Family of six holding hands and walking together on green lawn surrounded by lush trees during outdoor photo session.

When Mari first reached out to me back in February, she knew this summer would be a special one. With Gerrit's mom and sister visiting from overseas, it was the perfect opportunity to get everyone together for updated family photos. I am so glad we made it happen!


I first met this sweet family last spring when I was invited to their home to photograph them with their brand-new baby lambs, so getting to come back for this session felt extra special.


Their home in Bull Valley was the most incredible setting for an extended family session. Calling it a backyard almost doesn't feel fair because it's so much more than that! With horses, sheep, wide open fields, and beautiful trees, every direction gave us another gorgeous backdrop. It couldn't have been a more perfect place to tell their family's story.


The evening gave us the dreamiest summer light. You know the kind that makes everything glow? It was absolutely beautiful. The bugs, on the other hand... they definitely understood it was a perfect summer evening too. Thankfully everyone was such great sports, and we laughed our way through it.


Gibbs family, thank you so much for welcoming me to your beautiful home and trusting me to capture this special time for your family. It was such a joy spending the evening with all of you, and I can't wait for you to see these memories!  Now grab a blanket and snuggle up, your sneak peek is live!

Family gathered together beneath a large tree in Bull Valley, Illinois.
Close-up of a horse at the family's Bull Valley, Illinois home.
Family standing together in the evening light in Bull Valley, Illinois.
Extended family smiling together outdoors in Bull Valley, Illinois.
Family portrait beneath a large oak tree in Bull Valley, Illinois.
Two brothers walking hand in hand across the yard.
Parents with their two sons in Bull Valley, Illinois.
Extended family portrait at their home in Bull Valley, Illinois.
Brothers standing beneath a large tree.
Family of four smiling outdoors on green grass with trees in background on a sunny day.
Three women holding hands and walking together through a lush green park surrounded by trees.
Two women laughing together outdoors in a green park setting, one wearing a floral blouse and glasses.
Couple standing close together on lush green grass beneath a large tree with sunlight filtering through.
Two boys laughing and playing on a rope swing in a lush green park on a sunny day.
Black and white portrait of a smiling boy on a tree swing.
Young boy laughing while swinging on a rope swing in a sunny green park with an adult nearby.
Two women smiling and embracing outdoors in a green park, wearing casual clothes.
Horse standing beside the barn in Bull Valley, Illinois.
A parent pushes a child on a rope swing hanging from a large oak tree in a sunny green park.
Portrait of a young boy leaning against a tree.
Aunt hugging her nephew during an at-home family session in Bull Valley, Illinois.
Extended family sitting together on a blanket at their home in Bull Valley, Illinois.
Horse being hand-fed at a family farm in Bull Valley, Illinois.
Two boys laughing and hugging under a large oak tree in a sunny green park.
Family dog sitting with two boys during an outdoor family session.
Parents feeding one of their horses at their Bull Valley, Illinois home.
Husband and wife sharing a quiet moment during their family session in Bull Valley, Illinois.
Parents smiling together during an at-home family session in Bull Valley, Illinois.
Extended family laughing together during a family portrait in Bull Valley, Illinois.
Two brothers with their family dog in Bull Valley, Illinois.
Parents walking with their horse at their home in Bull Valley, Illinois.
Family of three embracing on green lawn beneath large oak tree with golden sunset light behind them.
Two brothers cuddling with their family dog in a black and white portrait.
Portrait of a young boy outdoors in Bull Valley, Illinois.
Grandmother with her grandsons during an extended family session in Bull Valley, Illinois.
Father with his two sons during an outdoor family portrait in Bull Valley, Illinois.
Mother hugging her son in a black and white portrait.
Extended family standing together in the evening light at their Bull Valley, Illinois home.

Gibbs family, thank you again for inviting me into your home and allowing me to capture these memories while everyone was together. It was such a fun evening, and I hope these photographs always bring you back to this special season. I can't wait to share the rest of your images with you soon!

Thanks for reading,

Handwritten xoxo, Cassie signature in elegant cursive script on white background.