Twenty mile-per-hour winds whipped around us as the gray clouds hung ominously above us. Though Northside Park was chilly, Michael, Annelise, and their beautiful family didn’t bat an eye!

I can’t tell you how meaningful it was for me to take their family photos! Michael and Annelise were actually my very first family portrait clients since my big move to the Wheaton area. This time, Annelise, Michael, and Zeke were joined by Annelise’s parents, her sisters, her brother and sister-in-law, and niece and nephew!

Michael and Annelise were my small group leaders at church when I first joined, and it’s been amazing to watch their family grow! They have become such dear friends of mine.

Michael is a financial advisor and deacon at our church. Annelise stays home with the kiddos, but she’s quite the entrepreneur! I’m so amazed at everything she does. You’re such a gift, Annelise!

She has a side business making lunches for Michael’s co-workers who want to avoid fast food through home-cooked meals but don’t have the time for it. She’s also done florals for many weddings, and she looks after kids for their hardworking parents!

Since Annalise’s family were in town at the time of these pictures, family photos were a must. Baby Zeke is now two years old, and now they also have a daughter named Joanna, but this session was before her time.

The gloomy weather didn’t put a damper on our party! Everyone was so relaxed and chill (pun intended) during our session. They were so great at following instructions and had such phenomenal attitudes about the cold!

There were times when we had to wait in between gusts, but that didn’t stop us from getting these amazing shots!

With the chilly wind and the cold creeping in, I knew that it might be tricky to get them to look at the camera, so we purchased a giant balloon that stayed behind me while I took my shots.

Despite the gloomy day, Northside Park was a fantastic location! There are so many rustic little cabins and wooden bridges that gave so much detail and character to these family photos. Paired with the colorful fall leaves and wild grasses, I couldn’t have imagined a better setting!

It’s been so wonderful to see God working in your lives! I’m thrilled that I got to document your family and freeze these exciting memories in time. Enjoy your family photos!