Just a quick reminder to my 2011 couples that if you were hoping for an autumn engagement session, I have 4 dates available yet.  After those dates fill-up, April 2011 is your next chance.  Just something to keep in-mind :)

And since this post would be boring without a photo, here is a super tiny sneak peek of the wedding I shot this past weekend. Andrea and Cyrus are awesome and had a laid-back wedding — they’re my kind of people. More to come tomorrow!

Beyond these two girls as my muses, so are water, glowy ethereal light, and shapes of any kind that I can shoot through.  What a lovely night of inspiration.  All I could have used in addition was some wind (and food … I love shooting food).  But it was a sticky hot mess outside.  Thanks, Suzy and Jenna, for dealing with the mosquitos and mugginess.  xoxo.

Lately I’ve been reading some books about vision by David DuChemin.  This has really helped me to define my own vision and pay attention to what makes me overjoyed/ecstatic when shooting.  What makes you overjoyed when shooting?  What are your muses?

I never understood what fashion designers and other artists meant when they called girls their “muses.”  Until I shot Jenna and Suzy last year.  Then I totally got it.  Jenna and Suzy are my muses.  When I shoot them, everything aligns.  I get ideas for subsequent shoots and I’m constantly shrieking over what I’m seeing in front of me.

We trespassed in some fields the other night.  I have a favorite tree outside of Madison but never know how to find it again.  Troy found it for me on Google Earth.  Amazing what you can see around the world on Google Earth!  We drove to my tree and ran around a lot.  Here is part one:

Sarah and Roger have great style. Somehow their wedding party and the both of them looked modern, glamorous, a touch vintage and a little bit whimsical all at the same time. Simply put, they are one beautiful couple inside and out. More after the photos.

An emotional walk down the aisle. Sarah was stunning in her gown.Not so easy to get Roger’s ring on.See this glowy perfect light? That’s what you get when you shoot only a couple hours before sunset, rather than midday. I highly highly encourage this as it can make all the difference.I actually have more photos of Sarah and Roger swatting mosquitos than anything else from our session in the UW Arboretum :)
My favorite shot of the day below:I’ve never seen such impressive dancing before at a Midwest wedding. I’m sure the party was rocking long into the night. I seriously wanted to jump out on the floor and dance with everyone … it was that good.Love love love getting a photo with my couples at night’s end. Thanks to the MOH for snapping this :) Sarah and Roger were married at St. Dennis church and had a gorgeously colorful wedding with a huge wedding party :) After photos at Camp Randall and the UW Arboretum, we made our way to their reception at the Concourse Hotel where dancing was at its best.

I loved how colorful everything was and the flowers were simply to die for (Bridget of Pocket Full of Posies (In Waunakee) did an extraordinary job on them!). I also loved how both the father/daughter and mother/son dances were more upbeat and unique. Roger and his mom danced to a polka, which is awesome.

Sarah and Roger have such calming and sweet spirits. I can tell they care about everyone around them and that translates into a lot of people caring for them too.

Congrats, Sarah and Roger!! I’m so happy for you both. Thanks for letting me be part of your day and thanks for laying down in your wedding attire on the grass surrounding Camp Randall ;) Gotta love a couple that trusts my artistic perspective 110%

Anyone who knows me or follows this blog will see why I loved this session.  Glowy light, moments of overcast, a mix of industrial and natural, water, a couple with personal style, and wind blowing hard at the end of the evening.  Nothing beats glowy evening light and some wind.  But I’ve said that 100 times before, I know.

Madison had the most perfect of perfect weather last night.  We rescheduled this session 5 times due to thunderstorms, but it was worth the wait for the low humidity and breeze we were finally given. Matt and Amy were truly up for anything.  Matt has 3 or 4 broken ribs and despite the rigor (his word, not mine, haha;)) of the session, he was a complete champion about it :)

Something I really love about Amy and Matt is their down to earth nature.  They are simply nice people and a joy to be around.  I love how they compromise in their relationship.  Amy goes to his games despite not loving sports, and Matt goes to see the bands she likes even though he doesn’t like them so much.  Love that.

Can’t wait for your wedding next year, Amy and Matt!