I purchased a sequined rose gold backdrop I feel is perfect for Valentine's Day photos of the kiddos.... my daughters were in a good mood so decided to load them up and head over to the studio for a photoshoot.  I packed Viola's pink tutu and leg warmers to compliment an adorable ballerina inspired outfit their Grandmother gave Oona.
When families come into my studio, sometimes the personalities of the kids switch until I put my camera away.  That was the case today.  Usually Oona is amazing for the camera and Viola fights me at every turn.  Today, Viola listened to everything I said and actually wanted her photo taken.  Oona wasn't having it.  At all.
As I always say, you have an idea in your head going into the shoot and with kids it doesn't always turn out that way.  You have to exercise patience and go with the flow....
Here are some of my favorite images from their Valentine's Day shoot.

My niece Camilla turned one last week and I wanted to do a cake smash photo shoot since I didn't with her older sister and brothers.  I got a pink rose cake from Mariano's which was a must since her middle name is Rose.
I like adding personalized items to photo shoots that document a life event.  I am also a huge fan of adding sentimental items to those shoots, for Camilla Rose's first Birthday shoot I added a necklace that was our Grandmothers.
Viola, Oona and I arrived at my sister and brother-in-law's house, once I had the girls situated I set up for Cami's shoot.
My sister was concerned there would be cake all over her kitchen floor, so I set up a white vinyl backdrop which is perfect for cake smash photos.
Put a black diaper cover, our Grandmother's necklace and a bow of Oona's on Camilla and we started her shoot.  She is teething like crazy and was more interested in chewing on Grandma's necklace than giving me one of her adorable smiles.  I then set the cake in front of her with caught her eye until she tasted it.... Camilla is not a fan of cake.
Happy first Birthday to my sweet little peanut who is the best surprise we have ever received.  Here are some of my favorite photos from her shoot.

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I had the pleasure of meeting little Emily and being the first to take her photos to help announce her to the Little Beans family.  Her Mom, Shannon said she will soon be behind the register in the baby Bjorn helping welcome families to their wonderful indoor playground in Chicago.
Emily is a very lucky little lady, her older brother Will absolutely adores her.  It was so sweet watching him gently hold her, watch her and see the love he has for her on his face.  Her older sister Sydney is smitten as well... I could see the excitement in her face that she has a little sister to love and to play with.
Emily was less than 2 weeks old for her shoot and was perfect.  She let Mom know when she wanted to eat, Dad doted on her like a pro.  Emily was awake for part of the shoot, and snoozed the rest of the time in her loving family's arms.
I am always impressed when a Mom comes in less than 2 months after giving birth and is as put together as Shannon was..... hair done, makeup applied, coordinating outfits for all, hair product for Will's hair, a brush for Sydney's hair, a prop for the shoot.  Kudos Shannon!  I think I first applied makeup 3 months after each of my girls were born, LOL.

Here are some of my favorite images from Emily's shoot, I had a lot of fun with this wonderful family.  I finally got to take a sibling photo where the kids are stacked on top of each other!  Sydney was relaxing on her older brother and I suggested we put Emily on top.  Her older siblings were so sweet and gentle, and the outcome is adorable.

There are two locations for Little Beans Cafe, I highly recommend bringing your kids to either the Chicago or Evanston location.  So much fun!

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