Erin and Duy

When Duy first laid eyes on Erin he knew. Her smile, her infectious laugh, there was simply something about Erin that Duy could not ignore. For in that moment the heavens opened and a ray of light shone down upon Erin announcing her permanent arrival into Duy's life. There was no future anymore that did not somehow include this incredible woman by his side.

A fair tale story?!? Perhaps.. if only Erin had said yes when Duy first asked her on a date. In reality this is not so much a story of love at first sight as it is a story about persistence. Duy knew.. he had seen all the signs and Erin's declining of his invitation did not dissuade him. He gave Erin some time and then... asked her out again. And once again, Erin said "no, thanks". So what was Duy to do?? Well ask her again of course! After 10 invitations Duy finally wore through Erin's walls and received his much sought after response of "yes". As it turns out Duy was everything Erin never knew, she always wanted in a companion. Their story may not have started with a "once upon a time" fair tale beginning but luckily the heavens' were accurate that day when they first opened up and Erin & Duy are now working on their "happily ever after".

I have known Erin & Duy personally now for quite a few years and I am so very blessed to have them in my circle of friends. It was such an incredible honor to be able to capture their wedding day for them and I can't thank them enough for putting their faith in me. I can't tell you how many times I thanked Canon on the day of their wedding for auto focus! Erin's brother Matt was the officiant for the ceremony. He did an amazing job... between my constantly laughter and the occasional tears it was a really good thing I had auto focus on my side. :) Erin & Duy also wrote their own vows... and they were awesome. They vowed to love, honor and support one another always. But beyond that, Duy also vowed to finally make good on their deal "you cook, I clean." Erin in return promised to "humor Duy the next time we go on vacation and he asks me 6 times if I checked that the stove is off." These two certainly know how to laugh together! With a relationship built on friendship, love and laughter there's really no way they won't make it to happily ever after. Okay... I totally didn't mean to rhyme there, but cheesey as it is... it's all true.

Congratulations again Erin & Duy!!! Much, much love - Jennifer






Love this.. favorite



Erin didn't think she could do a 'serious' portrait... ha! Erin you are gorgeous :)



Erin & her adorable parents



The man of the hour.... Duy







Thank goodness for auto focus...









How stickin adorable are these two?!?



Erin & Duy have two cats who are their 'family' So it was very fitting that they were included into the wedding day details. The chocolate cake topper was made by David Bacco Chocolates.



Erin & Duy also sponsored a cat for each table at the reception from the Dane County Humane Society.... love that!





Love this one... favorite!



The one and only specific request Erin gave me... this ones for you.

Cassandra & Chris

As Cassandra floated down the spiral staircase she was greeted from below with a chorus of Ohhs, Ahhs and smiles of approval. She was stunning. All of those hours of planning and dreaming were coming closer step by step as she made her way to the first floor. One step closer to the man of her dreams, one step closer to a future together she'd been dreaming about for years. When Cassie reached the floor below she was swallowed up by her sisters, cousins and friends. For that final step she would be carried to Chris on their love and support. It was a moment where I was thankful for autofocus!

Cassie and Chris are such an adorable couple and their families are fantastic. Seriously, by the end of the day I felt like I needed to make the rounds to all the family to say good-bye! They are so warm and welcoming that Karen and I felt like we'd known them for years. Since their wedding took place in Bartlett, Illinois I traveled to the area a day early and joined them for the rehearsal dinner. Spending that much time with Cassie, Chris and their families was such a treat. And I know that for Cassie and Chris it was a true blessing to have their entire families there by their sides. Just two weeks prior to their wedding Chris' father had to undergo an emergency bypass surgery. Thanks to a lot of prayers and determination though there was no place else Ron would have been on that warm July afternoon. I know I speak for a lot of people when I say what a blessing it was to have Chris' father healthy and in attendance.

Cassie & Chris thank you again for your warm hospitality. It was such a treat working with you and your families on your wedding day. You are both so blessed with an incredible circle of support and I am honored to consider you my friends. - much love, Jennifer



AYKM?? I was in heaven when I saw Cassie's shoe choice!



Definitely a favorite... how gorgeous is Cassie?



Playing around with Audrey....





Cassie carried photographs of some very special friends and relatives right inside her bouquet.





I love this capture of a proud dad during the ceremony...



I seriously work with the cutest ringbearers around!



I love this serious! How adorable are they??? :)







Cassie's father lent his car for the wedding day transportation and you know I had to take full advance of that! Favorite!



Cassie had every last detail planned out perfectly....



A little Ice on Ice....







Love it!!! Favorite



Chris' mom was cutting up the dance floor...



The adorable Erin & Randy. Thanks again for the referral.. it was a treat seeing you both again!





