Elite Photo

March 18, 2014 · 6:19 am

Geneva, Illinois Surprise Proposal – Chris and Abby

This past December, just a few days before Christmas, I had the pleasure of photographing a SECRET surprise proposal in Geneva. Let me just start by saying: SHE SAID YES. :)

Chris knew for sure he wanted to document the moment he proposed to Abby. Who wouldn’t? It’s a joyous occasion. He said he enlisted the help of some of his friends and they suggested THEIR wedding photographer (yours truly). Thanks to Ashley and Stu as well as Katie and David for sending this awesome couple my way.
We talked multiple, multiple times over the phone to discuss places to go and how to make sure it was a surprise. It was tough, because it was a cold time of year, but being a Chicago Wedding Photographer, we’re used to making the very best of a cold situation.

We decided on the river walk in Geneva just north of Riverside Receptions. He told her they were meeting her parents for dinner, but he wanted to walk up the river before it got dark to show her a townhome he had been looking into. Wink Wink. I think she may have thought it was a little odd because it was maybe 5 degrees, but she was a great sport about it. I donned my hat, scarf, mittens, and warmest snow boots and casually waited by the river pretending to be a nature photographer (which I definitely am NOT), until they got close enough for my 200mm lens to start shooting. He got down on one knee and proposed, and I was all choked up even though I’d never even met either of them. I’m such a sucker for love.

She was definitely surprised and so happy.

Abby loved her memories I captured on that day. She told me afterwards, “I was going to call you as soon as I got engaged, anyhow. Chris picked the right photographer.” I can’t wait for the November wedding. It’s going to be so much fun.

Please like our Facebook page to see the sneak peek of the wedding as soon as it happens.

Batavia Lifestyle Photography – Baby K

I know a little bit about newborns, having had two of my own. That being said, I’ve never claimed to be a baby photographer as my real specialty has always been weddings, so when Erin and Mike contacted me they were having a baby and wanted me to photograph her homecoming, I was so excited. I had photographed Erin and Mike’s unforgettable wedding day in October, 2010. I explained to them I was not a newborn photographer and even sent them names of some outstanding baby photographer friends I know in the area, but they said they still wanted me to do it since they were comfortable with me and I gladly accepted. We decided to concentrate on a collection of lifestyle images and had made plans for the days following the baby girl’s birth, but things don’t always go as planned. When baby K was born, she was near death due to complications during labor and had to have an immediate blood transfusion to save her life. She then spent the next 8 days in the hospital as she miraculously recovered. I made some schedule changes and made sure I was there for Mom and Dad the day she came home and we were able to very tenderly get these photos of her and her little sweetness.
A little time has passed since then, and I have kept in touch with her Mom and Dad to see how little K is doing and she’s happy and healthy. I love watching her story unfold on Facebook and posts from her parents.
Baby K, you’ve stolen my heart and everyone else’s who’s lives you’ve touched.