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WARNING, this handsome little guy will melt your heart! I had so much fun with him in the studio last month as we let him do his thing and documented all the joy, smiles and silliness that he brings to the world.
I was in Las Vegas for a photography conference when Danielle messaged me saying that her, her husband, Nick, and their adorable baby, Bentley, were also in Vegas for the weekend. Could it be fate? I thought so!
Last month, I had the honor of documenting my dear friend, Amy and her growing family at their gorgeous home in Naperville. The family welcomed, Reed, the most perfect baby boy into their hearts. Bailey, their sweet Morkie, stayed close by as we photographed this season of life as it unfolded just as it should — full of love, joy and laughter (and lots of tickles!).
The unpredictable spring weather caused us to reschedule our session three times, until we finally had a gorgeous May afternoon. It was worth the wait so that I could met Val, Geoff and little Elle in Elmhurst to photograph Elle’s one year photos. I love photographing families that like theirs; they were singing, dancing, and laughing ….. all of which created amazing candid moments rather than posed photos. Our time together was oh, so, sweet.
When Julie emailed me a few weeks ago letting me know she wanted to schedule a maternity session, I was giddy with excitement. You see, I first met Julie and George nearly 4 years ago when I photographed their engagement in Chicago. These two are extremely laid-back, super sweet and so much fun, so when they asked me to document this milestone for them, I was honored.
I met Julie and George at Olive Park last week on a sunny afternoon. The blooms still lingered on the trees and the golden sun danced on Lake Michigan. The two cuddled up together and talked about their wishes for their little one. They agreed to be surprised on if their first born will be a boy or a girl, and they only have a few more weeks until they will know. Until then, here is a little look at the love and excitement of the new-parents-to-be.
Surrounded by love, Jonathan arrived a few days earlier than expected, but his presence instantly filled the hearts of first time parents, Matt and Lisa. He is the sweetest little thing …. no doubt, and I was honored to document this little peanut. We spent the day relaxing at Matt and Lisa’s home in the suburbs of Chicago …. allowing Jonathan to lead the way for our photo session. Jonathan slept peacefully in the arms of his parents the whole time, while Spunky, Matt and Lisa’s adorable Yorkie, cuddled on up on Matt’s lap to watch over his new baby brother.
Matt and Lisa – I hope these images serve as a permanent memory that you can look back on for years and years as your little one will no doubt grows up way too fast. Thank you for inviting me into your lives to document your little blessing. He is already loved so much. With love and appreciation – Brittany
Matt and Lisa are huge Disney fans (they got married at Disney in Florida), so we had to photograph Jonathan among his basket of Disney stuffed animals.
I love documenting raw, authentic moments … like this one.
I have known Matt and Lisa for over a decade, so it was extra special to photograph Lisa as she gushed over her little boy.
And I’ll end with this photo …. it seemed that Jonathan was happiest (and most content) when he was right where he should be … cuddled up in the arms of parents who love him more than anything.
As the warm August sun dipped behind the trees at St. James Farm, Shelby gathered her clothes out of the car, and she debated which outfits she wanted to wear. She had just returned from LA, her first trip out to California alone, and she was excited to spend some time with her parents and to document this exciting time in her life.
At first glance, you notice her beauty. Her striking blue eyes are memorizing, but beneath all of her physical beauty is a true artist and and a gorgeous soul. Shelby is a songwriter. She oozes creativity and love for what she does. In between her first year of college classes this fall, she will be juggling her songwriting career traveling back and forth between Chicago, LA and New York. She is a true believer in going after what she wants, and she knows that songwriting is what she loves.
Shelby grew up close to St. James Farm, but she had never really been there until our photo shoot. We practically had the whole place to ourselves … which I loved.
Shelby has a free-spirited nature, so the open fields were a perfect compliment to her personality.
In addition to being a songwriter, Shelby plays the piano and the guitar. Oh, and she also sings.
This might be my FAVORITE shot from our shoot.
Shelby really wanted some photos taken with her parents, so we used a part of our time together to document their relationships as well.
I love when natural smiles happen in front of my camera.
And I’ll end with this photo of Shelby’s parents. They were so sweet, and if it weren’t for their beautiful 30+ years of marriage, I wouldn’t have had the privilege of documenting their love, their family, and their beautiful daughter.
When Sami’s mom, Kathy (who happens to be my first cousin) emailed me asking me to take Sami’s high school senior photos, I was delighted. I LOVE photographing high school seniors, and I especially love photographing them when they are as much fun as Sami.
