lindsay powell photography

jumping | chicago family photographer

I'm learning to jump. 

This last year has been really painful but also a huge path of growth for me.  Trying to keep a smile on your face for your children when your marriage is crumbling is pretty much the hardest thing I've ever had to do.  In fact, I failed many times.  Everyone from my best friends, to aquaintances, to strangers seems to have an opinion on your marriage once it fails.  Some supportive and comforting, some very much the latter.  I had to put on my big girl pants and decide my own truths.  The sort that are between me and God, and let everyone else's go.  I am turning 30 this summer and I am really feeling like I actually know who I am, where I want to go, and what's really important (and who!).  There are still tough days, but for the most part, the chickadees and I are doing great.

I used to blog a lot more.  I used to put myself out there and at some point started holding back a lot more.  Maybe I needed that season of growth and maybe I cared too much what others might think.  At some point you have to let go of that and just live your life for you. 

Part of this freedom comes from the amazing guy by my side. 

Roger is kind, soft spoken, and very intentional about everything he does, and everything he says.  He trusts God with his whole heart.  He picks me up when I fall to pieces.  His eyes sparkle blue like the ocean and seem to smile on their own.  He is known for his integrity and good character. He loves me for me.

Roger loves my three girls and they adore him.  He has three children of his own, each one year older than mine, so at some point this winter we had children of ages: 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, & 2.  Seriously.  We do get stared at everywhere we go, and I do believe people flinch when we walk into a restaurant.  However we also get a lot of compliments at the end of the meal.  I think people are shocked we manage to hold it together.  Roger once said to me, "If you can handle three.. and I can handle three.. WE can handle six."  That's the kind of guy he is.

It's a delicate balance, creating a blended family, and we are trying to do it right.  We are trying to be intentional about every decision.  We are blessed that both sets of kiddos have two sets of parents around to help raise them and be active in their lives.  I feel like I've gained so much love, a lot of laundry, and a whole lot of blessings.

We have been dubbed the Brady Bunch.. but Mrs. Brady had Alice. 

Wilder Mansion Reception - Elmhurst IL wedding photographer

John & Amanda had an intimate wedding back in the fall in her hometown.  They chose to hold their reception for family and friends later in the winter after a honeymoon in Hawaii!   Their elegant reception was held at the beautiful Wilder Mansion in Elmhurst, Illinois. 

Bringing in a little bit of her honeymoon, Amanda kept it simple and elegant with orchids, moss, and river stones as table decor, candles lit everywhere.. and my favorite, her portraits!  Since there was ample time between the wedding and reception, she was able to print and frame her wedding portraits to be used in her reception decor on mantles and tables.  Framed in rustic barnwood frames and set among candles, their portraits really made the reception cozy and personal.  If you'd like to do this at your own reception, think about using your engagement portraits, or even staging a bridal/wedding portrait session before your big day! 

 

Congratulations to John & Amanda!

For wedding photography information email lindsaypowellphotography@yahoo.com.

Amanda + John | {libertyville illinois wedding photographer}

Amanda and John had a small, intimate ceremony at her hometown church.  I was so excited to work with them because Amanda shares the same vision for detail, vintage flair, and artistic portraits.  She was a bit concerned about the outdated church colors (think maroon carpet, bright green panels of fabric hanging from the wall, and dark brick).  In these situations I feel it's always best to convert to black and white.  It focuses on the emotion and the subjects and sort of blurs all of that away. 

It was getting dark very fast and we only had about 20 minutes to shoot some portraits as the sun had already set, but shooting just around the church itself worked out great!  The homes in the area were all burning leaves which left this great smokey haze in the background and I really think it adds to the atmosphere!  (Even if we did all smell like burning leaves all night. ha)

Congratulations and lots of love to this gorgeous couple! 

buds | {lake county illinois photographer}

You may remember these guys from awhile back.  I never got a chance to share their full session so here are few of my fav's!

Patty is one of my best friends and has really been a true blessing to me through these last few tough months. I have been so blessed to have her as a neighbor (as have my kids!).  One of the many perks of my job is that I get to share it with those that I love!

glow. | {Lake County, IL Maternity Portrait Photographer}

This glowing mama-to-be was such a pleasure to photograph.  She was so easy going and knew just where she wanted to shoot, the neighborhood of her parents' home and where she grew up.  It was the end of the fall color and a brisk day but we found some great spots!  Their personal traditional style is reflected well in these classic portraits.  Isn't she radiant?