This was casual, low maintenance but so very touching to be in a couple’s home capturing how they are in the day to day. We love this shoot and the biggest reason is the real raw glimpse into Kathy & Jason. ( and all their cuteness)

Eric’s two shots below.

Eric’s shot below.Eric’s shot below.Eric’s shot below.Eric’s shot below.Eric’s three shots below.

We then strolled on their block in the Ukranian Village to take advantage of the sunshine filled afternoon.

Eric’s shot below.

Eric’s shot below.Eric’s two shots below.

Looking forward to July you two!!

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I was thrilled to again be a part of such an intimate morning for two people in love. Veronica is so full of life, bubbling over with a full heart and soaking up every moment. I could see her pause, look around enjoying and writing each moment down in memory. I met them on a dreary Chicago morning at gardens near the Art Institute. This was the way they wanted to be married. With only one another, on a Saturday morning just like any other. I think there is so much deep love and pure joy beneath the surface of that decision. Don’t get me wrong, not to say a large wedding with amazing detials doesn’t celebrate and bring deep deep joy to all involved. But there is something precious and a treasure in just having one another to remember. To remember what your wedding was like, what you looked like, what it felt like. There is something to be said in just not needing the rest and just your love.

After they were married, I heard Veronica say at least three times, ” I am so happy. I am so happy. I cannot imagine a better wedding. This is exactly what I wanted”

Congratulations Veronica and Bill. It was such an honor to be with you on this very special Chicago morning.

They were to be married by a judge at 10:45 am. We strolled up Michigan Ave and made our way to the cultural center.

Waiting their turn to go in….

And they are married!!!

When we parted ways, they were on the way to have lunch with Bill’s parents to break the good news and then off to dinner with friends for a surprise reception.

Thank you Veronica and Bill for asking me to be a part. I hope you are having an absolute blast in San Francisco!!

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OBSESSED with these cute red shoes! What girl wouldn’t be?!

Miss Zola just wants to be friends kitty!

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I love that my job is writing a family’s story and over time seeing changes, growth, new words, favorite colors, etc It is such a gift. Of course with kids this age, there was lots of ” look this way”, giggles, tears, bribes, me jumping up and down, rattling things, singing, high fives…. you get the point. For these two little ones we did individual photos in their own bedrooms, which I just love. It gives them each an individual flavor that adds so much personal touch and depth.

Thank you Nacks for a wonderful morning of fun and for welcoming me into your lovely home! Can’t wait till NEXT time!!

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” As we have set out on this journey for the third time and as my passion for birth and women continues to grow I have desired to share this experience with those around me whom I know treasure me and this experience. I have known the privilege it is to be on both sides of birth and honestly feel like women should have more opportunity to share this time with other women.”

Kristie is not only someone I consider family but is currently on the path to becoming a midwife herself. I have had many conversations with her about birth in America, the babies she has welcomed into this world, home births, and her ideas about it all. She had the birth in her own home with a rockstar doula, nurse and doctor. ALL of the conversations in the world don’t come close to EXPERIENCING the journey with the ones you love.

In the night, four girlfriends and I pilled in our cars mixed with hope, fear, and excitement about what we were about to be a part of. For each of us it was a different experience, but all positive. Kristie had a LONG labor full of waiting …. waiting …waiting ….. It was hard to watch someone I loved so dearly labor for so long, and YET I found myself envious. Even in the face of what was bringing tears to my eyes because of pain, I wanted to be able to experience what she was. She was strong, she hurt, she was weak, she was still kind, she endured, she gave up, she waited, she prayed. I will of course confess there were times throughout the night that I thought birthing a baby was a VERY bad idea but once Brynn arrived she changed all of that. Many of the myths and expectations I had before are now diffused, and are not nearly as scary as I thought them to be. Kristie was a rockstar and endured so much to bring Brynn to all of us.

I had gone downstairs to give Kristie some breathing room, and soon we were all called in… ” its time !! its time!!”. We all came barreling up the stairs trying to be quiet but didn’t want to miss it. The two older siblings, Cayden, 7, and McKenna, 4, were awakened and rushed in wtih HUGE grins and jumping up and down for their new sister to arrive. With the rest of strength that Kristie had…. Brynn was born at 1:15 a.m with 15 people celebrating and hugging and witnessing new life. Brynn was welcomed into this world SURROUNDED with those that loved her, loved her siblings, loved her Dad and loved Kristie.

The biggest miracle was the transformation in the room and in everyone’s hearts when she arrived. It went from a prayerful hush and respectful waiting to rejoicing, laughing and smiling ear to ear. From the moment she came, she was cooed over, held, loved, looked at, kissed and showered on with love from the ones that Kristie and Paul loved the most.

Paul, thank you for sharing the birth of your daughter with me, and for sharing your wife. Not only was I watching Kristie, but I saw you. Your kind, always attentive presence was a quiet testimony. Not out for anyone to notice, but had your eyes only on Kristie.

Kristie, thank you for teaching me day by day what it is to be woman, and for allowing me to document this very special moment for you in your own womanhood. I hope you will be the one welcoming my little ones into the world!!

Everyone else… Meet Brynn Addison Montiero.

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Without further delay… here’s Raymond. I can’t wait to watch him grow into a handsome little man! Ladies, watch out!!

My favorite of the day!

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