The Journal of a Wedding Photographer

I’ve started my first real series on the blog, and while I don’t get a chance to post as much as I would like, a few posts here and there are better than none, right? In the first part of the series, I touched on the basics of second shooting and why I think it’s […]

The first time I met Makayla, I was in high school and she was my sister’s friend at our (tiny) Christian school in rural Illinois. I never would have dreamed that down the road I would be photographing her lovely wedding day! Every detail was the perfect reflection of the couple – even the venue […]

I have loved ballet since I was a very little girl, so when Olivia’s mom approached me about doing a ballet-themed photo session, I was 5,000 percent on board. I couldn’t think of a better way to introduce my main studio room, either. From it’s industrial details to reclaimed barnwood-inspired floors and loads of natural […]

“Do not despise the day of small things” (Zachariah 4:10).   This simple passage brought tears to my eyes today. I’m in over my head with small things. Small little humans, their small little toys (everywhere), a small dog who drives me bonkers because he fails to be completely house trained even after seven years, […]

Hello, blog world. I’m so excited to officially introduce to all of you our newest addition, Abigail Reese, who was born on April 30, 2015, weighing in at 7 lb, 0 oz. We are just in love with her, and of course, I had to sneak into the studio when she was about 8 days […]

I’m so excited to share photos from this gorgeous, light and love filled wedding that happened this past March in Chicago, Illinois. Kristy and Alan’s wedding was a celebration of love, joy, and family as they gathered to proclaim their love for each other and new start as husband and wife.   Danielle and I […]

There is only one word to adequately describe Natalie and John’s holiday-themed wedding at Blumen Gardens: GORGEOUS. Seriously. The location, the attention to detail, the cohesiveness of every aspect – from the invitations to the flowers to the most perfect hot cocoa bar – all of it came together flawlessly to make for the prettiest […]

I’m so excited to share some of the photos from Gabriela and Michael’s classic and elegant wedding, which I had the honor of photographing this past November (I know, I know, I’m still catching up on blogging…but hey, it was a very busy season and I’m getting there).   One thing that truly stood out […]

My twenties are going by quickly. I changed career paths, earned a graduate degree, traveled a ton, and opened my own business. I was a single college student, and then I blinked and was a wife at 23, and a mom by 26 (27? Math is not my thing…whatever). Now in a few short weeks […]

I think it’s pretty safe to say that getting a great photo of a toddler is about as hard as walking a greased tightrope during a hurricane (and all the mommies just said amen). As a photographer, I agree. I often think weddings are in some ways easier than a great toddler shoot because at […]