| Kaylee + Jake | Decatur IL Fall Engagement Photos |

I cannot tell you how excited I am for this lovely couples wedding day this fall. I’ve had so much fun working with them so far and everytime they’re in it’s nothing but laughs. This week Kaylee’s momma popped by to pick up their guestbook and we chatted for at least 30 minutes and that was just for pickup day so I know their wedding day is going to be amazing.

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We wanted to work in some fun personal pieces into their session so that lovely quilt their sitting on was Kaylee’s grandmothers and we added in coffee cups from black iron as that’s where these two had their first date. I love telling the story of couple’s beginnings during their sessions and adding throwbacks to their family history is even better.

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The beauty of downtown Decatur’s Christmas lights helped us round out this session. They love the holiday season so it was a great chance to work in that magical time of year for them to enjoy all year long!

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Friends and family you’ll get to see even more of Jake & Kaylee’s images at their wedding when you get to join in their legacy by signing their guestbook which is filled with even more sweetness from their engagement session.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to see more soon.

| Holly | Warrensburg-Latham High School Senior 2018 |

Today I get to share Holly’s senior portraits with you!!! Her session was so much fun! We started in studio for a few classic looks and to show off her trophy and metal stash as she’s one fabulous athlete.

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Then we headed downtown to create a few edgier looks and explored a few new locations.

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And to finish out her session we popped over to Hickory Point Golf Course. She runs cross country meets there so we wanted to keep things authentic with that look and were able to create a few nature looks along the way.

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Be sure to check out our IG and Facebook to see a few more from her session!

| Emaan | Maroa-Forsyth High School | Senior 2018 |

Today I get to show off this talented girl’s senior portraits! Not only does she play clarinet (way better than I did for a bit in high school) but she’s also drum major.

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After some time in the studio we headed out to Rock Springs to create a few outdoor looks and though we didn’t have a ton of fall colors but we did find a tree or two and some beautiful leaves for her to lay in to create that fall feel.

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Be sure to check out our IG and Facebook to see a few more from her session!

| Tristen | WLHS Senior 2018 |

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Today it’s time to check out Tristen’s first session (we’ve got another planned coming up this spring). I absolutely loved working with Tristen and her momma. We hung out a bit downtown before heading out to one of my favorite sunset nature locations to get the wide open field look.

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You might remember Payton’s ‘dumpster’ image well we stumbled upon the perfect HUGE green dumpster on Tristen’s session too. While Payton’s blue dumpster matched her eyes, I couldn’t pass up this green rusted one with Tristen’s green romper. We can really turn just about any location into something beautiful and I love the challenge to do so.

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Plus, have you heard how excited I am about our new Senior Films?!?! I played a bit on just a couple 2017 sessions including Tristen’s so here’s a tiny look at what the new senior films are all about.

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Be sure to check out our IG and Facebook to see a few more from her session!

Roots Salon | Small Business Feature | Decatur IL

The Details: Katie Lynch, Owner/Stylist at Roots Salon |   In Business: 28 Years

Hours: Vary  |  Location: 315 E Ruehl St., IL  |  Phone: 217.875.5400

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Tell us about your businessWhat do you do?

Full service salon. We specialize in color, cuts, perms, waxing. We also do manicures and pedicures.

What makes your business unique/special?

We’re a small town salon with some very talented stylists and nail technicians. This building was my father’s cabinet shop when I was a child. Hence the play on words with “Roots” salon.

What item/service on your menu or in your shop do you just LOVE and think everyone needs?

Color/foils.

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In what way have you gone above/beyond in the past for a customer?

I’d like to think every day we go above and beyond for our clients. They are what makes our business, and it’s our job to pamper them.

What is the coolest thing you’ve ever had a client do for you?

They put their trust in us and show up every four to six weeks.

What tool/equipment/or other vendor could you not imagine doing business without? Why?

Blow dryer and round brush, because if you get that down, it’s the base for a great style.

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I was pretty stoked to see they offered Monat in the salon as well. I’ve been using it for the past few months and loving it! 

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What other local business do you just LOVE? Why?

We love all local businesses and try to support them and Mel Pages Boutique even has clothes on display in the salon.

Introduce us to your STAFF… 

Katie Lynch – 28 years in the business. I love to bake and cook to relieve stress. My happy place is in the kitchen.

Kim Schilawski – 20 years in the business. Her second “love” (after hair) is decorating. She loves to make a space beautiful with colors and texture.

Molly Coventry – 16 years in the business. Loves taking pictures of the sky and can spot a hawk a mile away.

Lisa Miloser – 17 years in the business. Is a Harry Potter fanatic and a secret Star Wars fan.

Mindi Lents – 21 years in the business. Loves crafting and eating spicy foods.

Abby Stelzriede – 5 years in the business. Spends all of her free time at some type of sporting event and loves the Chicago Blackhawks.

Jessica Reedy – 19 years in the business. Loves to relieve stress with target practice.

Kendahl Lynch – 3 years in the business. Has an obsession with pickles and pigs.

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Tell us about YOU… WHY did you choose to do what you do?

I’m a people person and love talking with them. It’s fun to give people a “new, fresh look” and make them feel good about themselves.

When did you know you wanted to go into this business?

I was in eighth grade and I had to do a career project. That’s when I knew.

What are you passionate about outside of your business?

My family – they’re #1. I love spending time with them. I also enjoy flowers, cooking and exercising.

Describe your PERFECT day…

A perfect day…having your day run on schedule without any “surprises.” Ha! And knowing at the end of the day, you gave it your “all.”

See the latest news at: https://www.facebook.com/Roots-Salon-301064176571177/

See our other past small business features to connect with more businesses in our area:

See more on our Facebook Page and follow us on Twitter @sjanephotog, Instagram @sjanephotograhy, and Snapchat @sjanephotog

If you’d like to have YOUR small business featured for FREE on the SJP blog (or know a small business we should feature) you can find details HERE! These features are 100% free and we’d love to feature you next.