You may fondly remember this adorable couple from their previous engagement and the Mother’s Day post. Stephanie and Nick were married in Mexico surrounded by their closest friends and family back in February. After much sun, surf and celebration, they returned home to host their beautiful reception at the Renaissance Convention Center in Schaumburg this spring. They are so full of life and love that after hearing that they are expecting their first child this winter; I decided to focus on images of just the two of them. Congratulations you guys! I’m looking forward to meeting your little one soon! xoxo
Weddings are wonderous occasions which celebrate the love of two people promising to love, honor and cherish one another. They too are celebrations of family which is why I thought on this Mother’s Day, I would showcase the beauty of a Bride and her Mother on one of the most precious days of a woman’s life.
You may remember Stephanie from the engagement session of her and Nick that was posted last year; you can click here to view. I’ll be posting more of their reception soon but here’s a peek at her getting ready.
Stephanie and her Mom sharing a laugh.
The Dress
I still fondly remember wedding dress shopping with my own Mother. Lots of tears and frustration as we disagreed on “the dress” until…..together, we found the “perfect dress!” It was then I knew we had been searching for the same beautiful gown all along.
The Bride, Stephanie
Stephanie is a truly stunning bride. She always has the brightest smile and a good natured laugh greeting you. I met Stephanie a couple years ago when she was a bridesmaid for her Matron of Honor, Christy (pictured below.) Christy and Stephanie have been friends for what seems like forever; some may mistake them for sisters.
Mother & Daughter
Happy Mother’s Day! 
It’s now as a Mother myself that I can truly appreciate the devotion and sacrifices our Mother’s make for us throughout our lives. Their love is one of the most precious gifts we shall ever receive in our lifetime.
Mom, I want to thank you for being the kind and loving woman you have been throughout my life. You hold a most special place in my heart! xoxo
I leave you with A Mother’s Love by Helen Steiner Rice;
A Mother’s love is something
that no one can explain,
It is made of deep devotion
and of sacrifice and pain,
It is endless and unselfish
and enduring come what may
For nothing can destroy it
or take that love away . . .
It is patient and forgiving
when all others are forsaking,
And it never fails or falters
even though the heart is breaking . . .
It believes beyond believing
when the world around condemns,
And it glows with all the beauty
of the rarest, brightest gems . . .
It is far beyond defining,
it defies all explanation,
And it still remains a secret
like the mysteries of creation . . .
A many splendoured miracle
man cannot understand
And another wondrous evidence
of God’s tender guiding hand.
We are continuing the Earth Day celebration this evening! I have voluteered my services to photograph this wonderful event hosted by Spa Bleu. I hope to see you there and be sure to come say “HI!” to receive a discount on your next portrait session as a thank you for supporting this wonderful fund raiser.
Check back to see images from tonight’s event!
I had the opportunity to meet Evan (or Nu Nu as he fondly called himself) who celebrated his second birthday recently. Two is such a special age. The curiosity and energy that these toddlers exude is invigorating to their tired parents and joyous to watch for those around them. I too find myself just watching with a grin on my face as my almost-2 year old plays make believe or just runs around all silly. When I met Evan, he reminded me of my little guy with his LOVE of choo-choos, Thomas the Train specifically, and fondness for Curious George and his tools. However, I think his fondness for his family is the greatest love of all…..
Evan with his sister Elin (3 months old) whom they warmly called El-Bel.
Goofing around with Dad’s glasses.
This sweet boy’s energy finally ran out…time to recharge. 
Thanks to Mommy Erin for sharing her adorable family. Looking forward to photographing the family this summer when we can have some fun at the park!
It is always a pleasure to photograph a newborn but the sweetness is even more special when her Mommy is a friend. Kyla Grace may just be one of the prettiest little girls around which is not surprising considering her Mommy, Ruth, was a Gerber Baby. Will we have a Gerber legacy? You be the judge…
The peaceful little angel.
Beautiful Mommy & Kyla having a tender moment. 
This is my son’s friend, Brayden, with his new baby sister. I think he’s a pretty proud Big Brother. 
Wishing you all much happiness! xoxo
Friday, February 26, 2010 Posted in Children
I am dreaming of Spring!
Sun, Jelly Beans, My Son’s Birthday, Bright Colors, Easter Baskets, and Daffodils……
Well today, the sun is out but the air is frigid! However, I still have high hopes that warm air and bare toes are just around the corner. So, when I came across my friend, Lindsay’s, NEW Etsy shop filled with SUNDRESSES, I knew I had to share.
Lindsay is a Stay-at-Home mom of two beautiful girls, Savannah (2) and Matilda (6 months), whom I met when my son, Roaran (22 months), was three months old. You may remember Lindsay from her maternity session a few months back; that’s little Matilda in her belly. We met through a mutual friend when we joined a playgroup and have been friends ever since. The Circle of Mamas (13 of us) get together every week to let the kids play, chat about our days, support the tough ones and laugh about the funny ones. This group of women is dynamic and extraordinary. Each one has a story and a unique talent which I have the privledge to watch evolve. Lindsay’s talent is being “Martha” we joke. Only, it’s no joke. She has created a wonderful blog, The Cottage Home, which covers her family life to cooking to her love of sewing.