Sami and I met at Danada House in Wheaton on a beautiful summer evening. The sun was warm and glowed a beautiful gold as we wandered the grounds chatting about figure skating, Texas and crime shows. Sami is an insanely talented figure skater. She is humble about her skills, never one to brag about her talent, but she radiates with excitement when she talks about figure skating. It is safe to say she loves the ice …. so much that she even teaches figure skating – a pretty cool job, if I say so.
Sami is sweet, confident and adorable. She is one of those girls that has it all and goes after what she wants. She is hoping to attend college in Texas next fall to study criminology and forensics and put her addiction of crime shows to use. Her dream job is to be a blood splatter analyst. Basically, she is one cool chick.
Let’s face it, I love documenting couples in love. Proposals, engagements and weddings. They make my heart swoon, but I was beyond excited when Andrea of Details Events and Designs emailed me about an anniversary vow renewal for Justin and Alison.
Justin and Alison live in Alabama, and Andrea planned a beautiful week of surprises for them in Alabama to celebrate their anniversary. The final surprise was a trip to Chicago with a vow renewal at the gorgeous Fourth Presbyterian Church on Michigan Avenue. I had the pleasure of documenting Justin and Alison as they reaffirmed their love, dedication and devotion to each other in a private vow renewal that was nothing short of beautiful.
Justin and Alison’s Chicago vow renewal was extremely intimate. It was just the two of them promising their love to each other in a beautiful setting.
Alison was completely surprised as Justin dropped down to one knee and asked her to marry him, again. Andrea of Details Events and Designs had every details taken care of including a beautiful bouquet for Alison and printed vows for Alison and Justin to read to one another.
Following their vows, Justin and Alison glowed with happiness.
And happy, in love couples …. well they make me fall deeper in love with what I do.
Fourth Presbyterian Church’s courtyard is gorgeous and makes for an beautiful backdrop for photos.
Congrats, Justin and Alison! I hope the years ahead are full of even more love and happiness.
My heart is so full of happiness and excitement as I write this post and share these photos. You see, Molly is one of my oldest friends. From cheerleading tryouts to high school proms to college orientation to weddings and first homes, we have been in each other’s lives through all of life’s milestones. So when Molly called me a few months ago with the amazing news that her and Mike were going to be parents, I was thrilled! I was excited that their family was growing. I was thrilled that they were going to be parents, and I was so happy that their love for each other would soon be shared with their sweet baby.
Molly and Mike were meant to be parents. Individually, they are two of the most loyal, compassionate people I know. Together, they have hearts of gold. They are generous, supportive, and loving. They are the type of people that inspire you to be a better person, and I know that their baby is going to be one amazing little one because of this. I cannot wait to meet the little guy / girl in June and smother him / her with so much love. As we anxiously await his / her arrival, I was so happy to document all the excitement and anticipation around their baby and this beautiful chapter in their story.
This little guy has graced this blog five times now, and every time I get to spend time with him, I love him more and more. I photographed Colin as a newborn, at 3-months, 6-months, 9-months and now at one year. It has been so amazing to document him over the last year and to watch his little personality develop.
His mom, Kristin, picked out really cute outfits for Colin – ties, birthday hats, and a Blackhawks jersey for his one year photos. However, Colin was not as excited as we were about his photo shoot. So we decided to let him do his thing. We read books, played with Elmo, went for a ride in his new sled and watched Mickey Mouse. What resulted, was real, authentic moments showcasing Colin. And those are my favorite way to tell a photo story.
Colin LOVED being outside in his sled! If it wasn’t so cold out, we would have stayed out there for the whole time because he was thrilled to be pulled in it.
My favorite moments to document are usually the ones that unfold naturally like this photo of Colin reading his book in his chair.
And I’ll leave you guys with this one because his face says it all.
When Liz emailed me a few months ago asking if I could document her family when Luke turned one, I couldn’t say no. We agreed that a casual lifestyle session at their beautiful home would be the perfect way to document Luke.
When I arrived, Luke was still sleeping from his afternoon nap. We let him wake up slowly and rather than calling his name non-stop and getting him to smile, we let him be. My camera was in hand, but we let the moments of the session unfold how Luke wanted to. We played with his barn, his trucks, bubbles, and his puppy. We read books. We played outside. We surprised him with balloons.
And throughout it all, beautiful moments unfolded. Smiles and laughter. Authentic and genuine. Happy birthday, Luke!
