The kind of session that stays with you? It’s not just about golden light or pretty backdrops (though we had plenty of both). It’s about the connection, the laughter, the little moments in between. And this sweet family maternity session with the Lagerhausens was filled to the brim with all of it.


I met up with Candace, Auggie, and their boys Liam and Jack at Shamrock Hills Park in Crystal Lake on what was definitely the hottest day of the summer. I’m talking 95 degrees and a humidity level to match. But you’d never know it looking at this beautiful family! Candace absolutely glowed, the boys were full of smiles, and somehow they made the whole session feel easy and joyful. (Me? I looked like I needed a towel—or a shower.)


Candace had called me earlier this summer to share the happy news: baby #3 is due in early September! She was hoping for a nature-inspired location, and Shamrock Hills delivered—lush green backdrops, a quiet pond with an overturned rowboat, and the prettiest little stone staircase tucked into the landscape.


This wasn’t our first time together either—I had the honor of photographing their family last fall, including Jack’s first birthday and a sweet cake smash in the park. Being invited back to celebrate another milestone means more to me than I can put into words. It’s the biggest compliment, and a joy I never take for granted.


Now let’s talk about these boys—Liam had us all cracking up with his extended “cheeeeeeeeese” during every pose. It was like a tiny hummingbird of sound that followed us from shot to shot. And Jack is really coming into his own: playful, curious, and just the cutest little guy. Despite their young ages, these two are some of the most well-behaved boys I’ve ever photographed. Truly—they could teach my three a thing or two!


Candace and Auggie, thank you for letting me freeze time for your growing family once again. I can’t wait to meet your newest little love so soon. Now grab a blanket and snuggle up—your sneak peek is live.

 

A group poses together at the edge of a serene pond surrounded by greenery on a bright summer day.
A joyful family moment outdoors with two young twins in matching outfits sitting in front of their parents in nature.
Family sits together on stone steps surrounded by lush green foliage during an outdoor photo session.
A family sits together on stone steps outdoors in a serene nature setting during a maternity photo session.
A small child in a blue t-shirt and beige shorts sits smiling on outdoor stone steps.
Three identical photos show a garden setting with stone steps amid lush greenery and natural landscaping.
A romantic couple sits intimately on stone steps in a lush garden setting for engagement photos.
Two people sitting together on stone garden steps surrounded by greenery and landscaping on a sunny day.
A small child wearing a gray t-shirt and shorts sits on stone garden steps surrounded by greenery.
Two people walk up stone garden steps surrounded by lush greenery and landscaping on a sunny day.
Two young children in matching blue shirts sit together on stone garden steps surrounded by greenery.
In an outdoor setting, a person in a cream-colored dress holds their pregnant belly while standing amid lush greenery.
A maternity photo session in a natural outdoor setting with stone steps and lush greenery.
A couple stands on stone steps in a lush garden setting, with the woman wearing a flowing beige maternity dress.
A couple stands together embracing on rustic stone steps surrounded by lush greenery on a sunny day.
A couple in light casual attire walks up rustic stone steps surrounded by lush green foliage and natural landscaping.
A pregnant woman in a flowing beige dress stands on outdoor stone steps surrounded by lush greenery.
A family sits together on rustic stone steps surrounded by lush greenery in a peaceful outdoor setting.
A joyful moment outdoors as a young child sits beside someone in a beige dress among green foliage.
A young child in a blue shirt sits on a lap during a tender outdoor portrait.
A young family sits together on stone garden steps surrounded by lush greenery on a bright summer day.
A series of candid images captured on outdoor stone steps surrounded by grass and greenery shows playful interactions.
Two small children sit together on outdoor stone steps in a sweet black and white portrait.
Two sets of hands hold each other tenderly against a soft green outdoor background.
Two small children sit together laughing on outdoor stone steps as others stand behind them at a scenic outdoor location.
A photographer with professional camera taking pictures in a sunlit park surrounded by lush green trees and foliage.
Couple standing together among blooming white hydrangea bushes in a sunlit garden path.
Romantic moment captured in a garden setting with lush greenery and white hydrangea flowers in soft sunlight.
A rustic outdoor wedding ceremony in a picturesque garden setting with lush greenery and a tranquil pond.
A child in a light blue t-shirt sits on a curved concrete structure amidst green foliage on a sunny summer day.
A young child in a white t-shirt and beige shorts sits on a concrete ledge with greenery in the background.
A series of outdoor family portrait photos captured in a natural setting with greenery and sunlight.
Two children wearing winter coats lay on a wooden platform in a wooded area on a winter day.
Expecting couple shares intimate moment on bench near pond surrounded by summer greenery.
A couple relaxes on a concrete ledge near a tranquil pond surrounded by lush greenery on a bright summer day.
An expectant mother in a flowing white dress poses serenely beside a boat in a tranquil lakeside setting amid summer greenery.
A couple sits together on a stone bench in a serene garden setting with lush greenery and a pond in the background.
A couple in casual attire shares tender moments while posing outdoors against a lush green nature backdrop.
A woman in a white dress stands in tall grass by a river, cradling her pregnant belly in a tranquil natural setting.
Family relaxes and enjoys quality time together by a serene pond surrounded by lush greenery on a sunny day.
A family stands together near a serene pond surrounded by lush greenery on a sunny summer afternoon.
A family shares joyful moments together by a serene pond on a sunny summer afternoon.
Black and white maternity photos showing gentle moments between parents and children outdoors in nature.
A child in khaki shorts stands close to someone wearing a cream-colored dress in a sunlit garden setting.
A pregnant woman tenderly holds her baby bump while standing in a sunlit forest with soft glowing bokeh effect.
Children in matching outfits play with sticks in a lush park setting with geese in the background.

 

Candace and Auggie, thank you again for inviting me back to capture these memories for your sweet family. It truly means the world to me. I’m so excited for all that’s ahead for you—and I can’t wait to share your full gallery with you soon!


Thanks for reading,

 

Artistic text design spells out 'XOXO Cassie' in a soft aqua blue color against white background.