Mokena Extended Family Session | B Family | GCP by Nicole

With five grandchildren and multiple families together, these sessions can feel overwhelming, but they actually run so smoothly when there’s a plan. My original client came prepared with her list of “must-have” photos, which gave us plenty of time to capture everything she needed while still leaving room for all the moments that happen in between.

And honestly, those in-between moments are my favorite.

There were the classic everyone-looking-at-the-camera photos, of course, but there was also so much laughter, playing, twirling, teasing, and goofing around. The kids had time to just be kids, and somewhere along the way they even started coming up with their own photo ideas. Were some of them ridiculous? Absolutely. But those moments brought out the biggest smiles and the most genuine laughter.

Their final gallery included over 150 images, and every one tells a piece of their family’s story.

The whole session felt like spending time with my own family—full of humor, connection, and the kind of memories that will mean even more years from now. You can almost hear the laughter through these photos, and that’s something they’ll always remember when they look back on this season of life.

Summer is one of my favorite times for extended family sessions. If your family is gathering for vacation, a reunion, or simply because everyone happens to be in the same place at the same time, don’t let the opportunity pass by without documenting it. These moments are worth remembering.