Wild Card Champions....

My prayers were answered! Not only were there a few Brewer fan's in my wedding party Saturday.. but oh so much better......the Brewers won big on Sunday!!!!! I don't think I could possibly use enough exclamation points for this blog post!

I sat in the left field bleachers, stomach dancing in circles, completely unable to eat my much anticipated brat with stadium sauce. There was just so much riding on the outcome of this game. I felt nervous... as though I were the one walking to home plate with a bat in hand. My palms were sweaty, my throat was dry and my stomach continued to dance the polka quite exuberantly. It felt like I was saying a silent prayer with every single Brewer at bat, and all the while my ears were filled with the sarcastic chants of the Cubs fans that surrounded us. Luckily my nerves survived the day.... and thanks to Ryan Braun's shot to left field and the amazing work horse that is CC Sabathia the Brewers were able to clinch the Wild Card. What a day!! I can't wait to see how the rest of the playoffs unfold.

If you couldn't already guess... this shot was taken after the Brewers and the Marlins had won... those smiles are oh so genuine!



Following the Brewer's win most of the fans stuck around to see the outcome of the Marlins-Mets game. You can see how everyone slid over to be able to watch the jumbotron.



McClung being interviewed after the win....



Need I say more?!?



** These photos were taken with my trusty point & shoot, fit in my pocket camera and should in no way be considered a fair assessment of my skills as a photographer. :)


If you read this whole post then your obviously a Brewer fan.... I have a pair of tickets for this Saturday's play off game against the Phillies. I have a wedding and won't be able to go. We purchased tickets to Sundays game (assuming there is a 4th game) and need to sell Saturdays tickets. Email me if your interested and I can give you more details.

***** Sorry, tickets are sold *****

Go Brewers!!!!

If your anything like me your simply not ready to give up on summer yet. With 80 degree days there just seems no reason to bow down to fall, these are the perfect summer days I want to enjoy at the Terrace while a cool breeze blows in from the lake. Better yet.... I want to enjoy them at the ballpark with a crowd of cheering fans and of course - a brat with stadium sauce. Much like the summer season I am no where near ready to give up on my Brewers. After watching their series with the Pirates and tonight's game against the Cubs, I'm pretty sure the feelings mutual. Two games left and a wild card spot dangles before us.

Tomorrow I have the privilege of photographing the adorable Lynn & Lucas' wedding. I already know from our final meeting this past week that Karen and I are going to have a ball with this wedding party. As I go to bed tonight, excited as always for my Saturday wedding.. I'm also going to say a silent prayer that Lucas has some baseball fans in his wedding party. :) I am sooo going to need some updates!

And since a blog post without a photo is just no fun at all I leave you with this gem. Doesn't he look like he's calling his shot????

Angie & Brad

As I approached the door to Angie's hotel room I could hear a chorus of laughter from within. I knocked before entering and my arrival was greeted with more giggles and waves. There was an electricity in the air... coursing through each and every one of the bridesmaids. It didn't take long for me to find the source. Angie was glowing. Her skin, freshly washed in preparation for makeup nonetheless had the perfect shade of natural pink rouge.

The laughter on Angie & Brad's wedding day began before I even snapped my first photo... and I'm certain it lasted way past my exit at the reception. There's was a day filled with personality, fun and lots and lots of laughter. Literally my cheeks hurt the next day... this group was just too funny for words! You would never know it from the beautiful blue skies you'll see in the photos below, but Angie & Brad's outdoor wedding was complicated by rain showers as late as five minutes before the ceremony time. As guests & family members scrambled to move chairs, programs and decorations inside Angie & Brad laughed and smiled with anticipation. There was no way a rain shower could ever dampen their spirits. As luck would have it the showers lasted less then 15 minutes and in no time the chairs were back in place, programs distributed and the bride & groom were united in marriage... through it all Angie & Brad laughed in unison.

Thanks again you two for an unforgettable day... and of course for the work out you gave my cheek muscles! :)




Angie's natural glow was enhanced by the very talented Julie Carrington of On Location Makeup



Angie & Brad choose to see each other before the ceremony...



I loved it because I was able to capture their excitement.... I don't think Angie could stop smiling!







See what I mean about those blue skies?!? favorite!



