Megan and Matt are simply lovely.  Loving, kind, and sweet to each other and everyone around them.  Their wedding was held on the scenic Monona Terrace (my favorite spot in Madison, actually … I used to go there and read during the summers in college) on quite possibly the hottest day ever.  I was actually worried that I might see a groomsman or bridesmaid faint during the ceremony :)

Some of the day’s highlights included Megan and Matt’s “first look” before the ceremony, the best man’s ukelele performance (with audience participation), wedding party photos down by the Union Terrace (where the groomsmen accused me of staging a Backstreet Boys album cover shot ;)), emotional dinner toasts, and when Megan surprised her mom by giving her the bouquet, rather than tossing it.

Thanks, Megan and Matt, for being so awesome and nice.  I truly enjoyed photographing your day and being surrounded by you all.  Congratulations!

Vendor shout-out: flowers by the awesomely awesome daffodil*parker, ceremony, dinner, and reception at Monona Terrace, random photo extras courtesy of the Union Terrace visitors, DJ’ing by DJ Magic Enterprises.

Before the night was over, Megan and Matt wanted to get a photo with me.  Now, I look about as photogenic as a wet rodent after shooting a wedding all day long … but since I just love these two, I happily posed for a snapshot :)

Um, I loved everything about this session.  Food, wine, great architecture, a lake, bright sun, then rain, then a windy overcast sky.  Perfection.  And I can’t forget the most important element … two beautiful people.  Two beautiful people who let me get up-close & personal with my fave lens all evening … first at Sardine and then along Lake Monona and the Terrace.

Lindsay & Ty, you are simply awesome.  I’m so glad you love dining out and more so that you wanted to incorporate that food/dining element into your engagement session.  I love how you both smiled, laughed and played in front of my camera.  I love that the rain didn’t bother you … and Lindsay, I love that you wore a blinging ring :)

Can’t wait for your wedding.  If your engagement session was any indication, it’ll be completely gorgeous.

PS — Thanks for the delicious glass of wine :)

I am sooo excited that spring is here.  I can shoot later into the evening, the sun is different … warmer, brighter, nicer.  The weather was awesome for Clarie and John’s engagement session yesterday.  And these two knew how to pick a location!  Olin Park has stunning views of downtown Madison and Lake Monona.  Add to that tons of variety — swings, trees, hills, docks, bridges — and you have yourself a perfect engagement session location.  They also brought props — bubbles and flowers — and I just had a blast with these two!

Sometimes I tell my clients to “smile with your eyes” and sometimes I think they think I’m a little nuts, haha.  Now I think Tyra Banks is a little nuts herself (come on … you know she is!), but she gives great advice about “smizing” — which helps you to avoid that “deer in headlights” look.  A fan of America’s Next Top Model, Claire was all over the smizing, and I loved that she was willing to rock out the modeliciousness.  John was also awesome to work with, of course.  He had a kind and genuine demeanor and I could tell these two have a lasting kind of love.

After we shot at the park, we hurried over to the Monona Terrace, where John proposed to Claire, for some more pics before the sun set.  To our dismay, the rooftop was closed due to the snow we got on Friday night (booooo….).  We would’ve risked climbing over the (very tall) gate, except the place is swarming with cops and cameras (double booo).  We even nicely asked permission to go on the rooftop but nobody wanted to let us (dang).  We decided to make the best of the situation, the location, and the diminishing sunlight by heading the capitol square for some shots.  And I think the rooftop being closed was a blessing in disguise because the light on the other side of the capitol was to DIE FOR.  Seriously, so golden and delicious.  I love spring light.  And I love my brides and grooms — always game for anything and for making the best of any situation.

Can’t wait for your wedding, Claire and John.  It’s going to be amazing!

Have I mentioned before that I have the coolest, most rockingest clients?  Because I do … and Lindsay and Chad are total proof!  Not only did they insist I have complete creative control throughout the session, but they really were up for anything.  Chad was a film major and therefore had a great eye for lighting and architectural lines.  Lindsay came smiling with stylish outfits and her adorable and sweet personality.  Both of them were easy to talk to and fun to hang out with.  It was hard to take a bad photo of Chad and Lindsay together.  I loved how they interacted as we ventured around the capitol area and Monona Terrace.  We trekked down an ice-covered and blocked-off parking ramp as they threw snow at each other and were just having a great time in one anothers’ company.  So fun to watch and to be with.

Lindsay just got a DSLR and is learning photography, so I can’t wait to see some of her photos someday (hint hint, Lindsay :)).  I also can’t wait for their October wedding at Olbrich Gardens in Madison (that’s where I got married as well)!  Thanks, Chad and Lindsay for rocking my world.  You’re the best!