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. 

>>>>><<<<< Every year, Shoot and Share hosts a world-wide photo contest open to any and all photographers who want to participate… there were over 46,000 photographers from all over the world and over 1.1 million total photos entered into the contest… it’s SO much fun! I’ve been participating in the contest for 4 years now […]

The Photo Contest | 2018 Results

Rockford IL wedding photographer | chic urban weddings | Sara Anne Johnson

March 1, 2019

>>>><<<< Sarah When I met Sarah, it was like we soul-sister bonded immediately… I mean her name is Sarah Johnson! It was like “name perfection”. Haha! But in all seriousness, this lady is so awesome to work with; she was laughing the entire time and we couldn’t take a “bad” photo if we tried! She’s […]

Sarah | Rockford, Illinois Senior Portrait Photographer

Rockford IL high school senior portrait at The Standard by Sara Anne Johnson

October 5, 2018

>>>><<<< Lexi + Ryan These self-proclaimed beer connoisseurs are so perfect together, they go together like Carlyle and hops! Match made in paradise! Lexi + Ryan are tying the knot in a few weeks at one of my favorite venues in town, The Standard, so it was only natural that we hung out downtown and […]

Lexi + Ryan | Rockford, Illinois Engagement Session

Carlyle Brewing Co sunset engagement session in downtown Rockford by Sara Anne Johnson

August 25, 2018

>>>><<<< Chris + Jacquelyn You know when you meet someone and you just “click” right away with them? That’s exactly how it was with Chris, Jacquelyn, and I when we met at Starbucks! I knew that these two were the most awesome, laidback couple… they were my kinda people! Just to fill you in on […]

Chris + Jacquelyn | Rockford, Illinois Wedding Photographer

Summer DC Estate Winery wedding with a bride and groom first look and a stunning sunset - Photographed by Sara Anne Johnson

June 30, 2018

>>>><<<< Jacquelyn + Chris Have you ever clicked with someone from the second you met them? Yes? I know the feeling all too well with Jacquelyn + Chris! From the second we met (at the Perryville Starbucks) we hit it off as if we’d known each other for years. I could tell right away that […]

Jacquelyn + Chris | Rockford, Illinois Engagement Session

Rock Cut State Park summer engagement session - photography by Sara Anne Johnson

June 14, 2018

>>>><<<< Wes + Maryam I am SO excited to say that I am absolutely addicted to photographing elopements! Wes + Maryam are two of the sweetest people I have ever met and I was so thrilled when Maryam told me that she wanted me to photograph their intimate, NYE elopement. With Rotary Botanical Gardens Holiday […]

Wes + Maryam | Janesville, Wisconsin Wedding Photographer

New Year's Eve Winter Elopement with emerald velvet gown at Rotary Botanical Gardens by Sara Anne Johnson

March 5, 2018

>>>><<<< Taylor + Jacob These two had the perfect gift to one another… they wanted to gift each other a couples session to remember this point in their lives, and when they told me that my heart literally melted. There’s no “right” or “wrong” gift to give to someone but giving the gift of couples […]

Taylor + Jacob | Rockford, Illinois Couples Session

Winter urban downtown Rockford couples session at The Standard by Sara Anne Johnson

February 18, 2018

>>>><<<< Alexa + Drew Alexa and I go way back… And when I say “way back”, I mean that I have known her since she was born! Alexa’s family owns Skateland, a local rollerskating rink where I grew up. I started skating there when I was just four years old, taking lessons and transitioning into […]

Alexa + Drew | Rockford, Illinois Engagement Session

Winter Rockford engagement session at Nicholas Conservatory Gardens Sinnissippi Park by Sara Anne Johnson

February 4, 2018

>>>><<<< Ramon + Stacy Stacy (without the “e” because “e’s” are eww…) was one of the most chilled out brides, planning her wedding around when her hubby-to-be would be coming back to the states from Brazil to live with her permanently… and everything went flawlessly! I had eagerly been waiting for her wedding since I […]

Ramon + Stacy | Rockford, Illinois Wedding Photographer

Indie Glam rooftop Wedding at the chic downtown Rockford venue The Standard by Sara Anne Johnson

January 12, 2018

>>>><<<< Natalie One word. F I E R C E. Natalie, my dear, you are such a sweet soul… you’re beautiful inside and out… AND GIRL YOU SHOULD GO INTO MODELING! Our session together was one that I will never forget; you absolutely rocked! (I know, I know, I say that all the time, but […]

Natalie | Rockford, Illinois Senior Portrait Photographer

Modern boho luxe inspired high school senior portrait session in downtown Rockford, IL

December 9, 2017