a surprise birthday celebration

I met Kurt about 8 years ago in the National Guard and he was one of the nicest pilots and biggest gentlemen I'd come across in my career. He's a friend to everyone and such a hard worker. It was a matter of time til he met his match-- Lindsay is the girl boss of La Jeune Mariee (a bridal storefront downtown) and another person who I'm pretty sure that doesn't sleep. They are the sweetest people and have the prettiest family I've ever seen. I was so honored to get to photograph such a milestone in their lives. Here's to being 40-- and another 40 years Kurt! Cheers!!

Event by the super talented Alchemy Styled!

first looks

I've been asked how I feel about first looks and I always think its still a preference. Meaning I can tell you great reasons to have one. But also respect the wait for the official march as well. I can tell you my reasons to do one though:

1. You'll get more time for more photos! That's obviously a great thing!

2. You'll get to spend more time with guests and enjoying the wedding you planned!

3. You get to spend some quiet moments alone with your soon to be just taking in the enormity of the fact you will become spouses that very day! 

#3 is the most important to me, which is why I step away after the initial photos so you can have a moment together just being like "holy moly were about to get married!!!!!!" I love that moment + having experienced it with my husband on our wedding day it was pretty powerful. 

*Remember its your day and your traditions that I want to capture-- I want to hear from you to get exactly what you want! More moments, less posing ;)

behind the scenes

Today I want to talk about behind the scenes of shooting a wedding because we see the final product of photos usually and not all of the 'what goes into' the photo parts. Like movement of a dress-- (every fabric even photographs differently). I've second shot with so many different photographers and every single one has their own style. It's important to also know what your Bride + Groom need from you too. Some people like a lot of direction, with posing and some don't like it at all. I always get moms hugging me a ton for some reason so I think I'm the kind of person who is really aware of everyone around me and I want to make that work for YOU. If I see small moments like a sister tearing up over a first dance, I know moms will love those photos too-- I totally appreciate when they notice and hug me too ;)

Even second shooting I'm the girl seen tapping my feet to music, shouting hellos to everyone I meet, and I may even do a couple tumbles to get the perfect shot (or a laugh!). Over many weddings I have met so many great people to shape the way I take photos now and I promise to give you the best experience! I wanted to blog some photos from a wedding I actually second shot! I got the chance to hang out with the guys (which a second shooter usually does) and it was so much fun! This couple was absolutely adorable trading gifts and letters too:

Venue: Boat House at Confluence Park