TO THE BLOG

Hello! Welcome back to the blog! September is in full swing, full of packed schedules, cold meds (for those back to school sicknesses) and some pretty decent weather!

Back in August I had the privilege of photographing a family’s new baby boy, Lincoln!

A little back story…my husband has worked on and off with a really great co-worker. Thru the years, Rory spoke of him often, stories they shared, recommendations on local restaurants, family, etc- he has twins too!

It was to my surprise that I got a message from his daughter, Jasmine reaching out for a photo session! I guess in all those conversations my husband gave his recommendations too! Thank you, Rory!

Jasmine and her wife, Jess, just welcomed their second son and wanted to capture the family at home. They also just purchased a new home in Wheaton! I was so excited to meet them all! And that they lived in Wheaton too!

Sweet little Lincoln had arrived early so he spent some time in the NICU before he got to be welcomed home by his family, including big brother, Monty. This session was so special. I really enjoy capturing all of those precious moments after bringing baby home. We can all admit, that this time can feel like a complete blur, feedings throughout the night, taking care of your other children, remembering to eat yourself. So snapping these photos just lock in these memories for them.

They spent all this time, making sure his nursery was just right. All the thoughtful touches were just so sweet!

The amount of love, joy, happiness felt in their home was beyond compare. Their family now complete. He is home now.

Cheers to big brother too, what a champ! Super fun, loves his trains and trucks! He just started school and will have all his “firsts” to come as he transitions into his next chapter.

A brand-new home. Two beautiful boys. A family founded in the love of Jasmine and Jess.

A real love story.

Oh, and we can’t forget Jackson. 🦮❤️

Home is where your story lives.

Thank you for inviting me into yours, J & J.

I am so honored I got to capture this beautiful little chapter for your family.

Until next time,

Renèe

Hello friends! Back with another Senior Session addition to the blog!

I am truly so excited about all of the seniors I met this year! Class of 2027 is an amazing group of kids! They are all unique with their own special set of interests and personalities. Their futures, so exciting! Another friend of a friend (so grateful for your referrals) we decided to meet in St. Charles at a really nice park! Pottawatomie Park is a lovely park featuring the Fox River!

Today, I introduce you to Antonio! Also a Bartlett senior. These Hawks really showed up! So many of you from BHS!! He is on the boys varsity soccer team. GO # 7!! I love that he brought his jersey and ball to his session to capture this amazing time in his life.

Antonio can go from mid fielder to GQ in a quick minute! With a change of a perfectly curated outfit, he was stylin as can be!

I was diggin’ the vibe Antonio brought to his session. Total James Dean coolness!

I also loved that, in his questionnaire, he mentioned how proud he is of his Italian culture and family values. As a Paisan myself, I can totally relate to that sentiment. Growing up with those Italian traditions stays with you. They become part of who you are, and you want to pass them along to your own family. There is a real sense of pride that comes with it. 🇮🇹

When I asked Antonio what has shaped him into who he is today, he shared:

“My family always being there for me in everything I do. My parents instill strong values and morals that make me who I am today.”

I think that says so much about him.

During the session, I showed the back of my camera to his mom, and she started to tear up.

That moment got me, too.

Because suddenly, she could see it—the boy she raised, standing right there, closing one chapter of his life and getting ready to step into the next.

That’s amore. 😢❤️

It was so fun getting to know Antonio and talking about rounding out his last year of high school and moving into the next phase of life. He mentioned being a little sad that this chapter is coming to a close, but excited at the same time.

And honestly? I think that pretty much sums up senior year.

So here’s to the Class of 2027 and all that is ahead!

Antonio, I hope this is your best season yet! ⚽️

Have an amazing Senior year, Antonio!

Until next time, friends.

Ciao!

Renèe

Hello! Hello! It has been a minute since the last blog post! Back again with another Senior Session to share!

Grant is a Senior at Bartlett HS, he is friends with Dylan who I featured a few posts back.
I was so excited to have more seniors in front of my camera this year! And Grant, well… he hit it out of the park! 😉

We met at the beautiful Danada House in Wheaton, and if you’ve never been, it offers so many wonderful photo locations all in one place. Needless to say, I was very excited when his family chose this beautiful spot for his senior session!

Grant was such a kind, fun, hardworking kid—and his parents were equally wonderful. They were a real pleasure to get to know as we walked the grounds together.

Grant has committed himself to a club baseball team, plays for Bartlett High School, and you could also find him on deck duty at his local pool this past summer. Fun fact: I learned that Grant has been playing summer ball since he was just six years old!

Now that is commitment!

And now, you have to add enjoying every minute of senior year to the list.

The last season.
The last tournament.
The last school dance.
The last year surrounded by the friends you’ve collected over the past four years.

The time is here.

Embrace it. Enjoy it. Soak it all in. And get ready for all that life will “throw” your way!

But those “lasts” are hard on the people who have shared them with you, too.

Grant’s dad wrote him the sweetest note about his final baseball season, and I think it perfectly captures just how much these years have meant to their family:

Grant,

It was hard to pack away Legos and action figures. Pirate ships and Cars toys that you played with so passionately.

It was hard to take down Star Wars and Harry Potter pictures hanging in your room and replace them with decor that is more fitting for a dorm room atmosphere.

But it’s damn near impossible to say goodbye to baseball. It bonded our whole family. Our ultimate connection. The thing we can always strike up a conversation about. The game we played together for your whole life. It’s been the best time just being there with you, especially in dugouts. Cheering. Yelling. Swearing. Laughing. What a ride.