Every time I see this little cutie, I am so excited! Besides being one of my dear friend’s first son, he is literally one of the most perfect babies ever. And he is extremely adorable – especially in front of my camera. When Colin’s mom, Kristin suggested we try to sneak in a his 9-month session while we were all in Punta Cana for Hillary and Jim’s wedding, I knew it was going to be a super cute session. This was Colin’s first trip outside of the U.S., and he just loved the sun, sand, and Caribbean water. (I mean who doesn’t. Smart baby, right?)
We used the last bit of golden afternoon sun and just let Colin be him on the beach. There is nothing better than capturing my littles when they are in their own element … and Colin proves why.
I’ve told you guys many times before how much I adore photographing high school seniors so when my fall mini sessions turned into a full afternoon of mini senior sessions, I was giddy with excitement. I met three beautiful Vernon Hills High School Senior girls, Ashley, Mary and Ashni at Independence Grove in Libertyville on a gorgeous fall afternoon and here is what happened….
I had never really considered photographing high school seniors until I photographed Natalie’s older sister, Alissa, two years ago. I worked with Alissa and Natalie’s dad back in my advertising days, and he asked if I would photograph Alissa. So I did, and I was instantly in love with photographing seniors.
Nearly two years later, I met Alissa’s younger sister, Natalie, at Independence Grove in Libertyville, the same place where my love affair with senior sessions first started for her senior session. I had a blast photographing Natalie and spending time with a family I just adore. Alissa even came back from college so that I could photograph her with her sister … and well … it was a perfect evening creating.
Natalie was a complete natural in front of the camera.
I loved having Alissa in front of my lens again and there to help her sister throughout our photo shoot. These two sisters are just gorgeous – inside and out – and they made me completely jealous that I do not have a sister.
The number one goal of my photo shoots is for my clients to have FUN … and it looked like Natalie and Alissa were enjoying themselves (or just laughing at my crazy requests).
Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville is simply perfect in the fall with all the beautiful colors for senior sessions in Chicago.
A total favorite of Natalie coming up …..
Natalie was all smiles ….. and lots of laughter during our photo shoot ….
And this is how it ended … and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.
Colin, colin, colin. Let me just tell you how much I adore this little guy. While I have a little bias because he is one of my dearest friend’s perfect little guy, I fell in love with him even more during his 6-month photo session at the Lincoln Park Zoo. His mom, Kristin, packed the most adorable little man outfits as we explored the farm animals and the beauty surrounding Lincoln Park. But what made our session so great was all of the perfect facial expressions Colin showed us. From beaming smiles to “what the heck, guys?”, Colin was the perfect little subject. Be prepared for a whole lot of cuteness …. you have been warned.
As the warm July afternoon lingered on and the sun peeked out from the clouds, I met Marta and her growing family at Citizens Park in Barrington. Marta and I had been emailing since March …. and I was thrilled to finally meet her and her husband, Doug, and daughters, Kalina and Nina, for the first time. Originally, Marta wanted to have a family maternity session, but waited until Nina was born, and I was delighted to be able to document their new family of four for the first time. They are the sweetest family … full of so much love, and I loved being able to capture it with my camera.
Pre-season football is starting … back-to-school shopping sales are everywhere … and I am digging out my boots which only means one thing … fall is right around the corner. I love summer like a high school girl adores her first love, but fall … well it is my happily ever after. I could, and would, photograph only in the fall. So in honor of my love for cozy knit sweaters, hot apple cider and chili, I will be hosting fall mini sessions. This is the perfect way to get in a short mini photo shoot to update the photos in your house or get a family photo for your holiday cards.
Fall mini sessions will be Sunday, October 12 at the Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville. I adore photographing at this location, and I know it will be the perfect spot for these fall sessions because of all the amazing trees in this spot! I am starting with 5 afternoon sessions (3:00, 3:30, 4:00, 4:30, 5:00)
Each mini session is only $195 and is 25 minutes long and includes 25 digital, high resolution images printable up to an 8 x 12.
A deposit of 50% is due within 7 days of booking in order to reserve your spot. These sessions will fill up fast, so book early. E-mail me at brittany@brittanybekas.com for scheduling.
Do you remember this cutie? It seems like it was just a few weeks ago that I was meeting him for the first time for his newborn photos, and well, now he is already 3 months, and I cannot believe it! But let me tell you, this one, he is just getting cuter and cuter with each day.
