Blog
Love stories and more
Look for my favorite wedding planning tips and tricks, behind the scenes tidbits about my life, and, of course, features of many of the beautiful couples who spend time in front of my camera.
I promise it’s worth your while.
How to Spend 3 Days In Door County
Last weekend, Kevin and I introduced our friends Derek and Cari to the magic and wonder of Door County for the first time! Even though they both grew up in Wisconsin, this was their first opportunity to visit and we wanted to make sure they had a wonderful time; naturally, we packed in as many of our favorite activities as we could.
How to Write Your Own Vows
Right in the heart - it gets me every time!
Writing your own vows brings a unique, personal touch to your ceremony and can be a sweet way to share a bit more of your love story with your guests.
Here are my top tips for writing them!
Why You Should Have an Engagement Session
Do you REALLY need to book that engagement session?
It should come as no surprise (at least if you read the title of this blog post!) that I think they’re incredibly valuable - and I’ll tell you why!
Door County Elopement
There’s something pretty incredible about making a decision for yourself, rather than choosing based on what other people want.
It’s powerful. It’s inspiring.
And in Chris and Alli’s case, it led to an incredible elopement day filled with joy, laughter, and spontaneity blended with moments of quiet peace and reflection.
Benefits of a Second Shooter
When it comes to budgeting for a wedding, every dollar matters. Is getting a second shooter worth the money?
It might be the right choice for you if…
Minnesota Adventure Session
A few mosquitoes may have been harmed in the creation of this gallery.
It was soooo worth it.
I met Jenya and Phil for their adventure session just as the sun began to cast a golden glow across the bluffs, giving the trees across the river the appearance of a vibrant, early fall in Minnesota.
Why to Hire a Professional Wedding Photographer
Your cousin got a nice camera for Christmas last year and your aunt loves taking wildlife photos when she’s on vacation.
Wouldn’t it just be easiest to have one of them photograph your wedding?
Easy is one thing. But a choice you’ll still be happy with 25 years from now? That’s something else entirely.
California Sailboat Adventure Session
When Aman decided to buy - and LIVE - on a sailboat fairly early into his relationship with Laura, I don’t think either of them could have imagined all the adventures that they’d share together on the water! A few years have passed since then (and more than a few things in their lives have changed), but it is still their favorite way to explore.
3 Ways to Make Your Photographer’s Life Better
Okay, okay, I know! Your wedding day is about YOU, not your photographer.
But what if I were to tell you there were three things you can do before your wedding day to make your photographer’s life easier - which in turn means they’ll do an even better job hyping you up, keeping you on schedule, catching special moments on camera, AND they will love you even more than they did before?
Wisconsin Winter Engagement
Did someone say Christmas in July?
Since I’ve gotten my first accidental sunburn of the year out of the way and we’re about to celebrate our nation’s independence, it seems like a perfect time to look back on Jenna and Pat’s magical snowy engagement session!
What is an Adventure Session?
When we got married, I was completely torn over the type of wedding I wanted to have. Should we plan a classic and traditional event with all of our family and friends in attendance or should we set off on our own, find a gorgeous spot in nature, and honor our love with more adventurous memories and photos?
Why couldn’t I have both?
Cheers to the Groomsmen
We were driving across Wisconsin last week when I asked my husband, “If we were planning our wedding again, what is something you wish you had known more about?” in hopes of catching a little inspiration for my next blog post. Naturally, he read my mind and knew exactly why I was asking him that question out of the blue so his answer surprised me.
Why I Provide 10 Hours of Wedding Day Coverage
Our first dance was late.
An hour late.
To make a long story short, a bit of a family emergency popped up that required Kevin’s mom’s attention right about the time we had planned our first dance. It was to be followed, of course, by the mother/son dance…so we kind of needed her in order to kick things off.
Wisconsin Riverside Anniversary
Jacqui and I go way back - if you asked her, I'm sure she could paint a good picture of my awkward pre-teen years while I was rocking braces, new glasses, frizzy hair...the works!
Uneven Wedding Parties
Here’s a wedding trend that I hope sticks around for a good long time: couples doing whatever the heck they want!
One example of this is? Uneven wedding parties. When you want the most important people to stand next to you on your wedding day, it may not always include the same number on both sides - and that’s okay!
Successfully Planning Family Photos on Your Wedding Day
Would you have guessed that the family photos on a wedding day is one of the largest stressors I see for engaged couples?
Even before they fully jump into wedding planning, it's on their minds. For instance, over half the people I spoke with at the MN Bridal & Wedding Expo yesterday asked me how I handle family photos.
Editing Your Wedding Plans
It's easy to get a bit carried away when planning your wedding! There is inspiration everywhere you look and it's fun to get swept up in trends and suggestions from bridal magazines and well-intentioned family and friends.
Dollar Dance Alternatives
If you’re not familiar with the term, the wedding party collects money from guests so they can dance with one of the newlyweds. Not only does it round up a little spare cash for the couple to put towards a honeymoon or other future plans, but the real benefit is that it gives you time to chat with your dance partners one-on-one for a little while during a day that FLIES by.
Cozy Midwest Winter Engagement
Romantic and personal, quiet and unassuming...Abigale and Brian are the epitome of two people IN LOVE.
Their indoor engagement photos captured these traits perfectly - their laughs, soft conversations, and snuggles - all topped with beautiful flowers and a delicious toast to their marriage.
What I Wish Everyone Knew About Their Engagement Session
Four things I wish everyone knew to feel more relaxed and have a great time during their engagement session