Jen and Mark | Williams Tree Farm

I used to draw names on my Facebook page for a free shoot every 100 "likes". Jen happened to be drawn and we did a family/engagement session last year. Well, that turned out to be the best free shoot I ever did, because Jen got a hold of me saying she fell in love with her photos and wanted to know if I would shoot her wedding at Williams Tree Farm. To that, I gladly obliged. Owen, Liam, Jen and Mark were full of spunk and fun and I had a feeling their anniversary wedding ceremony would be quite the party.

I was right. Not only did Jen and Mark, their friends and family pour labored love in to every detail, but they had friends fly in from all over the country to celebrate. Jen and Mark, I'm so glad I was there to help tell your story and document your day. Congratulations.

 

Taylor Smith's Urban Senior Portraits | Downtown Rockford IL

Okay. So. Taylor Smith is friends with another Taylor, and I did that Taylor's photos and now I took these Taylor's photos, but I don't think I have any other Taylors lined up for the fall, so, if you know a Taylor, send 'em on over.

That being said, this is the quintessential downtown Rockford, IL shoot. And you know what? I liked every second of it. A lot. First off, Taylor and her parents are awesome, so it made work super easy and fun. Secondly, I really liked revisiting some of classic downtown Rockford spots... So we hit up the alley, fountains, Jefferson Street bridge, goth wall, vine covered wall with stairs... AND the newly added graffiti wall (way to go and shout out to Rockford Area Arts Council Artsplace.) I think the culmination of gorgeous summer weather, evening glowing sun, Taylor's effortless beauty and fun spirit really made this one shine.

Yay seniors. Yay summer. Yay Rockford!

Claudia's Senior Portraits | Coronado, Downtown Rockford, IL

Here's a few favorites from hanging out at the Coronado in downtown Rockford, IL for a senior portrait session. Spending time here returns effortless memories of meeting famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma, the captivating opera  Madama Butterfly, and countless years spent helping my mom volunteer for Rockford Symphony Orchestra's Black Magic Annual Fundraiser. A huge thanks to my parents for raising me in such a fantastic way. Claudia, you're lucky to have such great parents yourself! Congratulations!

Curtains remained closed. Young woman enters from right. Center stage, she begins singing beautiful melodies before going off into the world!