Just two weeks ago, I met Carmen and Ryan for a fun couple’s session including photos with their pups!

While attending Illinois College, I met Carmen and later got to know her sister and family after photographing her sister’s wedding last September. It’s so fun to connect with couples through mutual friends and family. I am richly blessed in this capacity to meet new people!

Carmen contacted me in January, and we started planning their summer session. I remember suggesting a summer evening sunset session, and Carmen was all in! And right up until the session, I could tell Carmen was so excited and looking forward to these photos!

On the evening of Carmen and Ryan’s session, it was WARM! While the temperatures were high, the evening light and joy between this couple were amazing. The session started (and ended) at a beautiful park literally blocks from their home, and we also visited the Parkland College campus for part of the session. I had never been on the Parkland campus, so it was fun to explore a little and take advantage of the beautiful scenery!

One of my favorite details about the session was a special quilt that Carmen chose to incorporate… A quilt made by her grandmother! You see, at Carmen’s sister’s wedding I found out that the girls were taught to sew at a young age and still sew to this day. Their mother sewed the bridal veil and made alterations to her sister’s gown. I loved hearing their stories of growing up and learning to sew. The deep family history is beautiful! 

All in all, this session was filled with fun, joy, and (maybe) a little sweat! Enjoy a few favorites!