When I got to Kristin and Jordan’s house for Colin’s 3-month baby photos, Kristin had picked out a ton of cute little outfits for Colin and had some really perfect hats. We laughed as we dressed up Colin in our favorite looks that one day, when he is all grown up, he will likely give us a hard time for putting him in these goofy (but oh-so-adorable) hats … but since he couldn’t really tell us that now, well, we decided we would forge ahead.
Colin had enough photos for the day and was getting pretty fussy, so I was so happy when he fell asleep, and I could snap these authentic moments of him and Kristin.
And I’ll leave you with this too-cute-for-words-face of Mr. Colin. I mean … c’mon!
Sometimes … the universe has a funny way of working things out. Or so, I like to think. Katie and Chris first met 15 years ago when they were paired up in the wedding party of Katie’s cousin. At the time, they were both in other relationships. Life went on. They both married, started families and lived their lives. Until years later, they were both single again … and Katie’s cousin mentioned maybe they should hang out together. So they did. And they picked off right where they left off 15 years ago.
Rather than use their engagement session for just photos of the two them, Katie suggested we have a family session with her two kids and Chris’ daughter. I absolutely loved this idea because not only did it allow Katie and Chris to get used to working with me … but it allowed Annika, William and Callie to see what all these photos would be about come Katie and Chris’ wedding. We met at the Naperville Riverwalk …. the kids climbed trees, ran around and even had a little ice cream for some fun and playful photos. We had such a fun afternoon, and I am beyond excited to do it all over again in less than two weeks.
Could it be? Spring is actually here with summer right around the corner?! I hope so! Which means it is the perfect time to get some gorgeous outdoor photos taken. My spring mini sessions are perfect to grab some photos of your family, little one, senior or your other half and you.
Chicago mini sessions will be Saturday, June 21 at the Lincoln Park Zoo. I am starting with 5 evening sessions (5:30, 6:00, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30).
Each mini session is only $195 and is 25 minutes long and includes 25 digital, high resolution images printable up to an 8 x 12.
The first person to book a mini session will get a complimentary softcover book with images from your mini session. A deposit of 50% is due within 7 days of booking in order to reserve your spot. These sessions will fill up fast, so book early. E-mail me at brittany@brittanybekas.com for scheduling.
One of my favorite things about my business is that I get to document special moments in my clients’ lives. But what is even better is that many of those clients come from different times of my life, and I get to reconnect with people from high school, my college sorority or the handful of pr/marketing/advertising jobs post college. So when Jen messaged me a few months back letting me know that her and her husband, Dan, were expecting their first baby, I was giddy with excitement. Jen and I interned at our first job in public relations when we graduated from college. We became fast friends, but as we both got different full-time jobs after our internship, we slowly lost touch.
Luckily for good old Facebook, we were able to reconnect. Jen reached out to me Naperville to have me photograph her first little girl, Maddie when she arrived just a few weeks ago. Maddie is simply perfection! Sure, she was less than pleased when we put her in a wooden box (I mean would you want to be put in a wood box for a photo?!) but when Jen or Dan had her in their arms, she was all smiles. She is one gorgeous girl who was a dream to photograph. Jen + Dan – Congrats on your new little family! I am so happy for you both. Thank you for inviting me into your home to document Maddie!
Ok, so do you remember when you used to carry around those plastic photo cases in your wallet full of all the VIPs in your life?! You know, the days pre-Facebook or Instagram where you actually had to have a physical photo on you to show someone. If you don’t remember, then you are clearly way younger than me …. but I remember I carried those wallets around with me EVERYWHERE. I never knew when I would need to show someone a picture of my hot BFF.
But let’s face it. No one does that anymore. If you can’t show someone a photo of your dog, baby or love of your life on your phone, then people may or may not believe you that Charley / Payton / Mike even exist. Ok, maybe not that extreme … but it seems like if it isn’t on Facebook / Instagram or on your phone … it didn’t happen, right?
Now as much as I love for all my clients to have physical prints from their sessions with me, I realize that it is sometimes MORE important for them to always have their images with them. Which is why one of my favorite products that all of my 2014 clients receive is their very own custom smartphone gallery app. This little app also works great on tablets.
It is an app custom designed for each client with photos from their wedding / session. You just download it on to your phone and/or tablet, and you always have your photos with you. Best of all, the app is designed so you can share with with friends and family. So all those loved ones who are out of state or your Mom who loves to brag about you, can add the app to their phones so they can whip out their phones to show you off. No more plastic wallets for them. ;)
Want your own custom app? Just mentioned it when you book your wedding or lifestyle session with me, and I promise, I’ll hook you up. ;)
I don’t know about you guys, but I am usually stumped on what to get my mom for Mother’s Day. I’ve been a huge believer in giving people experiences vs things lately which makes gift giving even harder. I think the best gift you can give is an experience AND something the person can have forever. It is a gift created just for her with the people that mean the most to her.
