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. 

>>>><<<< 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

>>>><<<< 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

>>>><<<< Caitlin + Jon From the very beginning, I could tell how sweet Caitlin was. She’s a genuinely kind soul… always laughing and so, so in love with Jon. These two are adorable. If you read the previous post on their surprise engagement you will know a little back-story on these two. (So go check […]

Caitlin + Jon | Lake Geneva, Wisconsin Engagement Session

Romantic Lake Geneva, Wisconsin engagement session by the lake.

November 2, 2017

>>>><<<< Caitlin + Jon Caitlin, Jon, and I have a very unique story together. Caitlin had actually already booked her wedding with me MONTHS ago. Normal right? Nope, Jon hadn’t proposed yet! Jon wanted to make sure that Caitlin got everything she wanted for her wedding so he wanted her to start planning the wedding […]

Caitlin + Jon | Rotary Botanical Gardens Surprise Engagement

Surprise proposal at Rotary Botanical Gardens in Janesville, WI

October 28, 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

>>>><<<< Edgar + Areli September 22 was an amazing day, not only because I had the honor of photographing a STUNNING wedding, but mainly because of WHO was getting married. Edgar + Areli are two of the sweetest people I know. From the beginning, I could tell that Edgar loved Areli more than words. When […]

Edgar + Areli | Rockford, Illinois Wedding Photographer

Purple + Gold Prairie Street Brewhouse September wedding with dockside ceremony photography by Sara Anne Johnson

September 28, 2017

>>>><<<< Erik + Valerie If I’m being completely honest, this wedding has been in the works since the first time I met Erik when Val introduced me to him at our part time job. He would come in and sit at the bar as Val cleaned, waiting for her to be off work. This happened […]

Erik + Valerie | Rockford, Illinois Wedding Photographer

Romantic black and gray wedding with vintage open back lace dress at Church by the Side of the Road in Rockton, IL by Sara Anne Johnson

August 20, 2017