TO THE BLOG

Hello again! Summer is just passing us by as we approach August! I have had a busy summer with more garden sessions then ever before! That makes me very happy. To take advantage of the flowers and all the colors, it is just the opportune time in this photographer’s eyes!

Today, I share the session of Iririan and Sam! Sam popped the question on Valentine’s Day 2025! When I heard from this adorable couple earlier in the year, they shared they would love to take their engagement photos at the Chicago Botanic Garden! That is honestly one my favorite places to be! And sadly it had been too long since my last visit! SO a happy dance was happening on my end!

On my drive over to the garden the day of their session, I heard the “Forever Young” Remix! 😉
A classic song (with a catchy new beat) about remaining young and free, well forever. It had me thinking how I used to think being in your 40s was old. Well, twenty some years later, 40 is no where near old, just more experienced and wise.

Meeting Iri & Sam in person, I felt that youthful energy thru their presence. They are young, they are in love and have both of their futures to look forward to. It really is a wonderful feeling. And, you know, life is short! So enjoy each day to fullest. I feel like Iri and Sam have the same mindset!

This adorable couple share a love of music, food, attending sporting events & spending quality time together. Each date, thoughtfully planned. We walked around the gorgeous grounds capturing the scenery, just is awe of the all beauty surrounding us. These kids are the sweetest, and I am so thrilled I was about to capture their love story!

Walking thru the gardens, with your love by your side, that is a good day! You would never even know, we waited for hours for a rain storm to pass that day. Good thing you can check the weather before a long drive! So excited for these two! They sure have a lot to look forward to!

Until next time,

Renée 💕

And I got to photograph their engagement!

Hi! Renée here! Welcome to my first blog page! I am so excited to be launching my website and creating a fun blog alongside it that will narrate what it is like to be a photographer! Photography is my creative outlet and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to put my passion into great use! Photographing your best memories in life is one of my greatest joys.

I am the oldest of three, I have a younger brother and sister. From the moment they entered my life, I was so honored to be their big sis! And by the time my youngest sibling was born, I was almost a 2nd grader and I was determined he was all mine to love and care for! Watching back on old family videos he was always in my arms, no need for baby dolls, he was everything to me. Melissa and I are much closer in age so we usually were playing Barbies, house and school. A built in best friend, for life! So lucky to have them both. And now they are the best aunt & uncle to my three kids!

Some old photos to go with the story!

See why photos are so important! They tell your family’s story!

So as the story continues, flash forward to August of 2023, my little sister got engaged! Whoa, what a feeling! The excitement I have for the both of them is indescribable! I was so honored to take their engagement photos! A real honor. Melissa wanted sunset, dreamy and romantic! I hope I captured everything she hoped for.

There was one moment as I looked through my viewfinder, at my beautiful sister, that I saw her as a child once again. I had to hold back tears, my baby sister is grown up and starting the next chapter of her life. But our lives as sisters kind of flashed before my eyes, thru my viewfinder! What an experience.

This was the little face I saw (that is Melissa on the left)!

Well if you made it this far, thank you for reading. Here are some of images from their engagement session last fall. I cannot wait to celebrate them on their wedding day!