Elk River Family: The Huber's

The Huber's are some of my dearest friends. Jen and I met and instantly connected. I feel like I've known her my whole life and so treasure our friendship. So when she asked me to photograph her beautiful family, I jumped at the chance!
They had never had professional pictures taken of their family and so they were incredibly excited and very nervous. Their nerves quickly disappeared once we started. We had a blast getting images that were classic as well as candid, pictures that were artistic and captured their kid's animated personalities. Here are a few of my favorites...

So in love with the summer light and adorable kids! Way to go Huber Family!

I love photographing families. Each family dynamic is unique just as each child is unique. This weekend I had the opportunity to photograph TWO beautiful families that are near and dear to my heart. Here is a preview from the Huber & Cleveland Family sessions... more to come later this week!

One of my favorite shots from the fun huber family session:

Love this shot of little Reese with her beautiful Mama, Laura:

Friday Fun: Serious Vertical

I came upon this image today as I was editing from a recent wedding. Sharon & Curtis had an amazing wedding party! Christy & Ted were fabulous in their duties as Maid of Honor and Best Man. Besides taking care of the Bride and Groom, they ROCKED it during pictures...

Ted wins for best vertical. By. A. Landslide. :)

Elk River Wedding: Sharon & Curtis

The clouds hung darkly over us, thick and heavy. But the sun continued to break through, revealing itself every few seconds. It didn’t matter. Rain or shine, Curtis & Sharon were on cloud nine. Nothing could dampen their excitement and joy on this amazing day.
They met several months ago, started dating a few months ago and were engaged only weeks ago. At first glimpse, it seemed crazy. But look closer; you would see a couple who was truly made for one another.
I’ve never met a couple who looked at each other with such overwhelming love. They captivate one another. The rest of world goes silent when she walks into the room. He just looks at her and that’s it- he’s hooked. She lights up like the sun when she sees his smile- a smile meant for his bride.

Curtis rockin his "GQ" look.

Their FIRST LOOK! Love their expressions- such joy!

Sharon is just unreal. SO beautiful!

seal'in the deal with a kiss. ;)

My personal favs from the day.... LOVELY!

The weather on their wedding day was about as uncertain as it could be. Their love, however, is certain. The rainbow that showed itself just minutes before their ceremony is such a beautiful symbol for their future- full of light, beauty and magnificence.

I had the blessed opportunity to photograph Curtis & Sharon's beautiful Sunday evening wedding! The weather was crazy, but it didn't stop this crazy-in-love couple from soaking up every single moment! Here is one shot from when the sun decided to show itself in all its glory!

More previews from this beautiful wedding to come later in the week! :)

Newborns: Baby Erik

The little baby coos, the smell of sweetness, the soft, fluffy hair. This is Erik in a nutshell. I was blessed with a warm spring evening and a content baby as I photographed this adorable two-week old!

Here are a couple favorites from this beautiful boy's session last week...

Getting Away...

This past weekend, my husband and I had the opportunity to celebrate our 4th Wedding Anniversary. We spent a few nights in a beautiful B&B. Long walks, enjoyable talks, sweet naps, spring weather and blooming flowers are a few of the things that made this a wonderful getaway for us.

I tend to error on the side of being a work-aholic and so does my husband. Between a marriage, home, baby, business, and my husband teaching full time in addition to working on his Masters, time is a rare commodity around the Wenzel home. Designating a couple days each year to stop and reflect on our wonderful relationship and relax is a precious tradition for us. The older I get, the more I realize how important these times are and the amazing memories we have as a result of them.

..... here is a picture from our wedding day four years ago! I married my best friend and our love has continued to grow over these past four years! Happy Anniversary Jeremy!

Focus on Photography: Newborns

I adore photographing newborns. Maybe it's because I have a little one, or the excitement in a new and beautiful life. Perhaps it's the overwhelming love that just pours from the parents during the session or the teeny, tiny fingers and toes. Whatever the reason, it is something near and dear to my heart as a photographer.
As a mom, I am so tremendously happy that I took images of my sweet newborn. 9 months, 10 inches and 12 pounds later, it's hard to remember him being so small.
If you know of someone having a baby in the next few months, let them know about my passion to capture their sweet one through the art of photography.

I'm booking now July and August sessions!

Things I love: Baby Chub + Warm Summer Night Air

My baby boy had a blast playing in (and eating!) the grass last night. I was able to capture some sweet baby chub! :) I love these moments. I soak them in and enjoy every second. I am one blessed mama!

Prom 2011

The hair. The shoes. The dress.

No, I am not talking about a wedding day but PROM! It is something most high schoolers greatly look forward to and talk about for weeks to come. I have had the honor of photographing Princeton High School's prom for the last 3 years and it gets better every time. Northern Lights in Milaca hosts it and does an unbelieveable job. This year, I decided to switch things up a bit and do the formal portraits outside. I LOVE natural light and I think they turned out great.

The dresses have become more elaborate and beautiful since my own prom nearly 9 years ago! Amazing!

Engagement: Sharon & Curtis [Perfect Harmony]

They both have a love for music. They both have a passion for God. They are each incredibly talented in creating music as they worship God. A few months ago, they fell in love. Sparks flew as they served together on the worship team at The Crossing. Last month, they were engaged. Their wedding is just weeks away. People say, you know when you know- they know.
They have connection that is unmistakeable. Sweet. Affectionate. Tender. And yet silly. They balance one another and ...harmonize perfectly.

I had the opportunity to capture this beautiful love last night during their engagement session. Earlier, they shared that this session was more valuable to them then their wedding pictures. If you know them, this makes perfect sense. They wanted candid, real and authentic images- in jeans and t-shirts with the wind blowing their hair.

We opted for three stunning locations, three perfect outfit changes and the results are a love that is literally BUSTING through the camera!

Thank you for letting me catch a glipse at your sweet love Sharon & Curtis! I cannot wait to photograph your big day in just a few weeks!