There are not a lot of gifts that achieve this which is why I am so excited to offer for a limited time a special little gift for Mother’s Day. Give your mom/grandma/wife/sister something she will treasure for years to come – a photography session. These sessions are great for any lifestyle session including family, baby and glamour.
With every purchase of a photo session gift card through Mother’s Day, the recipient will also receive a custom designed 8 x 6 softcover book with photos from their session. Yeap. An experience + a gift! I got you. :)
Email me at brittany@brittanybekas.com for your Mother’s Day gift cards.
I hope you are prepared for an overwhelming amount of cuteness because that is what this session is all about. When I arrived at Lisa, Chris and Natalie’s house last Sunday, I was immediately in love. Between Natalie’s grey and purple nursery (hello, my favorite color palette) to the most amazing wardrobe options for Natalie, I knew I had just walked into a perfect baby session. And little, sweet, Natalie was a dream the whole time. She was all smiles and giggles. And I even got to witness first-hand her love for her puppy, Buckley. This family is beyond sweet, and I cannot wait to continue to photograph Natalie over the next year during her baby milestones.
When I first found out that Kristin was going to be mom, I was beyond thrilled for her and her husband, Jordan! I am always excited when my past clients are starting a new chapter in their lives, but this was extra special for me because of my relationship with Kristin. Kristin and I became friends through our high school job at Nordstrom when we were just 16. We were basically just kids when we met when I think back to it.
I was lucky enough to photograph the wedding of Kristin and Jordan, two high school sweethearts who started dating around the time I met Kristin, on a gorgeous beach in Mexico last January. It is one of the best feelings when I can photograph people I have known for years for major life moments. So when Kristin told me last fall that I needed to clear my calendar for the arrival of their first baby come March, I knew I was going to do everything to make it happen.
Only days after I landed back in Chicago from Thailand, I rushed over to meet Colin. This little one is a dream in so many ways. From his adorable strawberry blonde hair that sticks up in all the right places to his precess sleeping mumbles (I could only wonder what he was dreaming about), I couldn’t get enough. And on top of Colin’s cuteness, Kristin and Jordan’s first “babies”, Lloyd and Stan, their two dogs wanted to be right in the action of our photo shoot the whole time. If Colin even made a peep, they came running to check in on him. It is amazing when dogs are so protective over the little baby in the house – it melts my heart. I could go on and on about this new family because they are so dear to my heart, but rather that listen to me talk about my love for them, let me show you.
I had been anxiously awaiting the arrival of this little one, and even more anxiously waiting for the day I could meet (and photograph) him. You see, Vinny, is my childhood best friend’s, Kristin, first little one. You might remember Kristin from this summer when I photographed her maternity photos while she was is Chicago for her baby shower. Kristin and I grew up playing baby dolls and house together (BFFs for 23 years!), so it was amazing/crazy/weird/exciting to visit her and her husband, Mark at their gorgeous California home to meet Vincent and photograph their family.
Be prepared for absolute adorableness and a gorgeous family of 3!
I hope you are prepared for lots and lots of cuteness from this session because it is beyond adorable! Stacy, Clara’s mom, had so many little props and the best outfits picked our for Clara’s first birthday photos.
Between the pink and red balloons, pearls and polka dots, I was utterly in love with everything we created. And Clara was such a good sport about the whole thing. She especially loved the balloons (you will see soon). I could have watched and photographed her for hours as she played with them. Despite her craziness with tossing the balloons around, we managed to not pop a single one. Yay!
Meet, Clara!
This last one sums up how tough it is to be this cute. :)
Holiday mini sessions are here just in time for your holiday cards! They are perfect for any type of shoot (family, engagement, kids, couples, just for fun … whatever!)
TIME // Saturday, November 23 >> 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm (Session times: 1:30, 2:00, 2:30, 3:00, 3:30)
LOCATION // Chicago (exact location TBD)
COST // $195 (includes 25 hi-res digital images with printing rights. Prints can be purchased too.)
If you are interested in booking a session, contact me at brittany@brittanybekas.com with your preferred time slot. Hurry though, I only have 5 sessions available.
If you are interested in booking but time times don’t work for you, please send me a note.