After a visit to Allen Centennial we headed over to the MMOCA where they had this awesome colorful exhibit up... loved it!



Yup.. you guessed it... favorite



Playing with something a little different here....







Then it was on to Sweet Sophie's... where the sun made an appearance after the clouds passed by.





How fun is this cake?!?! Loads of personality just like Angie & Brad

Anna & Derrick

When Anna agreed to accompany her friend on a trip to Six Flags Great America it was with a bit of reluctance. Certainly a day of fun in the sun sounded appealing, but Anna never really understood the draw of rollercoasters. She much preferred to keep her two feet firmly on the ground.

Anna is a woman who knows who she is and where she's heading... and through the years she had learned that the fastest way to ones destination was in a straight line ahead. So when a shy guy with a mop of curly blonde hair made his way to the front of the bus to chat with Anna she kept her focus.... feet firmly planted. As the miles flew by and the conversation with Derrick escalated Anna found her heels drifting upward. She dug her toes in harder, cautiously enjoying the experience but not quite ready to fully commit to the ride she so clearly was on. By the time the bus reached its destination Anna & Derrick were on the ride of their lives. Not only were Anna's feet completely free of the earths gravitational pull, but she found as she smiled over at Derrick that they both had their arms in the air as they laughed with excitement for what they would experience when their coaster reached the top of it's climb.

There is a wedding toast that says...... As you sit side by side through the roller coaster of life, remember to: Scream from the peaks, hold hands through the dips, laugh through the loop-de-loops, and enjoy every twist and turn - - for the ride is better because you share it together. I can't think of anything more appropriate for Anna & Derrick. Thank you again for allowing me to share in your day. You are both so incredibly warm and genuine. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting you and your friends and families. Much love - Jennifer





We had a little fun with the men before the ceremony..





I've said it before, but I think it needs saying again... I work with the most adorable flowergirls! How sweet is she, checking herself out in the mirror one last time.







Pastor Jeff had one of the most wonderful sermons I've ever heard. If anyone is looking for a new congregation I definitely suggest checking out Messiah Church on Cottage Grove Road... you will love this man just as Karen and I did.



Mr & Mrs!!!!



I told you she was adorable! Hamming it up down the aisle all by herself at age 3.



Love this soft light Karen captured....





Doesn't this look like the perfect way to spend an afternoon?!? Favorite



Anna you are so beautiful!







Derrick is a geologist so in leiu of a traditional guest book Anna & Derrick opted for a bowl of polished stones.... favorite!

Jamie and Chad

The day was warm.. the air thick, the humidity making it hard to breath. Even as I prepared at home my skin was already wet with perspiration. As I made my way to the bride's room at Olbrich Gardens I found myself surrounded by groomsmen hurriedly setting up chairs, flowers, and potted plants. "We decided to move the wedding inside," Chad announced as I walked in his direction. I made my way to Jamie's room and she gave me the same matter of fact information. My immediate thought was concern... a last minute change of plans is never good for a bride or grooms' stress level. It took only minutes of being in Jamie's presence though to see my concern was absolutely unnecessary. As she floated around the room tying bows and fussing over last minute details it became clear that she was as calm as if she were relaxing on her front porch with a tall glass of lemonade. After all, she was marrying the man of her dreams and the location, decorations, temperature... none of that would change that fact that she was pledging forever to the most amazing person she has ever known.

In the atrium of Olbrich Gardens Jamie & Chad said "I do". Surrounded by love, support and faith that took the shape of their aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, parents and friends. What makes Jamie & Chad's love so special is that it's built on the rock solid foundation of their close friends and family. It's this kind of love that is so very enviable. Jamie & Chad thank you for allowing me to witness your support structure and your love as your embark on this new journey together. I wish you both nothing but the best!






Watching as the guests arrive.... do I even have to say it?!? favorite!











Jamie and her beautiful mother sharing a private moment. Jamie's mother has had some health concerns over the past few years that I won't go into here. Something tells me though that this photo pretty much sums up how happy Jamie was to share this day with her mom...



Hot stuff... got to love men in tuxes... and check out the foot attire.



When Jamie & I discussed locations for their wedding party photos she jumped at my suggestion to shoot in an alleyway downtown. Thanks for the vote of trust Jamie... I just love the results!



Favorite!!





I love this ring shot... something a little different.



Ha!