Heather

I met Heather through my fiances family and church, they had known each other for years. Heather is always so patient and kind and always has this gentleness about her. Married to an Army Chaplin and raising two little boys her patience and love amazes me. She is such a wonderful mother, wife and great friend. 

One time in particular always sticks out in my mind though when I think of her. I was going through a very rough time a few months ago with my fiance and really wasn't sure what was going to happen. I was worried and exhausted, and was an emotional wreck. I remember waiting in church after service one day and she came to sit by me and started up a conversation. She gave me encouragement and the confidence I needed to go on with my day and to look at things in a little bit brighter perspective. By the end of our conversation she took my hand and she prayed with me. I will never forget that because tears welled up in my eyes and I could feel God speaking through her, telling me that everything was going to be alright. (Typing this I'm getting a little teary eyed. Haha.) It was such a sweet and Godly thing that might not have meant much to some but it meant the world to me, especially on that day. She is such a Godly woman and her family is so so lucky to have her. 

Megan

"I've never modeled before, I'll probably be bad..."

"Megan, I promise it's not as hard as it looks. You're gorgeous inside and out and I know you're going to rock this!"

Those were our first words right before we began her shoot. Modeling isn't hard and I wish everyone would realize you don't have to be a supermodel or have a "perfect" body to model. All you need really is to be yourself and know how to take a little direction. It can be a little nerve racking being in front of the camera, but the more open and natural you are the better you will look! Megan and I started down by the river, she was skipping rocks while I adjusted my camera settings for the gorgeous light. We found a rock she could sit on and we got a few good shots of her, both wide angle and close ups. We played around with different angles then moved on to the next spots. It was almost effortless. I explained what I wanted her to do and where to look and she just did her thing. Making her laugh was the best though. Needless to say she did indeed rock her shoot and we had so much fun! 

Sky and Brian

Sky and Brian met in high school English class, her sophmore year and his senior year. Sparks flew and they fell for one another, head over heels. Sharing their love for outdoors adventures, camping, shooting, riding dirt bikes and working on their vehicles they became inseparable. Brian proposed on their 4 year anniversary and they are now planning for a beautiful wedding this next year. I asked Sky how she knew he was the right one for her and she replied, "After he proposed I found out that he had asked my 3 older brothers permission to marry me since my dad is no longer with us and that's when I knew for sure I made the right decision by saying yes." They are such a sweet and down to earth couple and I wish them and their fur babies all the happiness in the world! Congrats to you both! 

Straeter Family Lifestyle Session

Sarah and her gorgeous little family live on the perfect piece of land, complete with a garden, woods, tons of yard space and gorgeous access to the river. Our session began at the barn down the road as we HAD to see the chickens, feed them and collect the eggs. I've never seen a kid as fearless as miss Nora. She walked into the chicken coop so confidently and without flinching chased a chicken around and scooped it up, wings still flapping and all. She smiled the whole time. She also had to pick up and show me each chicken and knew all their names. I was pretty impressed. Haha! Little Elena even wanted to hold a chicken too with a little help from mom and dad! Next stop was back to the house to gather some fresh garden vegetables! Fresh picked tomatoes are delicious by the way! After playing outside on the swing set we headed in to have pizza for dinner, and then to the bath to wash away all the days dirt. Teeth brushing and story time was next and a great way to wind down and complete the day. The kids loved reading the books and sat so still and were so enthralled with them. I remember Sarah telling me how every Tuesday they went to the local library to get books to read to the kids every night. I thought this was so special and something the kids will remember when they are older and see these photos. I can't thank this family enough for sharing their time and allowing me into their home. They were so welcoming and sweet. We had so much fun!

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Lovisa and Michael

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Lovisa and Michael's love story started with the Haste The Day farewell tour concert a few years back where they first met! They hit it off right from the get go, sparks flew, and they still have their concert ticket stubs! How cute is that!? Fast forward a few years and now they are engaged and have a beautiful daughter who's the light of their lives! Their session was so much fun and we were blessed with some incredibly gorgeous light! One particular part of the session they even showed off their matching tattoos! Before their daughter was born they decided they wanted to go with foxes as her themed animal. With the help of Aldo from Carmel Ink Tattoo he brought their vision to life. Two matching foxes. When I inquired more about their pieces Lovisa told me that hers was in color because it matched her bright and bubbly personality and Michael's matched his personality as well, more of a simple and laid back style. The time on the clock you are wondering about in the middle? It's the time their daughter was born! I was so in love with their tattoos and still am! Gorgeous! Their entire session Michael showed such a tenderness and understanding to his future wife and their daughter. Their love is something you can't help but smile at, it still sticks with me to this day. They may be night and day but their love for one another is so gentle and loving.  I wish you both this best and am honored to have captured some memories for you and your family for years to come!