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. 

>>>><<<< 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

>>>><<<< 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

>>>><<<< 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

>>>><<<< 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

>>>><<<< 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

>>>><<<< Mid-Mod Meets Boho with Lovely Bride at romantic D.C. Estate Winery in South Beloit, Illinois YOU GUYS!! I AM SO FREAKING EXCITED! My styled shoot just got published on Ruffled!! I feel like a million bucks… I literally just won the lottery over here. This is such an honor! I had the most AMAZING […]

Mid-Mod Meets Boho with Lovely Bride at romantic D.C. Estate Winery in South Beloit, Illinois

Mid-Mod Meets Boho with Lovely Bride at romantic D.C. Estate Winery in South Beloit, Illinois by Sara Anne Johnson Photo: Sara Johnson Photography Venue: DC Estate Winery Cake: Julie Michelle Cakes Rentals: Forever Birdy Calligraphy: Letters by Chels Dress: Lovely Bride Chicago - Lovers Society "North" Florals: Busy B's Event Planner: Capstone Occasions

November 14, 2017

>>>><<<< Emmi This lady right here did a PHENOMENAL job modeling for her Senior photos! Dress: gorgeous. Hair: stunning. Emmi SLAYED her session by just being herself! I had photographed her big sister’s photos when she was a senior so it was such an honor to photograph Emmi now that it’s her turn to be […]

Emmi | Janesville, WI Senior Portrait Photographer

Fall sunset high school senior session at golden hour at Rotary Botanical Gardens in Janesville, Wi

November 6, 2017

>>>><<<< Ethan You know it’s going to be a great session when your senior is pretty much a model! Ethan ROCKED his session like Rick Nielsen himself (hence the perfectly placed newspaper and his awesome shoes in the next shot!) and we had a BLAST photographing downtown Rockford. Ethan told me that he “could do […]

Ethan | Rockford, Illinois Senior Portrait Photographer

October 23, 2017

>>>><<<< Jeff + Amanda ANNIVERSARY POST! Jeff + Amanda just celebrated their FIRST YEAR of marriage at the beginning of this month! I am still shocked that time has flown by this fast. It feels like yesterday that we were getting ready at Indian Lakes… celebrating their “I Do’s” with Gene’s & Jude’s Hot Dogs… […]

Jeff + Amanda | Addison, Illinois Wedding Photographer

October 22, 2017