The Chicago Botanical Garden has been a popular choice for families, especially during the fall-- and no wonder! It's absolutely magical. I met with the Barry family over the weekend for a very quick session before they headed off to a birthday party, and I'm so very glad that we were able to sneak some photos in. Little Larry Barry is only a few months older than Sofia, so it has been so wonderful watching him grow up. He's very quick, very bright, and especially unkeen on staying in one place for too long, as most children his age are-- mine included! ;)
Annie and her husband are phenomenal parents, and it's no surprise considering how wonderful their own parents are. There's a long story behind why Sofia's middle name is Michele, and Annie has a lot to do with it. Her mother, Michele, was one of the greatest ladies to ever grace this planet-- adventurous and brave with a strong will to live life to its fullest. And live to the fullest she did; Michele, who is also my aunt, had a long courageous battle with multiple cancers, each time defying the odds. We spent a lot of time with her before she passed, each of us trying to take in as many stories and pieces of wisdom she so willingly gave out. One of my favorite things she said was how she lived her life with no regrets. She did what she felt was right in her heart, and she always followed her dreams. These words have stuck with me for years, and they're ones I hope to pass on to my daughter.
We miss her so.
I really had such a great time. Next time, I'll definitely be giving them a call and seeing if I can stop by their home on a day we have more time. One of my favorite parts of photographing families is catching them in their own natural element, the way they live and love right this very moment. Isn't it wonderful?
If you're around the Chicago area and would like to have me follow you around for the day, I would be delighted. Don't hesitate to get in touch.
Annie and her husband are phenomenal parents, and it's no surprise considering how wonderful their own parents are. There's a long story behind why Sofia's middle name is Michele, and Annie has a lot to do with it. Her mother, Michele, was one of the greatest ladies to ever grace this planet-- adventurous and brave with a strong will to live life to its fullest. And live to the fullest she did; Michele, who is also my aunt, had a long courageous battle with multiple cancers, each time defying the odds. We spent a lot of time with her before she passed, each of us trying to take in as many stories and pieces of wisdom she so willingly gave out. One of my favorite things she said was how she lived her life with no regrets. She did what she felt was right in her heart, and she always followed her dreams. These words have stuck with me for years, and they're ones I hope to pass on to my daughter.
We miss her so.
I really had such a great time. Next time, I'll definitely be giving them a call and seeing if I can stop by their home on a day we have more time. One of my favorite parts of photographing families is catching them in their own natural element, the way they live and love right this very moment. Isn't it wonderful?
If you're around the Chicago area and would like to have me follow you around for the day, I would be delighted. Don't hesitate to get in touch.
Kate your pictures are always so beautiful, you have such a gift! It would be so fun to have you follow us around for a day hehe!
ReplyDeleteJen, anytime you know you can give me a call. I'd be more than happy to!
ReplyDeleteSuch a sweet family! Your aunt sounds like an amazing person. Such a great achievement - to be able to say you've lived without regret and have followed your dreams. I also hope to be able to say those things.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kate! I was thinking I would love to have some pictures done of us before Christmas, so we can one for our Christmas card!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful family! And I used to live in the Chicago area! When I visit my family, I'll have to stop by and check out the botanical gardens : )
ReplyDeleteWow Kate, your photos are just gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you stopped by my blog so that I could visit yours...
Ronnie xo