Jacob and Ella

What is there to say about these two little clients except, "OhwowarethesetwoCUTE!" Mike and I loved hanging out with this dynamic duo on one of the last true summer Sunday mornings. Ella cracked us up with her adventurous spirit and skeptical expressions, and we got a kick out of Jacob's air of quiet protectiveness. Together with their cousin, Calla, this little team is unstoppable...and Mike and I can only imagine how much fun the holidays will be with these little guys. Something to seriously look forward to! It was great getting to know you, Krisha and Matt! Thanks for a great time.

Connor and Delaney

What a great family! Big brother, Connor, was the daring one...always willing to try out a new pose or silly face, while little sis, Delaney, offered us some of her sweetest smiles. Even the family cat, Anakin, mugged for my camera for a few shots! (PS: How COOL is Anakin?) These guys were great. Thanks for a wonderful afternoon, Stephanie and Sean! It was so nice getting to know you.

Our Little Logan

One of the best parts about this job is that Mike and I really get to know our clients. We see most of them every year, if not several times a year, and get to watch their families grow and change. By the end of our first shoot together, we all feel like old friends, and every time we schedule another hour together it's a great chance to catch up.

When Mike and I walked into Lincoln Park this Saturday morning and saw Logan, we couldn't believe it. Where was the cuddly baby that we first met on a breezy day on the beach last year? Who was this little boy standing in front of us in such an adorable grown-up outfit? Um, did he just say "Dada?!" It's safe to say we love this family and couldn't be more excited for their impending arrival later this year. Logan is going to make the best big brother imaginable and we can't wait to meet the next cuddly baby boy in just a few months. As always, thanks for a great time Jeff and Lisa! Take care of yourselves and good luck to you. Keep us posted!

Flowers by Stem

A few months ago, while taking photos of her two beautiful daughters, a client of mine let it slip that she runs a wonderful floral business, Flowers by Stem, here in Chicago. I asked Stephanie to see some of her work and just really fell in love with her website. All you brides out there, check it out! http://flowersbystem.com/

I've never had the chance to work a wedding with Stephanie, and can't claim credit for the sample photo she provided below, but think her work is truly inspired. Not to mention Stephanie is just a joy to be around!

Case in point...I did a little Q&A with Stephanie so you could witness her passion for her business for yourself. I just love her story and know you will, too!

How did you start your business?
My husband and I moved from Chicago, where I had been working in advertising, to Charleston, SC for him to attend graduate school for architecture. I assumed it would be no problem to find an advertising job in Charleston, but I was mistaken! To make ends meet, I was working three part time jobs when I fortuitously met the owner of the most prestigious flower design shop in the city. Being from Chicago himself, the owner took pity on me and hired me on as a marketing consultant/designer in training. I absolutely fell in love with flower design, and by the end of the year, I was a full time designer! Upon my return to Chicago, I began doing flowers for friend's events, which rippled out to friends of friends, and finally now I have the pleasure of working with brides and event hosts all around the city.

What is your favorite flower? Why?
What a loaded question! It's like Sophie's Choice - OK, maybe I'm being over dramatic. If I had to choose my favorite flower it would be a white cymbidium orchid with a rose-tinted throat. Elegant, modern and beautiful.

How would you describe your signature style?
I love working with the flowers of the season, and I try to keep things simple. My style tends towards the modern meets romantic!

What is your favorite part of the job?
Creating beautiful work that is used to celebrate something meaningful. To think that my flowers are used during some of the most important days in a person's life (their wedding, their baby shower, their 50th wedding anniversary) makes me feel very honored.

What is your biggest goal for 2011?
To continue to grow my business, to continue to push my creative designs, and to continue working with amazing, creative, fun brides and event hosts. It is my honor to be a part of their biggest days, if only through petals and stems!