Lindsay’s latest endeavor is the start of her own line of darling, vintage-inspired, handmade dresses which you can find at The Cottage Mama. She has several showcased online and also takes custom orders(please allow 2 weeks.) It’s time to start thinking of Easter and that means bonnets, baskets, bows and bright colored sundresses!
So, order your Spring dress today! Every little girl should have one….
If you place an order for a Cottage Mama original and book your portrait session by April 1, you will recieve 25% off your Session Fee. (Of course, I’ll want to photograph your little princess in the dress)
Lake in the Hills, Illinois – 1/19/2010- WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, just announced Flora Danica Photography has been selected to receive the 2010 Bride’s Choice Awards™ for Wedding Photography!
The annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ recognizes and celebrates excellence in quality and service within the wedding industry, as determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 500,000 newlyweds.
Flora Danica Photography is among the top five percent of all vendors in the WeddingWire community, which includes over 100,000 wedding professionals across the US and Canada. Awards were given to winners across 19 different service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers.
“We are excited to recognize and honor the success of the top wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Community” said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “The annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ program has given us the unique opportunity to highlight the best wedding professionals in each region as reviewed by brides and grooms who have utilized their services in the past year.”
We are happy to announce that Flora Danica Photography is among the very best Wedding Photographers within the WeddingWire Network, which includes WeddingWire and Martha Stewart Weddings. We would like to thank our past newlyweds for nominating us for the 2010 Bride’s Choice Awards™.
For more information, please visit our WeddingWire Storefront today at http://www.weddingwire.com/biz/flora-danica-photography-lake-in-the-hills/16047e02391fab70.html
About WeddingWire, Inc.
WeddingWire is the only online wedding planning resource designed to empower both engaged couples and wedding vendors. WeddingWire enables engaged couples to search, compare and book over 100,000 reviewed wedding vendors nationwide, from wedding photographers to wedding cakes. WeddingWire also offers an online community and a suite of cutting-edge planning tools, including wedding websites and wedding checklists, all at no charge. For wedding vendors, WeddingWire provides free online management tools creating the only market opportunity that gives businesses control over their clients, reviews, leads and performance. In addition, WeddingWire has partnered with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. (NYSE: MSO) to provide its network of local vendors and online wedding-planning tools in the Weddings section of www.MarthaStewartWeddings.com. For additional information, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.
This summer has been a bit quirky with the 60 degree days and rainy weather; it’s left us all asking, “where is summer?” Finally, Aneta and Sean had the much sought after warm weather for their engagement session. Aneta had her heart set on a beach backdrop as they are getting married in Mexico in April. She chose Glencoe Beach for it’s beautiful park and stone walk way. Of course, they enhanced the scenery with their charming selves.
Aneta and Sean’s First Baby, CoCo, came along for a few photos as well.
This has to be my favorite from the session. It doesn’t even look like we are in Illinois.
I can’t wait for this Doctor and Nurse duo to have their “next” Baby (sorry CoCo) for the opportunity to continue photographing their family as it grows. I wish you guys the very best and wish I was going to be in Mexico para su boda. xoxo
Wednesday, July 29, 2009 Posted in Seniors
Casey is a family friend. She lives right down the street from my parents and I have known her since she was 4 years old. So, when she emailed me to find out if I would photograph her Senior High School photos, I could hardly believe that the time had flown by so quickly. The answer was an immediate, “Yes, of course!” I asked Casey to descibe herself so I could keep true to her style during our session. Casey’s Mom described her as a ”sporty, tree-hugging hippie with a european twist” I will add that she is the most down-to-Earth, warm-hearted and kind-spirited teenager I know. She plans to study nursing when she graduates and I can assure you that if she is your nurse one day, you will be in great hands. Best wishes to you in the Senior year ahead, Casey!
For those seniors that know Casey, she will have Senior Rep Cards shortly. Turn one in for a special addition to your senior portrait package.
She’s not 4 anymore…..
We were having a little fun……Casey thinks this one looks “freakie”
I love this one of Casey sporting her hat and jacket that she brought home from a trip to Ireland.
Friday, July 24, 2009 Posted in Weddings
As promised, Part Deux of Katie & Tony’s beautiful wedding. Katie & Tony lived up to their wonderful Greek and Italian back grounds. Their day was full of love and fun! The family banter was contagious and at first glance one may think that there was love loss. However, like any bold and beautiful family, the teasing and heckling was pure love and happiness. They made me feel right at home and as though I was part of their family. The last post I left you with a beautiful image of Katie’s sister’s Kris & Jeri assisting her with the final touches. It quickly turned into this……sorry girls; I couldn’t resist. xoxo
One of my favorites; Katie preparing to meet Tony.
The Boys.
Don’t they look like they are right out of the Sopranos? This Tony is much nicer, of course!
Katie and her Father as they walk down the aisle.
Just Married!
I had to sneak one in of those amazing swans I told you about in the last post.
I love Katie’s sheer hapiness in this image.
Did I mention Tony’s second love?
Best Wishes to you Katie & Tony! I look forward to photographing your future family.
by Danica
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