Life is made up of all the in-between moments. The little things. Let me help you remember them.
(32)
Brown family. I love this bunch. We weathered some pretty significant storms around here last night. Sometimes they come in waves. The Browns faced quite a few storms of their own last year. They wanted to celebrate being together and coming out the other side. And sometimes there's no better place to do that than the beach. With the people that mean the most. Thanks for letting me tag along Brown family. xoxo
“When you’re young, you think your dad is Superman. Then you grow up, and you realize he’s just a regular guy who wears a cape.” I don't know why fatherhood photo sessions aren't more popular. I have so often wished I could go back in time and relive the days when my kids were little. But editing this session makes me wish it so hard it's almost painful. Lol. What I wouldn't give to go back and do these photos with my kids and my husband while they were younger. Before they realized it was just a cape. To all the great dads out there who are willing to wear it. We see you. xoxo
"Here's to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May me raise them." This is the quote that came to mind during this shoot. Especially when we took the black and white one of the four of them. My friend Julie is an incredibly strong woman. I'm lucky to call her a friend. She called to say her mom, daughter, and granddaughter were all coming to town at the same time. She wanted to recreate a photo she'd done years ago with her kids, her mom, and her grandmother. I'm a sucker for generational photos, so of course I was in! We were able to shoot these at Julie's house. She actually lived there with her parents at one time too. It was the perfect choice with a tree that was begging to be in the photos. And we threw in a couple photos of the men they love too just to be fair;). Thanks for having me guys!
Mike & Erin are married...take two. I showed you some moments from this beautiful couple's wedding day last time. As I'm finishing up their gallery this week, I wanted to show you some of their details and more of their amazing day. Mike & Erin, a few more days and you will be able to relive it all when I send your gallery:)
Kyle & Sammie are married! This is the day that I spent on the surface of the sun. Or at least it really really felt that way. I'm sure I've been this hot before, but I honestly can't remember a time. lol. This would have been complete and utter misery for me, had it not been for these people. Kyle and Sammie were so excited to be getting married. They never complained. They laughed and danced and celebrated all day long. And then there was the bridal party. Especially the poor guys in their long sleeved shirts and jackets. Nope, no complaints there either. They all made the day something special. Sammie's mom was a bridesmaid. Sammie and her dad shared the sweetest first look. I love an emotional dad:). Kyle had keepsakes from his late father and grandfather to take with him down the aisle. Kyle's mom had outfit changes. Gave me something to aspire to one day;). Their two four-legged babies served as ring bearers. From start to finish it was an incredible day for this beautiful couple. Stay tuned to the end to check out the first bride I've ever seen do the worm on her wedding day! lol.
Venue - Ogden Gardens Valparaiso
Air Pavilion
Dress - David's Bridal
Tux - 's Warehouse
Bridal Bouquet - Lake Effect Florals Design Studio
Hair - Urban Studios Saloon Suites and Spa
Makeup - Peyton Martinson
Cake - Calumet Bakery
Desserts - Treats
DJ - DJ's
Videographer - Charley Isaacs
2nd shooter - Jessica DeKock
Nick & Kate are married! Personal touches at weddings are my favorite. Kate got her makeup done at her Grandma's house just minutes away from their venue. The ribbon around her bouquet was made from her mother's wedding veil. I am a sucker for details like that. And it gave me a little hope since my daughter has informed me that my wedding dress was the ugliest one she's ever seen;). Excuse me for my great taste in giant sleeves and butt bows;). lol. Honestly, trends change, and how creative to still have a part of that family history with you down the aisle without having to wear sleeves larger than your head. Then they exchanged vow books and read them privately before the ceremony. They had those few moments all to themselves (except for me;) ). All in all, it was a beautiful day for a beautiful bride and groom! Thank you so much for allowing me to be a small part of it. Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs!
Venue - White Oak Farm Venue
Dress - Yours Bridal
Tux - 's Warehouse
Hair - The Veil
Makeup - by Liv
Florist - Strack & Van Til
2nd shooter - Jessica DeKock
Caterer - Catering
DJ - Sounds
Cake - Farlie's Fancy Treats
The tale of two sisters. One of these beautiful girls could be a child model. The other, while also beautiful, may believe in the old superstition that a camera steals a piece of your soul;). Madison, I am determined to make us besties one of these years! I include some of these photos to show families who also have children that believe in this soul stealing myth that 1. you are not alone and 2. family photos are still possible. lol. We just had to let go of the control and let them play. As long as she didn't realize I was taking her picture, she was a happy girl on the beach. To be honest, some of these candid unposed moments are my favorite anyway. Until next time sisters...
