Filed under: kids
Two week old Spencer was my very first customer at my new studio located at 223 E.State Street in Rockford last year.
This day was the first time I met Spencer and his amazing mom, Anastasia. The studio was only barely put together the day that they came in, but Ana insisted she didn’t mind pardoning my dust 
Since this day, I’ve had the pleasure of photographing Spencer with his mom & sisters and even meeting and photographing his cousins, Kora and most recently new baby, Josey.
Spencer, two weeks old…..
Look at how he has grown! We had a great morning playing in the grass with Spencer at the Macktown Forest Preserve. This was the first time Spencer’s bare little feet ever touched grass! How awesome to have a photo of that glorious moment!!
and one with mom…..
The studio has also grown this past year. It has been an amazing experience being in the downtown Rockford River District. I’ve had the privilege to photograph many sweet babies, kids & family, stunning weddings, and incredible high school seniors. Thank you to all of my awesome clients for coming back to my studio again and again. It is incredible and humbling to me each and every day that my JOB is to create images that help to preserve our most treasured asset, our memories.
Happy Birthday Spencer!
Filed under: Weddings
Look at me, blogging twice in one week! It’s my midyear resolution!
This is my busy, busy, busy time of year! It’s been really fun and exciting lately with lots of variety in my shoots-babies, lots and lots of high school seniors, and of course this time of year-weddings!
These are a few pics from a wedding that we had the pleasure of photographing a couple of weeks ago.
Ashley & Jeremy had an amazing wedding! Filled with lots of friends, family, and well……Heat! It was a scorcher!
Ashley’s dress was so beautiful!
The wedding was at the always breathtaking Klehm Arboretum
They had a really fun bridal party that was up for anything!
Happy Marriage to you both!
Vendors:
Dress
Allure Bridal
Cake
Cakes by Dea
708 Busse Road Marengo, IL 60152 815-943-0942
Flowers
Balloons and Flowers by Haley
6260 Weaver Road Rockford, IL 61114 815-282-4214
www.balloonsandflowersbyhaley.com
DJ
DJ Brian Hollis
608-346-8184
email- djbrianhollis@yahoo.com
Photographer
Peters Portrait Art
223 E. State Street Rockford, IL 61104 815-997-3923
email- trishapeters@petersportraitart.com
Linens
Beautiful Day Linens
3807 Charles Street Rockford, IL 61108 815-988-3426
email-anna@beautifuldaylinens.com
Tuxedos
Seno Formalwear
Party Bus
Rock Star Tour Bus
212 River Street Dixon, IL 61021 800-792-0405
Photobooth
Photobooth Express
877-492-6684
Wedding Venue
Klehm Arboreteum
2715 South Main Street Rockford, IL 61102 815-963-2102
Reception Venue
Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Country Club
5151 Guilford Road Rockford, IL 61107 815-399-0711
My friend Nick brought his baby boy Alex to the studio last night.
Alex has the most beautiful big blue eyes and is pretty much the happiest baby I’ve ever met!
I don’t think Nick even realized I took this photo. He was just playing with Alex and I couldn’t resist this moment. I love Nick’s loving playful nature and the way he interacts with his sweet son………..
Congratulations, Jenny & Nick! Your baby is awesome!
Filed under: High School Senior | Tags: Rockford IL senior portrait photographer, Rockton IL Senior Pictures
I am so proud to have Miss Cassie Zimmer as my Senior rep at Hononegah this year!
I’ve known Cassie for about 5 years now, since she was an 8th grader. In those five years, both Cassie and her amazing family have become very near and dear to me. They are some of the best people you could ever hope to know. Cassie always has the biggest smile on her face and endless kindness to share. Most people that know Cassie have probably never seen her with a serious expression until they saw these photos!
Cassie is a steadfast friend, a supportive and encouraging teammate, and a model student.
Thank you, Cassie , for sharing your beauty, kindness, and exuberance with the world! You are a blessing to all that know you!
Filed under: Uncategorized
As it turns out, I am not the best blogger. Time to get it all done seems to slip by, out of my reach everyday. And then I feel like I must explain this time shortcoming before I can talk about something new. I’ve decided to skip that and talk a little about what is on my mind and heart.
