{Noah} – 6 months

A few weeks before their family photo session, Christine told me she bought the boys new Bears shirts. She wanted to get a picture of Elijah (2.5) and Noah (6 months) in their new gear, but Elijah said something along the lines of “No mommy. Mindy takes our pictures.” When Christine told me what Elijah said and that I was now the designated family photographer, it warmed my heart!

Elijah really is super excited whenever I come over which makes photographing his big happy smile so much easier. The key to Elijah welcoming me with big hugs and grins (other than my charming personality - ha kidding) is how Christine repeatedly talks about the upcoming photo session beforehand. Check out her post on how to prepare a toddler for a photo session. Although, as most parents know, big smiles can unexpectedly turn to pouty faces within a few minutes! 

It was so much fun shooting outdoors and at a park! Elijah's got the choke hold bear hug down. J

 Ok, back to the reason why we do these quarterly photo sessions...Baby Noah!

Love his big gummy drooly smile!

I think he gets that big beautiful smile from his mommy J

Dontcha just wanna rub his soft sweet face? And gotta love chubby baby hands!

  Thanks for another fun afternoon guys!

DIY Photo Booth Sign

Party crafting (and super late nights) for the MonSTAR first birthday party are in full effect people! Last night, I whipped up a sign for the mini photo booth we'll be having at the party this Saturday.

Super easy. Here's a basic tutorial for designing your own photo booth sign with Picnik.com (free!).
1. Download a FREE background from Sprik Space. Her patterns and colors are so versatile! Upload to Picnik.com
2. Crop to 8x10 (or whatever size you want).
3. Add a shape ("sticker") - I used a black oval.
4. Add text - I used three different fonts and colors.
5. Add more stickers - I used a star, smiley face star and a monster in different colors.
Done! This concept can totally be used to make treat bag toppers, cupcake toppers, food labels, and other party printables!

After too many 2am nights this week, I'm going to bed at nine tonight!

linked up here:

Fall Barn Wedding

This past weekend, we attended our last wedding of the year. With warm temperatures and abundant sunshine, Kyle and Christina couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day for their outdoor ceremony at the Byron Colby Barn in Grays Lake. A close friend officiated the wedding which set a casual and ever so meaningful tone to the ceremony. The couple vowed to walk hand in hand, side by side and heart to heart with one another ♥

How freaking adorable are the flower girls in cream colored ruffle dresses and fabric flower headbands atop their loose curls?! And the ring bearer in those suspenders! Oh my cuteness...

I love a refreshing drink outside. While taking in the warm evening sun and colorful fall foliage? Yes please!

Christina is artsy fartsy like me, so when I received their invitation, I knew right away that there’d be lots of DIY details to feast my eyes upon…which means lots of pictures for you J Invitations really do set the tone for an event.

A chalkboard seating chart and menu for the buffet style BBQ dinner (yum!) greeted guests.

Assorted pies for dessert? Lovely! 

 Mason jar flower arrangements, burlap runners and pumpkin table numbers for a fall tablescape...  

I love the new trend of fingerprint “guest books.” Great for baby showers too! 

The bar was located in the silo (how cool!) and Strongbow was on the drink list. Ahhh, brings me back to my drunken summer travels in Europe. The bouquets and caramel apples for favors even had burlap!

As you can tell, every. little. thing. from the burlap wrapped monograms to her gorgeous lace dress with a cutout back and her soft floral hair piece went together so beautifully.  Scattered votive candles and strung lights cast a warm glow in the barn to further create a romantic, cozy fall wedding.

Christina you did an amazing job (all by yourself!) with all the details. I know you’re glad it’s over, but it really did pay off J Congrats you two!

Go Bears!

Go Bears! Rawwr! Shee-cago. He dropped it! Get him! Time out!...are just a few things Mia can say while watching football J She fits into her (Ryu’s) Bears hoodie now so I thought it’d be fun to do a same time last year comparison…

Let’s hope Monday Night Football ends with a win tonight!

Girly Monster 1st Birthday Party: Inspiration Board

Mama Kaye took on my DIY ideas for her daughter's baptism and now she's enlisted me to help with the first birthday party planning! She is going to be one busy busy bee for the next week! Here are some ideas that gave us inspiration for her baby girl's MonSTAR first birthday party...

Resources (clockwise from the top left):
 - Sweets Table: via Kara's Party Ideas
 - Pom Garland: etsy shop unknown
 - Yarn Wrapped 1: See Kate Sew
 - Star Cookies: Vixen Made
 - Yarn Pom Monsters: The Purple Pug via Catch My Party
 - Monster Utensil Holders: a {day} with lil mama stuart by Tre
 - Streamer Backdrop: Annie's Eats via TomKat Studio
 - Lollipop Cone: One Charming Party
 - Yarn Pom Garland: Shortcake Party Shop
 - Yarn Pom Sign: Hostess with the Mostess
 - Invitation made by the birthday girl's dad!

**Update** See how the party turned out here.

{Mama K} - 40 weeks

A few Fridays month ago, the moms in my building enjoyed an evening out with Italian dinner and drinks The dads took our babies to a local watering hole and surprisingly, it seemed like they were fine without their wives! Good job guys!

Our newest soon to be mom couldn’t make it out because she was due to have her baby that Monday. On a whim, I photographed Mama K's beautiful belly just days before her son arrived. Can't wait to meet you Connor! 

**Warning if pregnant bellies gross you out, look no further!**

 

Paper Culture Giveaway Winner!

Thanks for playing along every one! The winner of my last giveaway, a $50 voucher to Paper Culture, is Lori from Chic Geek Designs! Congrats Lori, you won something!