Isn't she lovely?

So many years ago, I knew a sweet, but almost shy girl when she was a part of a theatre program I volunteered with. Years past and I watched her graduate and move on to an adult life. As time moved on, I would spend many years with her brother in that same program, always knowing what a charming family they both came from and the values we shared in each of our families for the love of family and the love of the arts.

This year, I was delighted and honored when I was asked to photograph Jessica's wedding. It was such a heartwarming experience to know her again as adult and to see the amazing man who held her heart. Seeing them together, I realized how lucky I am to know and see people through various chapters of their life.

2016 will mark the start of a new chapter for Jessica and Matt as they move forward in the book of their life as Mr. and Mrs. Hankes.

We spent their wedding day in celebration at Chanhassen Dinner Theatre. Though an incredibly dark venue in which to photograph, I cannot tell you what an amazing setting it was to revisit time with this beautiful girl - back in a theatre!

PS. If you have never explored CDT, it is truly an amazing place with the most curious little nooks and crannies! Be it the secret design of Hogwarts, or some prohibition era speakeasy, it is seriously... seriously cool!

I have been honored to know Alissa for many, many years. I have loved her for her wild spirit, outspoken nature and joyful heart. In recent years, I have seen this heart grow to include Michael and the joy between them as they married and began a life together.

Before her wedding event took place, Alissa was already planning her Trash the Dress shoot with me. Normally, this is a day filled with water, mud, paint, even fire. (When brides go out and simply enjoy a modeling session where anything can and will happen to her dress. I mean, it's not like you are gonna wear it again!)

Alissa was a perfect candidate for that. The problem? Um, hello! Have you seen how gorgeous that wedding dress was?! There was absolutely NO WAY we were going to do ANYTHING that would destroy this gorgeous work of art.

So, with a gorgeous fall afternoon in tow, we simply headed out to one of my favorite parks and captured time. Beautiful simple moments between two hearts - something that a busy wedding day left so little time for. We didn't need to trash anything. The beauty of what had been built between Michael and Alissa over the past 4 years was all we needed!

And, in the first 10 minutes, we had already captured all I ever hoped for.