Natasha wanted to do a fun shoot for her 30th birthday themed “Death to my Youth”. We knew it had to be all in black and at a cemetery. So we googled and found this gem in Chicago called ‘Graceland’. It couldn’t have been more beautiful!

On sunday afternoon we picked up some balloons and took a road trip to Chicago in search for this beautiful location. Both of us had not been there and we were super excited! All went well until we got on Lake Shore Drive when all of the sudden the traffic stopped.

The clock was ticking since it’s only open until 4 p.m. It took us almost 2 hours when we finally arrived. The best part was that we could just drive in and then drive around the premises. We only had 40 minutes by the time we got there though. We found so many stunning grave sites, it was hard to choose where to photograph.

After just 30 minutes we were told the cemetery is now closed. What??? We still had 10 minutes until 4 p.m. so being the rebels that we are, we sneaked around a bit more and escaped the person in the white car who wanted to kick us out a few times. ha ha We left 4:20 p.m. and then man from the white car had to open the gate for us on the way out. We avoided eye contact ;-)))

I find cemeteries to be magical places especially this one. It reminded me of the ones in Europe, beautiful trees and architecture. How awesome to have a birthday in October when it’s the most beautiful season. The trees were so colorful!

Natasha wanted a ‘dark’ shoot and for some reason we were not in a dark mood that day and looking at these I rather feel a celebratory mood. Celebrating what was, what is and what is yet to come. Yes getting older can suck but YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE OLD. There is so much to look forward to, so much wisdom to be gained. It’s a privilege to turn a year older year after year. The older you get the more you realize that!

Even though we could’ve stayed there forever, we eventually had to leave. Once we got back to Indiana it was still light outside so Natasha asked if we could go to her grandma’s grave site. She was Natasha’s best friend and who better to share some Champagne with on her birthday?

We loved celebrating with the Departed. I know that once I am gone, I would love for people to drink and be merry around my grave. Natasha? I am counting on you!

30 is sooooo young still! I hope you had the best day! Btw. Natasha is an amazing hair stylist in Crown Point. Follow her @beautyhouseonmain ! She also was the beautiful girl I photographed last Winter in the snow with the red dress. This turned out to be another memorable shoot for me.

All I can say is we had blast! Everything about this shoot was fun, makes me want to visit cemeteries again more often! Also made me think about my own grandparents a lot lately!

Natasha, happy birthday to you! Cheers!