TO THE BLOG

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

Hello everyone, happy fall! It feels like we are inching closer and closer to brisker weather and glorious foliage! I keep thinking about my cousin’s family session from last fall. She always waits until my busiest schedule clears so she gets great color with her outdoor photos! The longer into the season, the better mix of red, orange and gold tones.

My cousin Maria is like another sister! I feel lucky to have her. She has twins too, Kyle and Mia, so she is a great resource for kid questions! (I am a twin momma if you are new here)! It is fun to be able to raise your kids together, and reminisce about our old family memories. Not everyone can relate to first generation, strick, Italian parents!

Maria loves her family with all her heart, she is an amazing mother and wife plus she always has a good outlook on life! The Mizutowich family is always fun to shoot. Her husband Tim is one of my favorite people. He is so funny and and kind! His energy is the best around. Here are a few more from this lovely session in Wheaton.

They are a real picture perfect family! I have been shooting them for many years. And when I look back at their family pics, it is hard to believe how fast time goes. Next year, the twins will be freshman in high school! Cue the tears….

And just for fun, a few photos from sessions past…and a real reminder that family will stick around while you learn photography! LOL! They were one of my very first families to be behind my lens.

Cherish each season, even when the season is tough. Your kids will never this be young again. You will never have this time back.

Cheers to a fantastic fall to you and your family. Hope you get to create some great memories!

Take Care-

Renée