And little Oliver makes three. You turn you back on a bride and groom for what feels like a moment and they return with a whole little family;). We went back to the same place we took their wedding photos. To some of the very same spots and added this cutie pie to the mix. Congratulations Quintin & Jeri! He's adorable. I couldn't get enough of those dimples!
Brett & Amanda are engaged! I'm just gonna go ahead and declare this beautiful couple king and queen of the dip! They were so good I had to include not one, but two dip pics:). For some reason the one on the boardwalk reminds me a little bit of a modern WW2 kiss photo. You know the one. They told me one of the best dates they ever had was a fishing day at Washington Park Beach. So this was the perfect setting for their engagement session. It's the best when couples personalize their sessions with places and things they love. Congratulations guys! Countdown to the wedding is on!
Dennis & Mackenzie are married! These beautiful couple got married a couple of weeks ago and have been so so patient waiting for their sneak peek while I was on vacation. Check out their private vow readings to each other before the ceremony. I think this may be my favorite thing lately!! What an incredibly special moment they got to share with each other (and the paparazzi in the bushes) lol. And I was so excited that they wanted to do some night portraits. I LOVE these. Dennis & Mackenzie, thank so much for allowing me to document this amazing day. I hope these photos bring you right back to these moments every time you look at them for years and years to come. Congratulations Mr. & Mrs.!
Venue - Pavilion at Sandy Pines
Dress - Bella Sposa Bridal Boutique (Chicago)
Tux - Formally Modern Tuxedo
Hair - Rachel Warren
Florist - La Petite Fleuriste
Cake - Fleckenstein's Bakery
Cheesecakes - Desserts by Juliette
Cookies - Sugar Shack Cookie Co
DJ - Amplified Events
Videographer - Tommy Vardaman Films LLC
2nd shooter - Jessica DeKock
Matthew - Class of 2024. This cute senior told me he was there for his mom. When I joked with him about looking like he'd rather be in the dentist chair he said he would. But he still took the pictures for mom. Between you and me?? I think he had a little fun. I'm not sure you can look through these and convince me that he didn't. lol. Congratulations, Matthew! Thanks for being such a good sport and a great son:)
Justin & Sarah are married! Have you ever wondered if the person that wrote "Singing in the Rain" ever tried kissing in the rain?? Just my random thoughts as I edit this incredibly romantic rainy wedding day. Early in my career I was terrified of rainy wedding days. But now? Give me a bride like Sarah who just went with it and I'm all for it! It makes for some moody romantic pictures for sure. Shout out to the amazing ladies at @ the Pavilion at Sandy Pines for coming in clutch with the clear umbrellas!! And it even cleared up for a while so they could enjoy their outdoor ceremony:). Justin & Sarah, I'm sure you heard a million times on your wedding day that rain is good luck. I want to add my best wishes to the mix. Wishing you both a marriage just as beautiful as this amazing day!
Venue - The Pavilion at Sandy Pines
Hair - Top-Knot Bridal
Makeup - Makeup by Krissy V
Dress - Catherine's Bridal Boutique
Tux - 's Tux Shop
Florist - Collier Row Florist & Flower Farm
DJ - Trans Audio Mobile Music
2nd shooter - Jessicas DeKock
Cake - Sarah's aunt
Rashed & Cheri are married! Weddings are always beautiful in their own way. They are all about two people vowing to be together through it all. They're especially beautiful to me when they bring families together. Cheri & Rashed have two absolutely gorgeous children. (Peep one of those babies running up in the middle of the ceremony. lol. She knew it was her day too;)). They were already a family. But this just made it all official and this was the day they got to celebrate it! All their closest people gathered in one place to celebrate this sweet family. I hope this day was everything you both dreamed it would be! Thank you for allowing me to be there to document it all:)
Venue - Meyer's Castle
Dress - Paris House of Bridall
Tux - Tux Shop
Cake - Saturday Sangria Bakery & Cafe
DJ - Straight Groovin Productions
Officiant - Leads
In honor of Max's last day of high school. When your mom is Disney's #1 fan and you're headed to film school...they wanted the picture. You know the one:). And we added a couple of our own. Congratulations, Max!
