Love stories and more
Tips and tricks for planning a meaningful and joyful wedding day that feels like you + inspiring love stories from real couples celebrating their own milestone moments
New Year, New Website
It was a long road. A labor of love. A little bit (okay, a lot bit) frustrating at times. But 100% completely worth it in the end.
I have wanted to build a new website for the last two years and, given it was a pretty daunting and time-consuming task, it always seemed to wind up at the bottom of my priority list. Shocker. (ha!)
This fall, however, I was finally ready to take on the challenge.
17.5 Things I’ve Learned in 35 Years
Turning 35 wasn’t as earth-shattering as I expected it to be. In fact, it felt much like the day before, which is perhaps because my perspective has shifted quite a bit as of late. The last few years have involved a significant amount of self-reflection and personal growth, and you know what?
I’m freaking PROUD OF MYSELF.
Storing Your Wedding Photos
Gallery delivery day is the best day.
A little time has passed since your wedding and you’re able to sit down with your partner, pop a bottle of bubbly, and relive all the incredible moments that made up your big day…what’s not to love?
Minneapolis Lakeside Engagement
When they told me they wanted to have a little fun with their second outfits, I had no idea just how much fun they meant. Let’s just say my stomach hurt by the end of our session from laughing so hard!
The Soup Swap
When my neighbor invited me to a soup swap with her friends, I envisioned that we’d all prepare our favorite type of soup and get together for a giant feast.
While that would have been amazing, this was even better than I imagined.
Wedding Cake Alternatives
Traditionally, weddings feature a cake that the couple cuts together before it is shared with the guests. But if cake isn’t your jam, there are plenty of other options to consider! Here are just a few of my favorites to get you started…
Creating a Wedding Day Photo List
Let’s face it - planning a wedding isn’t always a complete walk in the park.
But your photos don’t need to be a source of stress!
In the weeks leading up to the big day, your photographer will likely ask you for your preferred shot list.
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.