November Weather

I could really get used to this 60 degrees in November. What do you say Mother Nature?! I was so happy when my sessions on Saturday led me to one of my favorite places on earth, the Terrace. I love spending time down there any time of year. But on a warm fall day, there's no place better. But all the chairs were packed up and gone! It's so weird being down there with no colorful patio furniture. Where does it go? That must be one giant storage shed!

Anyhoo, I got to snap a few personal photos. I love being able to go out camera in hand and just have some quiet time with me, nature, and God. Looking for the unseen, finding unique angles, soaking it all in, and remembering this is why I started all this. Here is one of my favorite shots of the boats on the lakefront.

Happy Anniversary to Us!

I sit down to write this post, and all sorts of things come to mind. I get a little teary-eyed even. How do I put into writing everything that has happened in two years?

Two years ago, I was lucky enough to marry my best friend (ok, here come the real tears now!). My dad told me once that he knew we were perfect for each other because he called us on one Friday night and we were waiting in line at the Car Wash, and giggling so hard that we couldn't stop (actually what really happened is one of us (I'll let you guess who) farted - and we were in the middle of the car wash and couldn't roll down the windows, so we were essentially "stuck". How's that for romance?!). And if there is anything that the past two years have shown me, love is so much more than red roses at the right times, chocolates, and especially more than the one big wedding day. It's enjoying all of those little moments together. Taking that extra moment when you get a hug at the end of a long day to place your nose in that one spot on his neck where it's meant to be and taking it in. Holding hands when you take a walk. Listening... like really listening... sometimes beyond the words to what is being said. It's doing things like shoveling the snow, washing the dishes, and folding laundry when I (we) don't want to. It also sharing in the moments of "Wow, this whole house is really ours?" and taking a ride in a new car for the first time together. And peeing your pants kind of laughing watching Edie "leap" through the tall weeds at the dog park.

All of these itty bitty moments that build toward a lifetime. I am so lucky to be sharing it with you Bri. :)

Here are a few of my favorite photos from our wedding day, taken by Creative Look.


This one hangs in our stairwell. It is absolutely my favorite. It was the moment of our "first look", when Bri and I saw each other before the ceremony.


I had to share this one. My dad to this day still gave the best Father of Bride speech that I have ever heard. This pic is of him explaining how I used to get ketchup all over my face when he'd take me out to eat (I still have to this day a deep, deep, love for ketchup). He would then tell me McDonalds was out of ketchup on subsequent trips because he didn't want to deal with the mess. Then, out of his pocket, he pulls out a handful of ketchup packets, hands them to Brian - and subsequently turns over all ketchup responsibilities to him. I still die laughing thinking about it!


Then the dancing started! Woo hoo! I danced so much, I could barley waddle down the stairs on the first three days of our honeymoon!


Happy Anniversary Babe!

Tiffany & Joe - Engaged! Olbrich Botanical Gardens

These two were meant to be, in a sort of in a peanut butter and jelly way. You can just hear it when they laugh (which they do often!). It's the kind of laugh that is relieved, full, and joyous. You can tell that there was a time in their life that they never thought they would find this kind of connection, be so happy, and laugh this much. But they did, and their wedding day is just around the corner!

I had a great time getting to know Tiffany and Joe while walking around Olbrich. Tiffany had booked me over the internet, so I was a little nervous before meeting them. Little did I know how laid back and fun our session would be. These two had me laughing in no time - I have the most awesome clients!

I am looking forward to their New Years Day wedding in Chicago in just a few months, and can't wait to meet their family of 5 boys. It will be so fun!

I was warned ahead of time by Tiffany that they are not photogenic and take horrible pictures... well I'm not so sure about that! You two look gooooo-oooood! Here are a few of my favorites from the session!









Tiffany and Joe scoped out these chairs, they thought it was a good picture of growing old together... how cute!







Thanks guys for a wonderful afternoon, and we'll see you in less than two months!

