{ Happy 4th Weekend }

Snippets { B + B } wedding book

{ today }

...kiss the one you love...

{ Oh summer! }

I came across these gems today...two gorgeous brides on two amazing summer days.
(And I actually did a double-take since there isn't a giant watermelon on my front-half!)

{ Oh My Deer } handmades

Chelsea Petaja is the amazing artist behind { Oh My Deer }...a healthy dose of inspiration for the day. Her pieces are not only fantastically beautiful, but have fantastically romantic names like Begonia, Elodie, Lilac + Marigold. I just adore her work...you can view all of her latest spring pieces { here } and shop for them { here }.





{Images: Tec Petaja}

2009 thank yous, among other things...

I don't even really know where to begin writing this post. In the past year, my business has boomed exponentially along with all of the incredible people, emotions + love I've been able to photograph. In a time where so many people are experiencing hardship, I've had to turn business away time and again because I simply can't fit it in. It's a humbling feeling to receive that kind of response to my work; I know a simple 'thank you' isn't quite enough, but thank you, thank you, thank you to my clients who continue to gush to friends, and to all of you for valuing my point of view and trusting me with your memories and moments. I love you all!

Now for the 'among other things' part of this post! If you've been on my website or referred a wedding to me for next year, you know that I am no longer taking on new weddings for 2010. This is with good reason. (I am not getting lax!) Being a professional photographer entails a lot more than what most people believe you actually spend time doing. { This is a perfect breakdown of the common misconceptions of a photographer's life vs. what we actually do to run a successful business! } I've lightened my workload for next year because Zac and I found out some amazing news this fall...

We are having a baby!!!!!!!!!!!

We are SO excited (to say the least), and I want to be able to give my family 100%  while giving my clients 100% as well. So even though my passions have not changed toward photography, I feel a slowdown is necessary for me to find a balance in my new life.

As of this past Thursday, this balance has become of even higher importance. Zac and I went in for our 5-month ultrasound to see how everything was progressing with Baby and were hit yet again with some pretty crazy news...

We are having TWINS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This came as a TOTAL and complete shock! We had no inkling, no idea, no anything that there could possibly be two little ones in there. I never showed signs of carrying multiples either, or had any test results that indicated anything differently. We've been on a wild ride since getting this news but we could not be happier and we feel so, so blessed! So without further ado, meet our babies + check out their first grainy black and white image! P.S. Baby B is a boy, and Baby A is a girl!!!! One of each!!!!!!! :)

I hope everyone's holidays are as wonderful as our holidays have been so far! I will try to keep my blog on the professional side, but I'm pretty over the moon about having twins so I will definitely be sharing more of them in 2010. :)  Merry Christmas + Happy New Year!

Chrissie + Riley {engagement}

I've got so much in the queue to share...there is lots more blog-love on the way and to come through the winter, both professionally and personally. (Wink-wink!)  :)

Meet Chrissie + Riley...another one of my great 2010 couples! We had so much fun shooting at Lapham Peak + in { downtown Delafield }. Chrissie rocked some bright colors that were a great contrast with the landscape, and I think I even got Riley to pull a bit from his prior professional experience as one of those cute kids modeling in the Sunday sale papers. Hehe! (Sorry if I outed a secret, Riley!) We had a great time swapping dog stories and laughing at our animals' expense, among other things. Thanks again you two! You were a treat to photograph! :)

Heidi + Hyden {wedding}

Heidi + Hyden had a beautiful wedding on the top of Rib Mountain a few weeks ago. What a day! Heidi + Hyden were awesome, and taking pictures on and around the 'mountain' was a fresh setting and perfect for fall. They are also huge dog lovers, so their chocolate lab Tilly was along to join in the festivities of the day! Congratulations again, Heidi + Hyden! I hope you enjoyed your day to the fullest--I had a lovely time! :)

A few details before favorites - gown { Anjolique }, bridesmaids dresses { Jim Hjelm }, cake { Sweet Nothings Cakes }, venue { Granite Peak }

dear blog...

...love is coming your way very soon. In the meantime, from Heidi + Hyden's first look... :)

Loren + Peter {wedding}

I had the pleasure of photographing Loren + Peter's lovely wedding at the { Heidel House Resort & Spa } in Green Lake, Wisconsin, over the Labor Day weekend! We lucked out with perfect weather for a lakeside wedding. Their event was filled with lots of great details, and Loren looked amazing in her { Jasmine Couture } gown. Everything turned out fabulously!! Loren + Peter - Thank you again for having me be a part of your day! It was so much fun getting to know you + I wish you guys nothing but the best and many years of happiness to come! :)