I’m so excited to finally be announcing my fall mini session date. For those of you who like a quick and easy photo shoot, this is for you. These mini sessions are great for couples, families, seniors, and babies … and they are perfect for anyone looking for photos for their holiday cards.
Each mini session is only $150 and is held a single location (location is TBD but will likely be in northwest Chicago suburbs), is 30 minutes long and includes 25 digital, high resolution images printable up to an 8 x 12.
The fall mini sessions will be held on Saturday, September 28th. I am starting with 4 evening sessions (4:30, 5, 5:30, 6) and once these fill up, I will open up 4 morning sessions (9, 9:30, 10, 10:30).
Mini sessions booked prior to Thursday, September 19th will receive an ‘Early Bird’ bonus – a complimentary iPhone/Android gallery app with images from your session. A deposit of 50% is due within 7 days of booking in order to reserve your spot. These sessions will fill up fast, so book early. E-mail me at brittany@brittanybekas.com for scheduling.
You might remember this cutie from last February when I had the pleasure of photographing Hayley as a newborn in her SUPER pink room. I knew that this little one was going to be a super girly, girl and seeing her for her 6-month photos only confirmed that.
Her mom had her dressed in the cutest floral dress complete with the perfect bow to match. Hayley has a wardrobe that I am jealous of and more bows that she can ever wear, I think. But the best part of Hayley’s 6-month session was how happy she was. Honestly, I think she was the easiest, smiliest baby I have shot yet. I mean, it was so hard to narrow down the photos because she made the cutest facial expressions the whole time.
I’m pretty lucky. Ok, really lucky because I have the best clients … especially my seniors. Every single one of them is amazing … and Emma was no exception.
I first met Emma at University of Saint Mary’s of the Lake in Mundelein after a few weeks of emailing her mom, Lisa. Emma came with some of the cutest outfits for our shoot. I simply adore when my senior girls come with options because it allows me to help them pick out the best looks for their locations (and oogle over all their cute clothes … which makes me want to go shopping …. and well ….).
Emma is the sweetest girl-next-door type. She is the girl you want to be friends with because she is responsible, fun and beautiful! She adores kids and wants to be a teacher after college. And let me tell you, Emma is going to be a fabulous teacher between her caring and patient personality. She even traveled out west with her church youth group this summer to spend a couple weeks on an Indian reservation teaching kids. Impressed? I know I am.
Emma – I hope you have a fabulous (relaxing + fun) senior year. Savor every moment of it because it goes SO fast. And if you ever want to chat photography, let me know. :)
I have this obsession with glamour photography lately. Maybe it is because I adore fashion editorial shoots and yet, I love photographing real girls (aka not models). So when I was looking for some pretty ladies for a glamour session, Courtney sent me a note … and I couldn’t have been more excited to photograph her.
Not only is she beyond sweet, but she brought the most AMAZING clothes (I was hoping she would forget a couple of the dresses she brought over because they were … well … to-die-for.) Oh, and Courtney … well she could … and … should be a model because look at her. Tall, thin and drop-dead-gorgeous. I’m not going to lie … she made my job pretty easy.
Courtney – Thanks again for being a “glam girl” for me. I’m so glad we could catch up in between all the shots and bond over our love for sexy, zebra chairs.
Estephany is one of my 2014 senior models … and let me tell you … this girl is pretty awesome. When I first started emailing with her, I was surprised by how adult-like she came across. She was super organized and responsible throughout all of the planning for her Chicago senior session. When we started thinking of locations, Estephany mentioned she loves the city, so we opted to take all of her high school senior photos downtown where we could get an urban feel.
Estephany can be somewhat shy to those she doesn’t know well, but she is beyond sweet. And her, hair … oh my goodness … what I wouldn’t do for those gorgeous tresses. She came with such fun outfits (that I may have wanted to steal for my own closet), and a great attitude. Here are a few of my favorites from our session. And if you are interested in having your senior photos taken, feel free to send me an email at brittany@brittanybekas.com for more details and availability.
Kristin and I met back in kindergarden … nearly 23 years ago. When I actually write out the number … it makes me feel a little old … and yet it makes me happy that I have had this lady in my life throughout so many growing pains and life experiences. She is my oldest friend.
And one of my best friends. We were totally obsessed with each other as kids. We used to pretend to be stuck together when our parents would pick us up at the other’s house as kids. I mean, did we really think our moms would truly believe, we were stuck together?! I guess so.
Our friendship was full of hours of playing house … which eventually turned into hours of talking about school crushes …. which later became hours of shopping at the mall and hanging out at the movies …. to our adult years of long dinners and major life decisions and changes.