Thankfully, I know that wherever you are and whenever you’re around, we will always have baseball.

We love you bud! Keep making us proud! ❤️

Wow.

The love shared by Grant’s family is so incredibly evident. You can feel the investment they have made in the things Grant loves, the years they have spent cheering him on, and all of the memories they have created along the way.

That is priceless.

And isn’t that what these senior years are really about? The person they are becoming, the people who helped them get there, and all of the memories that brought them to this moment.

I really enjoy capturing seniors because this is such an exciting season of life. There is so much ahead of them, and so much worth remembering about who they are right now.

Grant was so much fun to capture, and I hope his family looks back on these images years from now and remembers not just what he looked like at 17 or 18, but who he was in this moment—the baseball player, the hardworking kid, the kind heart, the son they are so incredibly proud of.

Go get ’em, Grant! ⚾️

I have a feeling you’re going to accomplish some pretty great things.

Renee

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

Hello friends! Summer is here, and I am loving it. I hope you are too! Sunshine and sandals… what more could we ask for?

Earlier this year, I was invited to a networking event. Of course, I hesitated. It was last minute, I would be attending alone, I hadn’t reprinted my business cards after I ran out… I was not prepared! But I knew this was something my business could benefit from. Plus, it was being held at a new, adorable floral shop I had been wanting to check out—Bev’s Blooms.

The pros outweighed the cons, so I went.

As a first-timer, I was a bit worried. Would I fit in? Would I feel awkward walking in alone? Happy to report… no regrets! The owner was incredibly sweet, I met a new potential client, and I connected with so many women who own their own businesses. It was inspiring, to say the least!

Side note: If you’re in the Wheaton area, you have to check out Bev’s Blooms!

Okay, back to Ariel.

She has a unique business, and ladies, you’re going to want to learn more about her and the incredible services she provides! Ariel is the owner of Core Bloom, whose mission is:

“Dedicated to restoring pelvic wellness and building lasting strength through expert physical therapy, evidence-based treatments, and mindful movement.”

Ariel is incredibly knowledgeable about women’s health. She helps women restore pelvic health while offering a variety of personalized treatment options. The best part? She travels to you.

From the moment you meet Ariel, you’ll immediately feel comfortable. Her bedside manner is warm, genuine, and compassionate. She is truly a joy to be around, and I am so grateful our paths crossed. Be sure to check out her website to learn more!

Even though I didn’t have business cards that day, Ariel reached out to schedule a brand photography session—and I am so glad she did. From our very first conversation, I felt connected to her energy and spirit. We met at her client’s beautiful home in Glen Ellyn. So I got to see treatment first hand.

Ariel was glowing. From the inside out.

Lesson learned: networking events are fun!

Every person I met that evening was welcoming, inspiring, and someone I’ll gladly keep in mind for future referrals. Ariel is an absolute gem, working in a truly unique niche—one that so many women could benefit from.

If you’re looking for compassionate, personalized pelvic health care, be sure to learn more about her services. I’m so grateful I stepped outside my comfort zone that evening because it led me to an incredible connection, a beautiful brand session, and the opportunity to share Ariel’s story with all of you.

Until next time, friends!

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

Spring is in the air!! Finally!  Us midwesterners must press on through what feels like an endless winter.

Today’s blog is all Dayna and her precious girls. Documenting Dayna’s daughters is important to her. Dayna came to me as a referral in early 2025! (Shout out to my amazing clients who refer their family and friends!) 

An early spring session was a great way to meet the girls without the hectic pace of fall. Everyone wants their fall photos! 😉

These girls are so sweet and our session was fun and playful .

We met up for another session in September. A simple reminder that your child will never be this young again. The girls appeared older and more confident. As we all know each year blends into the next. The days move quicker than ever. Time goes so fast. Dayna was sure to capture all the changes in 2025.

The colors popped, the girls brought it. Cuteness captured and reserved for mom to keep for a lifetime. Making my  job- easy when it comes to showcasing her family. Natural emotions pouring through. Nothing was forced.  

Dayna, I thank you for choosing me to photograph your memories. A true honor. 

I heard winter will return by the end of the week! Enjoy the sunshine friends!

Until next time,

Renèe

Happy Holidays! Hope your season has been bright & merry so far! We have certainly seen a lot of snow, and it is not even winter yet!

Back in the fall, I had the pleasure of shooting Matthew’s senior session at Danada House. The weather was perfect, the leaves crisp and full of autumn colors.

Meeting Matthew was also such a joy. He was kind, sweet, and simply adorable!

I was thinking about how life has changed since I was in high school. We now live in an age of instant gratification—music, movies, and communication all at our fingertips. Folks Matthew’s age do not have to wait for photos to develop, wait in line for a new record, wait for a letter from a long-distance friend to arrive in the mail, or carry heavy book bags! LOL.

Our phones have music, photos, emails, and schedules, which is great—but you can also expect a lot more from your daily life. I enjoyed Matthew’s session so much because he seemed so happy to be there. He realized all of the memories senior year would provide. He is living it; he appreciates it. His last year as a soccer player at Wheaton North. His last homecoming dance. His last year—it is here, and he is embracing it all.

Time is ticking by, but there is so much to look forward to. The future is here. Kentucky is waiting for another Garza!

Matthew was joined by his wonderful parents and charming girlfriend. Everyone’s love and affection clear as day. JOY, simple and pure joy. Their last child off to college. Certainly a milestone for his parents.

Matthew, I wish you all the best in your final chapter of high school! And all that awaits you in your exciting future!

Until next time,

Renèe