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The McKinnon Family

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In home family sessions are my new fave. I love how relaxed they are, no matching outfits, no stiff poses. They are real. There's nothing wrong with posed portraits but I love the authenticity of these photos. The crazy unscripted season that this family is in at this moment. It's these seemingly mundane photos that they will cherish ten years down the road, to see a glimpse of what life was like in March 2018. :)

 

Sarah & Brennan

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A couple of weeks ago I had the privilege of photographing an elopement! Brennan has been traveling between St. Louis and Europe for work for the last several months, and Sarah will be joining him in November. They decided to go ahead and elope to make the work visa process easier and smoother. Sarah and Brennan will return to St. Louis next September and have a bigger wedding to celebrate with friends and family. :)

 

Maggie & Brent

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I met with Maggie and Brent on a very windy morning for their engagement session. It seemed every time I tried to get the shot a big gust of wind would stir up and Maggie's hair would fly around! Ha. Maggie and Brent, thank you for driving down and for putting up with my crazy ideas, looking forward to your wedding next June!

 

The Schweiss Family

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I had the privilege of photographing this sweet little family last weekend. Ruthie is the cutest little girl, 13 months old and on a mission! There was no slowing down, unless she was stopping to pick another dandelion. ;)

Lindsay & Devin

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When Lindsay was in high school she began thinking about dating and wondering about qualities she would look for in a boyfriend and later down the road, a future husband. Unlike most teenage girls Lindsay wasn't dead set on smoldering good looks, instead she prayed for a Godly man. A man who loved Jesus and who would show her the same kind of love. She went on to college and graduated from the University of Indiana...still praying for this man to come into her life. She was accepted to Grad school in Ohio and went to a bible study one evening, it was there that she met Devin. He was a Godly man, a man she had prayed for...and he wasn't bad looking either. ;) They like most couples have had ups and downs but through it all their faith remained and made them stronger. Lindsay and Devin were married last weekend, they shared their love and commitment to each other before God, their families and friends. Lindsay and Devin, thank you SO much for bringing me to Northern Illinois to photograph your wedding! I know God has great things in store for you both and I wish you all the best! Much love and thanks! - A :)

Disney World...yes we went again.

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You guys I have a confession...I'm a Disney addict. There I said it, and I feel much better for getting it out there. Two years ago I made the comment that I loved my kids and all but I just couldn't see why anyone would spend a full week there. Opps. My bad. We have quickly become one of those crazy Disney families who while still at Disney are planning their next Disney vacay. So yeah, we went back to Disney World in January, after having just gone in September. We should seriously consider buying annual passes at this point...or moving to Anaheim or Orlando. ;)

 

The Hinderer Family

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When I photograph families my overall goal is to capture love. As cheesy as that may sound, its true. I'm not focusing on having everyone look at the camera, I'd rather capture the connection they share with each other...which also brings out natural smiles, happiness and joy. Its my goal to capture families as they are, in whatever season of life they are in...even the crazy toddler moments when it feels like total chaos! These are the memories that will bring a smile to your face twenty years down the road. I love this family session. Such a fun family full of love and happiness...and craziness with two small boys. :)

 

Our trip to Disneyworld

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If you would have told me two years ago that I would end up a crazy Disney addict I would have laughed in your face. I was one of those people who could not imagine how anyone could spend five full days at a Disney park. The thought of spending an entire week of vacation revolving around Disney made me cringe...until I went. We took the girls to Disneyland in February 2015 and what was supposed to be only a 3 day trip turned into a 5 day trip. We had such a great time that we ended up going back to Disneyland last December. Yes, we went to Disneyland twice last year and no we aren't annual passholders...yet. The woman who once said, "I love my kids and all but I just can't imagine spending a full week at Disney," spent a whole week at Disney...twice, in one year. I totally ate my words like a warm Disneyland churro. I hate to sound cliche but there is something magical at Disney. I never went as a kid so I got to experience it through my daughters eyes. The wonder, the excitement, the hope, the belief. As adults we can be so hardened and cynical, being at Disney gives you a chance to forget the outside world for just a moment and if nothing else...make you feel like a kid again. We love going, we have an amazing time each time we go. We are that crazy Disney family who is always planning their next trip. And we may or may not like to dress up and wear ears when we go. These pics are from our most recent trip. We went to Walt Disney World in September. PS - If there are any Disney fans reading this blog contact me! I always love chatting disney and hearing about any tips, tricks or favorite eating spots! :)

Girls dresses: shop bitts and pieces (etsy) / Girls shirts: iron on transfers from etsy / Rey ears: seam come true (etsy) Stitch ears: make me minnie (etsy)

 

The Graves Family

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I've been photographing this family since their engagement session! It's always a blessing to me to watch families grow and to be asked again and again to photograph their special moments! :)

 

Cassie - Class of 2017

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Cassie is a beautiful girl inside and out, but most importantly she's focused and has a plan for her future. I was happy to spend an evening with her and take her senior pictures. Best wishes Cassie, I know you will shine no matter what life has in store for you!

Where do you go to school? I am a senior at Nerinx Hall High School. 

Favorite subject? I really enjoy art classes but I also really enjoy math. 

Any Extracurricular activities? I just finished my fourth year on the golf team for my school but hope to continue to play competitive golf. I play golf with my family and friends for fun! 

Favorite thing about high school? It is hard to pick my favorite thing about high school because there are so many! My favorite thing about high school is all the experiences I've had while attending Nerinx Hall. I have made great friends that I know I will be friends with for a very long time. I have also gotten such a great education and I have no doubt I can go far with what Nerinx has taught me. 

Least favorite thing about high school? My least favorite thing about high school currently is that I am on the home stretch of it. I am sad to leave in just a few months because Nerinx was and always will be my second home. 

Plans for college? I have been accepted into Arkansas and will be studying Interior Design there next fall. 

Any advice for undergraduates? Follow your dreams. Take the road less traveled and make sure to make the most of your experience while in high school. 

Kristin & Shawn

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Kristin had her heart broken in college and swore she'd never love again, then she met Shawn. They met at work and a casual friendship turned into so much more. As Kristin's sister mentioned in her toast, "he taught her how to love again, they are perfect for one another." Kristin and Shawn were married at the Park Avenue Mansion, a very simple, small and intimate wedding in front of immediate family and a few close friends. Kristin and Shawn thank you for allowing me to share the evening with you! - A :)