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!

David Turns Two Years!

David is a child so full of joy that it is absolutely contagious.  He is always smiling and on the go, ready for his next big adventure!  It was so fun getting to know he and his family for two year and family photos.  We chose a natural setting that would offer us beautiful backgrounds, and him a safe and fun place to run about.  Melissa brought along David’s cowboy gear and tractor - our favorite part being the little red cowboy boots grandma chose for him (aren’t they adorable?!)  Happy 2nd Birthday, David!

Styled Bridal Photoshoot at La Grange Ledgestone Barn

A few months ago we were talking with Nichole at Petal Pusher about a new barn venue that would be opening up in De Pere; she said it was called La Grange and we should check it out.  We are more than pleased we did.  La Grange has all the charm and sprawling fields that you hope for when you imagine a country venue, but it also has many amenities that would surprise you - a stunning getting ready room complete with floor-to-ceiling mirrors, a spacious dance hall with exposed cedar ceilings and the experienced guidance of Sue Cashman who makes the process simple and allows couples nearly unlimited personalization.

We paired up with Sue to create a styled bridal shoot with a clean, airy, vintage feel.  Everyone who participated made the photoshoot so wonderful for us - it is always a pleasure working with talented, driven and artistic individuals.  I need to thank Nichole and her staff at Petal Pusher for the lovely peony and rose bouquet, Luke at Alfa Bridal for helping us choose flawless details, and Aaron at Dubois Formalwear for a perfectly tailored (and incredibly sharp) suit.  I would also like to thank our couple, Reggie and Danielle for being such ready and willing models and congratulate them on two happy years of marriage!

If you would like to find out any more details on the many talented vendors we worked with for this shoot, their information is below.

Venue:  La Grange Ledgestone Barn  www.lagrangegb.com
Bouquet and Boutonniere:  Petal Pusher Floral  www.gbpetalpusher.com
Tuxedo:  Dubois Formalwear on Broadway  www.duboisformalwear.com
Bridal Accessories:  Alfa Bridal  www.alfabridal.com

Also pictured.

Dress:  David’s Bridal  www.davidsbridal.com

{ Jennifer + Eric = Engaged! }

Jennifer and Eric have a story a little different than most of our couples.  They have actually been married for a few years already, but missed out on the opportunity to have the kind of wedding we, as little girls, dream of.  Now, with their beautiful family they will get the chance to celebrate and renew their vows with all the glamour of the perfect wedding.  Jennifer and Eric met through a friend years ago, and they connected when he came to the rescue as she was having emergency surgery.  This is just the kind of guy Eric is - someone you could depend on to be there when you need him, to be the strong and unwavering one.  Jennifer is the kind of person who puts everyone before herself, she is empathetic, strong-willed and stands up for everyone at that exact moment they need it.  Together they have Jocelyn, Mariah and Kyle who it was our pleasure to include in the engagement photos.  It was important to us to have some photos of just Jennifer and Eric together to reclaim some of that intimacy you have to sacrifice to be mom and dad, but it was also important to include the family, as they have become another chapter in their love story.  Congratulations, Jennifer and Eric; we look forward to your wedding next July!

Thanks to Bay Beach Amusement Park and Wildlife Sanctuary  www.baybeachwildlife.com

{ Michelle + Kevin = MARRIED! }

Michelle and Kevin's wedding was the celebration we photographers dream of.  With every little detail attended to: gorgeous floral arrangements, place cards tucked in wine corks, even bottles of wine for guests to sign wishing them well on future anniversaries.  Each little element spoke about exactly what Michelle and Kevin are like as a couple.  Throughout the day everything was incredibly relaxed, festive, and filled with a million tiny surprises to keep guests on their toes.  

It started with a moment alone for the two of them: the first look.  Kevin waited on the end of the bridge at Pamperin Park, nervous with anticipation, while Michelle slowly approached prepared to take away every bit of anxiety just by holding him in her arms.  There is something that feels so special about being chosen to be a part of such an intimate moment when a groom first sees his bride - the woman who will now become his family, who will be there for him through thick and thin, and everything in between.  First looks help us remember this moment, to hold onto it for longer.

Even as the rain came down in sheets outside the reception tent, the mood was joyous and guests were happy.  As dinner began, the heavy rain turned into a light shower, and the sun came out long enough to create a full rainbow arching over the tent, such a wonderful symbol for two people about to begin their lives together.  It was our pleasure to be a part of such a beautiful day with two people who really deserve each other.  Many congratulations, Michelle and Kevin!

Summer Sweetpeas Promotional Photoshoot

I love getting to do our promotional photoshoots for Sweetpeas Clothier in De Pere each season.  They have such a high turnover that there is always something new and exciting I haven't seen before!  For summer I just about died when I saw the pink and black shorts set by Dino Bebe for little model Natalie to wear... so cute!  She is also wearing a dress by Baxter & Beatrice (not pictured) and a sleeveless tee by Tea and ruffled skirt by Tooby Doo.  Aden is dressed in a polo by PGA Athletics and linen pants by Axle & Hudson Apparel.

Both our models did such a great job, especially for not having met until the day of the shoot!  We loved their enthusiasm, and they could not have been more adorable in the clothes we picked!

www.lovesweetpeas.com

Personal Post: Fun Weekend with the Puppies!

We spent this weekend up in Door County puppysitting my brother’s dog, Echo, the fluffy little mini aussie in all the photos with Pieper.  We weren’t sure what we were taking on since they like to spend 90% of their time together wrestling and we planned on having them in public all day, but it ended up being a wonderful weekend.  We took them into Sturgeon Bay to see a couple bands perform at Steelbridge Songfest, grab some coffee and walk around downtown.  The puppies were super good, just laying down, listening to the music and putting on their sweet faces in hopes of getting attention from concert attendees.

