Soaking up Fall | Reps Family

there is nothing I love more than clients who are real life friends (of a long time) AND when those friends have me capture their family every single year!

if you’ve been following for a while…our story goes back to before Madelynn was born. it was a cold winter day and since we had fresh snow, decided it would be perfect for maternity photos! Theresa was fighting some back cramps + didn’t think too much of it as she insisted we “take a few more” (she’s a champ)… fast forward 5 minutes and I’m massaging her back while Nick ran to get the car because we most definitely thought she was in labor (early)… sure enough! I helped get them checked into the hospital and went on a date with my husband (which was intended to be a double date, haha!)….I guess a little someone had other plans + entered the world that evening!

not many days later we were in the nursery of their home snuggling little Madelynn and taking newborn pictures. definitely never had a maternity AND newborn session in the same week (haha!) So all you mama’s out there 1. plan your maternity session early (they did!) because you never know! and 2. apparently I have a knack for inducing labor during said sessions ;)

enjoy the gorgeous fall (before Minnesota decided its winter!) sneak peek of their session!

Erika + Jackson | Engaged

Erika + Jackson definitely had the warmest session of the year! we wanted pretty golden light for their session + they really brought the HEAT! I mean….look at how adorable they are :) they definitely bring out the joy and laughter in one another. here’s a sneak peek into their session…

Jamie + Trent | Engaged

Jamie + Trent….two cuties in a pretty flower field! they showed up with open minds, not knowing what to expect + I told them “the only way you mess this up is by not having fun or smiling” they took that to heart and giggled, hugged, kissed and danced their way through the session! here is a look into some of the fun that was had….

Jen + Brent | New Years Eve Wedding- St. James Hotel, Red Wing

How fun…a New Year’s Eve wedding! Jen + Brent along with their families said “I do” in a stylish historic hotel- the St. James Hotel in Red Wing, MN. they poured their hearts into their wedding day with handwritten vows and all of the special touches and details. we braved the cold and enjoyed the historic buildings + lit sparklers. enjoy a preview of their day!

time for a 2019 wedding recap!

we’re about to ring in the new year…so what better time than now to share a few of my very faves from my 2019 wedding season!

first up- the pierce’s! it was set to be a rainy day…that started out sunny and then got very, very windy. they didn’t let it phase them a bit and had a beautiful outdoor wedding nestled next to a beautiful red barn. they laughed, enjoyed time with their adorable kiddos + danced the night away!

the marquardt’s- talk about attention to every little country flare detail! these two invested a ton of time and thought into making their wedding day special to them! AND it totally paid off! they had their reception at their family farm and it was beautiful….they kissed beneath their names in John Deere green while he sported a cowboy hat!! :)

the frederick’s- their first look was in her dad’s hayfield and their ceremony was in the pasture on the farm she was raised on! HOW AWESOME IS THAT! they poured their heart into their wedding just like they do with their marriage and relationship with their friends! it was a sweet and sentimental wedding day.

the hunt’s- their fall wedding weather tried to challenge us….but we prevailed! what was supposed to be an outdoor ceremony became indoor since the crazy rains the days leading up to the wedding made it impossible to have outside. they didn’t miss a beat and we were still able to run around outside getting some of the sweetest photos. ending the night with a campfire means let’s snuggle up!

the elmore’s- by the way this beautiful bride is my cousin!! their wedding day was supposed to be “fall” but it turned “winter” pretty quick with the first snowfall of the year! are you sensing the crazy Minnesota weather yet!? despite the cold we still managed to take in the gorgeous fall scenery! she made her bouquets and flower arrangements with her family and their sweet pup was the icing on the cake during their photos :) she was a total sweetheart during their engagement session, too!

I feel so grateful for being able to meet so many amazing couples and help tell so many love stories! each one is so unique and somehow I keep getting blessed to be a part of them. Happy 2019, y’all! Wishing you so much love and joy in the new year!!

Courtney + Cayden | Engaged- Fall Session

Talk about catching some of the prettiest fall colors. Courtney, Cayden + puppy Lady had a gorgeous fall engagement session! We knew we wanted to incorporate the feel of fall colors, since their wedding is going to be next fall. Courtney is so darn pretty! Shameless plug (we’re cousins!). The way Cayden looks, laughs and jokes with Courtney makes her smile so genuine!

Enjoy a little glimpse into their session :)

The Kasper's | Pasture Family Session

I might be biased, but I think my little niece and nephew are the two cutest farm kids ever. From Milo “roaring” at his heifers to Lucy waving to them as they walked up behind me…they’re always doing something on the farm. This session was a quick rush in + rush out…they were in between milking cows, helping with silage harvest and covering bales. Like I tell my couples I work with- I don’t necessarily need a lot of time when we really make the most of it :)

For now, enjoy looking at this adorable family from early this fall!

Sarah + Jordan | Engaged- Country View Session

Sarah + Jordan…..if this was any glimpse into their wedding day, my wedding schedule just got a little bit sweeter. I think there’s something about being from a dairy farm that means instant connection. Sarah grew up on a dairy farm (like I did) and who would guess we were both dairy princesses at the same time. This world is so big….and yet I’m reminded daily just how small it is.

