Elizabeth & David

From the moment I first met Elizabeth I knew I was going to love her. She is the most genuine person you'll ever meet. By the end of that first meeting it was as though Elizabeth had welcomed me in to her own special world where life was beautiful and you left her presence with a warm and happy heart. She is truly one of a kind.. or so I thought, until I met David. Who also happens to be the most genuine, dynamic and utterly fabulous person you'll ever meet. Really these two are incredible and together they are simply put... perfect.

On a gorgeous sunny day in May Elizabeth & David shared their vows in front of family and friends. It was a formal affirmation of what their hearts and souls already knew... this was a love that would stand the test of forever.

Elizabeth & David thank you so much for including Karen and I in your wedding day plans. It was truly a pleasure getting to know the two of you and your close knit group of family and friends. We hope you had a safe trip east and wish you both the best of luck with your medical careers at John Hopkins!

Elizabeth... you are one hot mama!

When I told David he was looking sharp his reply was, "I am looking good.. I won't lie." Love it!

Elizabeth was rocking the purple heels

Elizabeth & David may have had a small wedding party but their personalities were through the roof!

Ummm, yeah.. favorite.

One detail of Elizabeth's personality I failed to mention earlier is that she is organized. When we had our final meeting before the wedding, she told me she had taken a 'test' walk from the Capital to the Overture Center just to check how much time they would need! We are talking.. seriously organized. :) So when she told me she wanted to do a photo booth at her reception there was no doubt in mind that she of all people could make the concept work. In a side room at the reception hall Karen and I set up a studio where Elizabeth & David's guests could stop in to have a photo taken for their guestbook entry. To say that the photo booth was a hit would be just a slight understatement! It was so much fun. If your a 2009 or 2010 bride who's interested in offering something similiar at your reception give us a call. We'd be happy to explain the logistics.

Grandma & Grandpa ;)

Ashley & Matt

Their love is a joyful, boisterous, yell it from the rooftops kind. Like a major announcement blasted on the teleprompter at Miller Park. There's no hiding it. From the way they look at each other and instantly break out in smiles that reach from ear to ear... or their infectious laughter that never seems to be in short commodity. Ashley and Matt are so in sync they appear to walk in unison to their very own unique beat... and honestly I can't imagine it any other way. And as Ashley put together the details for her wedding you saw that boisterous, yell it from the rooftops approach in all that she did. The colors, the flowers.. it was all a perfect reflection of their perfect match. Ashley & Matt it was such a pleasure spending the day with you, your friends and family. Enjoy your sneak peek!





how many people does it take to lace up a corset?? :)



Doesn't she have a beautiful smile?





:) Favorite



The church had such beautiful mosaics everywhere we had to take full advantage of them.



favorite



How incredible are these flowers???



A quick stop off following the wedding at the bar where Ashley & Matt first met.





Ashley & Matt would only kiss at the reception if their guests stood up and showed them how... and they definitely tested this couples' flexibility!



I love this photo of Ashley & her dad!

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. :)