rocio and orlando: maternity shoot

God is so good. Seriously. It was such a blessing to be able to do this maternity shoot with Rocio and Orlando. Their patience and trust as a couple has been such an inspiration. They have waited so faithfully for God's timing to bring new life into the world and being newly married ourselves, I pray that Jeff and I will be able yo trust God just as faithfully in this process. I have learned countless lessons from Rocio and Orlando, but the thing that stands out the most clearly is the idea that, "God is writing your story". Although many of us wouldn't choose hardship in life, we can fear no evil knowing that our Heavenly Father is shepherding us through it all. Orlando and Rocio, may you never forget the love and comfort of His rod and staff as you learn to raise baby Eli into the ways of God. I can already see that you are going to be amazing, creative, fun-loving, flexible, and most importantly prayer-filled parents. May the Lord continue to bless you, keep you, shine His face upon you, and be gracious. We look forward to the birth of your little one with joy and expectation!

julie and chris: maternity shoot

It has been such a fun process to see Julie and Chris' relationship develop over the past nine years from dating to marriage and now parenthood! With each new season has come a new sense of commitment, responsibility, and deep joy. I was super excited therefore when I was asked to photograph their growing family around Lincoln Park. Praise God for such a beautiful day, and praise God for Chris and Julie's friends and family that have surrounded them both with so much wisdom and encouragement thus far! I pray that God blesses their baby girl with a profound knowledge of Himself and of His unconditional love and acceptance for her, and that she would desire to walk in His ways and serve Him in all aspects of her life. Julie and Chris, may you be equipped with God's power, strength and wisdom to lead her in the ways of righteousness and truth and may He be glorified by you home as it serves as a blessing to others.  I am praying for you both in this new season of life and for a smooth delivery of your first child in just a matter of days/weeks! Much love and many blessings.

baby esteban lukas: newborn shoot

I can't believe it has already been two and a half weeks since this beautiful baby boy came into the world, May 17th, 2014! What a joy it is to have this amazing child of God that we have longed and prayed for for so long now before us and that he is so adorably scrumptious (I almost ate his baby-burrito-self up on the spot in the delivery room)! It hasn't been without much stress that this child has come into the world. Liz and Epi had some fairly scary moments during the delivery process and are still dealing with sleepless nights and acid re-flux, but praise God for His continued faithfulness, the prayers of His people, and the body of Christ at work! It is such a blessing to live in community with such God-fearing people who are gifted beyond belief and are committed to one another. I am so excited for Esteban to grow up surrounded by so much love, encouragement and faith. As his tia, I pray often that this boy grows to be a strong man of character, a man after God's own heart, and that he would have eyes to see and ears to hear the kingdom of God at work around Him. Praise God for His beautiful parents and my dear friends who are raising him in the ways of the Lord. Esteban, your parents love you unconditionally and I will be sure to remind you of that when I am way cooler than mom and dad :). Epi and Liz, I am also praying for you two to have wisdom, patience and discernment through the parenting process. Raising a young man in our neighborhood is no easy task and it is already so clear that it is God's strength alone that is made perfect in our weakness. He is the ultimate provider of peace, joy, safety, purpose and life. May you give each day to Him and live lives of thanksgiving and joy as you celebrate the new life that He has made from inside of you both literally and figuratively. Thank you so much for sharing each season of your lives with me and for being such amazing friends. Many blessings and much love. Welcome baby E. We love you.

liz and epi: third trimester mini-session

It seems like just yesterday that I was grilling Epi at our kitchen island about what he likes about Liz and why he thinks he should be able to take my roommate out on a date, let alone was standing in their wedding. Now in their third trimester, the Diaz family is expecting their first child, and I am amazed at what God is doing with Little D inside of my dear friend. It was been such an honor to walk alongside them in this amazing season of life and am beyond excited to meet this child face to face. Little D, my prayer for you is that you would follow the gaze of your parents and look to the cross. May you learn what it means to be a sheep in our amazing Shephard's pasture and rest in the peace of knowing His nearness to you. He is for you  little one and will never forsake you in your weakness. Love ya. :)