TO THE BLOG

Rain, rain, go away! Have you been singing that tune too? It has been such a gloomy August. Trying to ruin the end of summer?!

August always brings that back-to-school feeling. Whether you want it or not, it’s the time of year to get back to the books, routines, early mornings, and all the excitement that comes with a new school year.

Ava is starting her final year of high school next week. And while senior year certainly comes with a few “lasts,” it also brings so many exciting firsts.

The last book pickup. The last homecoming of her high school career. The last time she’ll walk those familiar halls as a student. It all starts next week.

Senior year can bring all kinds of emotions—happy, sad, elated, deflated, and probably everything in between. I’m wishing Ava the most amazing year, filled with friendships, laughter, adventures, and memories that she’ll carry with her for years to come.

Because this isn’t just the end of high school. It’s the beginning of something so much bigger.

Young adulthood. New adventures. New choices. A future that is hers to create.

The days may feel long, but somehow the year will fly by. So, Ava, soak it all in. Enjoy the moments, make the memories, and don’t be in too much of a hurry to get to the next chapter. Before you know it, you’ll be tossing that cap into the air!

Ava is a hard worker, too! She dedicated her summer to being a camp counselor, and I could tell how much pride she took in her job and in working with children. Hard work and responsibility are skills that can’t really be taught from a textbook. They’re built over time, through the people who raise us, the experiences we have, and the choices we make.

And I hope that when Ava looks back at her senior photos years from now, she sees more than just a pretty picture. I hope they bring her right back to this season of her life—young, beautiful, free, proud, and full of possibility.

What a gift it is to capture a moment in time and have a little piece of it to hold onto forever.

Here’s to senior year, Ava. Soak it all in. Your next adventure is waiting. ❤️

Until next time,

xoxo

Renèe

Hello friends! I hope your summer is going swell! My family and I just returned from a magical Orlando vacay! We all had so much fun! Now that mid-July is here, we are going to soak up every last bit of summer break!

A few weeks back, I got a text from my high school friends – Jaime and Joe. (They are high school sweethearts -btw! So cute)

Their son has reached senior year and they wanted to get his photos taken. So many emotions ran through my head upon reading this text message!

-Wow, I miss these two so much. Life has taken us down different paths, our schedules jammed with activities to keep us busy and apart.
–How is their son a senior already?! I remember going to to his first birthday party!
-I am thrilled they trusted me to take Dylan’s photos! What an honor!

Session day arrives and the first few minutes are full of pure excitement! It had been a long time since we saw one another! We caught up, we laughed (of course) and I got to chat with their sons. They were so kind, funny and a real treat to get to know. No surprise here! Jaime and Joe are such wonderful people! I knew they had been raising two fine boys. As the session went on, it was kind of wild because Dylan reminds so much of Joe in high school- his mannerisms, the things the finds humor in etc. Yet, Dylan is like a really great Jaime-Joe combo pack. He looks like both of his parents! He is sweet, funny, passionate and full of great stories. He mentioned his sweet girlfriend several times during the session. Celebrating two years together! Fresh from his latest baseball tourney in TN, he utilized his newest souvenir in his session. New cowboy boots! HEEYAW! So fitting at St. James Farm!

Back in the day, Jaime, Joe, and I had so much fun together. Our friend group found joy in the simplest things—packing Joe’s minivan full of friends, listening to their band play, wandering all over River Grove (long before “van life”), and just enjoying life . Those days were simple, and life was all about making memories.

Thinking back filled my heart with all those good old high school moments. Go Eagles!

After graduation, we’d drive down to visit Jaime and Joe at the University of Illinois to keep the fun going. This was long before cell phones documented every memory. We simply lived in the moment.

Then came the weddings. Jaime and Joe’s was the very first. I honestly can’t count how many followed! We’d always hope to be seated at the same table, dance until our feet hurt, and sing every song at the top of our lungs.

Dylan was happy to hear that he can totally stay in touch with high school buds once they move on, those relationships remain through all the years! Life changes. People move away. Careers begin. Families grow. But the friendships that truly matter have a way of standing the test of time. The bond, not easily broken, even if life pulls you in different directions.

