What a whirl wind of a week!

College girls weekend in Lanesboro
Pizza Book It night
Biking with Ben
Ninga Warrior Practice on the lamppost
Art Night at School!
What a whirl wind of a week!

College girls weekend in Lanesboro
Pizza Book It night
Biking with Ben
Ninga Warrior Practice on the lamppost
Art Night at School!
Often times I have a very hard time with the word No. Especially when it comes to things I absolutely love. I wish I had quite a few of me to go around, because I am an extravert and LOVE being around people, investing into them, and having real and authentic relationships. I also love being able to participate in activities and invest myself into projects and events. But as we all know, there is only so much of us that can go around as well as only so much time we are allotted into a day, which has to force a NO into some beautiful and wonderful things, to make saying YES to others possible.
Because of this, when I sat down in January to set my personal goals for they year, one of them was to invest into family and friends on a weekly basis.
Well of course not too long after putting the pen to paper, a wonderful experience presented itself to me. (Isn’t this always how it goes?!) Two years ago my grandfather passed away. This set of grandparents lived in Illinos and it was only once a year that my family got to see them for 3-4 days in the middle of July, usually over the 4th. When I was a child, I would always cringe at the friends who complained about going to their grandparents homes for Christmas and Easter and other holiday’s because I was one of the few that had no family to go to. Being so far away we communicated through phone calls and letters, but also left a gap in really knowing my grandparents. After my grandpa’s passing, I was really convicted on how much more this sweet relationship could have been, and when my grandma decided to move up to Minneapolis after 80+ years of being in Illinos, I was determined to get to know her and pursue this relationship.
Now on a pretty weekly basis we take one day to go shopping together, hit up the library, run other errands, and just be together. After a morning of running, we always seem to end up at Baker’s Square for lunch with talk of my grandpa, her kids, my kids, politics, work, the weather, and anything else that might present itself. It is a sweet and precious time to me because not only does she shed light on to the person of who I am, but she also inspires me that even at 80 years old, change and growth can still happen.
I realized that when I set this goal of mine, I would be saying NO to working one day a week and have to put up a bit of a hustle the other four days. It meant that I had to give up some personal time at home and re-arrange my schedule to make it work. But saying YES to this relationship has far outweighed the no’s. Saying YES to helping, investing and loving another person has blessed me probably more than it has her. I know time is limited and I have been given this great gift of family. So right now, I am saying NO to some things that could bring more business but saying YES to a sweet relationship and knowing my grandma.

As spring continues we are getting busier and busier and with that, less and less photos being taken. I am getting off my game, but here’s to progress, not perfection!
This past week we spent some time with my sisters and their families, went on a grandma date, got through a spring snowstorm and gloomy days, painted rocks outside, my new baby arrived ( my lens!) and finally picked some daffodils! I am so happy to have the spring weather!
This past week was a speedy one for us. Jam packed with Valentines day to one more science fair night, to at home things, to a shoot I had with a friend of mine. I love looking through these weeks and do have a plan to get these photos into a book by the end of they year for my kids as a gift! 
Happy Friday (again!!) Where do the weeks fly off to?!

This past week was another fun one filled with adventures from our church carnival, to a quick sister day, to spending time up north for a few days with 6th graders learning more about conservation. I have to say, I am ready for the weekend!! How was your week?!
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!!