A group of people in coordinated blue and gray outfits posing together in a sunny grassy field during golden hour.Sorg family portraits at S

 

Last September, I had the honor of photographing Maureen and Nolan’s wedding day. It was such a joy to capture their love story as they began their marriage surrounded by family and friends. So when Maureen reached out again—this time to celebrate her mom’s birthday with updated family portraits—I was thrilled to reconnect with them in this new season of life.


We met at Shamrock Hills Park in Crystal Lake, where I photographed all the classic family combinations that every portrait session needs. But what really made this session special were the in-between moments. The little laughs, the quick glances, and the sweet candid interactions that tell a family’s story far beyond the posed portraits.


One of my favorite details from the day was their son Austin and his beloved Sesame Street figurines. I know Maureen probably didn’t want those little characters in the photos, but I couldn’t help but smile as I captured them. Because here’s the truth—20 years from now, those toys will mean so much. They’re a piece of Austin’s childhood, a reminder of this exact season when he needed those little buddies by his side. And that’s exactly why I love weaving the real, unscripted pieces of life into the galleries I deliver.


So sit back, grab a blanket, and snuggle in as you scroll through a handful of my favorites from this sweet family session.

 

Group of adults gathered on grassy hillside while young child in plaid runs and plays in foreground.Sorg family portraits at Shamrock Hills
A group of people in color-coordinated blue and gray outfits pose together on a grassy hill during a sunny day.Sorg family portraits at Sham
A group wearing coordinated blue and grey outfits poses together outdoors in a sunny garden setting.Sorg family portraits at Shamrock Hills
Candid series shows embracing couple in blue top and plaid shirt enjoying playful moment outdoors in sunlit setting.Sorg family portraits at
An older couple shares a joyful embrace while standing together on a grassy hillside on a sunny autumn day.Sorg family portraits at Shamrock
Couple embraces in a sunny park setting during golden hour amidst trees and lush grass.Sorg family portraits at Shamrock Hills Park in Cryst
A family sits together on green grass during a sunny outdoor photoshoot at sunset.Sorg family portraits at Shamrock Hills Park in Crystal La
A family sits together and laughs on green grass during a sunny outdoor portrait session.Sorg family portraits at Shamrock Hills Park in Cry
Black and white collage of candid family moments showing playful interactions and joyful expressions.Sorg family portraits at Shamrock Hills
A tender family moment captured in a series of photos on grassy hillside during golden hour at sunset.Sorg family portraits at Shamrock Hill
A couple shares a tender moment together in a sunlit grassy field on a summer afternoon.Sorg family portraits at Shamrock Hills Park in Crys
Little one takes first steps in grassy hillside park during a bright golden sunset while learning to walk.Sorg family portraits at Shamrock
A sequence of figures enjoying time together outdoors in a sunny green park setting.Sorg family portraits at Shamrock Hills Park in Crystal
Three generations pose together outdoors on a sunny day in a grassy park setting.Sorg family portraits at Shamrock Hills Park in Crystal Lak
Three figures pose casually together on a grassy hillside during golden hour in a peaceful outdoor setting.Sorg family portraits at Shamrock
Two people share a playful and affectionate hug outdoors in a series of candid photos showing their joyful connection.Sorg family portraits
A sequence of tender moments in a sunny green park captured in soft, natural light.Sorg family portraits at Shamrock Hills Park in Crystal L
A small group sits together on an aluminum boat by a peaceful pond surrounded by trees on a sunny day.Sorg family portraits at Shamrock Hill
Family enjoying an autumn afternoon together while sitting at the edge of a tranquil pond.Sorg family portraits at Shamrock Hills Park in Cr
A series of photos showing playful interaction between adult and young child sitting outdoors near a lake.Sorg family portraits at Shamrock
A series of outdoor family photos featuring a couple posing together in casual attire by a lake during golden hour.Sorg family portraits at
Couple sharing romantic moments by a serene lake during golden hour in a peaceful park setting.Sorg family portraits at Shamrock Hills Park
Child plays outdoors near calm lake on sunny summer day in blue plaid shirt while adult hand reaches in frame.Sorg family portraits at Shamr
Two figures explore a grassy hillside path together during a golden autumn afternoon.Sorg family portraits at Shamrock Hills Park in Crystal
Child in blue shirt explores outdoor nature trail while hiking along wooden boardwalk in summer.Sorg family portraits at Shamrock Hills Park
People relax together on stone ledge in park during autumn with colorful trees and lake in background.Sorg family portraits at Shamrock Hill
Family walks near the edge of a serene lake with their reflections cast in the still water.Sorg family portraits at Shamrock Hills Park in C
A grassy hillside slopes gently downward against a backdrop of trees and buildings in natural sunlight.Sorg family portraits at Shamrock Hil
A black and white panoramic landscape photograph showing a view of trees and buildings under an overcast sky. Sorg family portraits at Shamr
Series of photos showing autumn foliage and path with bright bokeh effects in afternoon sunlight. Sorg family portraits at Shamrock Hills
A family poses together outdoors in a park wearing coordinated blue and gray outfits during a sunny autumn day. Sorg family portraits
Two people share affectionate side hugs while standing in a sunlit green park during golden hour. Sorg family portraits at Shamrock Hills
Sorg family portraits at Shamrock Hills Park in Crystal Lake IL during late summer Maureen and her mom smiling at each other.
Sorg family portraits at Shamrock Hills Park A toddler in a blue plaid shirt walks through a lush green garden pathway on a sunny day.

 

Maureen, Nolan, and family—thank you so much for trusting me once again to capture these moments for you. It is such an honor to be invited back into your lives, and I’m so grateful to preserve these memories of your beautiful family in this season.


Thanks for reading,

 

Text art design with XOXO and Cassie written in pastel blue and green colors on white background.