i adore my couples...

can't wait to share with you lisa and bart's beautiful celebration at the blue dress barn!

stephanie and dj...part deux

As promised here's day two of Stephanie and DJ's celebration...

Despite the rain showers Steph and DJ were still game for going down to the beach for some sunset pictures







The soft pink and bright green were a perfect combo

I adore twirling girls...









I love a reception where people show off their dance skills...

this would be the groom!




Want more? Then enjoy their slideshow...


**This was my first wedding of the season which has significance. Many of you know that almost ten months ago my husband unexpectedly passed away. It is a moment that altered my life and continues to impact my journey. A big question was if I would continue wedding photography. I had to make the difficult decision to end my contract with many of my couples for various reasons. But I choose to keep some of the wedding for special circumstances but it wasn't without a hesitate heart. Would I be ready? Could I enter into the wedding day with my full heart and creative energy? As a photographer, an artist, a celebrator of life I couldn't do this job half-hearted. But picking up my camera has been very healing for me...Mike, my husband, was my biggest fan and I knew it would dishonor him and his love for me if I quit photography. And the couples I have been able to work with are nothing short of amazing! I truly feel like God meant for me to capture their days.

I have found life and joy again in photography. And I know that my personal loss will enrich how I "see" things...Every image I capture holds more intimacy and love.

With this new sense of affirmation I am excited to re-create some aspects of my photography business. I will continue to capture weddings, so please send me a note if you have an upcoming event. I look forward to entering into your story...

stephanie and dj...part one

It was one of those days when I found myself several times feeling so grateful to be a wedding photographer. The couple, their family and friends, the location, my amazing second shooter (kelly braman) all added up to an amazing day.

It was my first time shooting at the Michillinda Lodge and I hope it won't be my last...Tucked away through a long tunnel of trees is this summer retreat that sits on Lake Michigan. It reminded all of us of the summer lodge featured in "Dirty Dancing".

Stephanie and DJ live in California but have family here in the midwest. So the location was perfect for their destination wedding. The event was so fresh and bright. The whole day had a great intimate feel. I have so many favorites that I'm going to break this up into two parts. So for now enjoy some delightful details and images of Stephanie and DJ's wedding celebration...






Can you guess what day their wedding was?


DJ is the definition of fun-loving...truly a sweet guy!


Stephanie just radianted the whole day...and her dress was divine!






A is for...Mr. & Mrs. Ahlstrand












part deux coming tomorrow!

becca & dan {e-session}...

Chicago is my hometown so I was thrilled when Becca and Dan decided to do their engagement session downtown. They are getting married this fall in St. Joseph but they wanted their engagement pictures to capture the city they call home...Sweet Home Chicago!

We hit up some local favorites, including Dan's favorite Wrigley Field. And despite the hot temps they looked great and were so fun...






Enjoy their slideshow...