Gorgeous light and sun flare for a special session!

I noticed the beautiful sunlight last night and commented what a perfect night for photographs....too bad I didn't have a session scheduled for that evening.  Then, out of the blue my daughter says 'Hey mom, how about you take me out for a session tonight?'.  Ok, at that point I about fell out of my chair.  My kids never volunteer for a photo shoot.  In fact, it usually requires quite a bit of bribery on my end.  Before she finished her sentence, I had the car packed.  She turned 10 yrs old in April and we had never really done a formal session as we were waiting for better weather and to get outdoors.  She absolutely loves reading and all I knew is that I wanted to incorporate her love of books somehow in the session.  With that gorgeous light I was able to really capture the sweetness and beauty of my daughter who is growing up so fast!  I love having my mommy/daughter time!

Love this sun flare....

Talented HS Senior!

This gorgeous HS Senior has the most beautiful smile.  When she smiles, I feel like her whole self smiles. You can't help but be drawn to her;  not to mention she is so full of talent!  I've been entertained by her acting in the local theaters and enjoyed her amazing voice at church for years.  It's her singing that is very special to her.  Of course, I couldn't let the session go without incorporating her passion.  When she pulled out a song book that once belonged to her Great-Grandmother, I knew she pulled out an amazing piece of history!  The book was aged with old tape and her Great-Grandmother's handwritten name on the cover...so very cool.  To be able to include such a special heirloom into her session.....Oh, I love family history.  I also loved that this session took place in the prairie of wild flowers where she grew up and on the back yard tire swing where she played as a child.  The location can make someone's images extra special!!   Thank you, I had such a fun evening with you!!  Here's just a peek at a few from your session!

Celebrating a First Birthday!!

Happy First Birthday!!!  One year ago I photographed this darling little girl as a newborn!  I cannot believe a whole year has gone by and I'm photographing her for her first birthday!  How much fun to see the changes she's made since even her six month session back in January!  She greeted me today with the biggest smile and these adorable blonde curls!!  Love them!!!  With her birthday being the week of the 4th of July I couldn't resist bringing in some patriotic colors!   What a treat to see this little birthday girl and spend the morning capturing her as a one year old!  I had so much fun this morning....here is a little sneak peek! 

this one melts my heart.

Happy 4th of July!

The Fourth of July has always been my favorite holiday!  I love the red, white and blue.  I love fireworks.  I love (and am so grateful for) my freedom!   God Bless America!!
Happy 4th to all of you!

Cutie Pies Ahead!

What a gorgeous week and what a perfect morning to spend with two cutie pies!  We got this session in before the real heat wave hit this week!!  This was a real treat for me to see these two sweet sisters again!  I met them last fall for their family session and now the baby just turned ONE!!  Happy Birthday!  How fun to see her personality and how much she has grown!  Soon she'll be as grown up as her big sister!  Big sister turned three years old since I last saw her and can hold a wonderful conversation....I could just meet her for coffee some morning!  So animated and fun.....learned about her recent airplane ride and her latest swim lessons with dad!  Too cute for words!  Here's just a sneak peek of the fun we had from your morning session!

Here Comes the Bride!

I love weddings!!  I love watching the couple see each other for the first time, exchange vows and share their love with friends and family.  It's exciting to be part of the one day they have planned for many months!  The excitement in their eyes and the overall happiness makes the day magical.   I am typically not a wedding photographer.  However, I did get the opportunity to second shoot at a beautiful wedding this past weekend.  Just the sweetest couple with the most genuine family and friends!  I couldn't be happier for this couple!
The wedding even had me back on my old stomping grounds at the University of St. Thomas, where I graduated from college!  It was wonderful to be back on campus and back in the gorgeous St. Thomas Chapel.  Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your wedding day!

Stillwater Pony HS Senior Session!

The weather finally cooperated and boy, it was worth the wait!  Couldn't have asked for a more perfect night for this session!  This handsome HS Senior was great!  He is such a well rounded guy!  So impressive!!  With football as his passion, I knew we would naturally incorporate that into his session.  I counted on visiting his school and using the stadium in some way, but it was on the drive home when he thought his session was over and he was chillin' with some Arby's....when I noticed the most amazing sunset!  I pulled over like a crazy person and asked him to grab his football and helmet for a silhouette image against the perfect sunset.  Thanks for going along with my crazy requests....thought I'd include that last shot of the night in your sneak peek!    

They've Hatched!

When our friends told us they were hatching baby chicks for a local farmer, we couldn't wait to meet them!  After 21 days of turning the eggs in the incubator, we got the call on thursday that 11 new baby chicks arrived!  How exciting!  They will be heading back to the farm this week but not before we could fit them in for a little 'baby chick' session.  They were such cute models.  

Celebrating 50 years!

That is 50 years of marriage!  Congratulations are in order! What a special anniversary!  Three kids and nine grandchildren later this couple was given a wonderful anniversary gift from their children....a 50th wedding anniversary session!  I love it!  I recently had an engagement session for a young couple who will take their vows this fall and I left there thinking everyone should have an engagement session....even if you're already married.  And, especially if you've been married 50 years!  This sweet couple still had that spark when they walked, talked and laughed together!  I can only image the memories they share after 50 years of marriage!  It was so inspiring and fun to meet you and I congratulate you on your very special anniversary!!  Here's a sneak peek from your engagement (oops), anniversary session!

Celebrating a 5th Birthday in our house!

The celebrations don't slow down for us this time of year.  My son has been counting down the days until his 5th birthday!  I think all kids know they reach the big time when they turn five!  Today is finally here and he is five!!!  With him every step of the way is his ever-so-special Big Froggy. You can see just how much love Big Froggy has been given over the years when you look at his half rubbed off green eyes and raggedy fur,  But he will, undoubtedly, be part of this special day!  You can expect him to be seated right next to the birthday boy at the dinner table anxiously awaiting a piece of ice cream cake.  However, my son's name won't be the only one on the birthday cake....he shares his birthday every year with his Nana!!  Yes, he was her birthday present five years ago!  Happy birthday to two very special people!!  Xoxoxoxo