Kristin is the type of friend who always tells it like it is. She is never embarrassed about what she thinks or what she says, and I have always admired how true to herself she is. More than anything, I wish I had a little more of her free-spirit and willingness to take chances. I mean she wasn’t afraid to move her whole life to California when she met “the one”. She is as loyal of a friend as they come. Oh … and she is a total blonde, bombshell. We may not talk often, but over the years, I have learned that Kristin is the friend that will always be there when you need her … especially when it comes to big news.
So when Kristin called me months ago to tell me she was pregnant, I was beyond thrilled for her and her husband, Mark. I know she will be an excellent mom to her little boy that is expected to arrive early in October. (I am still hoping he comes like 3 weeks late to be a birthday gift for me … just saying). If there was one thing Kristin was meant to be …. it was a mom.
Kris – I am SO happy for you and Mark! I have never seen two people more in love with each other than the two of you, and I know that Baby P will have the happiest, most loving home. I love you, lady, and I cannot wait to photograph your little love bug once he arrives. Lots of love and xo. Brittany
I know that everyone tells you … kids grow up fast. But … gosh… I felt like I was just at Karen and Gene’s Naperville home a few weeks ago for Parker’s 4-month photos, when Karen emailed me to set up Parker’s one year photographs. When I saw this little cutie at the Naperville Riverwalk, I couldn’t believe the little lady she had become.
She knows exactly what she wants (bubbles, bubbles, and more bubbles). Parker is extremely independent, talkative and full of energy. And I mean …. she is too cute for words especially with her gorgeous eyelashes.
We spent a warm July afternoon documenting her first birthday playing in the park with bubbles, reading books and eating cupcakes. Here are a few of my favorites of this cutie.
I nearly died when I saw Parker’s little Toms …. so so cute! And this book, it is is one of her favorites. She even would make the noises for each animal when her mom asked. Precious!
I am feeling a lot of pressure as I write this post … mostly because this pretty lady wrote some of the sweetest things about me when she posted the amazing photos she took of me a couple weeks ago.
You see, I met Cassandra almost a year ago at my good college friend’s, Jess, Chicago wedding, but it had been a meeting nearly a year in the making. Jess, a photographer who has worked with some of the best photographers in fashion, went on a serious hunt looking for the perfect wedding photographer. When she found and booked, Cassandra … all she could do was 1. talk about how excited she was to have her photograph her big day and 2. tell me how much I NEEDED to meet her. I immediately started following Cassandra’s blog and falling in love with her voice and her work.
When Jess’ wedding finally arrived last October, I made sure I had a moment to introduce myself and set up a time where we could chat more about photography and life because when a friend like Jess insists that Cass and I are meant to be friends… you have to find out for yourself. And that is how our amazing friendship began … over a bottle of wine and some great Italian food.
It’s funny … because as I write about Cassandra and our friendship, I can’t believe we met less than a year ago. Cass has become such a dear friend and perfect mentor for me. She is the friend I text random things to … the friend I confide in about life …. the friend I vent to … and the friend I dream with.
She is confident. Strong. Creative. Bubby. And a gorgeous person … inside and out.
Cass … I’m so happy that Jess and the universe connected us. Between mid-week, mid-day shopping trips to long wedding days of shooting together, I am so lucky to have you to share in this journey of building our businesses and photographing everything around us. You have become my “co-worker” in a job that can feel lonely some many days, my sounding board for ideas and a person who I completely admire for everything you have accomplished and will in the years to come. Lots of love and xo – Britt
Be sure to visit Cassandra’s blog to see her beautiful wedding and portrait photography and learn even more about her.
I’m not sure where to even begin with this post about one of my dear friends, Ashley. You see, Ashley and I met through my best friend, Christine back at the University of Illinois. The first time I met Ashley, she had come over to our college apartment so her and Christine could take head shots of each other for their advertising group. They literally hung up a sheet in our apartment as their backdrop and were trying to take photos of each other with their little point-and-shoot cameras. It makes me smile when I think back to it … how far we have come. :)
Fast forward to my first job in advertising … and I was sitting on the same floor and eventually sharing a cube wall with this pretty lady. Ashley and I became close friends … fast … chatting about DIY craft projects, the latest bargain fashion finds … and well just about everything.
