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. 

>>>><<<< Anna + Ryne There’s an overwhelming feeling of comfort when you meet someone (or “two someone’s”) who you just click with right away, and for me, those two are Anna + Ryne. I met Anna at the beginning of February at Something Blue Bridal Expo, where I was lucky enough to photograph the event! […]

Anna + Ryne | Belvidere, Illinois Engagement Session

Winter engagement session with a mid-century modern twist, coffee, and ice cream at Sips + Sprinkles in Belvidere IL by Sara Anne Johnson

July 7, 2019

>>>><<<< Shelbie + Danny Shelbie is a striking natural beauty who has a passion for fashion and makeup and it shows! This girl has some serious style! Danny is a laidback, charming chef (yeah, CHEF… how cool is that?!) who looks at Shelbie with so much love in his eyes… together these two are a […]

Shelbie + Danny | Rockford, Illinois Engagement Session

Cozy winter urban engagement session at Rockford Roasting Co and Downtown Rockford by Sara Anne Johnson

March 4, 2019

  >>>><<<< Heather + Freddy When Heather told me that she had really wanted something unique for her engagement photos, I was 110% on board with her! I LOVE couples who want to venture out and try new things; the more fun we have while taking photos, the more genuine the photos will be and […]

Heather + Freddy | Rockford, Illinois Engagement Session

Alpaca filled Rockford IL engagement session at sunset by Sara Anne Johsnon

February 25, 2019

>>>><<<< 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

>>>><<<< Kaitlyn + Lucas Where to begin with these two! Kaitlyn + Lucas came all the way from NORTH CAROLINA for their engagement session and we had A BLAST! A “cold” blast, but a blast nonetheless. I am looking forward to their wedding so much… these two have an incredible love in their eyes for […]

Kaitlyn + Lucas | Rockford, Illinois Engagement Session

Winter engagement session at Carlyle Brewing Company Downtown Rockford, IL by Sara Anne Johnson

March 22, 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

>>>><<<< Kevin + Laura KEVIN + LAURA ARE TWO OF THE SWEETEST PEOPLE I HAVE EVER WORKED WITH. It would be an understatement to say that I was beyond excited about photographing their wedding. From our very first meeting at Starbucks all the way through the planning and finally at the wedding day, these two […]

Kevin + Laura | Galena, Illinois Wedding Photographer

Rainy fall jewel toned romantic wedding at Oak Hill Weddings in Apple River, IL by Sara Anne Johnson

December 23, 2017

>>>><<<< Stacy + Ramon There wasn’t a dull moment during our session with these two. Knowing Stacy’s entire family, I was prepared for some pretty awesome (and candid goodness) during her engagement session with Ramon! And might I add… HER SKIRT is SO lovely!! More styled engagement sessions please and thank you! They have officially […]

Stacy + Ramon | Rockford, Illinois Engagement Session

Boho luxe urban engagement session in downtown Rockford, IL by Sara Anne Johnson

November 19, 2017