Tonya Carrizales!
I first met Tonya and her family almost 2 years ago in December of 2021. She just had her youngest child, Jovi, a week prior and wanted to do a Christmas Mini session with her whole family. This consists of herself, her husband Scotty, and their 5 children they share. I was then nearing the end of my pregnancy with my youngest and wasn't sure if I would make it to the date where everyone would be in town, so we ended up doing two separate Christmas sessions! Of course, I ended up being pregnant way longer than I anticipated, so thankfully I was able to capture everyone together for some pretty sweet memories.
Our Christmas session was full of laughs and smiles and ended up being the first of many fun-filled sessions together for the year to come.
I then continued to photograph Tonya and her girls for all of Jovi's milestones, including her big 1 year Grand Cake Smash. We spent the year creating so many beautiful memories together, listening to each other's mom stories, talking about how time is a thief, and watching her beautiful babies as they grew.
I am beyond thankful to have had the opportunity to watch and capture Jovi's first year of life and establish a relationship with a fellow local mom around the area. Tonya and her family always leave me with a smile on my face after every session and I can't thank her enough for that!
Visit the link below to see some of our memories together
Jovi (left) & Leela (right)
Leela's favorite thing about her mom is her snuggles! I'm sure Jovi would have a similar answer. It's no secret how much these girls love their mama!
When Tonya isn't home snuggling her babies, she spends her days working as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. Her husband, Scotty, is a Dermatologist. They have been building their lives together since they started dating in 2011, and eventually wed in 2014. Scotty was actually born in Italy and graduated high school in Spain! He met Tonya when he was stationed here at Scott Air Force Base and they have been inseparable ever since.When they're not traveling the globe, they enjoy seeing shows at The Fox, going to concerts, and having cozy nights in with their 2 cats, 2 dogs, and 2 babies at home. Just this past year they have travelled to Greece, Italy, Turkey, Ireland, Cabo San Lucas, and Colorado to name a few.
Tonya loves scuba diving, 90's rock music, and actually took flight lessons to become a pilot before she became a mother. Her story is just one of many that goes to show you never know where life will take you!
Leela, Scotty, Tonya, & Jovi
Tonya & her family reside in the O'Fallon, IL area.
Explore things to do around the area below
Things happening Labor Day weekend