Laura & Ryan

In life there are two types of people.. those who follow the rules and those who don't. Laura has always been one of those individuals who sees the logic behind the rules that govern and so in turn puts her trust in those rules. If her mom told her look both ways before crossing, Laura knew there was a strong line of reasoning behind her words. When the University required a minimum GPA to enter into the pharmaceutical school Laura worked diligently to meet those requirements. 

When Laura graduated and took a position at the Walgreens pharmacy she once again was met with a list of rules. Rules that were put in place to protect the companies employees and customers. A new set of rules which Laura put her faith behind. So when she learned that one of those rules was there was no dating among members of the Walgreens staff, she turned her eyes from the cute assistant manager and focused on her work. 

Luckily the cute assistant manager was a type two personality. Upon meeting Laura he knew his life was changed for the better and no set of rules would put a damper on his visions for their future together. Ryan was not simply going to sit back and follow the rules.... and he wasn't about to let Laura follow them either! Thanks to Ryan's persistence Laura finally decided to bend the rules a bit.... and I'm so glad she did because these two are incredible together. 

Laura & Ryan thank you so much for sharing your wedding day with Karen and I. It was such a pleasure working with your adorable families... could your nephews be any cuter? And a huge shout out to Laura's brother Ryan for his help at the Capital, but mostly just for keeping us all entertained and laughing! Laura & Ryan, I wish you both the very best for your future together. Much love!!  

Not sure what it is I love so much about this photo.. but I do. Favorite. 

Hiding around the corner, one last quiet moment before the service starts.....

Favorite!

Laura you have the most intensely beautiful eyes!

LOVE this moment that Karen captured... favorite!

The tulips in bloom were color coordinated perfectly for Laura & Ryan.

I adore this series! You two are so cute together. favorite!

I'm such a sucker for the father - daughter dance.....

Sweet baby Lillie

I don't often enough blog about my newborn sessions. I like to take the time to really think through my words and write something heartfelt. With newborns though sometimes there's just no need for words. When your lucky enough to photograph perfection like little Lillie the images speak for themselves. Enjoy..... 

A tireless advocate

I've been spending a lot of time lately just breathing in all of the good energy around me. In fact it was just a week ago that I was blogging about how great life is, I truly felt life's blessings. I felt the warmth of the sun on my face and it warmed me all the way through. ....only a week and so much has changed. The warmth I feel now is of a completely different nature. While I was enjoying the suns rays cancer quietly tiptoed back into my life.

There is an anger that runs through me today like none I've ever felt before. I feel like screaming but I have no idea where to direct my anger, so it sits inside and causes my body to ache. Today is the anniversary of my father-in-law Joe's stem cell transplant, one year and he is doing wonderful. Just as he is back on track I received the news that my mom has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Beyond the anger there are questions. Why? Certainly after spending the last two years immersed in the converation of cancer we've paid our dues. Why now? Why her? My mom's answer to that question... "why not me? I'm no more special then anyone else." But see this is where we disagree because I happen to think she IS special. There is no one more supportive of me and my siblings. She is the first person to visit a sick relative or family member in the hospital and daily stay by their side. She is the tireless advocate who never gives up on a cause she believes in. She is the helping hand who's spent the last several months painting for hours at my new studio. She is the crazy mother who never misses a moment to pester me about grandchildren. :) She is everything.

The anger is still fresh and burning now, but I'm working on moving in the direction of hope and optimism. I know it's my turn to be her advocate and I just hope that I can come close to doing the role justice.

**** I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you to all of you who commented, emailed me directly or picked up the phone to call. I am beyond lucky to have such amazing clients. For so many of you to have taken the time to share your words, forward on your breast cancer resoures and pass on your words of encouragement is truly touching. And to the person who left a paper hug and chocolate in my mailbox... thank you. You made my day a whole lot brighter. :)

Laura & Matt

Matt is no stranger to the lingo of sports. As a soccer coach and as an athlete he's read many a handbook, rule book and score card. If you want to know what the difference between a yellow card and a red card is Matt's your man. And his knowledge isn't limited only to the sport of soccer. He can tell you all about the negative aspects to using a conventional grip when bowling.

When Laura and Matt first met it was amidst the heated competition of the Universities bowling class. Some may argue that Laura was drawn in by Matt's athletic swagger, the way he knew just how to recover a spare from any split that came his way. His confidence from the soccer field easily translated into the game of bowling. While I'll admit that Matt is definitely charming and handsome to boot, I personally think there was something else that won over Laura's heart those first few days of bowling class..... it must have been the shoes. :)

Laura & Matt thank you so much for inviting Karen and I into your lives on such an incredible day. Your family, friends and the incredible music made it a day I won't soon forget. I hope you had an incredible time in Barcelona and enjoyed as many tapas as time would allow!







What says spring better then tulips???






Seriously Laura... you made such a gorgeous bride. favorite!






Laura used to play in her churchs' handbell choir so the entire group was on hand for her wedding.... it was so magically when they started in on Canon in D.









A quiet moment after the ceremony...






Following the service we stopped at a local park that had... a soccer field!



I LOVE everything about this photo... you rocked in Matt. Don't even need to say it but... favorite!!



Laura & the ladies were some pretty fierce competition though....



It's been a while since I posted an example of the same shot from two perspectives. This first shot is Karen's view.



And this one is mine...









You two are soo adorable! favorite.



Ha!!!



I can't remember the last time I saw someone so excited to catch the bouquet... this series just makes me smile. :)