Longtime Friends - Quad Cities Family Photographer

So excited that I got to take The Poley Family's pictures this weekend! They are longtime friends and I like to take credit for the fact that they are a family since it was my brilliant idea way back when that John and Melissa meet. :)

 

So without my match making skills, this lovely family portrait wouldn't exist...

 

John has been part of our family since before I was born...best friends with my brother since he was in 2nd grade.  Melissa and I met while working together and built a friendship that I know will last a lifetime.

They DO look pretty darn good together if I do say so myself!

 

And they have produced two stinkin' adorable kiddos too!

The baby, Stone is quite the little stud!

And his older brother, Landon is a ham to say the least!

Yup, I have a gift. ;)

In all seriousness, it was so fun to get to spend time with them (and I'm not talking about the photo session since it only lasted about 20 minutes!).  We got to hang out and catch up this weekend and those face to face times spent together with The Poleys are rare since we don't live in the same neck of the woods anymore.

 

Talking on the phone just isn't the same, Melissa.  Let's try to make this happen more often...okay?  Okay. :)
So great to see you all and capture you photographically!  Love you and miss you all the time!

Simply Gorgeous - Quad Cities Family Photographer

What to say about this family...hmmm.

To avoid being too sappy, I will keep it as short as I can. :)

 

This family is so so special to our family...for one, all 3 of their daughters' marriages are going to be arranged with my 3 boys (don't judge...we're bringing arranged marriages back...for reals ;)) and also, it's a rare thing to find a friendship like this...you know, the kind where your husbands get along as well as you and your friend...and then to make things even better, our kids all get along and love each other as well!  It's the perfect fit!

 

To say I love our friendship with them would be an understatement.

It is beyond special to our family to have them in our lives.

I love them and their children like they are family.

And honestly, my camera loves them too! ;)

 

I mean, why wouldn't it?!  They are GORG!

 

Chloe was dying to see a picture from the bridge...so here ya go, CoCo! :)

3 beautiful daughters...Ava and Chloe are the same age as my Tate and Wesley and then little Sophia is just a bit younger than Cason.
Perfect! ;)

 

Lora is a beautiful Mama...that's obvious, but she is amazing and loving and hard working too...these are some blessed girls!

Ava June (almost 6)...

I do prefer color images, but some just scream to be put in black and white!

Chloe (3 1/2)...

 

Sophia (7 mos)...

 

The "bigs"...love this shot!

Love.
Love.
Love.

And believe it or not, this session lasted about 20 minutes...that's all it took.
For reals.
Kinda jealous of how amazing their kids were and how adorable all of their pictures are!
Love you guys!!!

Pictures and chatting - Quad Cities Family Photographer

I love photographing families for so many reasons...one of which is getting to know so many different people.

 

People all have their own stories...the stories of things they've been through, how they've grown their families, etc.  It's so fun to chat with all of these wonderful clients of mine, oftentimes learn of connections we have that we never knew before.

 

After my session with The Franks Family, Jennifer and I sat by our cars and chatted until it was almost dark.  I am a talker, so this wouldn't surprise those of you who know me! :)

 

Such a fun family... 

 

And yet again, I am lucky to get to photograph such gorgeous people!

Kaylee has the most gorgeous eyes!

And Cameron's smile...he is a little heart breaker!

 

 

 

 

LOVE this Mommy love shot!

And Kaylee with Daddy...

It's not always easy to get shots of small children together.
I love me a candid shot though!
Adorable siblings!

 

 Thank you Franks Family for spending some time at the park with me.  And Jennifer, it was so nice to get to know you a little better!  Thank you for making me forget that I was actually working!

I can't call this work - Quad Cities Family Photographer

Sometimes I just have to pinch myself after a photo session. It's just amazing how easy some families are to photograph...and then they come back for more pictures and I get so excited to photograph them again!

 

This is one of those families...it's families like this that make me realize I can't call this work...it's too much fun to be "work".

 

Natalie and Kaitlyn have grown up since our session almost exactly 1 year ago.

They are so adorable that they grace the header of this blog!
Some things never change...there's a good chance they'll be gracing the header of my 2013 Jennie Peakin Photography blog header as well!

Oh Natalie.
She is ALL personality!

And her older sister, Kaitlyn is as well!

I'm tellin' ya, these beauties are super fun and super sweet girls!

 

And there was no fighting here...100% sisterly love.
I need a daughter...maybe 2...if they could be as fun and loving as these 2, I wouldn't hesitate!

And sometimes I let my kiddos "work it" for the camera and do whatever their posing heart desires.
These girls absolutely took advantage.
LOVE these next 2 images!

 

And as you all know by now, the candid moments captured are my favorite!
I am pretty much completely in love with this shot!

Thank you yet again for a great session, Christ Family!
You all are UH-MAZING and I love photographing you.
Same time next year?
Or maybe we can work on picking a date that isn't freezing and windy! ;) 

 

Love - Quad Cities Family Photographer

This family is such a great group! They are one of those kinds of families that you feel like you've known forever, the moment you meet them!

 

They are the real deal...and so fun to work with!

 

These two sisters, Emma and Chloe were SO FUN to photograph...they worked it like they'd been modeling for years! :)

Remember Samone?
I photographed her several months ago at a ripe 4 months of age.
She is now 11 months old and more beautiful with every day!

And so so loved...

 

And these girls...oh.my.adorableness!
These girls love their cousin so much!

...and I think they kinda love each other too! :)

It's clear why there is so much love in this family.
They have got so many examples of true love to see every day.
And this family loves fully, it is so clear and so amazing to see.

 

 

Thank you again Szegda and Wires families for spending some time with me!  What a pleasure it was to meet you and photograph your beautiful family!
Thanks for making my job FUN!