Election Day.....

It's hard to believe this day has finally come. As much as I am excited to have my phone stop ringing with calls from politicians... I also realize what an important election this is. In talking to some of my high school seniors this fall I found many of these students would be turning 18 just in time to vote. Can you imagine this election being your very first election to vote in, ever?!? Crazy stuff. Anyway, I won't preach any politics here... your all smart enough to make up your own minds. But in honor of election day I do want to share this message with you...
Go vote.. make your voice heard.

If you haven't already seen this video you've got to check it out.....

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.

Wild Card Champions....

My prayers were answered! Not only were there a few Brewer fan's in my wedding party Saturday.. but oh so much better......the Brewers won big on Sunday!!!!! I don't think I could possibly use enough exclamation points for this blog post!

I sat in the left field bleachers, stomach dancing in circles, completely unable to eat my much anticipated brat with stadium sauce. There was just so much riding on the outcome of this game. I felt nervous... as though I were the one walking to home plate with a bat in hand. My palms were sweaty, my throat was dry and my stomach continued to dance the polka quite exuberantly. It felt like I was saying a silent prayer with every single Brewer at bat, and all the while my ears were filled with the sarcastic chants of the Cubs fans that surrounded us. Luckily my nerves survived the day.... and thanks to Ryan Braun's shot to left field and the amazing work horse that is CC Sabathia the Brewers were able to clinch the Wild Card. What a day!! I can't wait to see how the rest of the playoffs unfold.

If you couldn't already guess... this shot was taken after the Brewers and the Marlins had won... those smiles are oh so genuine!



Following the Brewer's win most of the fans stuck around to see the outcome of the Marlins-Mets game. You can see how everyone slid over to be able to watch the jumbotron.



McClung being interviewed after the win....



Need I say more?!?



** These photos were taken with my trusty point & shoot, fit in my pocket camera and should in no way be considered a fair assessment of my skills as a photographer. :)


If you read this whole post then your obviously a Brewer fan.... I have a pair of tickets for this Saturday's play off game against the Phillies. I have a wedding and won't be able to go. We purchased tickets to Sundays game (assuming there is a 4th game) and need to sell Saturdays tickets. Email me if your interested and I can give you more details.

***** Sorry, tickets are sold *****

Go Brewers!!!!

If your anything like me your simply not ready to give up on summer yet. With 80 degree days there just seems no reason to bow down to fall, these are the perfect summer days I want to enjoy at the Terrace while a cool breeze blows in from the lake. Better yet.... I want to enjoy them at the ballpark with a crowd of cheering fans and of course - a brat with stadium sauce. Much like the summer season I am no where near ready to give up on my Brewers. After watching their series with the Pirates and tonight's game against the Cubs, I'm pretty sure the feelings mutual. Two games left and a wild card spot dangles before us.

Tomorrow I have the privilege of photographing the adorable Lynn & Lucas' wedding. I already know from our final meeting this past week that Karen and I are going to have a ball with this wedding party. As I go to bed tonight, excited as always for my Saturday wedding.. I'm also going to say a silent prayer that Lucas has some baseball fans in his wedding party. :) I am sooo going to need some updates!

And since a blog post without a photo is just no fun at all I leave you with this gem. Doesn't he look like he's calling his shot????

Angie & Brad

As I approached the door to Angie's hotel room I could hear a chorus of laughter from within. I knocked before entering and my arrival was greeted with more giggles and waves. There was an electricity in the air... coursing through each and every one of the bridesmaids. It didn't take long for me to find the source. Angie was glowing. Her skin, freshly washed in preparation for makeup nonetheless had the perfect shade of natural pink rouge.

The laughter on Angie & Brad's wedding day began before I even snapped my first photo... and I'm certain it lasted way past my exit at the reception. There's was a day filled with personality, fun and lots and lots of laughter. Literally my cheeks hurt the next day... this group was just too funny for words! You would never know it from the beautiful blue skies you'll see in the photos below, but Angie & Brad's outdoor wedding was complicated by rain showers as late as five minutes before the ceremony time. As guests & family members scrambled to move chairs, programs and decorations inside Angie & Brad laughed and smiled with anticipation. There was no way a rain shower could ever dampen their spirits. As luck would have it the showers lasted less then 15 minutes and in no time the chairs were back in place, programs distributed and the bride & groom were united in marriage... through it all Angie & Brad laughed in unison.

Thanks again you two for an unforgettable day... and of course for the work out you gave my cheek muscles! :)




Angie's natural glow was enhanced by the very talented Julie Carrington of On Location Makeup



Angie & Brad choose to see each other before the ceremony...



I loved it because I was able to capture their excitement.... I don't think Angie could stop smiling!







See what I mean about those blue skies?!? favorite!



After a visit to Allen Centennial we headed over to the MMOCA where they had this awesome colorful exhibit up... loved it!



Yup.. you guessed it... favorite



Playing with something a little different here....







Then it was on to Sweet Sophie's... where the sun made an appearance after the clouds passed by.





How fun is this cake?!?! Loads of personality just like Angie & Brad