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. 

>>>><<<< Danny + Shelbie Shelbie worked at the reception counter of a tattoo shop where Danny couldn’t stop coming in for tattoos, because guess why, he had a crush on the receptionist! He LITERALLY kept getting new tattoos just to see her at the tattoo parlour… tell me that isn’t adorable! Fast forward to their […]

Danny + Shelbie | Rockford, Illinois Wedding Photographer

Chic, urban, rooftop summer wedding in downtown Rockford, IL at The Standard with London Avenue, Arch Apothecary, and gold, black, and green accents - Sara Anne Johnson - Photographer

August 10, 2019

>>>>><<<<< Every year, Shoot and Share hosts a world-wide photo contest open to any and all photographers who want to participate… there were over 46,000 photographers from all over the world and over 1.1 million total photos entered into the contest… it’s SO much fun! I’ve been participating in the contest for 4 years now […]

The Photo Contest | 2018 Results

Rockford IL wedding photographer | chic urban weddings | Sara Anne Johnson

March 1, 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

>>>><<<< 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

>>>><<<< 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

>>>><<<< Garrett + Savannah Savannah + I go WAY back to our college days… Rock Valley College first, followed by Northern Illinois University. I love this girl. She is such a sweetheart! I remember our chats over Chipotle while attending NIU in DeKalb, IL… good memories, lady!! When Savannah asked me to be her wedding […]

Garrett + Savannah | Rockford, Illinois Wedding Photographer

September Minocqua, Wisconsin, elegant northwoods wedding with an outdoor ceremony and reception at The Waters of Minocqua, photographed by Rockford, Illinois wedding photographer Sara Anne Johnson

September 29, 2016

Pat + Delaney have been one of my favorite couples since day one. They’re sweet puppy love, Mira, was part of their engagement shoot last year at an abandoned farm…if you forgot about that shoot go check it out, we had a blast!! These two were (as of this post, Delaney JUST gave birth to […]

Pat + Delaney | Rockford, Illinois Wedding Photographer

Naperville wedding, bride and groom share a kiss under the veil | Rockford, Illinois Wedding Photographer Sara Anne Johnson

June 25, 2015