I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: one of the most joyful parts of being a family and lifestyle photographer is getting to capture many milestones for my clients. A few years ago, I  photographed Andrew and Hannah’s engagement session in downtown Chicago. And just over a week ago, they welcomed their new daughter, Mila, into their lives. I had the pleasure of photographing sweet Mila on her one week birthday!

Here are some precious sneak peeks from the time I spent with little baby Mila and her new parents (who, by the way, were CHAMPS, especially considering how tired I know they must be).

Don’t you just LOVE this nursery? I’m still dying over all of the vibrant patterns!

Of course, their little pup wanted some attention, too.

Last weekend, I flew to Northern California to photograph Sarah and Jeff’s wedding, which took place at Kunde Winery in Sonoma.

Aside from the fact that it’s always fun to shoot a wedding in a new destination, as it provides a ton of creative inspiration and energy, this particular wedding was a favorite for several reasons:

It took place almost entirely outdoors. Can we all just move to California, already? The light! The landscape! I could shoot there every single day and be a happy gal.

The day itself was relaxed and easy. There was little stress, plenty of time built in for photographs, and no drama.

The wedding was just as relaxed, complete with bean bag tosses overlooking the vineyard, a fire pit and s’mores at dusk, and a pie bar. I may or may not have texted my wife, Sona, asking “Do you want to have another wedding?” That’s how much I loved this wedding.

Sarah and Jeff are so kind–and were SO happy! I mean, just look at these photographs. I don’t know if I’ve ever shot a wedding where the bride looks so authentically and emphatically happy in every single photo. It was infectious.

So, happy wedding, Sarah and Jeff! Thank you for flying me all the way from Chicago to capture your day. It was one for the books.

The Kunde estate has a vintage house where the gals got ready. It was so charming, and it made for the perfect backdrop!

Time for the first look!

We did the first set of portraits during bright mid-day sun. So, we found some places where we could seek shelter from the harsh light–and the wine cellar was perfect!

Ketubah signing!

The ceremony was on Boot Hill, which overlooks the entire Kunde estate. It could not have been more beautiful.

Mazel tov!

What’s more romantic than a first dance under a canopy of trees, overlooking a vineyard?

There were so many sweet details, like this pie bar.

And long communal tables, under that same canopy of trees.

Some reactions from speeches…

And a little hora action! I could’ve posted 20 photos from this part of the night. The reactions were TOO good!

S’mores at dusk

As the sun started to set a bit, we headed back into the vineyard for a few more photos…

I hope you keep on laughing, you two.

Samantha and her sweet family met me at the Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area for family photos. I’ve never been to that spot, and it did not disappoint!

We shot with Samantha’s toddler, Charlotte, and though shooting with toddlers always involves a bit of trial and error, we managed to capture some special memories that I know they will cherish.

Here are some sneak peeks from our shoot!