The Gal Behind the Cam: Photographer Spotlight on Andrea

In the fall, one of my former students reached out to me because she had stumbled upon my blog, and she wanted to take pics for me! I was honored! She has now become my go-to blog photographer, and we hired her for Finn's first birthday pics and his fiesta (pics coming soon from the FIESTA!).  I wanted to share with you all some of her work and get her information out to you. She is finishing up her freshman year at college, and she balances working for Bella Baby Newborn Photography, college, babysitting, her own photography business and being a really mature and talented 19 year old! I am so proud of Andrea, and I would recommend her 1,000 x over! 

I am sure you recognize these shots: 

And these. Oh, and these. And these.  And basically any other pictures on my blog that are professional LOL, SORRY MIKE! I love you, but Andrea is a profesh! LOL! 

Check out these beautiful shots from a few weekends ago commemorating Finn's first birthday!

all the fam making Finny giggle!^^ 

Crouching down to get the best pics! ^^^

Andrea is so talented! 

I cannot handle the cuteness ^^ she brought those letters! 

Behind the scenes action^^ 

The best part of Andrea's work is that she is FULL of ideas. She always tells me where we are going and has a Pinterest board for inspiration for each of our shoots. 

^^ I was stalkarazzi in the background. LOL

I can't handle the cuteness!!! 

Anna's ruffle top and similarly cute ones (on sale for 40% off using code: ohgoodie). 

Unkie Mike being crazy to make Finn laugh! 

Andrea had the best ideas for photo shoots! 

Amazing, right?! 

Those eyes! #biasedauntie 

Tell me the last time your photographer got down on the concrete for the best pics. LOL! That's dedication! 

So worth all her hard work and effort! 

Anna's Tom's booties:

Andrea leading the way! 

She knows all the great spots in the area. Loved the Japanese Gardens in Batavia for these shots! 

The gal behind the cam-- Andrea! I wish my pictures of her taking pictures were as amazing as all her photography! 

Let me know how I can help get you in contact with Andrea! She photographs maternity, newborn, blog pictures, senior photos, weddings, engagement pictures, and everything in between! 

xxoo

Mary

Easter! #RoseAllDay

Easter weekend was so special! Anna, Shawn, Finn and Coop spent the night on Saturday, and we got to take Finn to his first Easter mass on Sunday. Then, we headed to our cousins' house in St. Charles for our annual Easter celebration. It was so much fun! We are so blessed to live just 40 miles from Anna and Shawn (and even closer to our "Chicago" cuzzies!). 

Unkie Mike with Finny before mass 

Finn's outfit was sooooo cute! Thanks to Auntie Jackie for that adorbs monogrammed outfit! 

those knee socks!!! ^^^

Tulle skirt options: 

I just tucked in my go-to white collared shirt for mass with this tulle skirt. I always feel so Carrie Bradshaw-esque in this skirt! I have linked tulle skirts from $16-$160, so take your pick! I promise you TONS of compliments from friends and strangers alike. 

Finn loves his Unkie Mike. He wanted to be in Mike's arms the entire time during mass! 

All the Chicago girl cousins got these Rose All Day tees from Old Navy! 

They were soooo soft. Such a hit!  They are $10 now!

My sweet cousin/mentor, Beth! And her adorable son, who was our ring bearer in our wedding, Jack. 

Jack took this pic, hehe! Lori and Tom always host us. They're so good to us, and it means so much because our parents are in Ohio! 

All the ladies! Literally from ages 30-93 in the Rose all Day tees! 

Jack took this one, haha! A lower angle from our favorite 6 year old! 

Anna, Gail, Trish, Vee, Rosie, Rose, Lori, Beth and myself.

Cuzzies! 

Nana with her little loves! And my goddaughter, Bryn, on the right! 

More fun, inexpensive graphic tees:

Do you live near your family? I am so glad I moved to Illinois after Saint Mary's (because if not then I wouldn't have met Mike!), but I do miss my family a lot! It's so nice to have my cousins out here to be with for holidays :)

xxoo

Mary 

Lace Peplum + Tassels

If I had to pick a store to sum up my style, it would be, without a doubt, J. Crew (factory or regular-- they both GET me!). I tend to mix super girly pieces with more casual looks (think: blush tulle skirts and graphic tees), and that is something J. Crew does so well. My mom and sister BOTH surprised me with this lace peplum tank from J. Crew for my birthday; they knew I would adore it! Here's a look from last weekend on such a beautiful spring day. 

Okay, these shoes!!!! 

They are comfy and show stoppers. Also, they come in more *subdued* colors like black, camel, nude and blush. I bought them at DSW for under $70!

I am wearing these shoes for Finn's First Fiesta on Saturday, so I needed a sparkly pedi to match! Yellow and gold! Pamper Nails in Geneva is my all-time fave place to go. 

^^ bonus when your nails match your adirondack chairs LOL 

There is nothing more wearable than a great pair of jorts. I am telling you, I wear these so often all summer long! Mine are Gap from a few years back, but here are some similar, updated ones:

The best part of moving into our house over winter was now we get to have a surprise of all the flowers that pop up! Like these beauts!

Obsessed with anything peplum (and anything lace, for that matter). Make it pink, and I am sold!

Now, this is from January, but I have rounded up some peplum and lace tanks. You won't want to miss these!

This tassel necklace was under $25 at the J. Crew Outlet! I love it, and I get a lot of compliments on it from my students. When my kiddos like my clothes, I know I'm cool. LOL

I don't wear my Ray Ban Wayfarers nearly enough. They are so classic! 

I used to have a tortoise shell pair, but those are at the bottom of a lake in Illinois. RIP

What I love about this top is I paired it with black pants and a blazer for work, and it was suddenly dressy!

Here are a bunch of fab peplum tops you need in your life:

Like, this BOW one! 

I am so excited for my family to arrive tomorrow for Finn's bday weekend! And Mike's 33rd birthday is tomorrow, too!!! AH! So much excitement ahead!
xxoo
Mary