Nothing fuels me more than seeing some crazy chemistry between a couple. Let’s just say that despite the rain that decided to join our session…their fire was hard to damper! They were FUN, they were kind, cute, 100% light-hearted and definitely made the most of their session. It might have been one of the few times that a couple shows up and the girl says the guy is much better at taking photos than her! Take a look for yourself….but I think we proved her wrong. They both equally ROCKED IT.

P.s have I mentioned that open spaces + farm scenes are my favorite!

Jenna + Joe | Married-Oak View Events - Owatonna, MN

You know those people you come across in life who are just REAL and GENUINE and there’s just no other way to put it. That’s Jenna + Joe….don’t forget their friends, too! These two are the most dynamic, smiling, laughter-filled couple. Who happens to have quite the #bridetribe and #groomtribe making it an excellent crew! I’d love to tell you when I first met Jenna….but being from only a couple towns away it was probably when we had awesome 90’s style haircuts and showed 4-H at the county fair or played 4-H softball. Hey, we’ve come a long way!!

How she met Joe (as her dad describes it) is a little more interesting. You see, Joe was working for a local co-op. One in which Jenna’s dad happened to be somewhat of his “supervisor” you could say. Jenna was away at college and Joe just happened to mentioned he was planning to attend…..the SAME college. Now, her dad was prrreeetttyyy clear that he should “steer clear” of his daughter. whoops- shouldn’t have said that, Rodney! Well they met one night, definitely sent a selfie to her dad and the rest is history.

In all trueness, these two are some amazing people who truly found that person in their life who makes them BETTER. Their relationship, bound and built by God is one that I can’t wait to see flourish.

For the fun stuff—you have to check out their photos (swoon)! ….

p.s I’m back from my blog breakup….I think it’s nearly been 10 months. I’m going to do better. (that’s now in writing)….it’s a little harder than it looks y’all? (hah!)

dress: effie’s bridal trunk

floral: rennings floral

decorator: everly lace

venue: oak view events

Winter Wonderland- New Years Eve!

something about a slow falling snow that makes it so enjoyable to take pictures of our home! we had a beautiful snowfall a couple days ago- it's the best part about winter in the north. the fact that it is -30 degrees (YES, THAT COLD!!) today makes me happy to look at the prettiness outside while snuggled under some warm blankets! The winter pots I made from foraging and cutting down greens- we had a big ladies shop party and made them after thanksgiving. it was a blast! I enjoy decorating for winter + Christmas! this year I've convinced myself that converting my Christmas tree to a "winter tree" will have to be socially acceptable. so, after the new year the red, silver and gold comes down and the icicles and white go up....stay tuned :) 

Alexis + Dakota | Married- Shepherd's Hill Farm, Montgomery, MN

Alexis + Dakota shared their special wedding day with their closest family and friends at the most serene location off the beatin' path...and it fit their day so perfectly! The day started out with some rain, clouds and a little gloom. While nestled in the barn away from the weather, Alexis' bridesmaids zipped up her beautiful gown adorned with a lace-edged veil. The sweet couple shared their first look, handwritten tearful vows of love and their first dances all on the same barn wood floor. I knew once the ceremony concluded, the sun was about to peak out + it did! We were able to take all of their photos outside and the light was so golden. The way he looks at her, and she at him can just make a heart melt! The laughter from their family was evidence the two have shared so many special memories and those are sure to multiply! 

Melanie + Kirby | Married- Owatonna, MN

Mel + Kirby...where to start! this absolutely charming couple shared their wedding vision with me right away when we met + I watched it come to life on their wedding day. they had so many special, unique, loving touches. the couple is building their forever home together + it happens that they got engaged after they purchased their land....the first look was in the EXACT spot the two said "yes!" the gorgeous photos showcase their little slice of heaven out among the countryside that they share with their honey bees. the way he looks at her + she at him makes your heart just melt. these two have built an amazing life together alongside their support system of friends and family whom made their day even more special. their adorable cake was handmade by his mother....it is a stunner! 

be sure to enjoy this extra-special long blog post full of love :) I assure you, you will not regret it.

Tara + Jarred | Married- Wedgewood Golf Course, Albert Lea MN

Tara + Jarred had a gorgeous early fall wedding in southern minnesota! I just loved the details from this wedding....from awesome cowboy boots, to gorgeous florals and family vintage jewelry, it was all beautiful! You can tell the two of them have the most simplistic sweet kind of love...from her beaming smile to his calm charm! Their wedding party was a joy to be around and that was a sure sign the couple has some lifelong friends, some of whom share in the newlywed status, too. We got lucky with a beautiful sunset at the golf course to make their "golden hour" photos so stunning! Congratulations Mr + Mrs Hanson :) 

Grace + Tom | Married- Gopher Hills Golf Course- Cannon Falls, MN

Grace + Tom.....two of the sweetest! Grace's smile always makes ME smile + it's obvious her stunning smile captivates her husband! Not only is Grace full of light and joy....so were her bridesmaids + personal attendant. You'll see what I'm talking about with the captivating smile below..... Tom's groomsmen were too funny + I enjoyed getting them to giggle it up in their photos, too! I think the guys rewarded themselves with a few beers for being so awesome to work with ;)  Grace's exuberant enthusiasm and Tom's quiet charm are thee perfect combination. They said their vows inside the golf course, as the rain tapped away on the windows- making their marriage "knot" just a little stronger. Rain on your wedding day= good luck! 

