{ Josh + Arlyn = ENGAGED! }

When Josh and Arlyn met at college, they were immediately drawn to one another's enthusiasm for life.  They recognized this fervor and excitement in the other person, and since the first day they walked home from class, they've been inseparable.  For their engagement photos we traveled down to beautiful Dubuque, Iowa where the couple snagged a cup of hot cocoa at a local coffeeshop before braving the chilly weather at a park along the Mississippi River.  Music is a central part of who Josh and Arlyn are as a couple, as well as individuals.  When Josh proposed he played his guitar and sang the oh-so-romantic song "Question" by Rhett Miller before asking her to be his.  For us, this meant we definitely wanted to include his guitar in the photos.  Our goal was to show the natural romance of two people simply enjoying being together.

On a personal note, this session was particularly special to me as Josh happens to be my younger brother.  I am so glad that he has found the one person that makes him happy - the one person to cherish and be cherished by in return.  Their wedding is coming up in July and we wish them a beautiful future! Congratulations, Josh and Arlyn!

New Baby Trenton + the {M} Family!

There is nothing more precious than a newborn baby.  Only days old, they are a reminder of new beginnings and a way to help us remember what is truly valuable in our world.  Even as a part of our daily work, each time we get to meet a new baby, it is a celebration of life.  Trenton is just as tiny as can be, and even though we tested his resolve posing and reposing him, he was as quiet as a mouse - no crying or whimpers from tough, little Trenton.  We photographed the whole family, getting to show the love between mom and baby, and dad and baby, not to mention the new found excitement as big sister, Kendall, got to know her baby brother.  Kendall was so attentive throughout our shoot, leaning into the baby basket for hugs and kisses whenever she could, and asking about Trenton whenever he couldn't be seen.  So much love for this new baby.  :)  Congratulations, {M} Family!

Kirsten Turns Two!

I can't explain how special it is for us when little ones we've seen since only a few days after birth return to us years, that's right years, later.  We've had the pleasure of photographing Kirsten five times in her first year of life, and now, walking, talking, and with a fully developed personality we get to see her again.  Kirsten was always a precious baby, and she has grown into a very beautiful little girl.  No one can help but smile when she bursts out with laughter, and no one could possibly say no to those deep greenish-blue eyes.  Kirsten is spirited, with so many different expressions that I was constantly capturing her in beautiful, natural poses of her own devising.  I love this because it allows me to show her just as she is, full of fire and personality.  Happy 2nd Birthday, Kirsten!

{ Jessica + Adam = ENGAGED! }

Jessica and Adam have one of those quirky love stories where they grew up so close to one another, but it took years and many, many miles before they really saw each other, and realized that they had found what they were searching for.  Telling their love story was a blast for us.  Jessica and Adam are a relaxed and down-to-earth couple; they truly enjoy the simple pleasures in life: travel, good food (and beer) and of course, the love of family and friends.  This is why our location was so perfect.  Cozy sweaters, handmade mittens (from grandma), and cold, locally-brewed beer guided the entire mood of our engagement shoot.  These things helped us create images that have that warm, wintery feeling, where all you want to do is curl up with a good book and that special someone.  It is always so wonderful getting to show what our clients are like as a couple, and to tell their love story subtly and naturally.  Congratulations, Jessica and Adam!

Judi and Bob Celebrate 50 Years!

We pride ourselves on telling love stories in a completely new way.  All too often people assume that the wedding day is the landing point - the peak of the love story - but we disagree.  The wedding may be the big, bold beginning, but it is often followed by the birth of beautiful children, and a whole new kind of love story begins with a family.  Vow renewals and anniversaries are events that honor the wedding day, but they also celebrate everything that has since happened: the tough times that couples can never prepare for, the bittersweet times, and the many problems they solved as a team, and obstacles that brought them closer together.

Judi and Bob are celebrating their 50th anniversary, with their son and two young grandsons.  50 years ago on a chilly and wet October they were married at Pamperin Park and had a timeless photo taken in front of a warm fireplace showing them young and in love.  Today, we had the honor of photographing them 50 years wiser and with all the added love and understanding that 50 years can bring.  Congratulations, Judi and Bob!