Koi Pond | iPhone app

I'm always on the lookout for kid-friendly iPhone apps, because let's face it, my 7 and 5 year old are just as proficient as I am on my iPhone!

I like this one. It's a virtual koi pond. You can touch the surface of the water and it creates ripples, scaring the fish away but they always swim back. You can also change the color of the rocks, sound effects, amount of fish, etc. I personally like the sound effects while I work. There are raindrops, birds, frogs, etc. and it is peaceful to me.

The best part is when you shake the phone, fish food pellets come out and the fish will eat. My kids love to feed the fish and watch them eat!

email | from Owen

Owen, my second grader, told me that he knew how to email. I got him set up at my laptop while I was on my desktop and he typed away. I heard him click "Send" and then he came over to me to watch the mail come into my inbox. I clicked "Get Mail" and this is what came through.

Subject: i love you

Dear Olivia,

I love you.


Love,
Owen

Needless to say, I teared up and gave him a big ol' hug. What a sweetie.

Tara | 2 girls and a boy on the way!

This pregnancy has been especially exciting for me because I have gotten to share it with a few other pregnant friends! Tara found out she was pregnant just weeks after me and she is having a boy! I'm so excited for her and she has THE cutest little baby belly.

A photographer friend of mine is due just 1 day before me and is having a little girl. I can't wait to meet all of these babies!

35 weeks!

I can't believe how close it's getting. My official due date is February 15th but lately I have been feeling like I can go any day now. I have had a really good pregnancy and I am thankful for that but now I feel like I am entering the last phase where I just can't wait for him to get here! At the same time, I know life will soon drastically change so I'm trying to enjoy these last few weeks of rest.

My obsessive personality is not doing me any good. We've been making all of the last minute baby preparations and to see all of the new baby clothes washed and folded makes me so excited to use them!

A good friend and fellow photographer, Tasha, shot some family photos for me right before Christmas. I can't wait to post them, but first I have to wait until our friends and family receive their New Year's card in the mail! I posted one teaser just to show you how ginormous my belly is getting. Yes, in a few weeks I will definitely be ready to go! There just isn't much more room in there!

Kristen and Michael | Prior Lake & Minneapolis, MN

Kristen was my vintage lovin' bride and it was so fun to shoot all of her details! They got married at St. Catherine's in Prior Lake on another beautiful, warm day. Here are just a few of my favorites:












The reception took place The Depot in downtown Minneapolis.
Thanks Kristen and Michael for allowing me to be part of your day!

Mindi and Mike | Excelsior, MN

Mindi and Mike had a beautiful summer wedding at a private residence on Lake Minnetonka. I love how each and every wedding is different and seeing how each couple chooses to add their own personal touches. This wedding was especially different as it took place on a Thursday. It was perfect for this laid back couple to celebrate with their family and friends.


It was a beautiful day to be on the lake!











Thanks Mindi and Mike for allowing me to be a part of your day!

February 2nd! | LOST

I'm SO excited!

Studio rental | Lonsdale, MN

Since I won't be using my studio much over the next few months, I am open to renting it out to other local photographers in need. Check with me for rates including per session and all-day usage. The storefront space features seamless white background, use of soft boxes w/remote trigger, client meeting space, private bathroom, natural light, different flooring surfaces, antique furniture, props, and refrigerator/microwave.

MN winters are long and cold so if you're in a bind and need an indoor place to shoot keep me in mind!

Last chance photos!

I have decided to book one more day of sessions before the baby comes as I have had inquiries for this month yet.

When: Saturday, January 16th
Cost: $200 for a one hour session and a CD of 12 high-resolution images
Time: Contact me to book a time slot
Who: Anyone! Maternity, newborn, birthday, family, head shots, boudoir, etc.
Where: My studio

I will start to book a session or two here and there sometime in March so this is your last chance until then!

Tiffany and Paul | MN Landscape Arboretum

I am finally getting around to blogging some weddings, yay! It's feels weird to blog work from 6 months ago but I am also really bummed that I fell behind on all of it.

Tiffany and Paul were truly a photographer's dream. The couple and wedding party were so beautiful, the location was gorgeous, and the two families were close which made the day full of laughter and good times. I have a zillion things that I would change about my own wedding 8 years ago but the main thing would be to make the day more about me and my husband and not about what everyone else wanted and expected from us. Tiffany and Paul did just that, they were so into each other that day and really stopped to cherish each and every moment.

Here are some of my favorite images from the day:




Wouldn't you give anything to have this weather and these flowers right about now? It has been below zero all week in MN!

I was LOVING the yellow!




Tiffany's family and friends worked hard on decorating the reception site. She got a sneak peek before the ceremony and was very emotional about how beautiful the room turned out.



The ceremony, which was performed by Tiffany's father was so touching and meaningful. There wasn't a dry eye in the house!
Thank you Tiffany and Paul for allowing me to be there with you on your special day!