Scott + Erika | expecting

Snow, baby moccasins, this sweet and hilarious couple, and the crisp glow of that winter sun. It doesn't get much better, in my opinion! I am celebrating BIG TIME with these two as they anticipate their first little one early this summer. Scott is, hands down, one of the most down to earth and adoring husbands I've met and I'm so confident that he'll ease into his new role as a Dad so perfectly. And Erika, where do I even begin? She stepped out of their car in the cutest little heeled booties and had NO ISSUES trekking up a large hill in snow and soggy grass so we could get the best shots - in that moment, I knew we were destined to become friends. Not to mention her contagious laugh and how well she loves Scott. 

I'm so thankful that we connected right at the beginning of this new season of life because I can't tell you enough how much I love watching friends grow as they step into parenthood, and the way it brings new revelations about the way that God loves us AND how it challenges and strengthens their love for one another.

Okay, enough of that before I cry for the tenth time today.... here are some of my favorites from their warm-fuzzy-glowy session that was so fun I can't believe it's my job! 

Andrew + Laura | engaged

I met with Andrew and Laura a few weeks back on one of the chilliest mornings we've had during this mild winter and not only were they simultaneously dressed appropriately for the occasion AND completely adorable, the smiles and laughter were so heartwarming I hardly even noticed my fingers about to fall off. Yes ...I know that was cheesy, but it was also true! 

After spending only a short time with this couple, it is so evident that their hearts are HUGE and not just for one another, but for the world AND I LOVE THAT. They both have a huge interest in social justice  and caring those those most vulnerable, and Laura recently interned with the local office of Church World Service, a non-profit organization that works with refugees worldwide.

Enjoy! 

Brent + Emily | engaged

Emily and I met just a few weeks ago to chat about her and Brent's wedding and honestly, I felt like I was meeting with a client for maybe one minute. After that, it was more like sitting down for coffee with an old friend, sharing about life and our passions and how vital it is to stay true to oneself in everything - especially creative endeavors. When she reached out to let me know that they'd decided to allow me to capture their wedding, I did a little happy dance similar to the one that I did while I edited the photos you'll see below... 

Now, I LOVE snow, but I realize not everyone shares the same sentiment. So, when I woke up to a surprise snowfall on the morning of their session, I decided to check in with Emily to make sure that she and Brent were okay with the weather. Her response?

"We will embrace it." 

I thought to myself, "I knew I loved these two!" Because that's so much of what life is about AND what marriage is about. Embracing the good and the bad, and embracing one another especially when things are tough. Brent and Emily are SO MUCH FUN and the best part of their session for me was watching them just BE themselves together in this seriously perfect mixture of love and goofiness - it shows in their images and I LOVE IT. We certainly made the most of the frigid weather on Saturday morning and I have to tell you - these are some of my favorite images to date! 

---> OH and a little note to my photographer friends: when you're checking your light/composition on the LCD screen, DO NOT be tempted to delete images that don't immediately scream, "PERFECT!" It's not about perfection, it's about the moment. I'm learning this more and more with every shutter click - the first image below was the first image I took to check my lighting and it's by no means perfect but it's a moment to remember and it turned out to be one of my favorites!

The Keller's | lifestyle

On New Year's Eve, two of our best friends welcomed the sweetest little human into the world and I am feeling all sorts of overjoyed after spending the afternoon with them. Life is so neat - over four years ago, I was sitting across from Meagan at a Barnes and Noble asking her to capture our wedding day. She's taken all of the professional photos that Brent and I have together, and I love looking back at how our friendship has weathered different seasons of life and continued to grow through the years. And just one more fun fact about Meagan before I get too sappy over here... right after Brent and I were married, I struggled through depression and felt loneliness like I never had before. It was a difficult time for me and then Meagan asked me to start shooting weddings with her. She invited me along to sessions and she even let me borrow her extra camera for almost a year so that I could practice and have the opportunity to stretch my creative muscle. She saw my heart, took a chance on me and trusted me to shoot with her, and she stirred up a passion that was sitting dormant within me. And honestly, I'm certain I wouldn't be here today writing this caption if it weren't for her. So many of my loved ones have encouraged me and challenged me to pursue my heart's desire - but Meagan started it all. And here I am getting all weepy thinking about how incredible life is and how God must chuckle sometimes at how much we want to control everything in our lives and yet he works all things together in his perfect timing and through his faithful servants. So anyway... here's one of my favorites from today and can we just take a moment to admire how beautiful this new mother is?! LIKE AN ANGEL. Thanks for being a gem, Meagan. I am so proud of you. And Caleb? Thanks for loving my dear friend so, so well. 

Christian + Kelsey | married

When Kelsey and I first connected over the phone to talk about her vision for her and Christian's wedding day, I instantly knew that we would be a good match! I could hardly wait to spend some time with the two of them together, during one of my absolute favorite seasons. Go ahead, ask me why fall is my favorite ...but if you scroll through all of the images below, you won't need to. Fall weddings for the win! 

Their day was classic, fabulous, fun, and absolutely beautiful - the weather, the foliage, the people, and the moment they said, "I do." Not to mention, Kelsey's grandfather (who is in his 90's and more insightful and funny than a lot of people I know!) shared heartfelt, genuine, and hilariously practical wisdom about marriage throughout their ceremony. It was perfect! 

Christian + Kelsey, thanks so much for allowing us to be a part of your day. It was a JOY.