Sometimes a reschedule turns out to be a blessing in disguise—and that was definitely the case for Madison’s senior session! We had to move her original date, and as it turns out, that change opened the door for us to shoot at Rip Van Winkle Gardens—a location that wasn’t available the first time around. And wow, what a stunning setting for this gorgeous senior!

Madison, her mom, and her youngest sister joined me for the session, and we had so much fun exploring the gardens together. Rip Van Winkle is full of beautiful little pockets of light and texture—florals, stonework, towering oaks, and lakefront views. It offers such a dreamy variety of backdrops, and Madison looked absolutely radiant in every single one.

Of course, no trip to Rip Van Winkle would be complete without a few unexpected visitors—the peacocks! They roam freely all over the property, and while they’re beautiful, Madison and her little sister weren’t quite as enchanted by them. 😅 One got a little too close for comfort at one point, and let’s just say there was a little squealing and a lot of quick walking in the other direction! It definitely added some laughter to the day.

Madison loves taking photos, which made my job so easy. She was a natural in front of the camera and fully embraced the experience, making it such a fun and relaxed session.

She graduates TODAY with honors from HLB, where she also served as cheer captain. She’s smart, driven, and full of life. I’ve watched her grow up from down the street, and getting to document this milestone for her was such a meaningful moment.  She will be attending Nichols in the fall.

Madison, you were a joy to photograph, and I’m so excited to see what your next chapter holds. Keep shining bright!

Senior year only happens once—let’s celebrate it with a session that captures everything that makes you you. Reach out to start planning your own unforgettable senior session!