As a Chicagoland beach photographer, I absolutely love when sessions combine beautiful scenery, sweet connections, and meaningful milestones. This extended family beach session had all of that and more. Set along the shoreline in Lake County, Illinois, this evening was filled with laughter, sandy toes, and the kind of golden light photographers dream about.

This growing family chose a beach session to celebrate their time together, including a glowing, soon-to-be mama and her husband as they prepare to welcome a new baby. Adding a maternity element to an extended family photo session makes it even more special, capturing not just who they are now, but who their family is becoming.