I told someone recently that you can't always expect to find your soul mate 10 miles from your house. Sometimes, you have to act on faith and venture out beyond your comfort zone. I never realized how true this was until I met this couple.

Doug and Elizabeth met online (like many do these days). She lived in Mexico, he lived here in Minnesota. After some time corresponding online, he flew to Mexico to meet and spend time with her. Only then did he realize she did not speak a word of English. They found a connection and continued seeing each other. When the time came for him to propose, he had her brother there to help with the translation. Soon, she was living in Minnesota and they were building a new life and learning how to communicate with each other about life, love and experiences.

Three years later, they are now married. Their families are merged and their life will move forward together. Their journey to find what God has laid out for them covered many miles, a lot of patience and trust. But, watching the glances they stole of each other on their wedding day and the simple smiles they shared in quiet moments alone, it is clear... they have found the one person in this world that God put on this earth just for them.

Congratulations, Doug and Elizabeth!

How can you not love groomsmen? They are always the most spirited, amusing and playful group in the bunch!

Thanks for the many laughs, guys!

Looking back at the journey of one's life, it is easy to forget how every choice begins and what influences guide you along the way. I have changed a lot over my life and spent time with so many diverse, colorful and kind people.

This past summer, I was honored with the opportunity to reconnect with a former high school classmate when I was asked to capture her children in a fashion driven photoshoot. Though I hadn't seen Stacy in over 20 years, I delighted in the opportunity to visit her family as they vacationed in Minnesota after years abroad - enjoying a roadtrip to Detroit Lakes and a weekend with three of the most beautiful towheads you have ever seen! (Plus, how can you not love shooting dresses shipped in from an Australian designer just for the occasion!) It was a great time reconnecting and hearing how our journeys had taken us to different places in the world, yet mirrored the same path as parents.

Our session together would take on multiple chapters. First, a vintage style concept influenced by the stories of Box Car Children, then on to the personal interests of each child. From Princesses to Flash to Mermaids, it was a wonderful day in the imagination of children and a series I won't soon forget. Seeing them reminded me how much I adored being a parent and allowing that imagination that brings life and color to our world as adults.

There are many images to come, but for tonight, enjoy a look into our time with Neren, Phillip and Nila.