I truly love photographing newborns, especially in their own homes which is why I’ve been photographing that way for almost a decade…it is so special!  But I can truly admit that photographing dear friends and their new babies, their story into parenthood, which has truly been my most favorite season of life, is meaningful to me in a way I really cannot put into word.  Casey has been one of my dearest friends and favorite people for over a decade.  She is most of the reason I stayed in Central Illinois after my first year of teaching (I enjoyed teaching, directing, and doing life with her SO much!), and when I think about what would be different if I had moved closer to home, it’s pretty much most of what I love about my life today.  And Casey and Kevin are pretty much magic together.  Kevin brings a life and vibrancy to everything he does.  So seeing them become parents…calm yet excited, comfortable with their new roles immediately, and SO in love with this little precious boy (who is taking all his cues from them and is just as peaceful as could be)…it is magic too.  Little CJ Is a complete doll. Awake for a portion of his session and happy as could be, then he fell asleep (in my arms!) and was a little model baby.  And big sister Perdy vied for her spot center stage as well…they are just a beautiful family!

I just love all of these SO much! I just feel like he’s saying “Hello, World” here and I LOVE it! Casey’s mother is a brilliant artist (some of my most treasured physical possessions in life are made by her) and she did everything in this nursery…it is truly the most imaginative, explorative, sweet nursery you could imagine for a little boy to grow and dream in!!!

Casey and Kevin, I am happy for you beyond words and sentiment and cannot WAIT to watch you all grow together.  I love you all, and hope you always know how special you are to me.

To view Casey and Kevin’s beautiful wedding, click here! To see their downtown summer engagement session, click here!