the shack

Looking for a summer read, go get yourself a copy of "The Shack." An intense, quick read about a man, his family, his pain, and his faith.
I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I picked up this book. I cried, I laughed, it stuck with me. I liked it so much that I stopped reading it for a time because I didn't want it to end. And for a self proclaimed "non reader" that was odd!
Sometimes we put our faith in a box! Let this story break some "rules" for you.
Happy Tuesday,
Em

matt & annabelle, engagment shoot

I had the pleasure of finally meeting Matt and Annabelle in person this last weekend for their engagement session here in Stevens Point. We picked out a few different spots around town to capture their relaxed, chill, and lovely nature with each other. I truly enjoyed getting to know you both better and hearing about your big day this August in the Dells. I can't wait to see the lake side location you have chosen to celebrate your wedding.
Thank you for coming all this way for your engagement session and for being so flexible with your schedules and the weather. It sure paid off!!
Enjoy the rest of your summer. See you in August. All the best, Em

scott & rebecca, destination minocqua, WI

What a great weekend for a wedding! We had such a good time up in Minocqua this last weekend with Scott and Rebecca. Thank you for being so great to work with on Saturday. My last two weddings have been perfect examples of the "wedding day plan" changing and how to make the best of it.
The story of this weekend goes like this. Scott and Rebecca decided that with a late ceremony (7 pm) they would see each other earlier in the day to take advantage of the daylight and to save time after the ceremony for enjoying time with their guests and dancing! Everything was going to plan until half way through the photos with the wedding party, the dock that we were shooting on decided it wanted to start a hot mess. And with one quick swoop, 1/4 of the dock fell into the lake leaving 5 wedding party peeps wet!
I bring this up not to scare anyone about being on a dock but to applaud the calmness and relaxed nature that everyone stayed in after the dock broke. With the stress and excitement of the day it can be very easy to let an event like this "ruin" the day. But if you can take a deep breath, trust that your marriage isn't based on this event, and keep a smile on your face, it can make "random" events like this example not ruin the day. It can actually make for some pretty funny stories. Trusting that you will get great pictures as the days events unfold will help too!!!
Here are some of my favorites from the day. Don't forget to watch the slideshow at the bottom. It has some great images of the dock and shows the love that Scott and Rebecca share for each other. Thanks again for the great day. We had so much fun with you all.
























CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE SLIDESHOW!!!

pawty in the park

I recently volunteered my time at Pawty at the Park to support the Portage County Humane Society and met some beautiful new friends.
Pawty in the Park is an expanded version of the Humane Society's annual Walk for the Animals. In addition to a 1.5 mile walk along the Wisconsin River banks, the event included a pet fashion show and costume contest, a microchip clinic, a doggie bakery and agility demonstrations. Families also enjoyed food, beverages and entertainment by Zman DJ. Best of all, the proceeds went to the Humane Society.
It was awesome to see all the dogs hanging out and getting along. Don't forget to check out the Humane Society in your area if you are interested in getting a pet.
Thanks for the great time. Woof!

ryan & alicia, destination punta cana

Here is my most recent bride and groom, Ryan and Alicia! I was thrilled to be a part of their big day in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. What a fabulous destination for a wedding. The beach sparkled and was absolutely amazing. No rocks, no shells, no coral. What a perfect backdrop for a couple days to hang with Ryan, Alicia, and their families. WOW, I am blessed!
The wedding day started with loads of beautiful pictures outside and taking advantage of the great location. Unfortunately right before the wedding the rain came down and ceremony location was quickly changed! Have no fear ... rain or shine, we still get great images! After the initial stress of changing the plan, everything came together and was beautiful.
I just love the image of Ryan and Alica below. It was just as the ceremony was starting, right after they first saw each other. You can just feel the their emotions through that picture, Ryan's expression just melts the heart ... and then poof ... the next image a few seconds later, no tears, only smiles!!!!
Later that evening we took advantage of the great architecture at the hotel and got "arty!!!" (Happy leg kicks all over the place!!!) Thank you guys for trusting me and letting me join in the fun of your vacation wedding celebration. I truly enjoyed getting to know you and your families better. I had the best time and can't wait for our next photo session. At the beach, lake, or in Minneapolis ... I'm there. All the best, Em

























CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE SLIDESHOW!!!

graduation for Insight School of Wisconsin

Big congrats to the 2nd graduating class of Insight School of Wisconsin. This is an online high school for students. I had the pleasure of documenting their graduation ceremony. I was amazed at the hard work and determination these young people displayed by attending this school. What great skills to have as they enter the next phase of life.
All the best to you all. You should be very proud of your accomplishments!

.michelle.

Here are some of my favorites for Michelle and Wally's maternity session. We chose to postpone the date because of weather but it was well worth the wait. The lighting was beautiful for the time of day we picked. Usually morning or evening is the best time to shoot to avoid harsh shadows or very intense lighting. Sometimes the intense lighting can add a dramatic flare to the image as you can see below.
Thanks for a great shoot. I had a great time getting to know the two of you better while we drove around town. Can't wait to meet the newest member of your family soon. All the best to you both. Em