Congratulations, Matt and Jessica!

January 10, 2016

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!

Congratulations, Alissa and Michael!

August 23, 2015

This weekend, Caroline and I had the honor and privilege of photographing the wedding of two dear friends in Iowa.

I have been blessed to know Alissa for many years, and to have photographed her many, many times in that duration. From headshots and theatre performances, to modeling and family photos, and even multiple photos with her beautiful Michael, it has been a long relationship that I have enjoyed and held dear.

Standing in the darkness watching her dance with her father and Michael with his mother, I felt a twang in my heart and the tears well up in my eyes. For somehow they felt like my own children and seeing them grow and blossom together presented a moment I knew I would never forget.

Soon, I will post a comprehensive gallery of this charming country wedding and all the amazing family that shared in this day. (Including some hilarious photobooth shots!) But, for now, please join me in celebrating this couple as they begin a marriage blessed by love, laughter and many grand adventures!

PS. CHECK OUT PHOTOS FROM THE PHOTOBOOTH HERE!

Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Furry!

Seeing things like this after a wedding or session are always so humbling and sweet. If only my clients realized how much I adore getting to know them and being a part of the story of their lives.

Congratulations, Bryanna and Zach!

August 9, 2015

This weekend Caroline and I were blessed with the honor of photographing the wedding of two very charming people. Sprinkled with inspiration from Disney, Star Wars, Cinema and theatrical references, the wedding of Bryanna and Zach was a celebration of fun, love and family.

I have always been known to cry during weddings. They are always such wonderfully inspiring events to be a part of. Yet, somehow, this one touched me in such a way. Maybe it was seeing how perfectly matched this couple was, the genuine care they had for their friends and family or simply knowing that in this moment there was nothing more blessed by the hand of God.

But for this wedding, I found myself crying again later as I reviewed the images later to prepare for culling and editing. So many sweet moments and so many fun details! Zach and Bryanna... I wish you all the best and every happiness! Soon, I will post are more comprehensive post about this great day. But, for tonight, a couple quick images and a very heartfelt congratulations!