Joe & Sarah are engaged! I've seen many men who aren't thrilled about coming out to take pictures. By the end, almost all of them no longer want to throw me in a river;). I usually joke around and say something like, "You're looking at me like you'd rather be having a root canal." It usually earns at least a little smile. And then I met Joe. He super didn't want to take photos. At all. Don't get me wrong. He was always kind. He just doesn't love being in front of the camera. But two things saved the day.
1. What he does love is his beautiful fiancé, Sarah. He was doing this for her. And what more can you ask for?
2. Something shifted when he saw the creek and asked if they could get in. I thought for sure he was joking. But luckily I was wrong. I'm not sure Sarah was thrilled with the idea at first. But she did it for him. And there was the compromise. The give and take that will ensure the success of their relationship for decades to come:)
These are the moments... If I could shoot this one on repeat (and maybe add a cool breeze or two) I would do it in a heartbeat! I think sometimes as photographers we get so caught up in showing you all the beautiful things of a wedding day (the poses, the flowers, the soft light shots at the end of the day). All the instagram worthy stuff. Yes, I realize I'm on FB. It lets me post more. lol. Today I want to show you the real beauty. The raw moments. Sometimes in good light. Sometimes in less than ideal conditions. But truth be told these are the moments that keep me going. I am incredibly lucky to be a witness to them.
*This first picture is when it hits Erin that the day is here. She's getting married in a matter of hours. You can see when it hits her mom too as she's helping her into the dress.
*Look what happens when I said, "Look at your mom".
*The 1st look. The way Mike kisses her hands. *Sigh*. I saw him do that multiple times throughout the day.
*The bridal party is walking towards me. I ask them to celebrate. Unexpectedly Erin tosses her shoes into the air! That was a 1st for me. Things appear closer than reality while looking through a lens. I almost ducked and covered. lol
*Mike and Erin have the best group of friends. I have been fortunate enough to see them at multiple weddings now and they never disappoint. They're hilarious and honestly the kindest.
*I had the greatest conversation with Erin's uncle. He is a veteran and told me stories of how much things cost (a staggering little amount) overseas back in the day. I felt richer for having met him.
*Mike danced with his daughter to their song which seems to have been a lovely surprise.
*Erin's parents rarely left the dance floor. They were celebrating 51 years of marriage. Not only were they a blast to watch, but what an inspiration!
**Back to our regularly scheduled programing soon. I will show you the other things I mentioned earlier for these two. But for now, take in the moments!
Ray-Jay and Caitlin are engaged! We did a mini engagement session right after he popped the question:). Congratulations again you two! Your joy was contageous!
Bardeson Family. Meet the adorable Bardeson family. It was my first time meeting them too. Alicia was a little worried about the kids having meltdowns that late in the evening. But we were hoping for some photos during golden hour. So we rolled the dice. And I think you can see the gamble payed off big time! Little Will even invited me back for fireworks another time;). I'll count that as a win. lol
Ross & Lauren are married! There were so many things I loved about this day that I could tell you. Ross & Lauren are just one of those couples that are so fun to be around, to watch them interact. It's my favorite when you see a couple still doing something lovey when the camera gets put down. I had to start putting it down and looking back quickly to see if they were doing something I should be catching! lol. Lauren is a big Friends fan (check out the matching tattoos with her bridesmaid). So it's only fitting that she found her "Ross". And she is definitely his lobster;). Iykyk. Congratulations Ross & Lauren! Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your amazing day!
Venue - White Oak Farm Venue
Dress - Purple Door Bridal Boutique & Bridesmaids Suite
Hari & Makeup - Downtown Hair Studio
Tux - Groom
Florist -Strack & Van Til
Bakery - Fingerhut Bakery
DJ & Videography - @27 Entertainment
2nd shooter - Jessica DeKock
Caterer - catering and events
Sometimes a first look is so sweet it just needs its own post. How lucky am I to witness moments like these?? So much more to come, Ross & Lauren!
