This family always makes me so happy when I have them in front of my camera! I am not sure if I have ever shared this on the blog, but Jess and I met our sophomore year at the University of Illinois when she pledged my sorority. Jess and I instantly became fast friends over our love of photography (she was a photo major who had her own wedding photo biz), and I just adored her. I remember meeting her, seeing her gorgeous work, and proclaiming that she would one day photograph my wedding. :)

She gave up photography as a full-time job before I could get Phil down the aisle, but years later, I’ve had the privilege to photograph her family over the years as it went from just her and her husband Matt to a gorgeous family of four. There is something so magical when you get photograph dear friends, and I feel that way every time I have a session with Jess and her beautiful fam. Every lifestyle family session with her and her family is more fun than the last, and their family style is always a-maz-ing (I mean — these outfits are everything!). Jess thinks of every detail and even brings the cutest stuffed animals for the girls so that if they need to be in the photos, it goes with the theme. This year, we met at Mayslake Forest Preserve in Oak Brook for an afternoon of exploring, giggles and the best moments-in-between.