centennial lakes, Edina- Kou & MaiNhia Yang

MaiNhia had a fabulous idea of meeting at Centennial Lakes in Edina for some photographs of her and husband Kou. it could not have been more beautiful, the areas of green and changing colors was perfection and they are so cute together! She had the serious/sexy look down! 

in between these moments, we had some time to talk, and she's into photography too! she even had an adorable camera ring on. loved this couple! 

not only did they have the serious look down, but they were are laughing and smiling. i'm thinking i might have to make another trip up just to hang out with this amazing couple! 

it's always a good idea to have two looks if possible.  we started with something more casual and then she changed into a dress with heels. even if some poses are similar, it gives variety in choices that you'll get! 

MaiNhia, you're absolutely gorgeous and i had the best time with both of you. it's always such a fun adventure to photograph in new places and be able to explore around. (especially with a fun couple!) 

thank you for our evening together, and hopefully see you cuties soon!

Las Vegas Maternity session- David and Valerie

I have had the opportunity to photograph this stunning couple from engagement on the strip and lake las vegas, to their wedding reception in california, and now maternity! i'm not sure if there is a more photogenic couple who are couple crazy about one another. we have had time to sit down and talk God, relationships and just life. i treasure this couple so much and am so glad to see their special blessings along the way. 

and seriously, she's just glowing and looks so beautiful. 

you can't tell by the (little) shade we found and how good they are at posing but it was sweaty hot this day. we found this cute park and got some fantastic shots! my favorite being the one above.

at every angle, she's just gorgeous. 

 they brought lots of goodies too! books, clothes, and these booties. so adorable. 

david and valerie are so good at being the model-looking couple but we busted out a few funny ones too. David can get Val cracking up at any moment! maybe even teasing her a little bit ;) 

oh and did i mention stylish? goodness. if it wasn't a thousand seemingly degrees this day, i think i could've photographed them all day! 

 i'm so happy we found some shade in las vegas this day. and it turned out to be a great place for photos! 

thank you once again for letting me photograph the two of you! you both really are such a blessing, and when we get together i always feel refreshed! congratulations again and i'll be continuing to pray for your growing family! 

** want more? if you want to order photos and the prints will come right to your door.. click HERE. 

Alamogordo, New Mexico hot air balloon invitational- Hansen Family

Such a beautiful morning at white sands as we waited for hot air balloons to launch. unfortunately there were so many people that we had a short amount of time to get some photographs, but i think we got some beautiful moments! the kids all did so good even though they wanted to explore, lots of laughing and hugging and I'm so happy we were able to capture those! 

below is one of my favorites! real smiles, and love. 

i let them do one silly face, and it turned out so good! it still makes me laugh.. can't tell they're related.. they're all doing the same face! and then even when their parents kissed, they were all smiles. adorable.

the outfits were absolutely perfect. 

another one of my favorites of the kids hugging. all giggles.

i told the girls to give him a kiss, he said he didn't want it, but you can tell he really loves his sisters :) 

a beautiful family, both inside and out

we only had about 15 minutes to shoot, but the kids cooperated, had fun and i got bossy ;) i love these images, and think i should probably print one for my office too now that i live so close to this location! Thank you for letting me photograph your family, i'm truly blessed to be where i am and to have already met such wonderful people! 

Vintage Wedding in Minnesota- Michael & Sally Rude

It was such a beautiful (but toasty!) vintage style wedding in southern Minnesota. i went snap happy, and absolutely fell in love with every detail that Sally created. As you can see.. there's pink so obviously it was meant to be! 

When Sally and i sat down to discuss all the details, i remember holding back shrieks as she explained all the gorgeous plans she had! It wasn't until the night before the wedding i was able to meet her fiance but as soon as i did.. i knew it was going to be a fun group, and it was! The men had fun and of course the women looked gorgeous. every bridesmaid dress was different.. loved it! 

Everyone wore boots.. so here are Sally's with the rings! 

they couldn't have gotten ready in a more perfect place. it matched completely the decor of the day and i had tons of time with the girls, and they're absolutely fabulous. i'm so lucky to meet such wonderful women and see friendship and giggles all day! 

we tried to stay in the shade, and that was no problem on this farm! (Michael, the groom's parents farm) every element was so lovely, so many areas for photos! 

ha! absolutely LOVE the photo of the whole group above. another one i might have to print to remember this day! 

i was impressed with the girls' moves. seriously, look how adorable! 

the men kept telling me they couldn't look GQ, they're country. i mean, i think they look pretty awesome. 

a moment before walking her down the aisle. 

the CUPCAKES. i can't say enough. OH the photo above of the plane. They had planned for it to fly overhead and take a few photos from above from the farm. such a unique and cute idea! i wanna see the outcome! 

i always love when brides put so much thought into detail, and look at this bar they created out of an old corn crib. everything was perfect, and what's more the entire day was so fun! 

i wanted to share every photo. there were so many incredible moments, and i'm so glad to get to know sally and michael! They're such a wonderful couple, down to earth and the best word for them is FUN! i felt right at home, and yes i busted out some moves too. 

congratulations you two, i could see from behind the camera that you are so in love and absolutely best friends who enjoy and appreciate one another so much! 

**WOOT! something extra. do you wanna see more? and order some prints to come right to your house!? you don't have to wait or bug the bride and groom! click on this link below to see them all, and order straight from the site. MICHAEL AND SALLY RUDE WEDDING PHOTOS

Minnesota farm boys- Levi and Jacob

Happy Friday! whew! i'm finally back home for a couple days before i venture out, and there's so many things to share with you! 

when i was in Minnesota this last time, i had the opportunity to see one of my dearest friends, Michelle and photograph her two boys! She had such a cute idea, got them in their overalls, cute hats, and even used a shelf that her husband had made for the house. SO cute. 

Michelle and Jeff were behind the scenes making them laugh like crazy. i couldn't stop snapping! and Levi fixed his hat with no direction and looked perfect. 

ha i had to include this one of levi. he has some wonderful facial expressions! 

they are absolutely adorable! 

just one i had to show of sweet jacob crying. one of my faves even with those tears. he was done here, but did So good!

and levi helping him feel better:) what sweet brothers

 it's always such a blessing to photograph a family that i truly love and get to catch up with friends from school. It's a wonderful way to see their boys grow, see their lovely home and mostly just laugh and enjoy one another. (and maybe get some DQ after we're finished) 

More than you know Matthees family, you bring such joy to my heart!