Zimmerman Family: The Yonak's!

Sara was referred by another family that I had recently photographed. When she contacted me, I had to let her know that i was fully booked this fall. But when we had to cancel a trip to Wisconsin, I suddenly had an opening and gave her a quick call. Her excitment was evident as she screamed with joy! It made me even more excited and also helped me to understand that these were incredibly important portraits. Later I discovered that these were also the FIRST professional images they had taken of their sweet family.

We met at the park on a gorgeous autumn evening. Instead of jumping right into taking pictures, we played at the park a bit and got to know one another. Once we started, the kids were at ease and comfortable and everything went so well! It was a blast and here are some of my favorite images- what an honor to photograph this family!

Brother & Sister- So sweet!

Avery certainly loves her Daddy!

Just adore these images.... adorable kids, beautiful October light!

Because I loved this family so much, as well as their images, I put together an artistic piece that will most likely be featured in my studio soon:

Maple Grove Engagement: Kathy & Nate

I left our meeting knowing that I loved them as a couple. As I pulled out of the Caribou parking lot, I dialed my husband and expressed my frusteration. See, I typically present a well-organized powerpoint when I meet with potential couples regarding their upcoming wedding day photography. It's complete with a lot of my work, collection details, testimonials and more. On this particular summer day, my laptop decided to rear its malfunctioning- ugly head and crash. I expressed my apologies and worked through the information with almost no visual for this lovely couple.

And yet, after all that, they contacted me shortly thereafter and told me they wanted to book! Despite the technical difficulties, they were excited to work together!

Last week, we were able to hang out at Elm Creek Park in Maple Grove and capture their beautiful love in the midst of some pretty crazy wind conditions. We had a blast roaming through the beautiful woods, pathways, and more- and really captured the essence of this adorable couple.

Here are a few highlights:

Princeton Grad: Ashley

I knew I would like her. She called earlier in the season so she could get a session, and she knew she wanted unique. We traveled all around Ramsey to make sure her images were one-of-a-kind. Really, I just wanted to capture Ashley for who she is- beautiful, kind, and uber involved in her school and I always respect and admire students like her.

Here are a few highlights from her session last month!

Princeton Grad: Ashleigh

It has been a big year for Ashleigh. Life brought a lot of changes but she has remained strong throughout it all and has handled everything in her life with joy and a radiant smile! What a beautiful grad she is...

In addition to photographing her senior portraits, I also photographed a wedding in which Ashleigh personally took care of the bride this summer. She was so great, encouraging, excited and sweet- an incredible support to the bride from beginning to end. What a reflection of her wonderful personality and a testament to the truth that challenges in life make or break us. They have made this grad even more amazing!

Here are a few favorites from her summer session:

Legacy Christian Academy Grad: Kristen

Kristen is the beautiful girl-next-door. She is kind, considerate, and so down-to-earth. Throughout her session, I marveled at how comfortable she is with who she is and what she values. It was an honor and a blessing to be a part of this time in her life and to capture her style and personality through the timeless art of photography.

Here are highlights:

Have an amazing senior year, Kristen!

Hilarity & Romance l Stillwater Wedding Photography

The fallen leaves rustled softly beneath my steps as I made my way around the church. The air was crisp and clear; it was the start of a gorgeous autumn day. Quietly, I took a moment to soak this in. A beautiful day in Stillwater- a stunning couple and a love so wonderful and real. I almost had to pinch myself; this is the stuff photographer's dream about.

As the day progressed, the quiet was lost, but the beauty only increased. It was such an honor to hang out with this fun couple all day and capture their planned and unplanned moments. I fell in love with the way they interact- the perfect blend of hilarity and romance.

Rachel & Matt were such a blast. They were relaxed and seemed to really enjoy every single second. Here are the previews from their perfect day:

Such stunning venues: St. Michael's Church & Waterstreet Inn

THE DRESS: Rachel looked INCREDIBLE in it!

Really? You can't go wrong with PERFECTION. Love the Jimmy Choo's!

Just a moment after their 'first look'. I LOVE when couples opt for this! The whole day runs smoothly and the images captured in those first moments are so authentic and beautiful.

You guys make stillwater look even better...

Really, Stillwater- I adore you.

What a blessing it was for Rachel's sweet grandma to be able to attend...

What a breathtaking view...

After the ceremony, Rachel, Matt and their fabulous wedding party walked to the river for some fun portraits! Although it was crowded with the ongoings of a festival, we were able to get some great images!

And for some reason, this last image just captures the essence of Matt & Rachel's relationship in all its glory: