It wasn’t “Sixteen Candles” for this 12 year old Bat Mitzvah girl, but we all know “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”!!! From the leg warmers to the Reebok high tops, the track suits and neon plastic bangles - the 80’s were back and better then ever!!! Elly’s Bat Mitzvah was a totally radical 80’s bash that even RUN DMC wouldn’t want to miss!! This party was no “Risky Business’, it was “Footloose” and fancy free. The party was “Pretty in Pink” and “Purple Rain” ! Elly rocked her speech and the dance floor was like Kellerman’s from “Dirty Dancing”! Cindy Mancini Ronald Miller would have felt right at home with all the 80’s details. The kid’s place cards were fun and playful toys, and the adult place cards were cassette tapes, ready for a ghetto blaster. The DJ’s playlist was righteous and everyone dressed in their 80’s best!. Prom and Bat Mitzvah dresses were definite show stoppers! The sweet table would have satisfied all “Gremlins” and “Goonies”. It had PopRock’s, Good n’ Plenty, Fun Dip, Pixie Sticks, Gobstoppers, and much much more! At the end of the party all the girls received crop-tops and the boys got muscle tee’s to remind us that it’s fun to go “Back to the Future”. It was a party to remember! Sincerely yours, The Breakfast Club”!

Venue: Loft 21

Event Planner: Ellyn Saul Events

DJ: Monster

Photographer: Naomi Epstein Photography

Holy Moly!!! I can’t believe it but it is finally here. My amazing #fearboss friend is a Best Selling Author “Fear is my Homeboy” The book was released on May 28th on Amazon and it is also available at Barns and Nobles and soon to be at airport bookshops! Judi’s book is a book for the masses. Its for your nephew who just graduated college, for your sibling who wants something more our of life, for your friend who can’t seem to find their dream job, or for your mom who’s now an empty nester and just feels stuck.

Judi’s background hits close to home and that’s why our vibes meshed so well from the start. We met ten years ago doing improv at Second City in Chicago. During our time there, students would go through hours of classes. We had to check our ego’s at the door before goofing around on stage saying “yes and.” We had to train our brains to be free of judgement and also a team player. We were taught lessons from our teachers about how to be a better improvisor but, really it taught us how to be better human beings. Judi Holler wrote an amazing book that captures how to embrace the fear and improvise through life with confidence. I adore this amazing gal, not only because of her smart wits both off and on the stage but also for her tenacity in life. When she told me that she was going to write a book she reached out and asked if I could photograph her for her cover bio! So now my name is featured in her book! What a team player! Love ya Judi!!!

Click here to purchase her book on Amazon and click here to purchase her book from Barn and Nobles.

Every girl loves to twirl and this girl has something major to twirl and dance about! So proud of you and can’t wait to see what else is in store!

Beyonce was right! Girls Run the World!!! For Jordyn’s 11th Birthday, she asked her mom if she can have a styled session with her best friends. I have photographed Jordyn since she was 5 and was so excited to see her and meet her BFF’s! We talked a month before about what style she wanted and I adored hearing her ideas. We decided to photograph in the West Loop. I looked for a few spots to photograph her stylish bunch. I came across a few Graffiti walls the week prior, knowing that we were going to have rain in the forecast I found a spot that was underneath a bridge which gave us a roof and coverage from the rain! Jordyn or should I say….umm Kendel Jenner - modeled like a pro! We had an awesome afternoon with her SHE-PACK in the city and made the sidewalks and streets our catwalk! Yassss Queen!!! The girls kept saying to each other as they cheered each other on as each girl stepped in from of my camera. Happy 11th Jordyn!!! I hope you had a great day celebrating all the things you love. I’ll see you and you’re friend at your Bat Mitzvah :)

Zack asked her out and Emily smiled and agreed, which led to an unforgettable evening…which led to unforgettable years togethers. It was no surprise when Emily said yes!!! to Zack’s marriage proposal, having close family and friends near by to celebrate the happy couples love for one another.

As they plan to wed in August this summer, we wanted to take advantage of the spring! Having grow up close to the water, Zack wanted to planned a beach engagement session at Evanston Beach. I was thrilled to spend more time with this amazing couple and I can’t wait to document their first day as husband and wife soon!