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. :)

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