*** I almost forgot... Happy Birthday Cassie! I hope you enjoyed your surprise. :)

A moment to brag....

Soooo, I have lots and lots of incredible weddings still to share with you all... but first I have to take just a quick moment to brag a bit about the incredibly talented people in my life. Last Thursday I drove north to Chippewa Falls for a VIP event. The world premiere of an independent film both my brother Andre' and brother-in-law Seth have been working on for the past several years.

If you've been following this blog for a while then you may remember a post from last November about the film. At that point they were just screening the film as they worked to complete the editing.... well the film is finished and last Thursday it premiered to a sold out theatre of friends, family, actors and producers. I can't even begin to tell you how very excited and proud I am of these two!

The story of "Illegal Use of Joe Zopp" originated with a group of 7 friends who all grew up together in the Chippewa Falls area. Although the film is set in Purewater (a fictitious town) most of the filming took place in the Chippewa Falls/Eau Claire area... hence the premiere's location. My brother-in-law Seth was one of those principle seven members. Andre' first became a part of the movie when he was cast in the supporting role of Winslow Garduno. With his degree in Theatre & Film it wasn't long before he was put to use in other post production aspects of the movie.

As I settled back in my seat with a bag of popcorn I turned to Aaron... butterflies in my stomach. Why was I nervous? There was no reason to be... and yet I found myself unable to find a comfortable position in my thoroughly plush seat. What if the movie didn't do as well as they hoped? What if I didn't like it? What would I say to my family?!? As it turns out those nerves were completely for nothing... The film turned out far better then I ever could have imagined. And was it well received??? Well it was the top grossing movie at the Cinema over the weekend! How incredible is that!!!!

If your from the Chippewa Falls area be sure to stop by Micon Theatre and check it out. The movie will be playing through this week, although they may extend that based on the high ticket sales so far. The film was also just recently accepted into an International Film Festival in the Twin Cities this fall... so if your from Minnesota be sure to check that out. If you'd like to read more about the film you can find lots of information on their website.



I just love this image... all the other films playing alongside Joe Zopp last weekend.



The Chippewa Falls group of writers, directors, producers.... (short one member as Joe was unable to attend)



Being interviewed by the press. Here's a link to an article in the local paper....

Some local coverage



At the request of his sister... hamming it up for the camera!



My new favorite family photo! Could my mom be any prouder?!? :)



The weekend of the premiere in Chippewa Falls "Illegal Use of Joe Zopp" also participated in the Landlocked Film Festival in Iowa City, Iowa. Below you'll find a link for their very first review!

First review

Sara & Philipp

Knee high socks and sandals, tight rolled jeans, leg warmers and fanny packs.... everyone knows these trends to be definite fashion don'ts. But isn't there always an exception to the rule?

When Phil set out one beautiful morning to hike the cliffs at Devils' Lake, he knew he wanted a bag that stayed close to his body. He wanted the presence of that beautiful engagement ring to always be safely within reach. As he led Sara higher and higher through the trees he found himself constantly patting his oh so taboo, fanny pack... a quick confirmation that yes, indeed Sara's beautiful ring was still safely tucked away. As the reached a clearing where the view of the lake spread out beautifully below them, Phil reached into his pack and produced the ring that brought tears to Sara's eyes. Sara didn't see a man with a fanny pack... she saw the man she loves... a man who wants to hold Sara close by his side... always safely within reach for, the rest of his life!

Congratulations again Sara & Philipp. It was such a pleasure working with you both and your delightful families. Much love - Jennifer







The closely guarded and absolutely beautiful engagement ring...



I love these ties!









How adorable are they??



Something about this image that I just love... favorite!





Sara & Phil had one of the best dinners I've ever enjoyed at a wedding reception. It was catered by the incredible Lombardinos. Dessert was incredible as well. There were dozens of different cheesecake varieties to choose from.. and all of them were handmade by members of Sara & Phil's families.

Stephanie & Kent

When we first met, we clicked. As Stephanie spoke about her upcoming wedding plans with Kent I could tell we were insync.

I fell in love with Stephanie and Kent from the first moment we met.... and I didn't even meet Kent until the wedding day! They both just have this aura about them that's so warm and inviting. As we chatted between portraits about their careers, the beautiful day and life in general Kent held Stephanie's hand and stared at her like it was the first time he’d ever seen such a beautiful woman. A loving gaze, a supportive laugh.... These two are simply perfect for each other.

Sometimes the trip to one's wedding day takes years rather then months. I can't say that one approach is better then the other... but with time comes a level of comfort that can be seen in every little expression and supportive gesture. As Kent held Stephanie's hand and offered her his life and his neverending love you could see in her face that she was most definitely swallowed up in the comfort of Kent's embrace.







Stephanie has such a warm smile...













Love this... favorite.