{Photography}

Yesterday, I had the joy of shooting the Z family--my first paying clients! They are friends with my cousins Sue & Mike and after seeing Sue's maternity session, they contacted me and asked if I could document their family. Awesome!

They were such a great family to work with--a young loving couple with two adorable, handsome and personable young boys. The above photo might just be my favorite pic I have ever snapped...here are some of my other favorites from the session:

{the z family}

{brother & sister}

these pics are a few months old already--but here are some sweet moments between brother & sister...

{brother & sister}

Spelling

We've told Lola how her name is spelled (L-O-L-A) but we've never actually taught her how to write it. She's been practicing writing the Letters on the iPad for the past few months. Tonight she was coloring in her Barbie coloring book and on the inside cover, she wrote her name.

How's that for putting 2 and 2 together?!

Gifts & Cake, oh my!

Last night was so much fun--Lola had ALL her Grandparents, as well as Auntie Brittany & Uncle Ronnie, over to celebrate her 3rd Birthday. Nonna made a delicious chocolate cake with fresh whipped cream and pink sparkle sprinkles. And then there were presents! She had so much fun being showered with love, sweets and goodies!

(Lots of pics--I can never narrow them down!)

Lola is 3! {Part 2}

Leah & Phil's First Dance

This is what I was talking about...

Lola's 3rd Birthday

We had such a fun day celebrating our sweet Lola's 3rd birthday today! It was even more special because we got to spend it with Nonna & Papa :)

We headed out to Oakbrook to eat at the beyond delicious Labriola Cafe, a favorite of ours we had to share with Mom & Dad. It was such a nice, relaxing and very yummy lunch. It was topped off with complementary gelato and cookies (such nice perks when you've got a birthday girl at your table!)

We then headed over to Oakbrook mall, straight to the Disney store. Nonna & Papa picked out a few special things for their Princess and the Cast Members gifted Lola with a special crown and pin to commemorate her day.

We popped into The Land of Nod to play a bit and then hung out in the pretty courtyard. It was a great day and we are really thankful to Grammy for letting us use her roomy van 7 passenger minivan!

Enjoy the pics:

Lola is 3! {Part 1}

Leah & Phil are MARRIED!

Yesterday, after almost 2 years of anticipation, we had the honor and joy of celebrating the marriage of my cousin Leah to Mr. Phillip J. Herman! It was a perfect day from start to finish...

Daddy escorted Mommy & Lola to the salon in the morning to get beautified. Lola sat so perfectly for her first up-do. Mommy got a chance to get her makeup done again by the incredible Lizette, who did my wedding day makeup. And the stylist who did my updo was a hair magician, I swear!

We then headed over to Auntie Karen & Uncle Dave's to meet the beautiful bride and the rest of the wedding party. Leah was a KNOCK OUT in her dress! When we went with her for the final fitting to learn the bustle, I totally started crying because the dress was just perfect for her. She looked amazing! And it was also so special to see AK & Uncle Dave all dressed up, looking so elegant!

The ceremony went off without a hitch. The flower girls and ring bearer walked perfectly up the aisle and then Lola slept through the entire Mass, even though I had bought her new toys to play with in case of emergency. The church was PACKED! And the groom--oh the groom. His eyes were filled with the sweetest tears as he saw his bride walking up the aisle on the arm of her Daddy. It was a BEAUTIFUL ceremony!

After the ceremony, we headed to the reception place--The Patrick Haley Mansion. WOW! A huge historical mansion with room after room to explore, a gorgeous hall for a delicious dinner, and a magnificent garden space perfect at both day and night.

I don't have any reception pics, but the wedding was documented by the incredible Molly Grace of VRAI Photography, so I will be sure to share the link as soon as they are up. It was one heck of a party. The first dance was like nothing else I'd ever seen--Phil and Leah started dancing to a nice slow dance--and then the next thing you know, the music changes and there are the new Mr. & Mrs. dancing a choreographed dance to perfection. Wow, what a night!

Enjoy some of the pics:

Leah & Phil 7.30.11

Leah & Phil's Wedding Rehearsal

On Thursday evening, we celebrated Leah & Phil's wedding rehearsal. The two little flower girls, Lola & Tessa, were adorable! They were also little ping pong balls and almost went for a double re-baptism in the fountain! Ha! They are walking up and down the aisle with the ring bearer who is in 2nd grade, so we're hoping he'll keep them on track!

We then had a lovely dinner hosted by Phil's parents at Papa Joe's. The girls were awesome, played so nice and at the end of the evening, the bride and groom gifted their wedding party with some pretty awesome gifts as a thank you.

It's hard to believe the big day is just a few hours away. We are so excited and are so honored to be apart of it all!

Here's the album--and that's my Lilly Pulitzer dress from John I am wearing!

Leah & Phil's Rehearsal

Puffs!

At the suggestion of our OT, we bought some puffs so Johnny could start working on self-feeding. I was shocked at how well he did the first go-around! He managed to get one in his mouth and a few others very close. Good job, buddy!

More Bath Fun