I can’t really tell you how amazing Ashley is in one little blog post. She is a spitfire. She is confident. Gorgeous. The most fashionable person I know. She is fun …. determined … and a leader. She, along with some friends, started the Chicago MAFA organization (a group dedicated to diversity in advertising) which has been a HUGE success since it started just over a year ago. Ashley is the type of friend who makes you strive to be better all while being a supporter and cheerleader in your journey. Ash … I’m so lucky that Christine and DFCB brought us together.
So this time … when Ashley found out she was named one of Adcolor’s Rising Stars … and she needed some photos of herself …. we spent a Sunday afternoon around Chicago. I think it makes for a better photo background than the bed sheet you used 5 years ago. :)
Congrats again on everything you have accomplished this year, Ashley. You have worked your super cute butt off and deserve all the success and new experiences coming your way
Tiffany and Phil’s love story began hundreds of miles from where they live now. Phil was playing the guitar at the church Tiffany belonged to in Canada. After the service, Tiffany and Phil started talking to one another …. and as time went on …. the two realized they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. They married on the beach in Canada. Nine years later, they celebrated their wedding anniversary on the beaches of Grand Cayman.
It was one of their life goals when they got married. Move somewhere outside of Canada. So when Phil was able to find a job as an occupational therapist in the Cayman Islands last year, they sold almost all of their belongings, packed up what was left and headed to Grand Cayman with their son to begin a new adventure together.
The sunshine, sand and outdoor lifestyle are perfect for these two. During the time I spent with them, they couldn’t stop telling me how much they loved living on the island … in paradise. Tiffany and Phil – Thank you for allowing me to document this exciting year in your marriage and lives. You are both too sweet for words! I hope that our paths will cross again soon.
To see even more photographs from Tiffany and Phil’s Grand Cayman Island wedding anniversary shoot, be sure to watch the slideshow below >>>
I absolutely adore photo shoots where I am working with a full team of people … other creative minds to collaborate with. It fuels my creative fire. :)
So this past weekend, I was lucky enough to work with the super talented owner of Suite 115 Salon and Spa, Jennifer Sorrentino on a black and white, glam rocker photo shoot. When Jen and I first talked about an editorial shoot, we were totally smitten with a mix of rocker chic and pretty glam looks. Heather Hundhausen styled all of Ashley Jane and Maddie Krause’s looks with a majority of the clothing and accessories from Foxtail Boutique in Bloomingdale.
A huge thank you to the whole team who made this shoot be what it was. I loved every minute of it! Ashley + Maddie …. you girls were amazing in front of the camera.
When I got to Peyton’s house, I could not believe that he was officially ONE! It really feels like yesterday, I was there photographing him at 3-months …. sleeping in baskets and on Dr. Seuss books. Relaxed and low-key.
This session was so different, but I loved every minute of trying to keep up with this little cutie patootie.
We were all over the house … making a mess everywhere (sorry, Jen & Kyle)! We were crawling through green tunnels (well Peyton was …. I am pretty sure I would not make it through it), tossing around balls, and playing with his puppies. It was non-stop action and beyond fun to document.
We wrapped up his one-year session with a smash-the-cake set. I’m not sure if it was the green frosting or this small little cake, but Peyton was more intrigued by it than interested in eating it. Not really the photos we were hoping for, but still super adorable.
So here he is! Peyton …. already … ONE!
Mr. I’m-too-cool-for-school right here. I mean how adorable is this photo?
Peyton was more interested in playing with the cupcake than actually eating it. I wish I had his willpower to turn down a chocolate cupcake.
Happy (belated) birthday, Peyton! I can’t wait to continue to watch you grow, little man.
When I first met William, I instantly knew that this little guy is going to grow up to be a little heartbreaker. Look out ladies! At 6-months, he has the most gorgeous long eyelashes (that I am beyond jealous over), big blue eyes and a wardrobe of little 3-piece suits and ties that is just too dapper for words.
William had this shy, timid personality when I first arrived but within 20 minutes of tickling, laughing, and playing with his little piano, he was all giggles and smiles.
I was beyond excited to meet Hayley because I was one of the lucky people to know that Lori and Brian were expecting this little cutie back in August. Lori and Brian decided to do a maternity reveal session to announce they were pregnant with me, so I was thrilled to be able to document their first little when she arrived in February.
Hayley is just perfect. She is so tiny! I immediately fell in love with her little hands and the sweetest face I have ever seen! Oh, and she pretty much has a room that every little girl could only dream of. It is ALL pink and her closet … well let’s just say that she has a wardrobe Rachel Zoe might be jealous of.
Congrats again, Lori & Brian!