Spring Minis At The Homestead 1854
A behind-the-scenes look at my first Mother’s Day Mini Photo Session in Plano, Illinois—featuring heartfelt moments, floral magic, and a beautiful collaboration at The Homestead 1854.
After moving back to Illinois from Austria this past winter, I met Dawn—the owner of The Homestead 1854. We instantly clicked and started dreaming up ways to collaborate in 2025. One of the first ideas I brought to the table was a spring mini session—something heartfelt, cozy, and centered around Mother’s Day.
Dawn introduced me to Anabelle of Ivy Atelier & Florals, and together we brought the vision to life—months of planning, designing, and prepping to make something truly special.
The setup for Mother’s Day Minis
Anabelle working her magic for Mother’s Day Minis
The setup for Mother’s Day Minis
The setup for Mother’s Day Minis
On Sunday, May 4, it all came together.
The Homestead provided the perfect backdrop—vintage charm and overcast skies (perfect to help with squinty eyes). Birds chirping, the BNSF train rushing by every other hour or so. The florals from Anabelle were a dream: soft, organic, and just the right touch of wild. Every detail came together to create an inviting space that made people feel relaxed, celebrated, and loved.
Andrew kissing his wife, while she kisses her baby
The happiest baby I have every seen
Andrew looking on at his wife and baby
Throughout the day, I witnessed so many sweet, candid moments—mamas holding babies tight
Chloe and 7-WEEK-OLD Rosie
kids embracing their moms
Judith comforting her youngest boy
tiny fingers
Sember hugging her baby girl
and pups proudly posing like part of the family. It was everything I had hoped these sessions would be.
Shiner and Molly sitting still for .05 seconds
Daisy proudly looking at her dad
Charlie posing by the flowers
As a photographer, you always dream of capturing not just beautiful images, but emotion—and this day gave me all of that and more. It reminded me why I love doing what I do (even if I do get a few pre-session jitters), and it filled me with so much gratitude for this new chapter back home.
One more look at the setup
Thank you to everyone who trusted me with their memories, and thank you to my friends at the Homestead 1854 and IvyAtelierAndFlorals.
Venue: The Homestead 1854
Florist: IvyAtelierAndFlorals
Photographer: Sarah Hollis Photo
