leap of faith

Today marks a day that I've been thinking about, working on, planning for, and praying about for months and months. For awhile now I've been dabbling in both photography and design, with the humble link on this blog being the only promoting I've ever done. I would always answer questions with something like, "Well, I'm not a real photographer or designer; it's just something I enjoy", which in my mind sort of gave me a way out if someone didn't like my work.  But I've never been satisfied with doing something half way, with just dipping a toe in the water. I want to go all in. So today I'm doing that. And although that feels really good, I'm completely terrified. As much as I'm a person who goes all in, I'm also a person who agonizes over every detail and feels like everything needs to be perfect before going all in, but there comes a point where you just have to jump, you have to have faith. I'm sure there's questions I haven't addressed, issues I haven't thought of, logistics that I haven't realized, but I'm not going to let that hold me back. After all, you have to start somewhere. So I invite you to visit my new website, where I will be posting all of my photography and design from now on. It is simple, but it's something I'm proud of.

Thank you, Tim, for being my biggest supporter and critique expert. I value your opinion, even if you still think the best design program is Excel.

john+dani // wedding sneak peek

A couple weeks ago, I had the privilege of photographing John and Dani's outdoor wedding and barn reception. We're talking old milk cans filled with wild flowers, twinkle lights strung all over inside a big barn, tree trunk slabs, mason jars, and a touch of glitter. It was such a blast, and not to mention beautiful. My favorite was capturing moments - the bridesmaids getting ready, the first look, the happy couple walking down the aisle as husband and wife. John and Dani were so easy to work with and photograph, and their families were graciously accommodating throughout the entire day.

The ceremony was scheduled to be outside and for days, weather forecasts said 0% chance of rain. Perfect. But wouldn't you know, an hour before the ceremony big rain clouds moved in and it started pouring. Everyone was immediately on their phones, checking the radar and convincing themselves that it would pass as quickly as it popped up. Luckily, it did and the sun came out 20 minutes before the wedding began, making for some beautiful sun-after-the-rain photos.

John and Dani - thanks for letting me capture the moments, happiness, and love of your big day. I wish you all the best. Cheers!

Riley Jean // 1 year photos

Remember this precious little babe?

She just turned one and I had the chance to capture some photos of her a few days before her first birthday. With a frosted cake in front of them, it's always a toss up whether a one-year-old will go all out and get frosting on every inch of their body, be very dainty about it, or want nothing to do with it. Riley was somewhere in between the last two, and I think the photos are so priceless! And between rain showers we managed to get in some family photos.

engagement photos // john+dani

I got to spend some time with these two a couple weekends ago for an engagement photo in and around Minneapolis. It was a super fun shoot. We started on St. Anthony Main and ended at a wild flower preserve on the edge of the suburbs as the sun was setting. These last few photos are some of my favorites I've ever taken. It didn't hurt that John and Dani are a beautiful couple!

photo shoot // baby o.

This past weekend I got to meet and photograph a sweet brand new baby girl. She hardly made a peep through the whole shoot and, once she fell asleep, she cooperated so well with the outfit and background changes. What a precious little bundle! And how cute is the mint green?!

If you have a new babe in your future, I'd love to capture the precious first few days of their life in this world! Contact me for more information.

just delightful

all photos courtesy of delight for the eyes

I just ran across this Tumblr blog, delight for the eyes, and wow, UH-MAZING. It's so beautiful. If my ideal design aesthetic/fave colors/coveted photography style could all be wrapped up into a blog, that is exactly what it would look like. Gorgeous.

ain't she adorable?!

I spent part of Saturday with little Miss Evie, capturing all her new tricks (smiling, grabbing, holding her head up, and sucking on her fingers) now that she's 3 months old. She did so good, even through the costume changes. These are just too good to keep to myself!