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. 

>>>><<<< 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

  >>>><<<< Krista KRISTA! This lady right here did a PHENOMENAL job modeling for her Senior photos! Way to go, girl! Krista’s warm smile and giving heart impressed me so much; when we were approached by a few people in need, she didn’t hesitate to head back to her car to grab some money to […]

Krista | Rockford, Illinois Senior Portrait Photographer

Byron High School urban senior portrait session photographed downtown Rockford, Illinois by Sara Anne Johnson

September 30, 2016

>>>><<<< Garrett + Savannah Savannah + I go WAY back to our college days… Rock Valley College first, followed by Northern Illinois University. I love this girl. She is such a sweetheart! I remember our chats over Chipotle while attending NIU in DeKalb, IL… good memories, lady!! When Savannah asked me to be her wedding […]

Garrett + Savannah | Rockford, Illinois Wedding Photographer

September Minocqua, Wisconsin, elegant northwoods wedding with an outdoor ceremony and reception at The Waters of Minocqua, photographed by Rockford, Illinois wedding photographer Sara Anne Johnson

September 29, 2016

>>>><<<< Taylor This girl was such a joy to photograph! First off, I love my Seniors, there’s no doubt about that, but there was something refreshing about Taylor that was obvious the second we started shooting. Her personality came out in her photographs RIGHT AWAY. She’s spunky, fierce, focused, + driven (future Graphic Design + […]

Taylor | Rockford, Illinois Senior Portrait Photographer

Byron High School urban senior portrait session photographed downtown Rockford, Illinois by Sara Anne Johnson

September 9, 2016

>>><<<< Valerie + Erik People are constantly placed into + removed from our lives for reasons beyond our comprehension. Valerie (who I call Vali) was one of those people who was placed into my life as a new co-worker when we both started working at LongHorn Steakhouse as servers. I am so thankful that I […]

Valerie + Erik | Rockford, Illinois Engagement Photographer

Chicago, Illinois Engagement session on Lake Michigan with a background of the city skyscrapers photography by Sara Anne Johnson

August 26, 2016

    >>>><<<< Nate + Kelsey First off, I’d like to start by saying that Nate + Kelsey are awesome. They’re free spirited souls who love adventure + aren’t afraid of making their own traditions. These two Californians live in such a beautiful area of the country + are always “adventuring” (for lack of a […]

Nate + Kelsey | Rockford, Illinois Wedding Photographer

Colorfully Inspired Anderson Japanese Gardens Summer outdoor Wedding with stunning bouquets and vintage styled floral bridesmaid dresses, photographed by Sara Anne Johnson Rockford, Illinois Wedding Photography

August 24, 2016

>>>><<<< May 28th was “the day”… my first wedding of the 2016 season!! And I couldn’t be more excited that my first couple of the year was Christian + Kailey. Christian is so sweet and caring and completely all about Kailey, and Kailey is one of the most genuine people that I have ever met. […]

Christian + Kailey | Rockford, Illinois Wedding Photographer

Glam, Elegant, Gold Wedding at Oak Hill by Sara Anne Johnson

June 1, 2016

I can’t believe it’s happening. My dear friend, Alicia, whom I have known for over 10 years now (woah!) is GETTING MARRIED to her knight in shining armor, Blake!! I couldn’t be happier for these two. Their personalities are perfect together, and the way Blake looks at her, SIGH! Adorable! You can tell A LOT […]

Alicia + Blake | Rockford, Illinois Engagement Photographer

Alicia + Blake | Sara Johnson Photography | Rockford, IL | Downtown Galena, IL Winter Lovebird Engagement Session

February 16, 2016