Dylan is such a fun guy! I can see how many great connections he shares amongst his family, friends and team mates. How much he respects his parents, how lucky he feels to have them in his corner.

His future is so bright. Such an exciting time in his life. So many options ahead. Make the most of the experiences that come your way. The world is your oyster, Dylan!

Time is really the greatest storyteller.

Until next time, friends!

Renèe

Can you imagine setting the table for twenty-nine guests? An entire family, gathering for a special event or holiday means the house is filled with love—in every corner.

This is the Rose family’s reality. The love story of Mr. and Mrs. Rose has blossomed into a garden. This July marks their 50th wedding anniversary! To think how much their family has grown since the beginning of this beautiful relationship. 🌹

I had the honor of documenting the Rose family this spring. The resemblance among the group was striking—siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins all woven together.

Impressively, each member knew their role: smile at the camera, then get ready for the big celebration afterward! They were troopers—and they were fun. It was such a pleasure getting to know the Roses.

Creating these memories for your family is my favorite part of the job—preserving time, capturing the essence of your people, and documenting your story. Your history. A moment where time can stand still, and your images are always there to take you back to that chapter of your life.

As the Roses look back on the last fifty years (a moment to honor you both—cheers to that 🥂), they can truly see how their love has grown into one big, beautiful family. What a blessing. Shout out to the twelve grandchildren!! Here’s to the next chapter!

Until next time,

Renée

Hello. Here we go again. W I N T E R 🥶
Ha, can you tell what my favorite seasons are?
Speaking of seasons, we all go through our own seasons of life. Single. Married. Married with Children. Each season brings its own set of sparkle, sadness, success.

Giovanna came to me as a client back in 2023 when her first child was born. (Another fabulous referral from a great client!) Baby Gianluca. A young couple just started their family. What a treasure. A season of firsts. Memories that fade faster than the diaper size increase.

I visited this new family at their home to capture this special session. A big house with a lot of love!

Gianluca was not the only child for long. Soon he became a big brother! Enter another season! Some time had passed since we had seen each other. Gianluca was a big boy! His lil bro, Nico admiring his every move. This season filled with new challenges and memories and more diapers! It won’t be long until these little guys are filling mom and dad’s days with play dates, games, school time activities.

New photos to fill the frames!

Two little built in buddies. This is such a wonderful time to enjoy. They are only this young, this precious so long.

There will be hand-me-downs and ups and downs. But there will always be love. Love for two little guys who blossomed from the love story of Giovanna and Greg. A love that you haven’t experienced before. An incredible kind of love.

Until next time,

Renèe

Sending holiday greetings as we enter the last portion of 2025! It has been an amazing year meeting new clients, catching up with old. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

When I think of my friend, Michele, there are some words that come to mind. Generous, selfless, caring, empathetic, kind-hearted, compassionate.

Michele was our dog walker from many years ago. We met her before we even had children. She is such a wonderful friend to have in your life. Michele loves animals and her fur babies. She always ensures to book a session with her little family. And it has been a honor to capture them for her.

There comes a time, when those pets, can no longer be held, loved in person or taken for walk. The lifespan of our furry friends is far too short. Sometimes their lives are even taken tragically. Making it even harder to cope with that reality that they are gone too soon.

This year, at Michele’s photo session, there was one less snuggly pup to capture. Beau had crossed the rainbow bridge. Making my job feel more important than ever. I am so sorry for your loss, Michele. He will be forever in your heart.

Our pets give us so much joy and although their time here is short, we must ensure to enjoy each minute. Even the muddy paws, barking at the neighbors, and scratching our floors. Give those fur babies a hug & cherish the time you have together.

Until next time,

xoxo

Renée

Hello & Happy Fall! It just snowed & it is early November! The snow has got me a little excited about the upcoming, festive season!

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday! It’s about giving thanks for all that you have & let’s be real…about some tasty food! Growing up in an Italian family, we go all out. Ravioli to start , turkey and stuffing in between, desserts  … you get the idea. 

