{ Sara + Matt = MARRIED! }

If there ever were a bride who could take her wedding vision and turn it into a planning business for other brides, it would be Sara.  Sara and Matt's wedding was gorgeous, with every detail attended to.  Their reception hall was decorated in the essence of fall, with bright oranges complimented by deep, moody purples.  Live violinists at dinner created the most beautiful atmosphere for the sweetest father-of-the-groom speech I have ever heard, and the finishing touch was a great, big party band to steal the night away, sweeping everyone from their seats.

I cannot say enough for what a beautiful wedding day this couple had to start off their marriage.  It was our joy to be a part of every moment and we wish them many happy years together.  Congratulations Sara and Matt!

{ Abby + Pete = ENGAGED! }

Abby and Pete started off their engagement session with a bit of bad luck: an all out downpour on our session day.  (I blame it on the fact that they are getting married in beautiful, tropical Riviera Maya...something has to even that out, right?) ;)  We decided to do half the session in the rain, and wait a week for good weather to finish them up.  Our next session date was also a downpour, so we set a third date and finally got the weather we were looking for.  Abby was telling me some of her friends were wondering why it took three weeks to take their engagement photos (makes us look like we have quite an elaborate process, haha).

In the end, splitting the shoot between two sessions was the perfect option.  Not only did we get to make rainy-day images you can never plan for,  but it also gave us the opportunity to take two totally different kinds of pictures, giving great variety to a couple with a great variety of interests.  It is always a pleasure to work with other creative types, who think similar to how we do.  This is so true with Abby and Pete.  We had a blast getting to know both of them and wish them many congratulations on their engagement and hopes for a dry wedding day!

The {B} Family's Fall Lifestyle Photoshoot

A little over a year since our first visit to the Bousley Family's Camp Six, we returned to document it in all its fall glory.  The day was gorgeous: the sun shimmering off the water, orange and yellow leaves on the trees, and that perfect crispness in the air that lets you know autumn has arrived.  It was amazing to see how much the kids have grown up in one year, Luke was even walking with us and suggesting photo ideas!  It is so special to photograph a family doing the things they love in a place they love, it makes for photos that truly express who we are.

Last June the family's cabin had freshly painted drywall; now it has a finished kitchen, a cozy wood stove, and two kids bunked up and excited to show us their rooms.  It's amazing what a year (and many hours of hard work) can do!  One thing that hasn't changed is how much each person in the family loves to spend time up there hiking, fishing, and of course, sitting around a warm campfire.

{ Elyse + Kyle = ENGAGED }

We had a beautiful afternoon for Elyse and Kyle's engagement photos in the park.  It was the perfect fall day with shifts between sun and clouds, and lots of room for us to explore.  Elyse and Kyle are high school sweethearts - they've been together for seven years.  With both of them going into careers that help people (she a nurse, and he a police officer), it should come as no surprise how deeply caring they both are.  When I asked them what they love most about each other, she said she loves how selfless he is; he would do anything for anyone, no questions asked.  He said that he loves how supportive she is; she is always doing her best to make things easier for the people in her life.  As a couple, Elyse and Kyle are easygoing, sweet and gentle with one another and can always see the good in every situation.  They will be tying the knot only three short months from now and we can't wait to be a part of their wedding day!  Congratulations to you both!

{ Jacob's Senior Portraits! }

We had a beautiful, relaxing afternoon with Jacob for his senior portraits at the Wildlife Sanctuary.  We love having senior portraits this time of year not just for the overcast skies and golden leaves, but because it means we get to hear about all the homecoming festivities - the football games, the dance, and everything that goes along with it.  It's so funny how that can take you right back to high school.  Jacob also told us all about his heavy class load this year - no senior slide for him - instead, he is loading up on A.P. courses and will be ten steps ahead of his classmates when college rolls around.  Jacob is smart, funny, talented, and is sure to succeed in whatever path he chooses.  Congratulations, Jacob; enjoy the rest of your senior year!