OAK PARK FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER: MELISSA MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY: BARIC FAMILY

I don't have to scout for the best spots when it's my hometown, Oak Park. I loved where I grew up. Despite being steps from the city, it also felt quaint. Small enough that you could literally ride your bike as a kid from one side of town to the other. Where the small business owners sponsored our little league sports teams. Where we as kids would stay out till dusk and hurry home for dinner before dark. It's grown a ton since my day. We thought it was a big deal when Old Navy & TGIF's came into town. (: Now it's a buzz with a city vibe all it's own. Yet every time I capture the Baric family, I'm transported back to the bliss that was being a kid on warm summer nights. Running through beautiful parks that are surrounded by landmarked historic homes. Dreaming of the Friday night family pizza night that was ahead. They remind me of all the things I don't want to forget about my own childhood; Inspiring me to capture their family in an authentic way so they never forget it either.