St. Patrick’s Church Fremont Wedding : Ashley + Darin

Ashley and Darin, these two have quite a history together. It all starts at Milliken Park elementary school when they met out on the playground in the sandbox. Who knew years down the road we’d travel back to the same playground to celebrate their joyous wedding day. Fate had a plan for these two and I feel lucky to have been a small part in documenting this new journey they’re starting together.

Their ceremony took place at St. Patrick’s Church in Fremont, Nebraska. All throughout the day the clouds hinted at rain but thankfully we never saw the precipitation fall. I’ve heard that rain is good luck on a couple’s wedding day but Ashley and Darin sure didn’t need it. Their playfulness and relaxed embraces showed  they weren’t nervous at all. Just ready to start their new life together as husband and wife.

Sadly the little sandbox that started it all wasn’t there anymore so we decided to explore the playground instead. I wonder if Ashley ever pictured herself swinging on this swing set all grown up, marrying her grade school sweetheart while wearing a gorgeous white dress?

The evening ended out at Fremont Country Club while the sun dipped below the horizon. Their entire day was spent loving on each other and rejoicing with their friends and family.

Big hugs to you both! I hope these last few weeks of married life have been all that you dreamed of. Cherish you darling story of “meeting at the sandbox” for years. I know your kids and grandkids will love to hear all about it someday.

Engaged: Ali & Scottie

I met Ali and Scottie and their darling dog Riley for our session downtown earlier this summer. I apologize to them all (especially Riley) for taking so long to blog these images. If I could clone myself or add extra hours in the day I would have a blog that was updated more often! And for everyone else waiting for their blog post, it is coming shortly. It has just been a busy summer wedding season and for that I am grateful!

But back to this adorable couple . . . Ali and Scottie aka “Scottie Toohottie” if you happen to be friends with him on Facebook. They are such a loving, affectionate and fun loving couple. We laughed out loud several times during their session as we explored the streets of downtown looking for nice light. If their wedding day is one quarter of the fun we had during their engagement session their guests are in for a treat!

How fun that they brought Riley for their photos! She was such a well behaved girl and don’t you agree that she’s very photogenic?

A good looking couple + contagious smiles = one happy photographer! The love these two share just makes a person feel happy to be around them. It doesn’t matter that I asked them to lay down on the dirty pavement, they make it all look good.

Thanks for sharing a fun evening with me Ali and Scottie! Your great sense of style added so much to this session. Love the outfits! The one thing that never goes out of style though is the happiness shining through the smiles on your faces.

Looking forward to seeing you again and laughing out loud together in June 2012!

Life with London: Six months together

Six months ago this little strawberry blonde made her way into my life. I have been trying to take time to document her life through photos and words so I can always remember this time. Her photos are slowly getting edited and the journal doesn’t have quite as many entries as I’d like but I’m glad to have something. While looking through it tonight one morning jumped out at me. On April 12th, I texted her image to Daddy while he was at work (something we do almost daily) and he texted back,

“I fall in love with her more everyday”

My eyes watered as I saw his words come  across my phone and I thought to myself, there isn’t a more true statement.

This little girl is changing every day right before my eyes just like everyone told me she would. She has graduated to sleeping in the crib in her own room yet the tiny bassinet still resides next to our bed. I am reluctant to take it down because it will mean that portion of her baby stage is over. It’s a catch-22. I want to see her grown and mature yet I also want to keep her little. I realize the need to slow down and enjoy all the moments I get to spend with her each day.

I’m starting to feel more and more like a mama… like I’m learning what to do and adjusting to this new role in my life. And maybe I’m getting somewhat good at it by now. I don’t know, you may have to ask London next time you see her.

To Londy,

You are beautiful, a true miracle answer to my prayers. I love you lots baby girl. The most important thing I can give you is love and I hope you always feel it surrounding you like a big bear hug.

I have a lot to show and share with you in this big, exciting world. And I know we’ll be laughing together while I make good on that statement.

Love, Mama

Engaged: Amy & Joey

These two are made for each other! They compliment one another perfectly with their sly smiles and warm giggles all while finishing each other’s sentences. They have an inspiring story together that was recently capped off with one of the most memorable proposal stories I’ve ever seen.

Please click here to experience it.

It’s incredible to see love like this displayed. Joey and his friends had it all mapped out down to when and where Amy would view the video while at school. When I asked them to tell me more about their relationship their eyes just lit up! You don’t see a love like theirs everyday and that’s why I am so happy to be working with them.

We had special permission to photograph at one of the many places featured in Joey and Amy’s proposal video . . . Vala’s Pumpkin Patch!

Thank you Amy and Joey! Thanks for sharing your story and exploring Vala’s with me as we captured the next step in your lives . . . engagement photos! I’m already looking forward to your wedding in October as I know it will just one more page in your book of memories together.

Bethany Lutheran Elkhorn Wedding: Lauren + Nate

When I first photographed Lauren and Nate and discovered their amazing personalities I knew their wedding day would be nothing short of spectacular. There were lots of family and wonderful friends who helped them celebrate their wedding. I enjoyed how they tailored the day toward their spirited identities that included colorful accessories and a stop at their favorite watering hole, The Doghouse Saloon in Waterloo Nebraska. These guys definitely know how to party and celebrate such an important event! It was my pleasure to accompany them, get to know their friends, and document the day’s events.

The pink and green color theme matched Lauren’s spirited personality perfectly!

The reception decorations were incredible! Lauren did a wonderful job creating a fun ambiance especially with the pink lighting behind the head table.

They told me of their special “cake smashing” plans ahead of time and I was ready with my camera. Glad we captured the play by play with this fun frosting spectacle.

Lauren and Nate I hope you enjoyed your day as much as I did. It was a pleasure to see you two celebrating with all your guests. You are both such kind-hearted people! I am so glad to call you my friends.

Was your honeymoon invigorating and relaxing all at the same time? I sure hope so! You two deserve only the best.