The Bucket List/Desires of my Heart

Happy winter everyone! It is a beautiful January day! The sun is shining and it was warm enough to go sledding with my sweet little one year old just before nap time, (for him, not for me!). The last week has been great- I am catching up on administrative tasks and getting geared up for my 2012!

I thought I would create and share my 'bucket' list with you! Perhaps I can look back on this in the coming years and cross off a few as well as add some new ones. As I write this, I know that ultimately, I desire God's will and plans for my life and chances are, some of these things are not within His plan- but it is still fun to hope and then lay it at His feet, whatever the outcome!

Marry the love of my life
Run a 10K and Half Marathon
Visit Scotland and photograph the highlands
Photograph a wedding (or two!) in Europe
Visit Italy- and soak up every moment!
Visit Germany and Austria
Stay in Eze, France
Become a mama
Write poetry again
Ski in Colorado
Own a Business
Learn a new language (Italian!)

You don't have to be a genius to notice i love to travel and am quite taken with Europe... I realize most, if not all of these will be nearly impossible in the next few years. I write 'nearly' carefully and intentionally as I never would have dreamt in a million years that I would have traveled to Italy this past year!

There are many more, I am sure...but for now I need to cease day dreaming of what could be and work for what is. :)

Enjoy the sunshine and warm(er) temps today, friends!

Kate

FAQ's: Baby's First Year

After over 7 months of nonstop working, the quiet of winter is setting in and I have to say I am greeting it like the welcoming of a long-lost friend. Time to catch up on administrative work, prepare for 2012 and to answer a few FAQ's.

Today's question comes from Tressa in Wisconsin. She writes: "How often is it "normal" to get infant photos? Newborn and a year old but what about in between?"

Now obviously this is a very subjective question. Speaking as a mom, I would say as often as your budget allows. The first year is one of constant change and development. You can literally have professional pictures of your little one done every other month and still capture incredible growth! I am so happy that we decided as a family to hire a photographer to take pictures of us a family and plan to do it yearly. I believe it is an investment in treasuring family memories and emotions...and in so many ways, these are priceless.

Practically speaking, I know for most of us, money doesn't grow on trees, (if you know of a money-producing shrub, point me in the right direction!). With the said, I would suggest doing Newborn portraits, Six Month Portraits and then 1 Year Pictures. You will see big changes but capture the sweetness of each little season without missing too much. After that, I usually recommend having pictures taken yearly for the first 4 to 5 years.

I have heard plenty of moms share that they regret not having professional pictures taken of their family many, many times- but have yet to hear one express regret in having too many taken! :)

I hope that helps! Great question Tressa!

If you have a photography, business or personal question for Kate, please feel free to comment below, send a message on Facebook or send an e-mail to kate@katewenzel.com!

Plymouth Family Photographer: 'The Lemperes Fab Five"

I would like to nominate the Lemperes family for the most 'well-behaved' children in all of 2011 sessions. They were truly phenomenal and a breeze to work with. I LOVE kids and so enjoy being around them but I also know that I can typically expect to utilize a lot of energy when I photograph them.... but Aiden, Emma and Oscar were so sweet, calm and came ready to have fun! I loved every moment of our session on the last day of the year.

Of course, when Jessica contacted me to book her session for December, we were all anticipating a winter wonderland of white, fluffy snow. But this winter has proved to be strange and there wasn't an inch of snow on the ground during our time together. Still, we were able to capture this beautiful family in a gorgeous setting nonetheless.

Here are a few highlights...I so look forward to watching this adorable children grow in the coming years!

While I have been raving about the sweet kids, I should mention that Jessica and Ben were so cute together... so clearly in love after many years (and three children) later! :) I love being able to get a few portraits of just the couple as this is often forgotten but is so important to capture!

We'll end with this one..such a fun candid shot of siblings...

A Glamorous Vintage Wedding: Kelsey & Sam

With the look on their faces I knew something big was coming. They were barely in the door when she said she had news. They were ready to get married- I had known that much and was just thrilled. Then she said the date. December 16th. 2011. My mouth dropped open and my eyes widened. I was shocked. Extremely happy and excited for them but surprised. I knew Kelsey would want a beautiful wedding but how could one pull it together in just SEVEN weeks? If anyone could, it would be her.

Years of memories with this beautiful friend flooded my mind. To see her as a bride would no doubt be emotional and wonderful. Then she asked if I would be able to photograph it. I thought of trying not to cry when she walked down the aisle. Trying to steady my camera and get the shots that they would treasure for a lifetime.

Thankfully, I was able to stay together the day of the wedding. Although I felt tears well up in my eyes as she so gracefully walked with her father alongside the quiet pond within the Como Zoo Conservatory, and joyfully danced with her groom at the St. Paul Hotel that night, I couldn't help but smile ear to ear. This princess had found her prince and everyone present couldn't help by feel the happiness they share.

The love between Kelsey and Sam is so apparent. He adores her and cares for her so dearly. She loves and respects him deeply and it shows in the way she looks at him. If ever two were meant to be, it is surely them.

Enjoy every moment of your 'happily ever after', Kelsey & Sam!

Here are a few favorites that help tell the story of their day.

Kelsey and Sam chose to do a 'first look'- such a fun and exciting part of their day!

The St. Paul Hotel provided the perfect backdrop for many of the photos. I LOVE this venue for weddings and there are so many stunning locations surrounding it.

These girls were so glamorous and a blast to capture!

Kelsey's parents, Kelsey & Sam, and Sam's parents all steal a quick kiss. Such a legacy of love between these couples.

The Como Zoo Conservatory was nothing short of breathtakingly beautiful. What an elegant and unique location to share vows.

Although it was only about 20 degrees the entire day, Kelsey didn't complain once; she was determined to get the best wedding images possible- freezing temps or not. :) We couldn't resist taking a few portraits at Rice Park under the magnificent lights!

Kelsey and her Dad danced with such joy... it was simply adorable.

And we end with this image- such sweet love, such a brilliant and bright future for these two.