Shorter engagements - the new norm
Short engagements are gaining traction in the wedding industry as couples increasingly prioritize spontaneity and the desire for authentic experiences over traditional timelines. This shift reflects a broader cultural movement towards living in the moment and embracing the joy of commitment without the lengthy planning periods that often accompany typical engagements. This trend may also be influenced by economic considerations, with many couples opting for more intimate celebrations that require less planning and reduced costs. As a result, vendors are adapting to meet the needs of these couples, offering flexible packages and innovative solutions to ensure that, even with a shorter planning window, each wedding still feels personalized and memorable.
Why You Should Book Your Engagement Photos with Your Wedding Photographer
While it’s true that you can have any photographer take your engagement photos, today I am talking about why you should get your engagement photos done by the same photographer that will be doing your wedding.
Dergance Family Session | Buffalo Rock, Illinois
I absolutely loved taking this family’s fall portraits near Starved Rock State Park in Illinois.
5 Tips for Hiring the Right Photographer
Hiring the right photographer can be overwhelming. These are my top 5 picks for choosing the photographer whose style and personality are a good fit for you.
Dealing with Mom Stress During an In-Home Photo Session
In-home sessions can be so stressful for the homemaker! Here is my best advice for moms doing family sessions at home.
Where You Have Your Wedding Matters
Your wedding location can make or break your photos. Here is my list of things to consider when choosing the right wedding venue for you!
Pros & Cons of Mini Sessions and Full Sessions
Mini sessions are the perfect way to document young families and create sweet memories. Find the pros and cons of mini sessions here!
Creating Magic Even When the Kids Aren't Feeling It
Here are a few of my favorite tips for creating beautiful portraits when the kids are not in the mood.
Harmer Wedding | Late Summer in the Illinois Valley
We recently moved to North Central Illinois, and the Harmer wedding was the perfect opportunity to explore new venues in the area. They ended up choosing the Hundred Acre Orchard in Princeton, Illinois, and it is absolutely beautiful!
10 Ways to Give Yourself Grace When it Comes to Motherhood
This blog is all about the messiest, most beautiful, and most difficult job you'll ever have. Here are ten things to remember in order to give yourself grace when it comes to being a mom.
Maggi Family Session | Illinois River
It is incredible when a family can connect in a way that makes you forget that they are being photographed, and that is exactly what happened in this Illinois River session.
Megan + Stewart | Intimate Wedding in Tiskilwa, Illinois
Megan and Stuart had the most beautiful, intimate wedding in Tiskilwa, IL. It was a gorgeous day from start to finish.
5 Reasons to Book Your Newborn Session in Your Home
There are many reasons that families choose to book their sessions in-studio. However, today I’m sharing my top 5 reasons to book your newborn sessions in your home rather than in a studio.
Coloring Outside the Lines | Personal Project
I am so excited to share these dreamy images from a styled nursing shoot in Starved Rock State Park.
Adreoni Family Session | Starved Rock State Park
Working with this sweet family was such a treat! We went up to Buffalo Rock in Utica, Illinois and it was everything we were looking for for our fall family session.