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. 

>>>><<<< 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

  >>>><<<< 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

    >>>><<<< 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

Remember the adorable engagement session with the sassy pooch, Jackson? Well, his parents got married! Liz + Josh tied the knot on a GORGEOUS day in May…it was picture perfect. Liz has been my friend since the day we met in third grade, so when she asked me to photograph her wedding (like, years ago…she […]

Josh + Liz | Rockford, Illinois Wedding Photographer

Summer White Pines Wedding Rockford, Illinois Wedding Photographer Sara Anne Johnson

June 24, 2015

Kirsten and I have been friends since third grade. In fact, we met in a very interesting way; running in intersecting paths across the playground at recess and ultimately slamming into each other, face first, destroying her pink glasses and leaving bruises where my new “invisible glasses” then graced my face. It was a painful […]

Gad + Kirsten | Rockford, Illinois Wedding Photographer

Kilbuck Creek fall wedding with pink undertones photographed in natural light by Sara Johnson Photography

May 11, 2015

Last June, I photographed a gorgeous wedding for the lovely Kevin + Jennie Goss…Christine, who just so happened to be Jennie’s MOH and best friend, asked me right then and there if I would email her with information on shooting her wedding a few months later in November. There’s nothing better than clicking with someone […]

Matt + Christine | Rockford, Illinois Wedding Photographer

March 11, 2015

I don’t even know where to begin with this one!!!! I have known Courtney for over a decade and a half!!! We grew up together, went to the same school, and our parents even knew each other “back in the day”. Courtney has been a good friend for years, so when she asked me to […]

Jason + Courtney | Rockford, Illinois Wedding Photographer

Bride and Groom's Disney's UP themed wedding at Lombardi Club and Sinnissippi in Rockford Illinois | Sara Anne Johnson

February 17, 2015

Sara + Trevor told me, months before their wedding, that the photos were the most important part of their day. Sara couldn’t have enough photos. This is what I like to hear! Photography is literally the most important part of a wedding (aside from the couple!) because without it, the gorgeous flowers, priceless moments, and […]

Trevor + Sara | Rockford, Illinois Wedding Photographer

Summer pink and green wedding at Kilbuck Creek in Monroe Center, Illinois | Rockford Illinois wedding photographer Sara Anne Johnson

February 16, 2015

There’s nothing like a 4th of July wedding! Dave + Jen’s wedding literally went off with a BANG! I shot their engagement photos in the winter…we wanted to try something a little interesting, so Dave bought a bunch of fireworks (legally, of course…) and we ventured out into the prairie at Kilbuck Creek Resort, the […]

Dave + Jen | Rockford, Illinois Wedding Photographer

Kilbuck Creek Monroe Center, Illinois Fourth of July summer wedding | Rockford, Illinois Wedding Photographer Sara Anne Johnson

February 12, 2015