diapers and skinny jeans

Another quick peek from Jaclyn + Matt's Wedding I just wanted to pop in and give a quick hello, things have been incredibly busy around here. ( I know, again.    I probably said that last week too, didn't I? ) The good news is I've almost completely got a wrap on these weddings so my time will be freeing up quickly and I'll get to start working on a really fun new project that will be launching the beginning of August. I'm bursting at the seams to be collaborating with this woman and her group of talented artists, she's inspired me greatly over the past year.  I'm so honored to be a part of this journey! Thanks again to all of you that keep hangin' in while I finish up this client work.  : )

The anticipation here just kills me  :) Kellie and Jeff's wedding over the weekend was filled with laughter, happy tears, and the most beautiful weather.  I am so fortunate to have been able to capture such a perfect day.  Lots more to come!

Erick and I have teamed up for our newest labor of love project, Yummybooth! Our little set-up is equipped with a (bright, very bright haha) Alienbees ring flash and super fun homemade backdrops.  This type of flash doesn't cast shadows on the subject, so the lighting gave these photos a vintage feel that I totally love. We had so much fun at Jaclyn and Matt's wedding, and while I am tediously finishing up all of the photos from the big day, we will now happily be starting to upload the photo booth pictures in their temporary  Flickr  home! YAY!  I hope you all have as much fun browsing through these pictures as I did taking them!  The full set should be available to view within the next few days, though a second wedding tomorrow might hold me back just a bit... bear with me! :) Please keep checking back for more updates! Also, if you're interested in renting a custom Yummybooth for your next event, don't hesitate to contact me ...

Some people were leaving back to their cars just as we were arriving. We had enough time to have the beach nearly to ourselves for an hour before the area was cleared, then set off running for shelter as we waited for the thunderstorm to pass.  The lake was beautiful, cool and refreshing.  Sofia and I swam together as Erick quietly observed from a distance, we wandered far enough into the water to float and watched as airplanes passed overhead.  I hope someday we build our home near the water, I don't think my heart could take it if I were very far away. This week leaves me limited time for personal photos as I am working very hard on finishing up a few client shoots and preparing for another wedding over the weekend.  I'll be happy when the long nights are over and my files are happily packaged and on their way. Soon. (photos of me by him ).

Thanks to the inside scoop from a good friend of mine, we were able to stop by a brand new coffee roaster in the Lakeview neighborhood today. Bow Truss is rustic, spacious, and simple- all of its decor reminds me of a snowy, vintage ski resort up in Vermont.  A strange, but welcome feeling in comparison to this Chicago summer. The prices are out of this world, nothing on their limited menu creeps higher than $3.  With an Intelligentsia across the street, they are definitely going to give them a run for their money.  I spent a good ten minutes chatting with whoever was working today, and unfortunately never caught his name, but I was thrilled at how genuinely interested he was in having sharing a conversation.  We talked about the launch, and he kindly gave me more information on their different roasts and how quickly the Bow Truss concept became a reality. I love this place. My only complaint is that I don't live close enough!...

I love that summer nights are often spent outside. We grill as much as we can, and invite friends and family over to share in conversation.  One of my goals before summer's end is to find a small charcoal grill and bring it with me to the waterside.  I'm not very good at cooking out of my element or on a whim, but something about an early morning, secluded beach just sounds so magical.  It's hard to think that we only have a few months of this beautiful weather left, but we're enjoying it while we can! What are some of your summer plans?

Most nights its Sofia and I that share a bath together, so when Erick comes home from work early enough, sometimes he gets the opportunity to take part in one of my favorite moments in parenting.  Sofia has always loved the water.  Now, it's "ah-da!" but many months ago, before it even had a name, it was a time for stillness, to feed, to sway back and forth and listen to heartbeats while resting on my chest. I wish I had photos to remember those times, but I'm glad to have had the chance to capture these. She is so in love with him.

Scent can trigger powerful memories. I can still envision the smells of each of my grandparent's homes; my dad's side was of worn leather and zest soap.  My mom's side was distinctly of mahogany, cigarette smoke, and a home cooked meal on the stove. Today was our day to tidy up, to deep clean, to wash the floors, scrub down the garbage cans, wipe down the countertops, but most importantly- fill the apartment with a scent that's all our own.  Paired with whole cloves, sticks of cinnamon, and a bit of allspice, I took some halved lemons and simmered them slowly in a pot for a few hours with no immediate need other than to have the warm aroma permeate throughout this home. Our home. Sofia will probably have her own memories of her grandparents homes, just like I did.  I can always go back, and sometimes the faintest smell of lingering cigarette smoke will hurt my heart- I miss my grandparents so.  Memories are a very powerful thing, and everyday I ...

Yesterday Erick and I had the opportunity to take photos for a wedding that sure was a heck of a lot of fun.  Many laughs were shared by all of the wonderful people involved, and we couldn't have asked for a better day!  Of course I can't wait to share everything we captured, but we have just  a bit of work to do first. ;)  Many more exciting things to come.  Don't you touch that dial. 

Things have been quiet around the house lately, we are taking our time in the morning and enjoying the shelter of the apartment as temperatures break the hundreds throughout the area.  Our calm looks like early morning light peeking through the doorway, a kettle of water boiling, a quick snack.  I will be returning to work after a mini-vacation for the first time tomorrow, then launching full force into shooting the wedding of a beautiful couple on Saturday. - - - - - this song  brings back recent EF memories i've been meaning to take a trip like carissa so much excitement for this new magazine

Like a million, fast moving clips this weekend went by like a time-lapse in our heads. Perfect and blissful moments slipped through our fingers faster than we ever imagined they could, we continue living and carrying on the spirit that lives in these festivals with us until we return next year. Life is  normal  again. Together over the weekend, we sweat more than we ever expected to.  Usually it's not that hot in Michigan this time of year, but these days it was sweltering.  Almost to the point of frustration and exhaustion, we helped each other survive the heat.  On Friday morning, we were even able to take a short trip to the waterpark on site-  so much fun! Showers were somewhat nonexistent.  We made do with the baby wipes we brought, but at some point we got creative and I stood on top of my car with a gallon of water and poured it over Erick as he washed his hair.  It was  hot , you guys. ...