From our family to yours, hope you have a wonderful Christmas!
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One of my very favorite places to photograph in the winter months has been Hanson’s Tree Farm. The owners are amazing at allowing anyone to photograph on their property, except when they are in full season. This past year the two days I shot there were cold, but at least we had a little snow. I have some thoughts in mind for next year on bumping up the tree farm sessions to the fall so it isn’t massively cold. What do you think? Yay or Nay?
For now, enjoy some of these sweet kiddos and their family!
It was a joy to meet the sweet Larson family when the came to the studio! We did some family photos as well as celebrated Alex turning one! Happy Monday to you!
I met Amy because she was a winner at a silent auction that I was involved in to help raise money for a preschool! I loved connecting with her animated family and honestly loved the dresses she picked out for her spunky daughter from Trish Scully Child and Mustard Pie. Head on over to their sites to see more of these sweet dresses!
During the fall there is very little time for me to play and create just for me, but I had one weekend free in October and had been toying around with the idea of trying a milk bath. If this is a new concept to you, basically a milk bath is exactly what it sounds like… a bath full of milk!
When I was researching the idea, most of the milk baths I saw were for maternity sessions. While I love this idea, I wanted to go a different direction and use a milk bath as more of a backdrop for a newborn session. Thankfully I had a friend who had just had a baby and my girls had been on me about going to meet her. When I asked her to help me style and create this kind of session she joyfully agreed.
If you are looking for something new, or just something to try for your next session, here are a few tips and tricks I learned that made my vision move forward!
Since we didn’t have a bathroom with a window, we decided to get a clear tote to use as the “bath”. I went to the grocery store and picked up a pack of flowers and 1 gallon of whole milk. If you are using a small container like this one, one gallon should be all that you need. If you are filling a bathtub, I would suggest 2-3 gallons. We started by placing the flowers in the tub and then pouring the milk over them, but after doing this, I would suggest to start by pouring the milk and adding the flowers where you would like them. When using flowers or greens, we found real flowers work better than fake ones as they tend to float.
After you pour in the milk and add the flowers, you will probably want to add water to create more of a translucency. This is where some of the creativity comes in as to how watery you want your background to look.
We cut down the stems and added greenery to get the look that I liked. My dear friend also created a headpiece by using a cloth headband and then hot glueing some flowers to the headpiece.
After working for a while to get baby to sleep, she just held her over the milk bath to get the desired look we both liked, and I just love the outcome!
Of course we had to do some basket shots (My sweet daughter helping soothe baby back to sleep!)
And some with her sisters
I just love the way these turned out and hope to be able to offer more of these types of sessions in the future! If you are interested, please let me know, I’d love to make it happen!
Katie Nick’s June wedding at Seven Vines Vineyard was the perfect blend of timeless elegance and joyful celebration. From the classic black-and-white wedding party attire to the dreamy golden hour portraits among the vines, every detail felt effortlessly sophisticated.
Surrounded by their favorite people and endless love, these two kicked off married life in the most beautiful way.
Bride:: @katie_koplien
Groom:: @nickl3w21
Venue:: @7vinesvineyard
Hair:: @sunbearspasalon
MUA:: @sunbearspasalon
Caterer:: @creativecateringbymollyllc
Florist:: @floreinspired
Ice cream truck:: @lildippersoftserve
Wedding Dress:: @casablancabridal
Wedding Dress Shop:: @bellabridalbtq
Rings:: @weddingdaydiamonds
Menswear:: @menswearhouse
Bridesmaid Dresses:: @azazieofficial
Stationary:: @theknot
Videography:: @alexandrafilms_
Photography:: @federphotography
Baby Mary has arrived and is already so deeply loved by Nicole and Aaron.
I’ve had the true honor of photographing this family since their oldest was born over 16 years ago, and watching their story grow through each new season has been something really special. From newborn snuggles to busy, full family life being invited back again and again is something I never take for granted.
This family is deeply rooted in the world of forage, county fairs, and raising and showing lambs and sheep, so it only felt fitting to include a little lamb hat for baby Mary’s first photos. A small nod to a big part of their life and traditions.
Welcome to the world, sweet girl
Spring soirée perfection.
Rob and Sarah’s wedding day was a beautiful blend of faith, family, and thoughtful design. Inspired by Monet’s garden paintings, their celebration was filled with soft spring colors, meaningful heirlooms, and intentional details at every turn.
After a joyful ceremony at Eagle Brook Church, surrounded by family and friends, they celebrated the night away at Silverwood Park with beautiful florals, heartfelt speeches, lakeside portraits, and dancing.
One of my favorite details? Sarah changed into her mother’s wedding dress for the reception, while flowers made from that same gown were sewn into her veil.
Congratulations, Rob and Sarah!
Ceremony:: @eaglebrookchurch
Venue:: @silverwoodpark
Planner:: @eventsbyjess
Caterer: @chefjeffmpls
Photographer::@federphotography
Florist:: @malanasophiafloral & @merci_garden
DJ:: Will @midwestsounddj
MUA:: @thebeautycollectivellc
Her Ring:: @princessbridediamonds
His Ring:: @embellirgems
Jewelry:: @helzbergdiamonds
Suit:: @stateandliberty
Baker:: @siftglutenfree
Linens:: @festivitiesmn
Video:: @gadescreativefilms
Wedding Shop:: @flutterbridalco
Wedding Designer:: @colbyjohnbridal
Welcome, to the world sweet Julia! It was such a blessing to see Travis, Marisa, and Jalen again! What joy Julia has brought to this family! Congratulations!!
Based in the Twin Cities area and available for travel worldwide.
