Abby and John were married on a beautiful July day at the First United Methodist Church in Watertown, SD.  It was such an honor to photograph their special day because I have known Abby since we were little, little kids.  I have fond memories of our families adventures together: camping, 4th of July celebrations, swimming lessons, a trip to Disney World, the list goes on.  I suppose it makes me sound old if I say something like, “I can’t believe she’s old enough to get married!”, doesn’t it??  At least I’m not as old as Abby’s dad…I kid because I love.  :)  Anyway, CONGRATULATIONS John and Abby!  We wish you nothing but the best as you begin your married life together!  Thanks for letting us share your special day. xoxox

John and Abby had one of the most emotional first looks I have ever seen.  It was pretty cute.

Trooper.  Laying in the grass in her wedding dress.  I love it. 

Dad writing his speech.

It’s almost time!

I love this sequence:

MARRIED!

Joe and Kacey had a beautiful wedding at Augustana Church in St. James, MN. Their wedding day was the perfect combination of fantastic (and HOT) weather, a beautiful location, an awesome wedding party, and a love worth celebrating. Joe and Kacey, what an honor it was to be a part of your wedding day. Many wishes on days as perfect as your wedding for many years to come!

I loved this little clutch!

First meeting!

It was hot.  Not just a little hot, like HOT HOT.  They were troopers though and I think it was worth it. 

Pretty, pretty bride!

I love these:

Married!

CONGRATULATIONS!!! 

OK, here is the online tour of the new space!  Feel free to stop by and we give you a real, live tour too!  This is the outside of our building.  We’re up on the third floor of the Merchants Exchange Building.

Lobby directory.  Who needs to dot i’s anymore?  (not that I am picky or anything…)

Almost inside!

Welcome!  This is the main viewing space BEFORE it was Emily-ized.

Who knew there were 3459873 shades of grey?  Final choice was “Elephant Skin”, primarily because of the name.  I think if the photography thing doesn’t work out, I’d like to go into naming paint colors.

Respective office doors.

Let the painting begin!  Ike was bored supervising.

Break time!

First coat is done!

Lookin’ good!  (The paint job, not us!)

Elephant skin was nice but needed something more…enter Tequila Lime!  It’s not just lime, it’s L.I.M.E.!!!!  More on this later…

Finished product!

Another view.

Starting over with some more “before” pictures this time facing the entrance.  ”Will the TV fit?” was Justin’s biggest concern…

Finished!

The dog wall!

My office looking slightly cleaner than normal.  I apparently forgot to take “before” pictures of the offices.  

Remember Tequila Lime?  Here it is in all its’ glory.  Yep, definitely lime.

Justin’s office:

And from the other angle:

Canvas and card samples.And that concludes the online office tour!  Let me know if you want the in person office tour!

Thank you.  Thank you for stopping by the open house.  Thank you for your kind words and well wishes.  Thank you for sending flowers and cards.  Thank you for helping prepare food and decorate and cross things off to-do lists.  Thank you for driving a long way to get here.  Thank you for staying late and laughing.  Thank you for helping eat leftovers the next day. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Truth be told I was worried no one would show up.  That I would be left to eat the cheesecake all by myself (yes, that would be a great bad thing).  But I am so happy and appreciative to you all for stopping by.  I had so much fun and hope you did too.  I took lots of pictures before things got started and then after people started coming, the camera was forgotten….  Thanks to Kelsey, my very wonderful intern for some of these pictures!

Limemades for all!
Justin’s mom was the master caterer for the event!  She did an awesome job!
The winners (yes, I decided to draw 3 names instead of just one!) of the free photo session are Jeff and Jodi Bell, Emily Reuter, and Ollie Lepper!
The one “people photo” of the night! Me and my favorite Kai!  And no, I don’t usually hold babies this awkwardly…
The gorgeous flowers were done by my good friend Heather…contact her for all your wedding and other floral needs!
Aren’t they amazing?
Once again, thank you for celebrating our new space with us!  Photos of the entire space coming tomorrow!

This Thursday, August 19 from 4-9pm, we’re having an open house and YOU are invited!  For more details, check out the full invite! Feel free to pass the invite on to others!  Hope to see you there!

“Good dogs are with us for a little while to teach us how to love like it’s our job…because it is.”  -Curly Girl

I’m a dog person but I’m pretty sure these eyes could melt anyone’s heart.  These sweet pooches need good people to give them a home.  Please, please, please (with a milkbone on top?) visit Small Dog Rescue of MN’s website or facebook page for adoption information.

Nala:Roxie:Gomez:

And Sally, who has been adopted!  

I’m all for jumping and splashing and playing during photo sessions.  But once you start, you can’t stop!  The water and splashing this year was reminiscent of this session from 2 summers ago!  I can’t believe how much these kids have grown since then…

Tora is 6 months old and she is A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E.  See?

Often, I am overwhelmed with thankfulness that I am a photographer.  And it’s not because of the photographs.  It’s because of the incredible people I get to work with like Lana and Patrick.

Lana and Patrick are insanely cute together but more importantly, they compliment one another really well.  I love seeing big tough guys get emotional and weak in the knees and that’s exactly what Patrick did when he saw Lana.  They had a beautiful ceremony at St. Benedict Catholic Church followed by a great celebration at Oneota Country Club.  They also planned for lots of photo time, which I loved!  A big thank you to Katie Lewis for second shooting for us!

Lana and Patrick, we have loved getting to know you both and feel so honored to be able to photograph you on one of the happiest days of your lives…it was both a joy and an honor.  We hope that married life brings you many more days as perfect as your wedding day!

Getting ready!

In the meantime, Patrick was ready and waiting…and maybe getting nervous?!

Finally!  The first time seeing each other!

No tears, no tears, no tears…

This courthouse was right across the street from the church and was a beautiful spot for pictures.

Wedding day texts.

It’s ceremony time!

Married!!!

They were troopers.  We did some more pictures after the ceremony and it was HOT.  But I think it was worth it!

Oneota looked awesome!  Everything was PINK and it was so cute!

CONGRATULATIONS, you two!  We are so happy for you!

Milo Griffin
7lbs. 9oz
June 4, 2010

I’ve had this entry ready to go for awhile but haven’t posted it yet because I’ve been waiting to find the right words to pair with the images. I haven’t found them.

As I drove home from the hospital, I let the happy tears roll and simply marveled at the miracle I just witnessed. And I know that sounds cheesy.  But witnessing a birth is witnessing a miracle.  I wanted to stop each car I passed and shout, “Do you know what just happened!?  Milo was born!  And it was BEAUTIFUL!”

I still get goosebumps just thinking about it.

Congratulations, my friends.  I will never find the right words to express my gratitude for the opportunity to photograph this raw, intimate and incredibly powerful moment in your lives.  My heart is overwhelmingly thankful and joy filled for you!  xoxox