I’ve noticed this wedding season that many of my beloved brides and grooms have experienced a significant loss. Moms and Dads are missing, passed on from this life. It never fails to break my heart. It also never fails to impress me- the lengths that the couples go through to include their lost love one in their special day. A candle, a framed photo, an acknowledgement on their program, a warmly recalled memory and a toast. They each have their own special way. I’ll never forget the first bride that I photographed who had lost her dad and carried his picture down the aisle with her. I will never forget the groom that I photographed this weekend who shared a special dance with his Nana, in place of his mother who he lost 5 years ago to breast cancer. All of your stories stay with me. It is such a honor to photograph your new stories, as they are happening. Thank you for choosing me. Thank you for trusting me with your memories.
Filed under: High School Senior
Sydney is my Senior Rep from Hononegah High School here in Rockton! Sydney’s mom, Marianne, and sister, Tess, came along on our shoot and we had so much fun running all around downtown Rockton and Beloit taking Sydney photos. 
It’s really rare for a couple to say, “We’re up for anything!” and still mean it once they are all dolled up in their fancy wedding wear! Melissa and Matt and their entire bridal party were truly up for anything! The forecast was calling for rain all week, but luckily we had perfect weather. We ran around downtown Rockford taking their photos and ended at Carlyle Brewery for more pics and a round of brew for the newlyweds. Melissa was so sweet…. as soon as I got to her wedding her bridesmaids and family all went out of their way to wish me a Happy Birthday! Congratulations Melissa & Matt!
Melissa was such a beautiful bride………
Her grandfather was soooooooo adorable!
Love……..
Vendors:
Ceremony
Alpine Lutheran 5001 Forest View Ave Rockford, IL 61108 815.399.5013
Floral
Balloons and Flowers by Haley 6260 Weaver Rd. Rockford, IL 61114 815.282.4214 website: www.balloonsandflowersbyhaley.com
Disc Jockey
Sound Productions Rockford, IL 815.484.2424 website: www.soundprodjs.com
Reception:
Clock Tower Resort 4801 East State Street Rockford, IL 61108 815.398.6000 www.clocktowerresort.com
Photographer:
Peters Portrait Art Rockton, Illinois 61072 www.petersportraitart.com 815.997.3923
And a special “Thank You!” to:
Carlyle Brewing Co. for letting us take photos in your beautiful establishment!
Carlyle Brewing Co. 215 East State Street Rockford, IL 61104 815.963.2739 www.carlylebrewing.com
Filed under: kids
My boys. Brennan and Lincoln. I really can’t even really remember my life before these two were in it. They are all about the adventure. They have taught me so much…. like having a clean house is over-rated, you’ll never really be caught up on the laundry, don’t bother buying new jeans for your 9 year old-you’ll only walk into his room and catch him cutting holes in the knees, a smile will make you forget why you were mad in the first place, and love, love, love. These two keep me laughing, worrying, and out of snacks!
Brennan……
Lincoln……….
Filed under: Weddings
Saturday I got the pleasure of photographing Cali and Jason. It was my first wedding this year and I feel incredibly lucky! Not only are Cali and Jason so incredible to look at, they are the essence of a couple in love…….affectionate, considerate, and grinning from ear to ear. One of my favorite moments of the day happened just after Cali let go of her father’s arm and took her soon-to-be husband’s hand and he looked at her and whispered, “you look beautiful”. Agreed. They also had one of the most hilarious group of groomsmen ever and they kept the fun going all day, late into the night. Best Wishes Cali & Jason!
Vendors:
Floral:
Stems Floral, Inc. 4001 N.Perryville Rd. Loves Park, IL 61111 815.633.5100
Bridal Hair, Make-Up, Nails:
High Maintenance Salon 4401 Peak Drive Loves Park, IL 61111 http://www.maintenancesalons.com
815.963.1948
Bridal Portait Location:
Rotary Botanical Gardens 1455 Palmer Drive Janesville, WI 608.752.3885 www.rotarygardens.org
Disc Jockey:
Kim Lepak
Reception Venue:
Franchesco’s 7128 Perry Creek Parkway Rockford, IL 61107-6817 www.franchescos.com 815.229.0800
Photographer:
Peters Portrait Art Rockton, IL 61072 www.petersportraitart.com 815.997.3923
Filed under: kids
Yesterday I got to spend a fun-filled afternoon running around Rockton taking photos of little Maddi. What CAN’T you do with wild brown curls, pink converse, and a tutu??