Speaking of thankfulness, I can imagine how grateful Andrea was this entire year watching her beautiful baby girl grow before her eyes. All mothers can speak of how fast their babies become toddlers and so on. You look back at old pictures and some of those infant stages are a complete blur. Always reminded how time is a complete thief. One of the hardest parts of watching them grow up, is how fast it all goes. Each year becoming more independent. That is a blessing as well, but you can’t help but think, they don’t need you as much anymore, they don’t play with those toys any longer, their own opinions becoming more clear.

I normally wait until the day after Thanksgiving to decorate for the next merry season. But this year my desire has crept in early! I am holding back from decorating just yet, but I’d love to share with you, these images from last holiday! 

A wonderful reminder of that time in Andrea’s life. A new mom, a new routine, a growing family. 

A look back at what is in the distant past. Your baby girl, now almost one years old. A lot has changed, and perhaps so have you.

Cannot think of a better gift.

Until next time,

xoxo

Renée

Hello again! Nearing the end of September, another year is just flying by! Hope all is well in your world.

Maternity sessions are simply one of my favorite sessions to capture. Being pregnant is such an amazing experience. Whether you enjoy those 9 months or they were some of the toughest of your life, the glow that exists is pretty undeniable. And the life you create, the most extraordinary thing you will ever accomplish. So there is undeniable beauty involved. 

This is the second Maternity session I was able to capture for Christina and her husband Dan. (Always an honor to be asked back to capture your most precious memories!)

And as the last moments as a family of three, capturing these family pictures was even more special. Your first born, is now such a big part of the family dynamic!

Check out Big Bro Brandon!

It was just an amazing evening capturing this glowing momma! As your family grows, you realize just how precious time is, and that it slips thru your fingers faster than you wish.

Capturing both of Christina’s beautiful pregnancies is an honor beyond belief!

I hope the next chapter of the McKee family is one full of joy, laughter and eventually more sleep!

Until next time friends! Enjoy your week!

Renée

Hello again! Hope all is well! What about this fabulous weather we are experiencing?! It’s the perfect blend of I am not freezing and I am not sweating chasing my kids around! What more, can we ask for? I think it allows us to spend more time outdoors and reflect on the beauty of the season!

So here we are, in the “ember” months already. Another year is just flying by. I am going to go back to some amazing fall sessions from the year previous so we can start to embrace those gorgeous colors!

I introduce to you, the Washburn family! A stunning little crew if I may say. We met last October to take family photos. As they had recently become new parents of their adorable baby girl, I could see why they would want to capture this season of their lives!

It is hard to resist not loving this time of year. When all is golden. Autumn is a gentle hush, a season stitched with warm sweaters, crisp air, and the sweet crackle of crunchy leaves.

I’m so glad the Washburns were able to capture some sweet memories with their new family amougst the beauty of fall.

To think, they now have a one year old who will enjoy walking (or toddling) thru those crunchy leaves as well this year. Last year, she was safe, in your arms. Just a reminder to embrace the season, take in all the memories – time really flies folks.

With love,

Renée

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 💕

Sometimes, things are just meant to be. You know that feeling, like it all worked out the way it was supposed to.

It was a random Wednesday in early October. I received a text message about possibly booking a fall senior session. It was already fall, so my schedule was pretty booked up. BUT I had an opening for the coming Sunday & it worked for the client too! I was going to be in Wheaton for other sessions. The weather seemed pretty perfect, the colors still present. Let’s do it!

So I met Jackson and his lovely mother at Hurley Gardens. One of my favorite photography locations. I must say quickly upon meeting Jackson, I was impressed! He was kind, polite and while speaking to him I learned he was also very smart! Favorite subject, Chemistry. Jackson mentioned PRE MED ! Plus a complete soccer star! Impressive kid!

His mom just really wanted to capture him at this very moment of his life. Paula, I could not agree with you more!

I am excited he was up for the opportunity as well! It is not always the senior fellas who want to hang out in front of my camera, of course, they totally should! LOOK at these amazing results!

Remember folks, take the photos! Soon Jackson will be graduating from Wheaton North and heading off to college. Likely feels like he was just starting Kindergarten to mom. Big things ahead for Jackson! Congrats on graduation and best of luck in the next chapter!

Until next time, friends!

Renèe