Hannah + Tate: Decorah Engagement Session | Decorah Wedding Photographer

I’ve known Hannah since she was in middle school and met Tate at my wedding almost two years ago. The minute I saw them slow dancing together I knew I was witnessing something special. Naturally, I was so excited to see them get engaged and then when Hannah said they wanted me to photograph their wedding that was just icing on the cake!

Fast forward to their engagement session, Tate carried in a little box and explains they played cribbage on their very first date and thought he’d bring it just in case. Queue my heart melting into a puddle of sentimental sap. After sipping coffee, reminiscing, and a few minutes of them being their adorable selves we headed outside to take advantage of the rain free hour. Praise Jesus! Tate was laying on the kisses and making Hannah smile and giggle the whole time. Their love was so genuine and contagious; I cannot wait to photograph it again on their wedding day!

Scroll down to see exactly what I’m talking about.

Holly + Kyle: Barn on the Ridge | Burlington Iowa Wedding Photographer

I had the opportunity to second shoot for Bethany Mcneill Photography at the beautiful Barn on the Ridge and had a blast. Holly and Kyle were full of smiles and positivity even through the extreme heat of the day. The rain held off until after the outdoor ceremony was completed and everyone was inside and ready to celebrate. Once it cleared off, we were able to sneak the newlywed’s away and get the cutest sunset photos!

Solomon: Decorah Senior Session | Decorah Senior Photographer

Solomon grew up around the corner from me in Decorah and our families have always been friends. So I was so excited when his mom reached out to me about taking his senior photos! For those of you who don't know Solomon, he is super chill and easy going guy. He also has some pretty killer blue eyes when you take a closer look (watch out ladies). We started in his backyard and then moved to Luther College to finish his session, which is currently a contender on his college list. Solomon plays the trombone and wore a musical note button up shirt in his first outfit. In my opinion, this was a great way to display his interest of music without including his actual instrument. I had a blast hanging out with Solomon chatting about his summer, senior year, and future plans. Below are my personal favorites from his session. 

My First Wedding of 2018 | Polk City Wedding Photographer

This year I decided "Be Bold" would be my phrase for 2018. (Each year I like to pick a phrase or word to focus on through out the year.)

I realized fear was unintentionally controlling some of my life and business decisions/leaps and wanted to change that.

The solution was pretty simple: be bold and don't let fear control me when making decisions.

My first bold business decision was to reach out to a local wedding photographer about a second shooting opportunity. I had no wedding portfolio, but she took a chance on me and boy am I glad she did! We had a great time shooting together and I learned how much I truly enjoy documenting weddings.

I rediscovered how much I love serving others and how life giving it is. 

Even in the extreme heat, joy was evident in just about every moment of the day. Thank you Varonnica Lynn Photography for letting me be apart of this BEAUTIFUL day. Below are my favorite moments from the Polk City wedding.

Ann: Decorah Senior Session | Decorah Senior Photographer

I had a really hard time narrowing down my favorites of Ann’s photos because they are all just so dang cute! I was tempted to upload the entire gallery to this post, but that seemed a little excessive ;) Ann and I began talking about her photos months ago, so it's safe to say we were both excited. As soon as she arrived, she informed me she loves flowers and had bought a bouquet, just in case. It was so fun to incorporate them into a few of her photos. Ann was super smiley and bubbly the entire session and it shows in all of her photos. Don't believe me? See for yourself :)