This year’s mild winter in Chicago is fantastic for my mental state but I’ve been really wanting to do a photo session in the snow. Finally got my chance last week with the lovely and recently engaged Audra and Dan. These two will have a winter wedding next year and love the season so they were up for braving the cold. We had a gorgeous, sunny day with beautiful blue skies but the temps were in the 20s. Just made it all the easier to get them snuggled up to one another! Not like we really needed too much extra help to keep them close. Audra and Dan didn’t require much prompting get the kissing shots, it seemed like they couldn’t go more than five minutes without sneaking a kiss in.

We decide to do our shoot in the Union Pier, Michigan area, a place of much significance to them as Audra’s family spends a lot of time there each summer. We started our shoot at the Round Barn Winery, one of their favorite wineries along the Lake Michigan shore wine tasting trail. From there we continued to the historic Lakeside Inn and then had a little fun on the beach of Lake Michigan in front of Audra’s family’s summer getaway house. We had a great time (right guys?!) and got some fantastic shots. I am so looking forward to capturing their wedding day next January. Enjoy some of my favorite images…

Yep, it’s official… Six months is my favorite age for baby portraits. Still a baby, but getting big enough to sit up and tons of personality. I am doing portraits every three months of sweet Miss Everly’s first year and it is such fun to see her changes between visits. Check out her newborn and three month portraits too.

A few shots with her big sister Helena…

Sweet, happy Lachlan! I couldn’t believe it when his mommy sent me a note to set up his six month baby portraits, it seemed like just yesterday that we did his three month and newborn images. It is such fun and a privilege to watch my little subjects grow and change. This sweet boy is such a joy to capture – can’t wait for his nine month session!

previous post: katherine & jonathan ~ milwaukee pfister hotel wedding

Katherine and Jonathan were married at the historic and oh so gorgeous Pfister Hotel. The elegance and class of the hotel were a perfect accompaniment to this lovely couple on their big day. Their love for one another is abundant and overflowing – making their wedding an absolute joy to capture.

The amazing flowers were by Bobby of Marius Bell Floral.

Congratulations Katherine and Jon ~ your wedding day was absolutely gorgeous and made so by how in love you are. I wish you all the best in your new life together (and lots of babies )

♥,

tracy

previous post: janie & jack holiday portrait promotion

I spent two days in October capturing holiday portraits at the upscale children’s clothing store Janie & Jack and oh my was it fun. Completely and utterly exhausting, but so much fun! It was an honor to shoot for Janie & Jack and an absolute pleasure to meet all the kids and their parents. Here are some of my favorite images – enjoy the uber cuteness!

At the beginning of our session, Nina’s mommy informed me that Nina was a little shy and hoped she would do ok. Umm, yeah – not shy at all. Miss Nina and I totally hit it off and we captured so many awesome images. After we were done with our shoot, Nina’s mom had her try on a few items she was considering buying and Nina grabbed her mom’s sunglasses. Had to capture her in the impromptu outfit too – I mean just look at her!!

This sweet little brother and sister duo just melted my heart. Absolutely adorable and super sweet kids. And check out their sweet Janie & Jack outfits. That little velvet purse, love it!

Little blonde sweeties – those curls and big blue eyes!

Little miss M – where do I even start?

Yep, each new client was cuter than the last, it was ridiculous! This little guy – so incredibly sweet and adorable and he did such a great job, looking right at me. So much fun to capture him!

The little sweater vest and cap – such a sweet boy!

I know, stop it – you can’t stand it right?! Yes, that is a little camel blazer and plaid tie & suspenders he is wearing and his sister issporting a gorgeous red velvet dress with matching plaid accents.

This little guy and I became fast friends.

Sweet and sassy little Miss E!

Argyle vest + corduroy cap + sweet baby = happy photographer

This little guy has the thickest head of hair – such a sweetheart

And this is his big brother, who absolutely refused to have his picture taken with his baby brother. We begged, pleaded and tried to bribe him into sitting with his brother for a few shots with no luck. And he was leaving he turned and said to me “sorry Tracy, maybe next time”. It made me laugh so hard, it was classic!

Big brother and his baby sister – too cute.

Mr. O did such an amazing job getting his portraits taken – he just sat there and looked at me. I was dying, he is the sweetest little guy with the most gorgeous big brown eyes!

Another one of my little buddies who absolutely rocked it for the camera.

This seven year old was an absolute champ handling his little twin brother and sister.

This sister and brother duo are the bestest of friends. Or maybe they were bribed to act that way prior to portrait time? Regardless, they were so much fun to capture.

previous post: gabriel ~ newborn photography

next post: katherine & jonathan ~ wedding photography

This sweet little guy is my cousin-in-law’s (is that a word?!) son and it was such fun to capture sweet little Gabriel’s first portraits!

I used images from our session to create his birth announcement.

previous post: carolyn & kevin ~ wedding photography

Eeek – Thanksgiving is next week!! Time to get your holiday card orders in (last day to order is 12/13). I’ve added a couple of new designs for 2011 that I really love. Contact me for pricing info…

Well Said Collection

Winter Wonderland Photo Overlays any combination of overlays can be applied

Luxe Folded Cards 

Tree Art Collection

Holiday Delights

Carolyn and Kevin were married in an intimate ceremony at Flourish Studios in Chicago. It was truly an expression of them – casual, full of style, unique details and heartfelt emotions. It was an absolute pleasure to capture their beautiful ceremony.

Loved, loved, loved Carolyn’s whole look. Just wait until you see the rest of her dress!!

The kids in the bridal party. Yes, it was my idea to do the crazy faces but they were totally game!

They had a friend perform the ceremony – shot of Colin rehearsing just one last time before the ceremony.

Loved the grey and yellow color scheme and that the bridesmaids carried pinwheels!

Here she comes! They did not see one another prior to the ceremony so this was Kevin’s first glimpse of his bride.

As soon as the rings went on the fingers, Kevin moved in to kiss his bride, he just couldn’t wait!

Do you see the tears streaming down Carolyn’s cheek? These two are so in love and so happy!

After the ceremony, all the guests – including their dog Lola – headed to the reception just a few blocks away waving ribbon wands and a few pinwheels. A few guests of honor got to ride in style in pedicabs.

Congratulations Carolyn & Kevin – your ceremony was just as cool as you two are! Wishing you much love, joy and laughter in your life together.

♥,

tracy

previous post: stephanie & steve ~ wedding photography