I don’t shoot youth events often anymore, but when this family–a family I’ve worked with in the past–contacted me about shooting Jonah’s upcoming bar mitzvah, I couldn’t say no. Not only are the Schenks one of the nicest and most laid-back families I’ve worked with, but they also have impeccable style. In fact, I often send around older family shoots we’ve done together as examples of how to dress/style a family for portraits. These folks are just too cool.

So, when Stefanie explained that Jonah’s bar mitzvah was going to take the form of a street fest complete with food trucks, I couldn’t resist. And boy, they didn’t disappoin! The after party was held in a downtown warehouse, and the details were INSANE. As a result, this post is detail heavy. Prepare to be awed!

Truthfully, Jonah is the kind of 13-year-old who should be celebrated. He’s humble, kind, and loving. I’m happy I got to join in his celebration. Enjoy these sneak peeks!

Love this shot of Jonah and his grandparents.

Now, let’s get to the party! Are you ready for this? I don’t think so.

Truly, no detail was overlooked.

Jonah shared a sweet dance with his mom, Stefanie.

And, of course, there was some chair action.

One last shot of Jonah and all of his boys.

I absolutely LOVE shooting senior photos. Each session is so different, depending completely on personality. I also feel like I get more creative freedom with senior portraits than with any other kind of session, as most seniors are excited to try something “fun” and “different.” So, when Morgan asked me to shoot her senior photos, I was happy to do it!

Morgan is a little off-beat; she’s a complete individual, and she does things her own way. Because of this, we made sure to find a lot of locations that fit her personality: old railroad tracks, some fun graffiti, etc. While driving around her town, I spotted a rehabbed yellow Ford truck parked in a storage lot. “Turn around!” I screamed. I knew the truck would fit in with the “theme” of our session perfectly. Morgan was thrilled.

I love that these photos represent all parts of Morgan’s silly, flirty, and quirky personality. Here are some sneak peeks!

The owner of the truck–a 20-something male–may or may not have driven up as we were crawling all over his car. He also may or may not have asked Morgan for her phone number.

GORGEOUS!

Is this graffiti perfect or what?

Morgan’s sister, Natalie, came along for the shoot, and she was able to get lots of laughs.

Happy senior year, Morgan!

Emily and Tom were married on Saturday, and I’ve worked all afternoon to get these sneak peeks up before they leave for their honeymoon tomorrow–that’s how excited I am for them to see these photos! (By the way, Tom, I know where you’re headed for your honeymoon, and you don’t. Neener, neener, neener!)

This was my last wedding of 2013, and it was a beaut! The weather was sunny but cool, there was an outdoor ceremony with lots of great light, and Emily wore THE BEST DRESS I’ve ever seen. No, really. The Dress (intentionally capitalized) was insane.

I met these two at the Four Seasons where I watched Emily finish getting ready, and then they had a first look in the lobby of the hotel. After that, we walked over to the courtyard at Fourth Presbyterian for photos, and the light was DIVINE! The evening ended at Newberry Library–a venue I’ve worked at many times before–where they had their ceremony and their reception.

It was a wonderfully emotional and intimate day, and the perfect wedding to end another great season!

As soon as Emily got the text that Tom was heading to the hotel for the first look, she lost it!

But she was all smiles as soon as she put on The Dress. Can you blame her?!

Per usual, these first look shots are some of my favorite!

What? Is Emily even serious? So beautiful.

This courtyard and this couple. That’s it.

I couldn’t stop taking photos. I told Emily, “I can’t quit you… and this dress. And this light. And this location.”

Time for the ceremony!

So happy to be sealing the deal!

Married!

Their pup, Oliver, was an unofficial member of the wedding party. Can you get over that bowtie?!

A while ago, Emily and Tom had asked if we could do a group shot of everyone that attended their wedding. So, right after the ceremony, we did just that. Love this idea! It’s so great to remember having everyone you love in one place!