Meet Bentley

Welcome to this world, Bentley!  At only eight days old, you have successfully changed the lives of Mom, Dad, and big brother.  Just look at that sweet face...calmly taking in the shiny camera lens and clicking sounds of the shutter.

Perhaps I'm partial, but being a mom of boys is SO special.  And this mom already rocks it...Max and Bentley are so blessed.  And dad is just counting down the days to take his boys to ballparks, football stadiums, and everywhere in between.  

I've had the privilege and joy to photograph so many beautiful moments in this sweet family's life.  Seeing Max as a proud big brother is one of my favorite.  He's a spirited, super happy, and curious little guy.  I'm guessing the brotherly wrestling matches will start rather quickly in this house!  

Congrats Zack & Laura on such a precious addition to your beautiful family.  May you understand love on yet another level...and laugh with all the additional noise and dirt along the way.

Lauren Spillman | Indianapolis Family Photographer | Family First

Two weeks until Mr. & Mrs.

When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with a person, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.

Meet Kait & Adrian.  Two beautiful people, in love with each other and Jesus.  In about two weeks, they will join their hearts, families, and last name.  As I captured a few images of their love, it was apparent they truly loved each other...always thinking of the other person with every question I asked.  

Throughout their engagement, I've gotten messages from each of them...but they were not the usual questions about wedding itinerary and photograph lists.  Each email and text was about the marriage, not the wedding day.  Planning a wedding is stressful, and both did not want the stress taking over their hearts and minds.  I love that this groom texted me for advice in how to best serve Kait during this time.  And in conversations with Kait, it was obvious she wanted her decisions and time management to best serve her groom and upcoming marriage.  

Marriage is certainly built on love, joy, commitment, and a bit of laughter.  But this wise couple already knows that serving one another is an equally important piece of the foundation.  

Lauren Spillman | Indianapolis Wedding Photographer | Family First

Bathtub Antics

Have you ever just stopped and enjoyed the FUN of being a parent?  And you told yourself not to forget this moment...since they grow up so quickly?  And has this moment ever happened when you would have never imagined it?

With my hubby out of town one night, I tried to talk myself out of the need for a bath for these boys.  If there is one parenting duty I dislike most...it's probably bath time.  But, since dirt had found each of them that day, like everyday, I gave the "okay" for a bath.  Shocked, the boys ran upstairs, clothes were flying off with each step, and the screaming of joy commenced.  Seriously, close to Christmas excitement around here.  I said a prayer and hoped for the best...for their safety and the bathroom that should really be made of steel.  

And then...miraculously...I saw the JOY instead of the MESS.  And ran for the camera.  These days and moments won't last long.  I even took a risk that I'd miss it when I ran for the camera!  

So, I challenge you, say a prayer, grab a towel, and look for the JOY your kids have to offer.  

Lauren Spillman | Indianapolis Family Photographer | Family First

Senior | Jacob

Congrats, Jacob, on a strong finish to your high school career.  Good luck to you at University of Illinois in the fall.  The business world is lucky to have you coming their way in a few short years!  

Lauren Spillman | Indianapolis Family Photographer | Family First

Capture the Everyday

Our Easter pictures.  Yes, we all dressed up for church, and I made them all smile for the "big camera" before they could touch what the Easter bunny gave them.  And you'll see that picture below.  But really...I've got a secret.

The secret is...we only dress up that nice 360 days of the year.  Easter, Christmas, and a few family picture days.  These are the true Spillman boys.  Grass stained sweatpants, Colts/Cubs/Purdue/Airplane branded clothing, and not one thing matching.  Shoes tend to be optional too.  This Easter, they also sported face paint, and Finn, of course, showed off his youngest brother battle scars on his face.

So, this year, I captured the 'everyday' Spillman boys and family.  THIS is how I want to remember my boys.  Enjoying wrestling, laughing, and getting dirty.  

Family traditions also run deep within us.  Easter egg dying and the egg hunt being a couple of them.  These I hope to capture in their raw joyful state too...although I could admittedly be better at capturing them between holidays.  Uncle Nick is always a part of the Easter traditions, and hopefully many more soon since I get to move home to Indy soon.

Below you'll see the sought-after smiley Easter family picture.  Actually a pretty good one...thanks Mom!  I may print that one and hang it somewhere soon.  However, it's the "Everyday" captures that will inevitably bring tears to my eyes one day when my boys grow up.  So, maybe a canvas for them.

Lauren Spillman | Indianapolis Family Photographer | Family First

Morgan & Brent Engagement

     Meet Morgan & Brent.  Such a gorgeous, smiley, truly joy-filled couple.  

     The laughter never ended...the giggly, totally in-love kind.

     Those eyes.  That smile.  This lovely lady will make one gorgeous bride in August.

     They have many dreams to pursue, and will undoubtedly impact so many people.

     Security.  Protection.  Warmth.  These guys will be just fine.

     Multiple times I caught these two staring at the beautiful ring and feeling like they need to pinch themselves.

     Congrats Morgan & Brent.  Such an honor and joy to be a small part of your love story.

Bittersweet Move Ahead

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LOVE . LAUGHTER . LIGHT

After over four years of living, connecting, loving, serving and photographing in the Peoria, IL area, our family is headed back home to Indianapolis, IN.  It's bittersweet.  We have been blessed beyond imagination by friends here.  Friends became family in Peoria.  We are sad to go, but extremely happy to be close to family again.  A big thanks to those who asked me to photograph their precious families over the past four years.  I loved each moment getting to know you, making you laugh, and showing your kids that "picture day" can be a ton of fun.