Nicole & Bowe

Nikki.... baby.... I um, don't be mad okay?? But I um... I think I forgot the rings! Nicole turned to Bowe and whispered discreetly, That's not funny, quit messing around. No really Nikki... I think I forgot the rings!

I watched the conversation between Nicole & Bowe through my zoom lens as the pastor talked about love and marriage. He continued on about marriage and the sacred bond Nicole & Bowe were entering into... as Nicole came to the realization that Bowe wasn't joking around as usual. There was a real sense of panic in his eyes as he stood in front of his friends and family with no wedding rings in his pocket. Nicole's eyes on the other hand were focused. They spoke silently to Bowe... We'll figure this out... no worries. I will marry you today even if I have to use a blowpop ring. :) The hushed conversation between Nicole & Bowe rippled through the wedding party and within seconds there was a stand in ring for both the bride & groom. The wedding ceremony continued on without delay.

As I watched the conversation between Nicole & Bowe, I was a wash with panic. How could I get my ring up to the Maid of Honor discreetly?!? How could I help? Before I could even put those two thoughts in a row though Nicole & Bowe had things under control. The entire congregation was witness to their love that afternoon. A love that says don't worry I'm here by your side. The kind of supportive love that we cling to in times of trouble. Nicole & Bowe begin their married life confidently, knowing they have that love and support.... always, unconditionally. I was truly honored to witness and be a part of their incredible day.






This may just be my favorite shoe photo ever... loved the light in this stairwell!









I took Nicole back to the beautiful stairway light for a few portraits before the service. Favorite!



The best man... very discreetly removing his wedding ring in time for the ring exchange...



I love this photo! The absence of the rings could have brought many a bride to tears but Nicole & Bowe were too busy enjoying themselves to fret over details.



And it's official!!!!





Nicole... you are gorgeous! favorite





It's been a while since I showed the two photographer perspectives. This is my shot....



And this is Karen's... love it!



The 'real' rings did make an appearance....



Love this shot of Nicole & her father during their dance...

Jessica and Chris

When Jessica was a little girl she would listen attentively to the bedtime stories of princesses and their prince charmings. Stories of magical far off places and storybook love.. the kind that lasts forever. Even at a tender age Jessica already had high standards.

Growing up her friends through high school and college would tease Jessica that her expectations were far too high. You've just got to loosen up and go with the flow, they'd tell her. Jessica however knew what she wanted in her soul mate and she saw no reason to compromise. Her childhood belief that storybook love was a very real and obtainable goal kept her focused on the future.... a future she could see just as clearly as if it were painted on the pages of one of her bedtime stories.

Among Jessica's circle of friends it was commonly known that Jessica had taken her expectations for a partner even one step further... she had made a list. The ladies referred to this list as Jessica's "5 C's ". The ideal candidate had to be charming, charismatic, caring, catholic and of course - cute. When Jessica was introduced to Chris through mutual friends she found herself mentally crossing off the list..... charming - check, cute - check. It wasn't long before Jessica realized she had found a match. As time passed and they got to know each other more Jessica found herself falling hard, the list was unimportant... the only thing that was important was spending time with Chris. Not only had Jessica found a man who embodied all of the "5 C's" but she had ended up gaining a sixth "C" she had found - Chris.

My good friend Karmen Lindner did the second shooting for me... and we had such a blast. Thanks again Jessica & Chris for a truly incredible day. It was a real pleasure spending time with you, your friends and your families.



Love Jessica's shoes!!!





While the girls were getting ready Karmen was hanging with the boys....



Chris loves Jessica with the kind of love that is so very enviable... wholey and completely. I love a groom who gets choked up at the sight of his bride.







A private moment in the trolley - Favorite!






I swear this photo belongs in a glamour magazine... favorite!





So sweet...



The details at the Union were beautiful.. love the monograms. Jessica's Aunt did all the incredible arrangements.



Love this shot that Karmen captured....favorite.

Natalie & Juan

When Natalie & Juan first met they were both working together on the Air National Guard base in Madison. Juan was captivated not only by Natalie's beauty but also by her confidence and obvious inner strength. He respected her and truly admired her dedication and focus. So when there were work outings organized for dinner or the movies... it was a no brainer as far as Juan was concerned. He was happy for any excuse to spend more time with Natalie.

What Juan had not yet realized was that Natalie was quite smitten with him as well. So when one of these work outings came to an end at the early hour of 9:00 Natalie decided to make a strategic move. She invited Juan out for a solo outing... "why don't we grab a six pack and head down to the shore.. it's such a beautiful night?" Well you didn't have to ask Juan twice! As they
shared a blanket and listened to the sound of the waves crashing, they looked in unison to a moonlit sky. The admiration and respect they both shared was changing and deepening. It became obvious that night that their friendship was growing into something much, much more.

Unfortunately time isn't always on our sides.... as luck would have it, just as Natalie found herself falling hard for Juan she learned he had plans to relocate to California. Natalie had the same apprehensions as many young couples do when it comes to long distance relationships. How would it work? Will it make us stronger? But most of all... how can I survive without this incredible person by my side? Natalie valued what she had found in Juan and she decided to put the same trust and dedication into their relationship that she did in all aspects of her life. After only a few short weeks of dating and with Juan's departure date looming on the horizon Natalie made a decision. She told Juan that if he asked, she would move to California. There wasn't even a moments hesitate for Juan to ask the question Natalie was so desperately hoping to here.... and the answer? Yes, of course. :)

Natalie & Juan thank you so much for inviting me in to your intimate wedding plans. It was such a pleasure meeting you both. Best of luck with all of your exciting plans this coming winter! I can't wait to see pictures.





I love this photo... favorite!



Natalie's smile is so infectious....







Hamming it up for the camera....



These two are sooo in love! Just makes me want to curl up and snuggle.. favorite.



Natalie & Juan decided to do some photos at the one location in Madison that holds the most meaning for them and their relationship. We decided to recreate that first 'date' right down to the six pack of beer..... Love it!



I just adore this series... have a ever mentioned how great the couples are I get to work with?!?!





Umm yeah... favorite.