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!

The {M} Family's Christmas Portraits

We were invited down to Omro to photograph the {M} family together in their home.  To say their house is beautiful, would be more than an understatement.  It faces out over the water with a dock and gorgeous patio area that lead up to a deck and four seasons room.  The living room was dressed for winter, with a large, wood fireplace and vaulted ceilings framing the windows that view the backyard.  We got to meet their dog, Merlot, (who is just as fluffy as she looks in photos!), and see the terrific bond between her and little Evelyn.  It is such a pleasure to photograph a family together in their own space - truly showing off who they are, and the people they love.  Merry Christmas, {M} Family!

Mara Turns Two!

It's always amazing to me what a year can do.  The last time we saw Mara was for her one year photos, when she just had little wisps of hair across her face.  Now she has grown her gorgeous redish-blonde hair long enough to make two cute pigtails.  Then, she was quiet and even a little nervous at first.  Mara at her two year photos is expressive, talkative, and completely fearless.  She was excited to move around, play and explore, and thought of all of it as a very fun game.  Mom and dad came up with a great idea to do half of her photos all girly and dressed up, and the other half as a little farm girl in bibs and piggies.  This seemed very appropriate since she was excited for her pretty clothes (like every two-year-old girl), but she can also list farm crops and machinery faster than most adults.  ;) Happy second Birthday, Mara!  It was great to get to see you and your family again!