Class of 2015: Rachel

I felt like we had entered a secret garden- full of blooming flowers, vibrant colors, rustic fences and fields of beauty.  It was the perfect setting to photograph the beautiful Rachel. She is quiet, sweet and peaceful to be around.  Her eyes are stunning she was just a joy to photograph!  Her ability to do a serious, dramatic look as well as a soft smile was incredible.  We climbed fences and explored all that a beautiful summer night in Minnesota has to offer as I set out to capture images that reflect this lovely senior! Here is a glimpse into her session:

A Rustic & Rowdy Family Session: The Rosby's

  

      I say rowdy in the most wonderful, fun-filled, laughter-inducing way possible. This family is a family of five strong, great personalities- and this makes for some exciting moments!  I had to remind myself to stop laughing so that I could hold my camera steady and make sure their images where crisp and clear. Their family dynamic is that of hilarious one-liners, smiles, and undeniable fun.  

It is no secret that guys sometimes dread pictures. And while these guys were not counting down the days for our time together- as I started to wrap up their session, they were the ones coming up with more ideas and wanting to continue on!  That was sweet success in my book! Here is a look into this fabulous family of five:

Class of 2015: Emma

I first met Emma four years ago. I had the privilege of photographing her family and meeting all six of this amazing group!  I loved them then and I love them now!  It was so fun to see how she has grown and changed and the cuteness that she had as a 13 year old has matured to radiant beauty as she is about to begin her senior year!  

Emma, her mom and I soaked up every wonderful moment of her session.  We talked about life, family, past and future, goals and dreams and laughed like crazy.  The idyllic country location was perfect for this down-to-earth grad.  Here is a sneak peek at our time together- Emma, you are a GEM!

An Amazing Americana Wedding: Katie + Max

       I knew this wedding was going to be incredible before the day began. Katie and Max live out of state and prior to their beautiful wedding, I had not met them face to face. Despite this, I felt like I knew Katie well. We had spent a few hours on the phone over the last year- gushing over fabulous details and the excitement of this Fourth of July celebration.  Being the planner that she is, Katie put together a wedding unlike any I have ever photographed.  Given the holiday, this couple knew that they wanted to treat their guests to an amazing day- honoring their love AND the fourth in such a perfect way. They blended elegance with Americana style, modern and vintage, overflowing beauty with rustic, woodsy touches with sophisticated style, honoring the old while ushering in the new.  I thought it was the perfect reflection of how Max and Katie blend together so beautifully.  Within moment of seeing them interact (and their touching first look!), I was giddy over their love and the images we were capturing! 

The backdrop provided by Mississippi Dunes in Cottage Grove, along with vintage rental and design from The Red Bench, this day came together flawlessly.  American flag socks, puppies with bowties, s’mores, a bonfire, apple pies, lawn games, fireworks and a sparkler exit kept the entire day moving flawlessly and truly showcased that Katie and Max know how to throw a party!

Sweet moments as Max gave Katie a stunning locket, a wonderful father-daughter first look, contagious laughter with their family and friends, and a cathedral veil that dramatically blew throughout the breezy day were all unforgettable.

In the final moments of their wedding day, I watched as the bright lights of the sparklers illuminated their joy-filled faces and highlighted a love that is sure to burn for decades to come.  Here is a look into their July 4^th wedding: