I had a great time w/ Tyson & Mandy for their engagement pictures..  Miss Mandy is a former high school senior that I’ve photographed.  I was thrilled to hear of her engagement!  They were true sports, and really had fun w/ their session.  I love when couples put their trust in me when I tell them their doing awesome!  I wish you both many years of blessed love w/ one another

 

One of Ashley’s questions before their engagement session, “Would a red coat look okay for pictures?”  My answer:  ABSOLUTELY!  Pops of color are awesome, especially when the surroundings are more neutral this time of year.. Hope she agrees after seeing the images, that it was a perfect choice

Brian & Ashley first met on the campus of North Central College, so it was a perfect place to do their engagement session.  They didn’t date at that time, but ran into each other a couple of years later and as they say “the rest is history”.. I love stories like that!  I loved watching the two of you together… So much laughter, and love.  Cannot wait for your summer wedding!

A beautiful fall day, gorgeous park setting, and a good-looking family… What more could ya ask for!  At least, that’s what Iiii thought… What started out as a normal family portrait session, took a wonderful surprise towards the end…   (continued below… )

We had finished up doing group family shots, and were having fun doing some shots of Josh & Sandy, while Baby L sat nearby, intrigued by playing w/ any leaves w/in reach.  I was knelt down pulling some leaves from L’s hands when I looked up to see Sandy holding something in her hand.  My first thought was that she had dropped something, and picked it up, only to realize “Oh my goodness, he just proposed!”  Since I’ve known Sandy for 25+ years, I figured she would forgive me if I let baby girl munch on some leaves, just this one time, while I quickly picked back up clicking away at Sandy’s reaction to Josh’s proposal.  It was the sweetest thing, I had goosebumps!  Tears of joy filled Sandy’s eyes as she replied, “Thank you” to Josh.. hehe…  After  she regained her composure she quickly said YES!  What an awesome moment to be a part of, and even though you threw yourself for a surprise, Josh, thank you for allowing me to witness your special proposal to Sandy.  I wish you both a lifetime of love & happiness! 

There were special circumstances surrounding this engagement session.. Let’s just say the weather wasn’t always on our side, BUT, the wait was definitely worth it, in my opinion..  Even though their first session only last about 10 minutes before a rain storm came in, we still managed a few beautiful shots…  Then after several reschedules due to more crazy weather, we were finally able to meet up last week for a super fun session, done at the Rader Family Farms.  Fitting, since this is Tyler’s family’s property.  Cannot wait for your wedding THIS weekend, Tyler & Megan!  :)

The sunset sky was incredible!… 

I feel like it’s second nature to photograph these two.. That’s a good thing! lol   Honored to do your engagement session, Leeann & Jason..  You might recognize them from this session.  We had amazing weather the day of their pictures.  I always enjoy laughing & spending time photographing you guys!  Best wishes on your upcoming wedding!

When Kindra mentioned wanting to do her & George’s engagement session at George’s family farm, I thought it was a great idea.. I love when couples want to make their engagement session a true reflection of who they are.  This was a perfect setting for this down to earth couple.. George & Kindra, you are both just the sweetest, and I cannot wait for your fall wedding!

I was looking forward to meeting w/ this couple for their engagement session.. They traveled from up north, and I was crossing my fingers that the weather would hold out for us..  While it was WINDY as all get out, Steve & Sarah were such great sports, and so sweet together.  I am super excited for your wedding this fall, you two!

I was sooo looking forward to getting outdoors to shoot this engagement session.  Little did we know that it would be FA-REEZE-ING and snowing sideways w/ crazy winds!  BUT Matt & Ang were absolute troopers, and I hope once they see their pics, will agree that it was so worth it!  The love that these two share, is adorable, and you can tell the moment you meet them that they just complete one another.  I cannot wait to photograph your wedding this fall, Matt & Angela!

They also had a little fun w/ some NFL rivalry… Good news though.. They, they didn’t stay on oppossing teams for too long

I was so honored when asked to do this couple’s engagement session…  My husband has known Mark’s family for his entire life!  Ashton & Mark are high school sweethearts, through college, and now onto a marriage!  Ashton has also become a familiar face in our home, and babysits our girls… Needless to say, we are super excited to watch this great couple join their hands & hearts into marriage next summer… Congrats, Mark & Ashton!!