Venue - White Oak Farm Venue
Hair & Makeup - Downtown Hair Studio
Dress - Purple Door Bridal Boutique & Bridesmaids Suite
Tux - Groomsmen
Sidney & Oliver...and new little one. Sidney's husband messaged me about getting some mommy & me photos for his wife. He told me the sweetest thing. He said, "She's always taking pictures of me and Oliver. I want to make sure she has some too". Well done, Dominick. Big husband and dad points for sure:). Sidney look absolutely beautiful! Motherhood looks good on you:)
Ray-Jay & Caitlin are engaged! I was so excited to be a part of this surprise! It was hilarious to watch my daughter (who was hiding in the trees with me) run out, politely but quickly beg park visitors to leave the dock, and run back to our hiding spot all while trying to not make any noise in case they were around the corner! lol. I thought for sure we were going to get caught (either from seeing her or from hearing me crack up like a weirdo in the bushes). But we pulled it off! I think you can guess which photo was the moment Caitlin realized they had an audience;). lol
Congratulations Ray-Jay & Caitlin! After photos to come soon:)
Tyler & Teodora are married! There were so many things about this day that I would wish for every couple! I wish that every bride could have these sweet moments with her mom while getting ready for her wedding day. I wish that every couple felt that nervous giddiness while going to see each other for the 1st time. I wish that every first look ended with this excited hug. I wish every couple felt free to include all the things that matter to them, even their fun car. I wish everyone had a fun bridal party. I wish every groom were as sweet to their bride. I wish every couple were lucky enough to end up with a photo of them dancing on the dance floor between both sets of parents. Tyler & Teodora, I hope this day was everything you'd dreamed it would be. And I wish you all the happiness your marriage can hold!
Venue - Sand Creek Country Club Main
Florist - La Petite Fleuriste
Ceiling Drapery - Spare Room Studios
Dress shop - Here Comes The Dress
Hair and Makeup - Moda beauty bar
Tux - 's Tux Shop
Cake - Belle Estanni Bake Shoppe
2nd shooter - Jessica DeKock
DJ - Epic Photography & Events
Videographer - Epic Photography & Events
Next up...Nicole & Phoebe! They came up with a genius hack to make her smile while they were on vacation this year. Every time they said make me laugh, Phoebe's whole face lit up into the cutest smile! How adorable is she? And their matching outfits...🥰. Happy Mother's Day, Nicole!!
Next up...Jamie & Emma. They have been coming to see me since Emma was 4 months old. They always bring their special book. And I so look forward to seeing them:). Somehow Emma manages to be more adorable every single time. And Jamie being pretty adorable herself, makes sure they are dressed to impress. Happy Mother's Day, Jamie!
Mommy & Me...and Grandma:). Julia messaged to let me know she'd be bringing her beautiful brand new baby girl and her sweet mom. I was so very excited about that! What a keepsake. I hope you ladies love these as much as I do! Thanks for coming to see me:)
Max - Class of 2024. If you don't know Max yet, you might want to change that. And while you're at it, be sure to get his autograph. He's on his way to film school soon, but is already quite talented! So excited to see where he goes from here. Good luck, Max! Can't wait to say "I knew him when"…
Kyle & Sammie are engaged! They told me they were both middle school teachers, and I felt a little sorry for them to be honest. lol. I thought of all the ages to teach, it seems like the hardest. They said they loved it! Then you meet them and you see why. They are young, adorable, and much cooler than me. I'm sure their students are loving being in their classes. And to know there's a love story right in their own building?? So maybe only I should be worried about teaching middle school. Which was never in the cards anyway. I should put my worry away;). Congratulations Kyle & Sammie! See you at summer break - at the wedding!
Mommy & Me Minis. Give the gift so many moms want for Mother's Day - pictures with their favorite people! Moms, get out from behind the camera and be in the memories! These mini sessions are for moms and their kids of all ages. Adults can bring their moms too! When was the last time you had a great picture with your mom? Bring your kids and your mom to do a three generation photo:). Message me to grab your spot!
Mommy & Me minis:
April 27
Hamstra Gardens, Wheatfield
30 minute session
15-20 digital images
$200
It’s that time of year again! I am in need of an occasional assistant for photo shoots. No shooting or experience required. Sessions are generally 1-2 hours. Just looking for someone willing to carry bags and hold lights. Paid position. Send me a message if you’re fairly local and interested!
Kouts, IN
46347
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Picture a Moment in Time posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Send a message to Picture a Moment in Time:
