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. 

>>>><<<< 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

>>>><<<< 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

>>>><<<< 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

>>><<<< 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

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

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