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. :)

CD Release Party

I've been thinking a lot about life lately... my life in particular. Sometimes I've just got to step back and gaze in amazement at where I find myself. I have to take a deep breath and soak it all in for I truly am blessed.

Yes, as anyone who watches the news already knows, times are tough. I'm certainly no stranger to the economic struggles we are all feeling.. but yet I'm still able to do what I love, and that is a real blessing. Looking back a year ago my father-in-law Joe was about to undergo a stem cell transplant. Today he's back on track to enjoying life to it's fullest, and that is a real blessing. My best friend in the world, my sister Lisa just turned the big 3-0. Having her living close to me once again is a treat and a real blessing.

When I count my blessings though there is one in particular that I take the time to count every single day. My husband Aaron is celebrating the release of his newest CD this weekend and having this talented man in my life is such a blessing. I find such inspiration from talented people, no matter what their medium. And when it comes to guitars and music Aaron is one of the most talented individuals I know.... and that's even taking into consideration my being a bit partial. :)

So if your looking for a way to spend your Saturday evening this weekend come on down and join me for the CD Release Party. It will be Saturday the 25th at the Crystal Corner Bar. A really great local band King Cruiser will open the show at 9 pm and Aaron takes the stage at 10:45. If you enjoy Blues, Funk and Rock then you'll really enjoy this show. I'll be in the back taking a deep breath and soaking it all in.

Kristen & Dave

Poor, sad neglected blog.... it's been too long old friend. Yes, yes, I know that an apology to my own blog is a bit out there but considering it's been nearly two months since I blogged I think she deserves an apology! As do all of you, my faithful blog readers... my sincere apologies. What can I say? It's been a couple of crazy months. A trip to Thailand, another birthday (yikes!), working on a new studio (yeah!!!), chaperoning a high school trip to Europe, it's been craziness.. and I've been loving every minute of it. I'm still planning to blog about many of these events but before I do that I really need to take you back to the wedding of Kristen & Dave.

Although Kristen & Dave no longer need a sneak peek... they already have all their wedding photos, I really wanted to share their wedding with you. I know that many of you have told me how much you enjoy reading the stories of all my wedding couples. Well this blog would not be complete without sharing the story of Kristen & Dave.

They met in college. Two athletes making their separate ways through the chaos of campus life at UW - Madison. Until one day when their paths crossed in the weight room of the campus athletic department. David wasn't looking for love but when he first laid eyes on Kristen he was struck by her energy, confidence and incredible beauty. As soon as they were introduced it was obvious there was a spark between them... that is until Dave's coach decided to interrupt the conversation with a few notes of harassment regarding Dave's workout. How do you recover from that?

Lucky for Dave that meeting was only the first of many. It wasn't long before they were laughing over dinners, placing late night phone calls, and enjoying breezy afternoons on the union terrace. They fell in love. It was as simple as that. There was simply no other way these two souls could exist then wrapped up in each others arms. Kristen and Dave it has been such a pleasure getting to know the two of you through the years of family weddings and summer volleyball leagues, what can I say... I luv ya! Oh, and if your still working on that wedding album list consider the images below as having my vote. :)




A little background on these images. While getting ready at the salon Kristen's mom looked in the mirror and said, "I look sad." Kristen in turn asked, "Well are you sad?" To which mom replied, "Well yeah, kind of!" It was such a sweet moment.





Fierce I tell you! Kristen you are stunning.



Dave your not too shabby yourself :)





So sweet... favorite.





Yup... this is a repeat from their sneak peek, couldn't help it... favorite!








A little private time in the elevator.. hot stuff.






After photographing Kristen's sisters' wedding a few years ago I knew to bring extra kleenex for her father's speech. In addition to tears there were some pretty hilarious stories as well.



A classic Kristen and Dave moment... favorite

Melinda & Aaron

As children many of us had lofty dreams of growing up to be just like the professional athletes we proudly displayed on our bedroom walls. We admired them for their strength, self confidence and obvious devotion to their craft.... not to mention the fact they always looked like they were having so much fun!

Well when I grow up, I want to be just like Melinda & Aaron. In his last years of college Aaron was drafted to the Major League of Soccer and now plays for the Kansas City Wizards. First off, how cool is that? Just like the sports stars we idolized as kids Aaron is the picture of strength, self confidence and obvious devotion (not only to his sport of soccer) but also to his love and relationship with Melinda. Just as a team trains together and perfects their game plan Melinda and Aaron have worked together in such a way that you look at them now and their movements appear to be choreographed. Each step insync with the other person as they carefully and confidently slice through the field on their way to the common goal. I was so very honored to be a part of their wedding day and watch all their hardwork and deep commitment come together in a beautiful display of truly genuine love. Congratulations again Mindy & Aaron! I hope you've found some time between work and practices to make some honeymoon plans. :)



The hotel suite the girls got ready in had some great antique books... this one seemed especially fitting.....





Okay.. consider yourself forewarned.. there are a ton of bridal portraits here. I just couldn't decide. And can you blame me?? Melinda is so beautiful!








Melinda & Aaron saw each other for photos before their ceremony... their first meeting was so sweet. Thank goodness for autofocus! Even I was a bit teary eyed.











Love the emotion in this one... favorite!



The ceremony was at the Top of the Park overlooking the Capital.







Melinda's only request was a shot of the Capital lit up after dark... check mark.





This beautiful cake was by Chris' Confections.








On a separate note don't forget to take some time today to vote for Wisconsin Bride Magazines Best of 2009. The voting ends March 1st. Stop by their website and complete a ballot to show your support for your favorite Wisconsin Wedding Vendors.