Kendall and Adam are some of my favorite former clients.  I couldn’t resist a third photo shoot with them.  Especially not one at the barn where Kendall keeps her horses.  I swooned over this location last winter in negative 40 degree temps.  It was even more magical this past week with perfect 60-70 degree temps and golden sunset light.

We shot around 20-30 minutes and it was inspiring.  Thanks, Kendall and Adam, for being most awesome.

All shot with my 35 1.4L.

I really enjoyed this session!  Getting to know Krizia, Scott, and their cute dog Simon was awesome.  They are completely adorable with each other!  I’m so excited for their wedding next September because it’s at Badger Farms, one of my all time favorite locations.  Not to mention Krizia and Scott’s vision for the day sounds a lot like them — laid-back and a good time (with vintage and rustic details — yay!).

Tenney Park is one of my favorite spots in Madison.  The setting and the amazing autumn light did not disappoint.

Scott, I think you look awesome here.

And Krizia, could you be anymore beautiful? Gorgeous!

Right as we were about to get in our cars and leave, Krizia was just standing in the middle of insane light.  I snapped this photo somewhat randomly and it’s one of my favorites :)

All shot with my 35 1.4L and 50 1.2L.

(I’m going to start listing the lenses I use on my engagement and personal posts (not really possible for weddings, haha) because I get a lot of emails from photographers about that and I think this will be a better way to help more than one person at once).

My favorite way to take a break these days is to walk or bike to meet a friend at a cute little cafe.  Ryann recently introduced me to Madison Sourdough Company‘s new location and I fell in love with it’s atmosphere and amazing sweet and savory menu selection.  I’ve since gone back twice with Stephanie and Troy and I can’t wait to return for more of their awesome food and bread.

One of the most surreal things for me this year is seeing my work featured on blogs like Style Me Pretty.  These are blogs I read on a daily basis as a bride two years ago.  And I never, in my wildest dreams, thought I’d see my own work on them.  Christina & Paul’s amazing Arizona Ranch Wedding was featured last week and I feel beyond honored.  Click HERE to see the Style Me Pretty feature.  Click HERE to see my blog post about their wedding.

Christina’s multi-colored bridesmaids dresses were also featured on ChezWedd HERE.

And thank you SO much for all the sweet words about the feature on my Facebook wall.   You all make my world go ’round.  I’m so thankful for the positive and inspiring photographers I have gotten to know as I’ve entered into business this past year and a half.  I think it’s so important that we surround ourselves with people who continue to inspire us … people who aren’t negative about the industry all the time.  Of course there are negative aspects, but what is the use in dwelling on them day in and day out?  I say, get out of this industry if you’ve stopped seeing any good in it.  If you are annoyed by the idealistic, positive photographers … really ask yourself WHY.  I bet it has more to do with you than with them.  I hope I am the first to stop shooting weddings if I take no joy in them.  For now, I’m so happy/fulfilled and I know this career move is the best decision I could have made in the best possible time.  And I’ll keep being wide-eyed.  Because I’m happy in my job, and that’s not sugar-coated.

Claire and John were married in Janesville and surrounded by some the the most supportive, appreciative, and wonderful families and friends I have encountered as a wedding photographer. Everyone came together to contribute to the personal details that made the day a success for Claire and John. From the centerpieces and groom’s cake to the hand-painted unity candle and wine glasses, every element had a personal touch.

The 1962 Thunderbird was an awesome element to bring into the wedding day. Made for some great portrait shots.

Claire didn’t even hesitate when I asked how she felt about laying down in her wedding dress. Love a bride like that!

Once Claire and John had their “first look” before the ceremony, they were calm and so so happy. They were smiling the entire ceremony and it was clear they were excited for the day. Their car driver and friend, Marvin, said that the entire car ride after the ceremony they kept exclaiming, “We’re married! We’re married!” Love that.

Congratulations, Claire and John!! You two are clearly so in love with each other and I loved witnessing that on your wedding day. I had so much fun with you and your families and I hope you enjoy Aruba this week!

Vendor shout-out: Reception venue and dinner by Best Events Catering, Flowers by Floral Expressions, DJing by Complete Music, Ceremony music by Aly Bitter (vocalist) and Fran and Jordan Peyer, Hair & Make-up by Rosa Burdick, Hand-painted candles and glasswear etc by Deb Sisko (family friend), cake by Buttercups, groom’s cake by Dona Bolton (family friend), videography by Tony Huml, and event coordination by Planned Spontaneity.