Edie's Birthday

It was my poochie's second birthday yesterday, and since we don't have kids, it is mandatory that we treat our dog like one :) We took her to Tabby and Jacks our favorite pet store and she picked out this fox for herself. And I think since last night she hasn't let it out of her sight. We got to sleep with fox last night (now that brings romance to a marriage!) and she was sleeping with it this afternoon in the sunlight coming in from the patio door.

Oh our silly, silly, dog.

Kaitlin & Ryan are Engaged!

I have to say, Kaitlin is the most organized bride I know - and I love her for it! She and her fiancee Ryan are planning a 2011 wedding, and they were already on my calendar for their engagement shoot when booking in September. And she already has her save the dates in mind to send out with Christmas Cards - she's on the ball! I had been excited about their engagement session since the day we met, they are such a relaxed, chill couple that I knew it was going to be a ton of fun.

Throw in that it was a beautiful fall morning (I had to resist many urges to pull over on the side of the road to take pictures of all the fall colors - or I'd be late!), and you get some awesome images. I met them at Governor Nelson State Park on the northeast side of Madison. I had never been there before, but will definitely be going back! For all you dog lovers out there, they even have a pet swimming area! I am super excited to take Edie there next summer. Plus lots of hiking trails, a beautiful lake front with view of the capitol, and a boat launch. I love being introduced to new places around Madison, and was so glad they chose this location!

Here are a few of my favorites - and as always you can see a few more on my facebook fan page.

Friends and family click here to sign the guest book and view the rest of the images!



Look at the beautiful fall bokah in the background...mmmm..... (oh and you guys look splendid as well!)




This one is probably my favorite from the day - I just love the fall color!




Fun fact! Kaitlin is just starting off in her photography business, and is rockin' it! Check out her website! We grabbed a couple of headshots for her website - isn't she just beautiful!?


Love this one! Kaitlin can rock the serious face - that is a talent within itself : ) I honestly can not. To think about being serious makes me giggle!


This field and old spooky tree was awesome!

(I had to walk all of the way into the field for this one, and I felt like Bear Grills going into the wild...ok, so it was only 2 feet into the field but I'm a city girl!)

Thank you Ryan and Kaitlin for a great morning. I had a great time getting to know you better and talking photography shop with Kaitlin. It is a great honor when another photographer chooses you for their memories, and I appreciate it!

Married - Derek & Lena! Part 2 - Madison Wisconsin Wedding

After a beautiful ceremony, we whisked the wedding party away to the capitol for some more photos. The gorgeous weather and beautiful sunlight were just perfect. So perfect, we had to battle about 6 other wedding parties for spots, but we did it!

What a good looking group, huh?


I wish you could hear the collective "oooohhhhs" that go along with this photo!




















These guys kept me laughing all day long! Too funny!


Derek caught me trying to take a candid


Seriously, I could have shot at the capitol all day long - isn't this light just gorgeous!?




This is Brian's shot - love it!




Brian's shot again - this couple is just gorgeous!








Then it was off to the reception at the Marriott Hotel on Madison's west side. Lena and Derek had lots of beautiful details, but my favorite were these personalized wine glasses. What a great idea!




Thank you Lena & Derek for letting me be apart of your wedding day - and thanks for keeping me laughing all day! You guys are awesome - best wishes to you in the future!

Married - Derek & Lena! Part 1 - Madison Wisconsin Wedding

Derek & Lena were married on a beautiful fall day in Madison. The sun was shining, and the leaves were crisp underfoot - they could not have asked for a better day!

Friends and family, to view the rest of the images, please sign the guest book here.

More photos can be found on my facebook fan page - go check them out!

Let's start with a few details - Lena's beautiful rose bouquet


The bridesmaids boquets


and of course... the shoes!


This is what I love to see walking into the bride's room - smiling, calm, and cool. It might have helped that the bridesmaids jumping around and singing "going to chapel" :)


All hands on deck for the dress!






I love this photo. The aisle at the church was in an L-shape, and this was just as Lena & her brother were turning the corner to face Derek for the first time.








Next, we're off to the capitol for some photos! Here's a little sneak peek to hold you over!