From Touchdowns to Wedding Gowns

It didn't seem all that long ago that I was introduced to a laid back, goofy, 7th grader who would rather crack jokes than run sprints. As the head football coach for the Glen Lake middle school program I took great pride in keeping with the winning tradition my classmates and I had started less than a decade earlier.  It was clear that Damon wanted to win just as bad...and I loved that drive.  He tempered his aggressive style of play with his quick sense of humor, which was always appreciated. He reminded me of myself most of the time...maybe that's why we got along so well. 

It was great seeing Damon grow from year to year, not only on the football field, but as a young man. When he announced  his engagement to Amanda I was quick to reach out to him to offer to shoot their photos. I was proud to capture this moment for he and Amanda (who complements his goofy sense of humor perfectly).

As you can see by the photos the silly kids are happy, in love and perfect for each other :-)

Live, Laugh and Love: A Mother's Bond

With this being the busiest time of year for me, it was great to take some time to get to know Jennifer and her daughter Macy during our session over the weekend. Macy was quick to brag about their bond. I learned that they have an appreciation for shooting guns together, cowboy boots and lots and lots of laughing. It was evident by their smiles, laughs, and silly poses that they sure like to have fun together. It reminded me that it's important to spend quality time with your kids and most importantly to laugh with them. So kudos to Jennifer and Macy for knowing what it's like to live laugh and love!

Perfect Winery Wedding

Brad & Erika's wedding day was filled with plenty of smiles, a few tears, and a lot of special touches that made their day memorable for all who were lucky enough to be a part of it....including this photographer:-)

From personal table settings from different places the new couple has traveled to, to touching toasts...this was a perfect day...and the sun finally came out to top it all off. Brad & Erika were so well prepared it helped them relax and enjoy each moment of their day.....with them being so laid back it allowed for me to get a bit creative as you can see below.....and their "first look" was adorable :-)

No sun, no problem

As most of you already know, part of what makes up my unique style is using the sun as a tool to give my images a warm tone. Well adjusting is one thing I have become pretty good at over the years and found myself digging into the ole bag of tricks to capture some amazing images for Jamie and Nate during their first maternity session last night. The sun was out all day until it came time to shoot. So instead of rescheduling I said, trust me I got this.  Using a technique I used for sunset photos I learned several years ago I created an intimate setting that really captured that baby bump unlike any maternity session I had done before. 

I was so excited when Jamie told me they were expecting and the conversation quickly turned to all the things I'd be taking pics of for them over the next year....baby bump pics, newborns, engagement photos and eventually capturing their wedding. I am so happy for this young couple who have such a bright future....and I get to capture each step of the way.....what an honor, and how fun!!!!

K.I.S.S. (Keep It Small & Special)

So many weddings start with "Let's make a list of everyone we know" and usually include the line "we don't want to leave anyone out". Fair enough, I understand the thought behind that. I had the pleasure of capturing Amy and Kurt's special day a few weeks ago and they followed the KISS method. Keep It Small & Special. Immediate family only, no big frills, no unneeded decorations, or centerpieces, no photobooth, no DJ......no problem. It was intimate, close, warm, welcoming, and most of all special. Amy took a few minutes to speak to the group about why each member that was there was special to them...this was a classy touch you would never see done in a room of 200 guests. I love a good party like the next guy, but on this day The kiss that Amy and Kurt shared to seal their vows wasn't the only KISS that fit this couple or their special day :-)