bryttannee to her very core. Check her out!

Congrats on your upcoming wedding Bryttannee!

I woke up Monday morning in a panic. Like I had forgotten a homework assignment and was about to screw something up in a major way. I popped out of bed, checked my phone to remind me what date it was, and laughed at myself. Oh yeah. I graduated yesterday. There are no more assignments to do.

I guess it will take some time to sink in.

Yes, I will have downtime now. I forgot what that felt like!  Balancing my day job, photography, and grad school has left me in a constant state of trying to keep up for four years. What’s weird is now every day after work, I am so exhausted I just want to fall asleep on the spot, and I wonder how I ever had the energy to do it all. It’s like my body went on strike trying to catch up on the sleep deficit I’ve accrued over the past few years.

So, I am going to put my feet up and take it easy for a few weeks, and just enjoy this gorgeous weather and do the things I love.  And then I’m sure I’ll find something to fill up this ’spare time’.  I asked Justin if he thinks I should start learning to play the guitar but we came to the conclusion that the eukalali might be easier with my small hands… and we just so happen to be going to Hawaii in the not too distant future…. so who knows what other tricks I may have up my sleeve?

On a serious note, I have learned so much over the past four years, not just in school but from the many amazing people I am lucky to call my friends and peers. And there’s no way to sum it all up in one blog entry. But, for what it’s worth, I’m more inspired than ever to chase down my dreams and make them a reality.  And to never again wake up panicking over trivial assignments because I’m too busy loving every second of my life.

Just a couple more weeks before I can give my blog the time and love it deserves… In the meantime, I had the privelege of photographing a sweet bridal portrait session earlier this week. Bryttannee rocked my world this past Sunday – somehow she channelled Gwen Stefani and Marilyn Monroe at the same time! Stay tuned for more to come!

Today I’m breaking the radio silence. Yes, my blog is still alive and kicking! It’s been crazy lately trying to balance between work and school – and I’m at the homestretch! I graduate June 13th

So I thought I’d share something short and sweet (which aptly describes this little girl). I ran across these photos I took earlier this week of my adorable niece Victoria.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone! Do one thing that makes you feel like this:

My niece Valentina continues to amaze me daily. For the past few weeks she has been eager to remind me she is ”Two on May 2nd.” Really? Yes she can say that.

It’s hard to believe that not too long ago she looked like this:

And today, she  can identify a guitar, violin, flute, cello, banjo and clarinet (with GREAT articulation I might add!) as she points them out to me in her book. Prodigy child? I think so. And cute as a button to boot! Happy Birthday, little Valentina!

Baby Elvira was born just before Christmas last year and arrived 2 months early, as one of the tiniest babies you could imagine.  While she’s still very small today, she’s about four months now, and is healthy, beautiful, and so very loved. Just look at this little bundle:

Her parents love her so much!

Here’s to the start of a great weekend!

I love people. As corny as it sounds, it couldn’t be more true. I love that what I do allows me to meet and interact with people I may never have spoken to otherwise. I love seeing what makes people tick, watching how families interact and how they laugh together. Because in the midst of all the newness of the family I’m working with, I find myself reminded of my own home and family and remember that at the end of it we are all very much the same. Today I spent the morning with a beautiful family…

…who were gathered in celebration of Jack’s baptism… (You knew I had to sneak in a cute baby photo. I simply can’t help myself when one is so readily available!) But really, who could resist this amount of chub? Not me.

And I was assisted by my good friend Chris. Thanks Chris!

After a quick stop at home, I met up with some fellow photographers for a ‘trash the dress’ session, organized by the lovely and insanely talented Melissa Diep.

I had a great day filled with all sorts of people – clients, models, peers, friends, family- they all put a smile on my face keep me going!  Two very different shoots to culminate in one perfect day. More photos coming soon!