Welcome, New Baby Madelyn!

There is nothing so precious as a newborn baby, and such is the case with new baby Madelyn!  At two weeks she was just over five pounds so we had to be patient and wait until she was big enough for some of the beautiful clothes that mommy picked out for her.  Some people are just born to be parents - they have that nurturing spirit and are just waiting for the day when their little one arrives.  Madelyn was lucky enough to be adopted by two such people.  She is perfect with her big brown eyes and little pink lips and the three of them are just so happy that this little girl was destined to be a part of their family.  Congratulations {S} family on your little girl!

Gabe Turns One Year!

Never have I seen a little one as happy and excited as Gabe.  He is just a naturally cheerful kid, smiley and energetic - it was such a pleasure getting to know him and his mother for one year photos.  When they arrived, I couldn’t believe how adorable his outfit was with the little cuffed dress shirt and bright Avengers tie - he is the cutest, tiniest comic book geek we’ve ever seen.  Gabe loved doing cake smash photos and was not shy about digging in.  Sometimes we need to assist our birthday boys in getting messy, but Gabe didn’t need any help; he did it all on his own! Happy First Birthday, Gabe!

Stephanie’s Senior Portraits!

We had perfect weather for Stephanie’s senior portraits, which was wonderful since her family had traveled all the way from Madison for them.  The light was just perfect for summery, airy backlit shots and some flattering close-ups in the shade.  Stephanie and her family spend a lot of time on the water during the summer - relaxing and traveling around Door County.  Most days Stephanie nannies for a local family taking care of their two kids which she loves.  She plans on going to college next fall for something in the medical field hoping to work with babies and small children.  In the meantime she is looking forward to managing the football team in fall and possibly taking on management of the lacrosse team in spring.  Enjoy your senior year, Stephanie!

{ Candis + Joe = MARRIED ! }

We love weddings that manage to blend together different themes into one beautiful wedding day - such was the case for Candis and Joe.  The ceremony itself was lovely and traditional, with all the Catholic reverence and pageantry brought together by a incredible pastor who knew the couple well and spoke about them personally.  The details were a bright magenta (the pure essence of summer!) with burlap and natural wood accents to keep it grounded.  Candis carried down a bouquet wrapped in her grandmother’s necklace and Joe’s mother got a few moments alone with her son to pin on his corsage.

This is the way it is with Candis and Joe... they are the couple who would never get lost in all the “to-dos” and “should-dos” but rather know how to keep that exact focus on what is important: their family and the vows that would make them a family.  I can’t explain what a beautiful feeling it is to watch two people who are so right for each other and bring out the very best in one other join their lives together.  It reminds me of what a blessing our job is.  Congratulations, Candis and Joe!

Personal Post: My Brother Got Married!

This past weekend I was blessed to be a part of my younger brother’s wedding as he married his fiance, Arlyn.  It was a stunning outdoor ceremony over the lake in Manitowish Waters with many handmade details, and little touches to make the day feel special.  The weather could not have been any more perfect and it was such a joy to celebrate with all the family and close friends that gathered together.

Josh and I are our parents’ only children, and so we grew up as close as anyone could imagine.  We shaped one another’s personalities, we were each other’s constant playmate, and we fought daily like all close siblings do.  I feel beyond grateful to have a family I am so close with and a brother who is also a friend and confidant.  This wedding was a chance for Josh and Arlyn to express the love they have found together, but also for us to welcome Arlyn to the family.  With that, I would like to say so many congratulations to the both of them, and we wish you all good things!

Professional photography was done by April Zelenka of Madison.  I brought along my film camera and limited myself to just a single roll (true self restraint) to share my very favorite things about the wedding day. :)