Remembering Your Roots

This past weekend was one of old memories remembered and new ones made. My husband, two little boys and I traveled to La Crosse, Wisconsin for a few days.  This is the place my we met, fell in love, and were married.  This is the place we went to college.  This is where we began.  It was fun to see our campus, the parks, bluffs and so many other significant places for us.  I couldn't help but think of how our lives have changed, grown, and become everything we could have dreamed in many ways.  Life is not easy, we've been through trials, just like anyone who walks this earth.  But life is beautiful.  It's the small moments that count, that are the measure of your life.  

The view from Grand-dad's bluff is a wonderful one.  It is also a visual metaphor for soaking up today and looking forward to what God has in store for the future.  But every so often, it's good to remember your roots.

Little did we know, at 19 years old, that we would be married, have a house, teaching jobs, a photography business, masters degree and... have these two sweet little boys!  The roots have grown into lovely blessings!

The Hunt is Over: Meghan + Dave

I love when my couples have a certain style and theme they want for their wedding and engagement pictures!  Meghan and Dave love everything and anything country- with a little 'chic' thrown in there!  They included a fun sign, their beloved dogs and a lot of laughter, smiles and sweetness!  As a side note, I have to say I was so impressed with both of them.  It was a freezing cold, an super windy evening, and they didn't complain once!  Instead, they held on tight to keep warm and smiled all the more.  I cannot wait for their August 2014 wedding- where it is sure to be MUCH warmer!  

Here is a look into their session earlier this week:

Otsego, MN Engagement Photographer: Erica + Brad

OH my goodness- look at these two- in love, beautiful, sweet, kind, funny and smart!  Now, just add a few of my favorite autumn items and you have one of the best engagement sessions!  Truly, these two are so incredibly genuine and impossible not to just love.  From my first meeting with them, I adored them, individually and how they come together as such an amazing couple.  We meandered through soft fields, vibrant leaves, flowing rivers and more to capture their love in a beautiful way… here is a look into their session:

 

Minnesota Arboretum & Minneapolis Golf Club Wedding: Danielle & Brian

I had looked forward to this wedding for months.  A gorgeous couple that loves to laugh, stunning venues and incredibly planned details were just a few of the reasons I had a mental countdown.  If there was a photographer’s heaven, this would be it.  I woke up on September 28^th to clouds and rain.  The drive to Apple Valley was riddled with down pouring and dark, ominous clouds.   And yet, this couple was at ease, ready to be wed, to celebrate with those they love most- rain or shine.  And I loved them all the more for this.  I know that umbrellas and grey skies and clouds can make for some unique and fun portraits- but sometimes it hard to convince my clients of this truth.  Danielle and Brian, however, were ready to live the moment, smile, and soak up the joy that their day was saturated with. 

This only confirmed what I knew about them.  They are wonderful-inside and out- and such real people.  They live life fully and love one another deeply.  And while the beginning of their day (including their first look!) was wet, the rain stopped just as we began navigating the incredible gardens and landscapes that make the Arboretum one of my favorite wedding venues ever. 

I could write for hours about their details: the classy navy blue theme, the elegant flowers, the trolley, oh the trolley.  I loved the classic, vintage vibe this trolley gave to their whole wedding day!  The Minneapolis Golf Club provided the perfect location to celebrate and dance the night away.  And as beautiful (I was giddy with excitement!) as these details were, it was their love that stole the spotlight.  Couples like Danielle and Brian cause me to fall in love with photographing love stories all over again. 

Here is a look into this magnificent love and outrageously fun wedding day:

Love this couple? Love the wedding? Write a comment below, if they receive 20 comments, they will receive a free 8x10 gift print! 

Check out Danielle & Brian's Engagement Session.