After a little picnic, we headed up to Ephraim for Fyr Bal Festival (which is the Scandinavian tradition of “burning the winter witch” to signal the end of a long winter - much needed this year!)  We walked down to Anderson Dock, let them do a little wading in the water at the beach and headed back for the bonfire lightings and fireworks.  It was a little drizzly but that didn’t stop the show, and we still set up our blankets and wrapped up with the puppies.  Pieper and Echo loved exploring all the new places and meeting the many people, and we loved all the attention two cute puppies bring. :)

Welcome, New Baby Morgan!

I can't even explain how much I love newborn photos.  There is such a sweetness to being one of the first people to see this brand new life, so tiny and perfect.  Morgan Jean was seven days old for her session, and spent the whole time in a deep slumber letting us wiggle, pose and wrap her any way we needed.  She did such a good job for us, as did big brother, Carter who joined us for the beginning of the session.  So many congratulations to the {K} Family on the arrival of their little girl!

Personal Post : Memorial Day Weekend Up North

Everyone has certain places they feel connected to - certain places that automatically feel like home whether they are or not.  Since I was a child that is how it has been for me with the house my Grandfather grew up in at the edge of Baileys Harbor in Door County.  It is a craftsman style farmhouse on rambling fields that once were orchards.  The land is dotted with various outbuildings all fastidiously up-kept by my Grandfather, who I find to be my kindred spirit, always making the choice to preserve rather than replace.  And if a house needs someone to maintain the structure, it also needs someone to make it a home.  That duty falls upon my Grandmother, Claudia, who fills the house with the smell of baked coffeecake, the sound of well-meaning Scrabble banter, and the feeling of fresh linens.  She is the person who sees the good in everyone, and knows exactly how to express it.

When I was a child my brother Joshua, my cousin Danielle and I would run wild up there.  We would climb the big crabapple tree, get lost wandering the fields and create houses in the "cedar palace" as we called it.  The overall feeling was an intense sensation of freedom.

As I've grown older, the place has remained close to my heart, and it was such a joy to find that Ben saw all the wonderful things I see in it, and that it could become a place we could cherish together.  Memorial Day weekend is always our first trip up there, and this year we were particularly excited to bring Pieper up for the first time.  We knew she would love exploring the trails, nights around the campfire, and playing with Echo (the cute, fuzzy thing in the photo under the chair).

We packed the weekend with the Maifest parade in Jacksonport, breakfast at the Carroll House, ice cream at Wilson's, and an evening at Skyway Drive-In...  all surrounded by various games of Scrabble, bocce ball and many rides around the field on bikes, four-wheeleers and (yes that is a) golf cart.  Ben and I took our film cameras along in hope of sharing the timelessness of how we experience our time spent "Up North".

www.wilsonsicecream.com
www.doorcountydrivein.com

Senior Rep from Southern Door, Nicole's Senior Portraits!

When we choose our senior reps we are looking for students who are outgoing and bold - students who have a zest for life and who aren't afraid to try new things.  That is exactly what we found in Nicole.  Nicole is the person everyone wants to be around because she makes things more fun - the girl who comes up with new ways of doing things and who can turn a dull event into something people would be afraid to miss.  Senior portraits are such a blast for us because they are like an adventure.  We get to explore new spaces, finding textures and colors that can bring out our subject and create stunning photos.  With Nicole it was no exception; we are happy to be working with her for the coming year!

Hudson Turns 18 Months!

Hudson is such a character.  He is so full of personality and expression that he just cracks us up at every photo session.  For his 18 month session, we pulled out our many toys to get him to smile, but he found our lint roller to be most enthralling.  I think he wanted to jump in and help out instead of getting his photo taken. He was busying himself lint rolling the floor and putting away our stools and chairs each time we brought out a new one for a photo.  He wanted to be a helper and couldn't figure out why we wanted him to sit still when there was so much work to be done!  We love that about him! Happy 18 Months, Hudson; you are growing up into such a little man!

Axle is Growing Up!

It's always so exciting to have little ones back who we have known since newborn photos.  Axle is one of those kiddos; he is such a blast and has so much personality.  Posing for photos was not his main goal last week, instead he wanted to spend the session helping us set up and take down equipment.  With all that enthusiasm, he would make a great mini intern.  ;)  He did an awesome job for us, especially at an age that is usually the hardest for boys!  It is amazing to me how grown up he seems; he is so smart and expresses himself so well that I'm sure people always mistake him for older than he is.  It was a joy seeing him and his beautiful family again!

{ Introducing New Baby Ariella! }

We love finding families who are looking for exactly what like best: babies who are only days old, handmade outfits and hairpieces, and sweet, sleepy images.  The beauty is in combining these details in a way that shows all the precious, little expressions and tiny little lips, toes and fingers.  Tamra brought along such beautiful outfits for her new baby Ariella, as well as the cutest matching set for her other three children.  My very favorite is the feathered diaper cover and hairpiece - this little girl is a 1920s movie star!

Ariella did such a good job - she wanted to be wrapped up tight and kept warm, and each time she fell asleep, it was a deep and peaceful sleep (which made posing that much easier for us).  We also got a chance to play with Avery, Aiden and Alexis for awhile, which was fun for us.  We brought out the simplest block set and they were thoroughly entertained - coming up with new ways to put them together, and new rules to make the game more complicated.  I love how children really show their personalities as they interact.  Congratulations to Tamra and Chad on their beautiful little girl and growing family!