I was so enthusiastic when I found out that some of my favorites girls were participating in my first 4th of July themed mini session! If you follow my work, these sweet faces should look familiar. They were the cutest models and mama did an exceptional job coordinating their delightful patriotic outfits. I was also thrilled to finally use my radio flyer as a prop along with my burlap flags! So simple and perfect. It was hard to narrow down my edits so mama, and friend, received an overabundance! I'm always happy to gift bonus images whenever possible. There is no use keeping them all to myself! However, I did taper it down to some of most-liked images for my post. It was tough as these two are too much! I look forward to hosting another 4th of July Mini next summer. :) 

Hanging out to photograph Bianca and her family never feels like work to me. Their loyalty, friendship and support means so much. I've had the honor of photographing Miss Bianca and her beautiful baby blues since she was a newborn. Actually, she was my first newborn session! Since then I've captured her three, six, nine month milestones along with her one year, eighteen months and now TWO years! Man, time has flown by! Out of all those sessions and time spent together, Bianca is still a total mama's girl (I don't blame her) AND this is the first time we've had to bribe her with a treat. Hey, it happens! That's where the sucker came in and it honestly turned out to be one of my favorite "props" I've ever used. Bianca was so happy and much more willing to sit by herself so it was well worth it! She was still a little wiggle worm so I was thrilled to have captured so many adorable photos. In my eyes, the best thing about photographing children is that they are always cute. No matter what. I embrace every mood and look at it as something special, amazing and beautiful. I enjoy seizing the moment and turning it into a forever memory.  It is such a rewarding feeling and it is the number one reason why I love my business. 
​
​Check out some of my favorite grins and expressions in this recent blog. Enjoy! 

Meet Hank, my sweet baby cousin. Hank was welcomed into the world on May 2nd. He was baby number two from our family to be born that day. Hank came in second place after his cousin, Amelia! Crazier thing was, I had three cousins that came that week - two from my mom's side and one from my dad's. My heart and family grew three times bigger and I couldn't have been more excited. I had the honor of capturing newborn photos for two of the newbies, one being Hank. Hank and his Mama joined me in my in-home studio when he was five days fresh. He was super sleepy, just the way I like'em, and so snugly! Plus he had that amazing newborn aroma that I love! Hank was such an easy going little guy, he loved to be swaddled and didn't mind some tummy time too.  Just a perfect little man - not that I'm biased! ;) 

Daddy is an avid hunter. So, naturally, some antlers had to be included in Hank's photos! 

Where do I begin with this post? I have so many emotions and things I want to say when I look at these photos but I will keep it short and sweet.

On a personal level I feel so much love and happiness when I look at these images. On a professional level I feel so much my pride and see so much improvement. I'm also reminded of how things can come full circle. I've been friends with Audrey's mom for over ten years and she has been like a little sister to me at times. Capturing her baby girl's newborn photos was a true honor as I have been there for so may milestones for my dear friend. Her and husband are one of the most admirable couples I know and my heart is full because I know Audrey has made them whole. This beautiful, little girl is a true blessing.

I was very photo happy when posting this blog, but can you blame me? So many sweet images that I wanted to share. Thank you to my sister and Audrey's parents for assisting me throughout her session. Your help made it that much more fun and successful!

Vintage Santa box, sleigh and crib are rentals from Simply Glamorous Designs. ----> sgdrentalsatof.weebly.com

Shout out to my cousin, Sarah,  and owner of Simply Glamorous Designs at Oregon Floral. Floral designs are her jam. What a fun way to express her creativity! Sarah at Simply Glamorous Designs not only offers beautifully unique floral designs for any occasion but SGD also offers rentals. Showcased are some rentals and fresh floral as SGD had the pleasure of designing centerpieces for the Wedding Planner and Guide Client Appreciation Party on November 15, 2016. This year the event was held at Lake Windsor Country Club which was decked out in black, gold, white and Sarah's personal favorite - a little bling. Sarah's inspiration came from WP&G's new logo, Lake Windsor's beautiful chandeliers and the autumn season. I'd have to say her vision came together perfect and naturally, I had to snap a few pics!

www.simplyglamorousdesigns.com <----- Check out all that Simply Glamorous Designs at Oregon Floral has to offer.

It's that magical time of year again that makes me extra cheerful, Christmas. Eric (boyfriend), Cathy (sister) and Zach, ("bro-in-law") kicked off our fun old fashion family Christmas by heading out into the country in the old front-wheel drive sleigh to embrace the frosty majesty of the winter landscape and select that most important of Christmas symbols. Well, sorta...I actually stole that epic line from Christmas Vacation - a favorite holiday film and tradition to watch as I decorate my tree! As much as I love to hunt AND cut down my Christmas tree, this year we decided to keep it simple all while still supporting a local business on Small Business Saturday. The gang and I headed to SRB's Christmas tree lot in Waunakee and found two perfect trees, one for our home and one for Cathy and Zach's. Bagged them up and the only cutting we had to do was a small trim before putting them in their stands. After all the "hard work" we indulge in some yummy pizza at Doughboy's, Waunakee, and watched some Wisconsin Volleyball. Go Bucky!

Tree decorating was complete by Sunday evening as we allowed the branches to settle for a day. Eric was a great help with the lights (I'm crazy about how I put my lights on my tree) and the animals, minus Jack who was taking a cat nap, made great supervisors. Ziggy is obsessed with staring at the tree and his favorite ornament is the lowest hanging snowflake. Tila loves to rest under the tree and Jack really has zero interest and most likely thinks were nuts for bringing the outdoors indoors. Keeping my fingers crossed that the cats keep their distant through Christmas! The tree's decor is a mixture of snowflakes, icicles, glitter, vintage and vintage insprired ornaments. I love the look of white, gold and silver together. Very pleased with how it all came together and love the ambiance it casts throughout our living room. Happy deckin' the halls!