Alulla turned one and the family threw the kind of celebration she'll appreciate when she's older.

We shot at a yacht club in Chicago, fall colors leaning into the room, pink balloons stacked into soft towers, a glittery happy birthday backdrop catching the light.

Family together, friends scattered around in conversation, the kind of party that feels both elegant and easy.

The best frames came from the quiet moments.

A baby trying to figure out what the camera is and why everyone is smiling at her. Some sessions you shoot for the photos, others you shoot for the memory.