Blog
Love stories and more
Look for my favorite wedding planning tips and tricks, behind the scenes tidbits about my life, and, of course, features of many of the beautiful couples who spend time in front of my camera.
I promise it’s worth your while.
How to Write the Perfect Wedding Toast
This one goes out to the wedding party - or parents of the couple - who have been asked to prepare a toast! It’s an honor to be asked, but can be a bit intimidating when you sit down and try to think of what you should say.
As someone who has heard COUNTLESS wedding toasts during my years as a wedding photographer, here is a tried-and-true method to help kickstart your writing process!
Wisconsin State Park Engagement
Kourtney and Jalen both told me (separately!) that 20 years from now they want to look back on this season of their lives and remember being young, in love, and how it feels as they look forward to starting their lives together. They want to recall the beauty in the simple moments, when they’re walking and holding hands or trying new recipes for dinner, and the fun they have together, referring to each other by silly nicknames, visiting breweries, and playing games.
3 Most Important Things to Look for in a Wedding Photographer
Choosing a wedding photographer is a big freaking deal! You’re going to be spending as much time with them on your wedding day as you will with your new spouse…seriously. It’s worth finding someone you love!
When you’re on the hunt, here are my three recommendations for what you should keep in mind…
What to do with Your Wedding Photos
It’s finally arrived. THE EMAIL. Your wedding gallery is ready!
Excited, you immediately log in and begin to slowly scroll through the photos, falling more in love with each image you see. All the emotions from your wedding day come rushing back and you feel like you’re right back at the altar, back witnessing the incredible sunset that lit up the sky that night, and back on the dance floor for your first dance.
Anniversary Sessions
You’re already married…do you really need more photos?
Yes!
Your relationship grows and changes over time. It’s true that your wedding photographs will stand the test of time and are a testament to the love and commitment you shared on that special day.
How to Have a Relaxing Wedding Day
Your wedding day should be joyful and fun, not stressful! But all too often it seems like brides wind up feeling overwhelmed and unable to live in the moment how they had hoped…and I don’t want that for you!
After photographing countless weddings over the course of the last eight years, here are my five best tips for having a relaxed, stress-free wedding day:
Palm Springs Elopement
Jessica and Alex’s elopement was SUCH a vibe, and the Coachella Valley was the perfect place for it.
To be honest, I never realized that shooting with mountains and wind turbines in the background was on my bucket list but holy cow, WAS IT EVER. Seriously though - just look at it! It’s like adventurous elegance with a sassy twist.
How to Spend 3 Days In Door County
Last weekend, Kevin and I introduced our friends Derek and Cari to the magic and wonder of Door County for the first time! Even though they both grew up in Wisconsin, this was their first opportunity to visit and we wanted to make sure they had a wonderful time; naturally, we packed in as many of our favorite activities as we could.
How to Write Your Own Vows
Right in the heart - it gets me every time!
Writing your own vows brings a unique, personal touch to your ceremony and can be a sweet way to share a bit more of your love story with your guests.
Here are my top tips for writing them!
Why You Should Have an Engagement Session
Do you REALLY need to book that engagement session?
It should come as no surprise (at least if you read the title of this blog post!) that I think they’re incredibly valuable - and I’ll tell you why!
Door County Elopement
There’s something pretty incredible about making a decision for yourself, rather than choosing based on what other people want.
It’s powerful. It’s inspiring.
And in Chris and Alli’s case, it led to an incredible elopement day filled with joy, laughter, and spontaneity blended with moments of quiet peace and reflection.
Benefits of a Second Shooter
When it comes to budgeting for a wedding, every dollar matters. Is getting a second shooter worth the money?
It might be the right choice for you if…
Minnesota Adventure Session
A few mosquitoes may have been harmed in the creation of this gallery.
It was soooo worth it.
I met Jenya and Phil for their adventure session just as the sun began to cast a golden glow across the bluffs, giving the trees across the river the appearance of a vibrant, early fall in Minnesota.
Why to Hire a Professional Wedding Photographer
Your cousin got a nice camera for Christmas last year and your aunt loves taking wildlife photos when she’s on vacation.
Wouldn’t it just be easiest to have one of them photograph your wedding?
Easy is one thing. But a choice you’ll still be happy with 25 years from now? That’s something else entirely.
California Sailboat Adventure Session
When Aman decided to buy - and LIVE - on a sailboat fairly early into his relationship with Laura, I don’t think either of them could have imagined all the adventures that they’d share together on the water! A few years have passed since then (and more than a few things in their lives have changed), but it is still their favorite way to explore.
3 Ways to Make Your Photographer’s Life Better
Okay, okay, I know! Your wedding day is about YOU, not your photographer.
But what if I were to tell you there were three things you can do before your wedding day to make your photographer’s life easier - which in turn means they’ll do an even better job hyping you up, keeping you on schedule, catching special moments on camera, AND they will love you even more than they did before?
Wisconsin Winter Engagement
Did someone say Christmas in July?
Since I’ve gotten my first accidental sunburn of the year out of the way and we’re about to celebrate our nation’s independence, it seems like a perfect time to look back on Jenna and Pat’s magical snowy engagement session!
What is an Adventure Session?
When we got married, I was completely torn over the type of wedding I wanted to have. Should we plan a classic and traditional event with all of our family and friends in attendance or should we set off on our own, find a gorgeous spot in nature, and honor our love with more adventurous memories and photos?
Why couldn’t I have both?
Cheers to the Groomsmen
We were driving across Wisconsin last week when I asked my husband, “If we were planning our wedding again, what is something you wish you had known more about?” in hopes of catching a little inspiration for my next blog post. Naturally, he read my mind and knew exactly why I was asking him that question out of the blue so his answer surprised me.
Why I Provide 10 Hours of Wedding Day Coverage
Our first dance was late.
An hour late.
To make a long story short, a bit of a family emergency popped up that required Kevin’s mom’s attention right about the time we had planned our first dance. It was to be followed, of course, by the mother/son dance…so we kind of needed her in order to kick things off.