A-MAZ-ING fall colors!

Ryan & Katie knew of a couple spots they wanted to visit for their engagement session, so I ventured over to Pontiac, IL to meet up w/ them.. It was a lot of fun looking around and finding some locations to use.  Both were a lot of fun to photograph, and I’m so excited and looking forward to their September wedding… Thanks, Ryan & Katie!

I not only have the pleasure of photographing special weddings, I also get to spend some time w/ the couples beforehand for their engagement photos!  I love hearing about their details, as well as hearing the excitement in their voices.  Makes me giddy!  We had great weather for Dave & Marissa’s engagement session… They were fun to work w/, and were naturals in front of the camera!  Thanks for a great session, and see you soon! =)

I had so much fun w/ Chad & Katie during their engagement session.. Such an awesome couple!  The entire time while photographing them, I could sense such a pure, caring love between the two of them.  I’m super excited & look forward to their October 2nd wedding this year.  Thank you for a fantastic and fun engagement session, Chad & Katie!

I thought this was so sweet… This was the exact location that Chad proposed to Katie! 

Brides, did you know that David’s Bridal has a monthly drawing in which you have a chance to score your wedding dress, or up to 5 bridesmaids’ dresses for FREE?   How awesome would that be for your wedding budget!?!   AND, if you’re the lucky winner, I will sweeten the pot and offer a $150 PRINT CREDIT if your wedding is booked w/ Imaginate Photography!  Check it out and apply now!

Everyone loves a challenge right?  This year as the holidays are upon us, I challenge you to make it a wonderful holiday for the children of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The holidays not only remind me of family, love, and kindness, but it also reminds me how thankful I am for our health and well being.  There are so many children that spend their holidays confined to a hospital, battling life threatening illnesses, and they need the holidays to be special too.  Let’s do what we can together, to make that happen!

WHAT: Here is your challenge.. With the new year comes updating my website, blog, etc.  Is there a portrait image that you absolutely LOVE and would love others to see?  Please help in this by submitting a favorite photo from your portrait session during 2009 to be featured.  Just send me an e-mail (bridget@imaginatephotography.com) w/ the image # and/or description of your portrait choice from your session and it will be entered into the contest.  (please one entry per client)

WHEN: Between December 1st- December 10th:  submit your photo choices!
Between December 12th-December 31st:  those submitted entries will be featured on the blog for voting

DETAILS: All sessions are encouraged!  (baby, children, family, wedding, engagement, hs senior, maternity…There will be separate voting categories for each of the entry subjects)  Once the voting begins, you are welcome to submit as many votes as you would like, for a $1 donation each vote.  Send your family, friends, co-workers.. they can all vote for your image!…  All proceeds will be donated to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital So, the more votes, the larger the donation we can make to help bring some holiday cheer to these children!

Let’s do our best to show our support, everyone.. Now e-mail me your entry! =)

Nope, these two aren’t hired models.. although they easily could be!  They are my dear friends who I had the privilege of photographing.  This is such a sweet couple, and I’m so happy that they have found one another to share their lives w/.  I have to also point out that Ted is not only my friend of many, many years, he is also known as Staff Sgt. Stoops, w/ the United States Army.  He has served our country for ten years, and I could not be more proud of him.  Thank you, Stoops (I never really call him Ted.. lol) for all that you have done, and continue to do for our country and our freedom.  May God always bless you!  Thanks for a great portrait session, you two gorgeous lovebirds

They also brought their beautiful blonde, named Ellie.. so sweet!

It was such a pleasure working w/ Greg & Sara.. They have such a sweet, sweet love about the two of them.  You can really see that spark for one another in their eyes.. I love that!  It was soooooo freezing cold on the morning of their e-session, but they were the troopers and kept on goin’..Great meeting you both and I wish you all the best in your marriage =)

Great weather, great couple, great fun!  Adrian & Tricia chose to have their engagement session near the Riverfront in Peoria, IL so I was definitely thrilled by their choice!  Such a great location, and it was a beautiful August evening for it too..  I love the sweet, romantic love between these two..  Thanks for a fun e-session, Adrian & Tricia.. I’m looking forward to your wedding day!  Enjoy your sneak peek!  =)