The McCarthy fam is one of my favorites! We first met at IU and it’s been an honor documenting their special moments from their West Loop engagement to the birth of sweet Margaret last year. When Andrew reached out to ask us about potentially capturing his family reunion celebrating his Grandpa Ian’s 90th birthday, there’s no way we could say no!

On April 2, we gathered surreptitiously at the Vi at the Glen. Over 30 family members spanning 4 generations gathered from all over the world to make Grandpa Ian’s 90th birthday an unforgettable one.

A bagpipe performer ushered the parade of family members in to surprise Grandpa. Boy, his face was absolutely priceless with shell shocked surprise! Many tears were shed all around the room.

As the family members paraded in, the surprises crescendoed as the family had lined up from closest proximity (those who lived in Glenview and the Midwest) to the furthest, ending with someone who traveled all the way from Ireland to be here!!

After the initial surprise, the bagpipe player marched us back into a giant ballroom where he performed classic Scottish songs while the little ones danced along.