This is just one of those sessions you have to see for yourself, and I am so ready to share it with you! It showcases the kind of love that’s so big, so generous, it spills over from one family to another. The kind of love that has a heartbeat outside your own chest. And the kind of love that, honestly, makes you want to ugly cry behind your camera lens (and maybe I did, don’t judge).

Cue Lisa, whose story landed me right in the heart of lovely Lilacia Park in Lombard on a golden May morning, camera in hand, ready to photograph her surrogate pregnancy. I love a good family snuggle-fest or a couple sneaking kisses under the trees, but I’ve never captured something quite like this before. It was easily one of the bravest, most beautiful experiences I’ve had the honor to witness with my lens—for both Lisa and the courageous family waiting patiently and supportively for their little one to arrive. Imagine Lisa, growing a whole human to gift to another family, and that family putting their trust in Lisa and the process. Incredible!

And what better place for this chapter than Lilacia Park in Chicago’s western suburbs? If you haven’t been, let me set the scene. Imagine 700 lilac bushes throwing a flower party, with about 35,000 tulips cheering them on. Between April and June, you breathe in, and it smells like spring is showing off just for you. It’s just a few minutes from my own front door in Lombard, and every spring, this place just glows. (I might have unofficially adopted it as my “outdoor studio” of sorts.) 

Magic, Lilacs, and the Purest Kind of Love

Lisa also brought her amazing husband and their adorable daughter, Quinn, along for the ride. What an incredible demonstration of sacrificial love she is giving her! I’m so glad she invited her into the experience. Quinn spent the evening spinning across the paths, wielding her fairy wand like she owned the place (honestly, she might). There’s something about watching a little one marvel at their mom’s growing belly—like they can sense the magic, even if they’re not totally sure what it means. Quinn “helped” me direct the session, and we had a blast together. Quinn and Parker have showered Lisa with all the love and support through the journey, and pure joy seemed to pour out of them. I truly don’t have the words to describe the beauty of the session, but I know you can see it on their faces. Oh, how it filled this photographer’s cup right up!

Lilacia Park Lombard: The Park for Every Story

Lilacia Park Lombard is not just for flower people, though. There are winding paths, a storybook country store, and lamp posts made for leaning on at golden hour. There’s space for kids to run wild, for couples to sneak a kiss, and for families to just be.

If you’re a parent (or a professional snack provider), you know what I mean: there are spots for hide and seek, quiet benches for juice box breaks, and—crucially—plenty of space for a little one to practice their spell-casting with a fairy wand.

Foror the record, even outside of Lilac Time, Lilacia holds onto its charm. The trees keep their quirky shapes. The paths stay winding. And the light’s always a little gentler than anywhere else. I have a feeling it will become as much your Happy Place as it has become mine.

A quick PSA: Lilacia Park is super proud of its flowers (rightly so), so pets have to sit this one out. However, we can shoot around the park or pick another nearby spot (there are plenty), if you want a friend to bring them to hop in for a few photos.

Prepare for Your Photography Session at Lombard’s Lilacia Park

I always tell families: come as you are. Little ones can wear the shoes they actually run in. Let the wind do its thing with your hair. If your kid wants to bring a wand, or a rock collection, or insists on sticking their tongue out for the first five photos—perfect. Let’s let life be what it is, and I’ll do my best to bottle it up in photos. Brush everyone’s hair, clean all the faces, coordinate some outfits, and pack what you normally would for the park. I definitely know that can be easier said than done, but the point is to not stress to much over the details. Documenting your family and this chapter is far more important.

This session showcased Lisa’s strength, Parker’s steady joy, Quinn’s playful heart, and the invisible thread tying two families together in the softest, strongest way.

We spun under trees and swapped stories. I caught Lisa laughing at a joke only Parker could have made. Quinn “bippity bopped” a whole row of tulips until she collapsed in a fit of giggles. The world, for a moment, felt small and safe yet full of possibility and wonder. And that’s how I want it to feel for you, too.

Why Lilacia Park is One of My Favorite Photo Locations

I’m not going to pretend Lilacia Park in Lombard is a secret. People know it, love it, visit during lilac season, and take about a bazillion selfies. But I think there’s something especially wonderful about being from Lombard, about having this magical spot just five minutes from my door.

It’s quaint, it’s quiet (except during the Lilac Festival, which can get a bit crazy), and it’s packed with nooks and crannies that make kids want to run and parents want to slow down. This place looks like a painted fairy tale!

If you don’t mind the crowds and think, “I want to see those blooms!”—there’s a bloom meter you can stalk so you know exactly when the lilacs are at their fluffiest. You can check it out here: https://lombardparks.com/lilacia-park/.

Ready to Document Your Family’s Smiles

Hear a Lilacia Park maternity or family session calling your name? Now is the perfect time to book! I can’t wait to meet you and your crew (or just the two!). Every season of life deserves to be documented with artistic authenticity.