One of the things I love most about being a wedding photographer is that the story doesn’t end when the wedding day is over.

Megan and Tyler were married in November of 2023, and their beautiful fall wedding was photographed by my dear friend Rachael Watson. I have the joy of serving as Rachael’s Associate Wedding Photographer, which means I get to walk alongside so many incredible couples during their engagement and wedding season.


And every once in a while, I get to see them again in a completely different season of life.

Even though I didn’t meet Megan and Tyler until this session, they welcomed me into their home like we’d known each other for years. That’s something I’ve come to love so much about our Watson couples — there’s this shared connection that makes it feel easy right away. Getting to photograph their sweet baby Levi and document this new chapter for their family was such an honor.

If you’d like to see where their story began, you can read all about their beautiful wedding day here.

 

 

Fast forward just over a year, and Megan and Tyler are now settling into life as mom and dad.

Levi was born in late December, and at two months old he is already so aware of the world around him. This stage is such a sweet one to photograph. Babies begin locking eyes with their parents, stretching into their arms, and settling into the rhythm of life at home.


When I arrived at their home in Palatine for their in-home lifestyle newborn session, the light pouring through their windows was absolutely beautiful. The whole morning felt calm and easy as we simply moved at Levi’s pace, pausing when he needed it and letting the moments unfold naturally. And watching Megan and Tyler with Levi, it’s already so clear how deeply loved this little boy is.


Megan and Tyler, thank you for welcoming me into your home and trusting me to capture this season for your family.

Now grab a blanket and snuggle up with Levi… your sneak peek is live.

 

Palatine IL lifestyle newborn photographer capturing parents with their baby on a couch during a bright in-home newborn session
Palatine IL newborn photographer capturing parents interacting with their baby during a bright in-home lifestyle newborn session
Palatine IL lifestyle newborn photographer capturing a baby cradled in parents’ arms during a natural in-home newborn session
A collection of black and white photographs showing gentle moments of newborn baby care and nursing.
Palatine IL lifestyle newborn photography of a smiling baby during a natural in-home newborn session with parents
In-home newborn photographer in Palatine Illinois capturing a sleeping baby in mother’s arms during a lifestyle newborn session
Palatine IL lifestyle newborn photographer capturing a yawning baby during a natural in-home newborn photography session
Palatine IL lifestyle newborn photographer capturing parents holding their sleeping baby during a relaxed in-home newborn session
Sleeping newborn wrapped in a soft white blanket during an in-home lifestyle newborn session in Palatine Illinois
Close-up of peacefully sleeping newborn during an in-home lifestyle newborn session in Palatine Illinois.
Newborn baby wearing a neutral knit outfit photographed during an in-home lifestyle newborn session in Palatine IL
Lifestyle newborn photography detail of tiny baby hand during an in-home newborn session in Palatine Illinois
Sleeping newborn in neutral knit outfit photographed during an in-home lifestyle newborn session in Palatine IL
Close-up of a peacefully sleeping newborn during an in-home lifestyle newborn session in Palatine Illinois
Close-up of a peacefully sleeping newborn during an in-home lifestyle newborn session in Palatine Illinois
Modern baby nursery with crib and giraffe decor photographed during an in-home newborn session in Palatine Illinois
Jungle themed baby mobile with lion and giraffe hanging above crib in a nursery photographed during an in-home newborn session in Palatine
Wood crib in soft green baby nursery photographed during an in-home lifestyle newborn session in Palatine IL
Parents holding their newborn baby reflected in nursery mirror during an in-home lifestyle newborn session in Palatine Illinois
Mother holding her newborn baby in nursery chair during an in-home lifestyle newborn session in Palatine Illinois
Father kissing his newborn baby during an in-home lifestyle newborn photography session in Palatine IL
Parents smiling at their newborn baby on the bed during an in-home lifestyle newborn session in Palatine Illinois
Parents sitting on their bed holding their newborn baby during an in-home lifestyle newborn session in Palatine Illinois
Mother and father sitting on their bed with their newborn baby during an in-home lifestyle newborn session in Palatine Illinois
Mother feeding her newborn baby while father smiles during an in-home newborn photography session in Palatine IL
Parents sitting on their bed with their newborn baby reflected in a mirror during an in-home lifestyle newborn session in Palatine Illinois
Framed wedding portrait of parents displayed on a dresser with greenery during an in-home lifestyle newborn session in Palatine Illinois
Parents sitting together on their bed holding their newborn baby during an in-home lifestyle newborn photography session in Palatine IL
Mother lying on a bed smiling down at her newborn baby during an in-home lifestyle newborn photography session in Palatine Illinois
Mother kissing her newborn baby while lying together on a bed during an in-home lifestyle newborn session in Palatine Illinois
Close-up of a newborn baby holding a parent’s finger during an in-home lifestyle newborn photography session in Palatine IL
Newborn baby lying on a bed looking up at parents during an in-home lifestyle newborn photography session in Palatine Illinois
Parents sitting on their bed smiling down at their newborn baby during an in-home lifestyle newborn photography session in Palatine Illinois
Close-up of a newborn baby lying on a bed next to a stuffed animal during an in-home lifestyle newborn session in Palatine Illinois
Newborn baby lying on a blanket looking up during an in-home lifestyle newborn photography session in Palatine IL
Father leaning over and smiling at his newborn baby on a bed during an in-home lifestyle newborn photography session in Palatine Illinois
Black and white image of mother holding her newborn baby during an in-home lifestyle newborn session in Palatine IL
Newborn baby lying on a bed in a bright bedroom during an in-home lifestyle newborn photography session in Palatine Illinois

 

Megan and Tyler, thank you again for trusting me with these memories. I can’t wait to share the rest of your gallery with you very soon.

Thanks for reading.

 

Handwritten text in light gray ink shows cursive lettering against a white background.