Justin + Kate | engaged

The snow. The light. The laughter. The love.

What a wonderful afternoon spent with Justin and Kate, two incredibly kind people who really just enjoy being with one another. One of the things that was particularly special for me about our time together was the conversation AND learning that Kate and I share some similarities in our personality... and how Justin shares similarities with my husband, Brent! It was a sweet reminder to me of how challenging and rewarding it is to join lives with another person who is so different from you ! The growth required to view grace, patience, unconditional love, and compromise in a fresh new light, and the responsibility it is to be in constant pursuit of God's heart and eyes for your spouse and the beautiful way that perspective trickles into the way you view other people in your life. 

Justin and Kate... man, am I excited for your wedding this summer! 

A Wednesday Adventure

My head feels a little swirly today, so I'll keep my rambling to a minimum. Please bear with me! 

Since the very beginning of pursuing photography professionally and starting our business, I decided that it was really important for me to be intentional about capturing the beauty of OUR life - not just the lives of others. So, that is the purpose of this post - to share a little snippet of where I find beauty in my life! 

We had snow yesterday, but this week began with a few days of what felt like spring and though I love winter, I also really loved being able to venture out into nature without having to bundle up. On Wednesday, Liz and I decided to take advantage of the warmer temperature and take our kiddos (Liz has a human, I have a pup) on a little adventure for some fun and exercise! 

A neat fact about Liz if you don't know this about her already - she is incredibly creative/amazing and started her line of handmade leather goods (Liz Riden) two years ago, which happens to be around the same time that we met and became instant friends. Actually, sort of creepily instant soul mates who have to text each other before hanging out to make sure that we aren't wearing the same outfit. I love it. Anyway, she is TALENTED and makes the most beautiful tote bags, clutches, and even camera straps - you'll see a few of her products below because we thought it would be fun to do some simple product shots on our hike to the White Cliffs. The idea seemed a lot easier in theory than it was in real life... with a one year old whose new favorite food is rocks? ...and a dog who just wants to roll around and run everywhere. BUT we managed to grab a few and I have to tell you, one of my favorite things right now is capturing Liz being a seriously wonderful mother to Emme, who is the silliest ham of the century. 

Scott + Erika | expecting

Snow, baby moccasins, this sweet and hilarious couple, and the crisp glow of that winter sun. It doesn't get much better, in my opinion! I am celebrating BIG TIME with these two as they anticipate their first little one early this summer. Scott is, hands down, one of the most down to earth and adoring husbands I've met and I'm so confident that he'll ease into his new role as a Dad so perfectly. And Erika, where do I even begin? She stepped out of their car in the cutest little heeled booties and had NO ISSUES trekking up a large hill in snow and soggy grass so we could get the best shots - in that moment, I knew we were destined to become friends. Not to mention her contagious laugh and how well she loves Scott. 

I'm so thankful that we connected right at the beginning of this new season of life because I can't tell you enough how much I love watching friends grow as they step into parenthood, and the way it brings new revelations about the way that God loves us AND how it challenges and strengthens their love for one another.

Okay, enough of that before I cry for the tenth time today.... here are some of my favorites from their warm-fuzzy-glowy session that was so fun I can't believe it's my job! 

Andrew + Laura | engaged

I met with Andrew and Laura a few weeks back on one of the chilliest mornings we've had during this mild winter and not only were they simultaneously dressed appropriately for the occasion AND completely adorable, the smiles and laughter were so heartwarming I hardly even noticed my fingers about to fall off. Yes ...I know that was cheesy, but it was also true! 

After spending only a short time with this couple, it is so evident that their hearts are HUGE and not just for one another, but for the world AND I LOVE THAT. They both have a huge interest in social justice  and caring those those most vulnerable, and Laura recently interned with the local office of Church World Service, a non-profit organization that works with refugees worldwide.

Enjoy! 

Brent + Emily | engaged

Emily and I met just a few weeks ago to chat about her and Brent's wedding and honestly, I felt like I was meeting with a client for maybe one minute. After that, it was more like sitting down for coffee with an old friend, sharing about life and our passions and how vital it is to stay true to oneself in everything - especially creative endeavors. When she reached out to let me know that they'd decided to allow me to capture their wedding, I did a little happy dance similar to the one that I did while I edited the photos you'll see below... 

Now, I LOVE snow, but I realize not everyone shares the same sentiment. So, when I woke up to a surprise snowfall on the morning of their session, I decided to check in with Emily to make sure that she and Brent were okay with the weather. Her response?

"We will embrace it." 

I thought to myself, "I knew I loved these two!" Because that's so much of what life is about AND what marriage is about. Embracing the good and the bad, and embracing one another especially when things are tough. Brent and Emily are SO MUCH FUN and the best part of their session for me was watching them just BE themselves together in this seriously perfect mixture of love and goofiness - it shows in their images and I LOVE IT. We certainly made the most of the frigid weather on Saturday morning and I have to tell you - these are some of my favorite images to date! 

---> OH and a little note to my photographer friends: when you're checking your light/composition on the LCD screen, DO NOT be tempted to delete images that don't immediately scream, "PERFECT!" It's not about perfection, it's about the moment. I'm learning this more and more with every shutter click - the first image below was the first image I took to check my lighting and it's by no means perfect but it's a moment to remember and it turned out to be one of my favorites!