You may not be able to tell it, but we dodged the rain showers waaaaayyy more than we'll care to admit. However, when outdoor photos are the bride's dream....she gets outdoor photos. It was SO worth it --just go see for yourself! 

venue: gopher hills golf course- cannon falls, mn

Rachel + Colby | Married-Farmyard Wedding, Glenville, MN

If love could have it's own definition, these two wrote theirs perfectly! I enjoyed Rachel + Colby's countryside, farm setting wedding, from the very personal touches to the serenity of the setting- everything was perfect. They said their handwritten vows in Colby's mom's backyard, beneath two shade trees, with the presence of their closest family and friends. Their reception was underneath a big white tent in the white-fenced pasture. The details were gorgeous + their personalities go so perfectly together.  The couple chose to not have a first look and the ceremony was the very first time that day they saw each other--I think their smiles shined even more brightly during the entire ceremony for that reason! The night was spent dancing away beneath the tent, roaring laughter from the photo booth and kissing on some little farm goats. Love was definitely in the air!

Joanna + Pat | Married-Family Dairy Farm, Waverly, MN

Joanna + Pat had the most dreamy farm wedding ever! They danced the night away in the shed and partied with the cows (yes, cows)! Their bridal party made my job so fun, and their hayride to the farm was complete with toilet seats (haha!) on the way from the ceremony to the reception. The reception was held at Pat's family dairy farm and the sun set alongside their gravel road. Joanna's smile just radiates joy and her and Pat pair so perfectly together. It was so evident how much he adores her...let the photos speak for themselves! 

floral: buffalo floral + landscaping

Emily + Jacob | Married- Oak View Events

Emily + Jacob had such a gorgeous wedding day! As you can tell, their venue was literally made to be a wedding venue. The gorgeous oak trees framed the ceremony site and the weeping willow tree made the best backdrop as the bridal party walked down the isle. From the glistening water features to the gorgeous flowers, the venue was a great compliment to these two's special love. Emily's dad said it perfectly and one of my favorite portions of his speech was..."as your daughter grows up, you always hope she will find a great man to marry like she's found in Jacob." 

They have a simple feeling love, one that is surrounded by playfulness, a few jokes and sincerity. Jacob is a farmer- the type that can work hard, get his hands dirty, but nurture deeply the next second. Emily is kind and lovable with her infectious smile and charming personality. The two compliment each other so well + I was so fortunate to be part of an emotionally-jam-packed wedding day!

Ok, enough with my story...enjoy these two!

venue: oak view weddings + events-owatonna, mn

dress: sisters bridal- new ulm, mn 

floral: greenwalds green house- elysian, mn 

Olivia | Senior- Owatonna High School

Olivia is radiant + will you look at those eyes! Just take a quick look and it won't take you long to see why choosing my favorites from her session was a tough task. This pretty senior is from my hometown, and I also photographed her sisters wedding (yay)! We totally had to avoid "cow pies" during her session (haha! I'm not joking)! We ventured downtown and walked the streets of classic brick buildings and then took it out to the country to my family's cattle pasture with some of the most gorgeous oak trees you'll ever see. Olivia was a joy to work with and I just loved capturing her style!

Courtlynn + Ethan | Married- Willow Pond Bed & Breakfast, Wisconsin

Courtlynn + Ethan had the most gorgeous setting for their outdoor wedding. Surrounded by family and friends, amidst a towering willow tree and a quaint pond, the couple shared their vows and tied the knot. literally, too! during their ceremony they braided a rope of three strings.

The wedding wasn't complete without their two dogs, "kissing" the frog + fish races! Let's just say, Courtlynn had already found her Prince "Farming," the two farm together on Ethan's family dairy farm.

I don't travel to Wisconsin too often, but it won't take you long to see---I want to go back again! The kindest people and the most beautiful scenery.

venue: willow pond bed + breakfast (weyauwega, wi)

Paige + Kyle | Married- Hutchinson, MN

Paige + Kyle had a beautiful wedding day surrounded by their fun-hearted friends + family! Their wedding party was full of laughter + I was on my best behavior as the groom (and many groomsmen) are police officers ;) The ceremony was nestled underneath of a large white pavilion + to help beat the heat, two coolers of beverages graced the entrance. After their ceremony, they enjoyed a few glasses of wine at crow river winery! 

Enjoy a sneak peek of the newlyweds, Mr + Mrs. Jorgensen! 

venue: hutchinson fairgrounds + hutchinson events center

photos at: boxelder farm + crow river winery