Hey Friends!

Welcome to the blog!

I'm Sara Johnson, a free-spirited, travel seeking, Birkenstock wearing Wedding and Senior Portrait Photographer based in Rockford, IL! I'm also addicted to Mid Century Modern design, the host of the Living For It Podcast  and am a strong believer in creating something bigger than myself. 

>>>><<<< Edgar + Areli September 22 was an amazing day, not only because I had the honor of photographing a STUNNING wedding, but mainly because of WHO was getting married. Edgar + Areli are two of the sweetest people I know. From the beginning, I could tell that Edgar loved Areli more than words. When […]

Edgar + Areli | Rockford, Illinois Wedding Photographer

Purple + Gold Prairie Street Brewhouse September wedding with dockside ceremony photography by Sara Anne Johnson

September 28, 2017

>>>><<<< Erik + Valerie If I’m being completely honest, this wedding has been in the works since the first time I met Erik when Val introduced me to him at our part time job. He would come in and sit at the bar as Val cleaned, waiting for her to be off work. This happened […]

Erik + Valerie | Rockford, Illinois Wedding Photographer

Romantic black and gray wedding with vintage open back lace dress at Church by the Side of the Road in Rockton, IL by Sara Anne Johnson

August 20, 2017

>>>><<<< Ray + Amanda I absolutely love that these two have been engaged for years (yes, literally years!)… the dedication and commitment that Ray shows for Amanda is just priceless. He’s so taken with her, and it really shows! (I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, there still hasn’t been a wedding that […]

Ray + Amanda | Rockford, Illinois Wedding Photographer

Bright, bold Summer wedding at Kilbuck Creek photographed by Sara Anne Johnson

July 2, 2017

>>>><<<< Haley This lady right here did a PHENOMENAL job modeling for her Senior photos! Dress: adorable. Smile: perfect. Laugh: CONTAGIOUS! There’s just something spontaneously freeing about scheduling a session less than 24 hours before shooting it, and that’s exactly what Haley and I did. We had such a blast running around downtown, Rockford and […]

Haley | Rockford, Illinois Senior Portrait Photographer

Christian Life High School urban and floral inspired senior portrait session photographed downtown Rockford, Illinois by Sara Anne Johnson

May 24, 2017

>>>><<<< Sean + Renae Renae and I had spent the week prior to the wedding talking about how much we hoped for great weather because with April weddings, one never knows! Sean + Renae’s wedding day weather was absolutely perfect in every way… the sun was out and there was a cool breeze in the […]

Sean + Renae | Rockford, Illinois Wedding Photographer

Ecclectic, intimate wedding with jewel tone bouquets and greenhouse love in Rockford, Illinois by Sara Anne Johnson

April 21, 2017

>>>><<<< Mike + Hannah I’m not sure if I’ve seen many couples who are more in love than these two. Their love is just infectious!!! From the anticipation during “getting ready” through the tearful first look, all the way to Hannah’s tribute dance for her father… Mike + Hannah’s wedding day was nothing short of […]

Mike + Hannah | Chicago, Illinois Wedding Photographer

Tuscany Falls Chicago, Illinois spring wedding photographed by Sara Anne Johnson

April 7, 2017

>>>><<<< Blake + Alicia Alicia is unlike any other bride whom I’ve had the privilege of working with. I’ve known the Mashek family for over 10 years now, and from day one, Alicia has always felt like a sister to me. Fun fact, Alicia actually asked me to be her photographer YEARS before she was […]

Blake + Alicia | Decorah, Iowa Wedding Photographer

Gold glam winter New Year's Eve wedding in Decorah, Iowa photographed by Sara Anne Johnson

January 10, 2017

>>>><<<< Carley + Matthew Matthew wanted snow. He made that very clear during our pre-shoot email sessions. He wanted two things, he wanted snow and he wanted Carley to say yes! Matthew emailed me a few weeks back about photographing his surprise proposal to his girlfriend, Carley. Of course, the second I read his email […]

Carley + Matthew | Rockford, Illinois Engagement Photographer

Northern Illinois surprise winter wonderland proposal session photographed by Sara Anne Johnson - Sara Johnson Photography

December 13, 2016

  >>>><<<< Drew + Megan There’s just something about Fall weddings. The chill in the air, the lovely color palettes, the promise of perfectly overcast days… I’m not sure which part I like the best! Aside from fall weddings, there’s just something about Drew + Megan as well. Their love for one another is so, […]

Drew + Megan | Rockford, Illinois Wedding Photographer

Jewel toned, October wedding with airy, greens and roses bouquets photographed at Barn on the Hill in Leaf River, Illinois by Sara Anne Johnson.

October 5, 2016

  >>>><<<< Matt + Kristin From day one, Kristin has been such a sweet soul. When I shot Matt + Kristin’s engagement session at Veteran’s Acres in Crystal Lake, Kristin had an adorable question for me. She said, “What’s Liz’s favorite coffee?” Her reason for asking me what Liz’s favorite coffee was because she wanted […]

Matt + Kristin | Rockford, Illinois Wedding Photographer

Summer, Crystal Lake, Illinois blue and aquamarine wedding photographed by Sara Anne Johnson

October 4, 2016