Megan + Ross | Madison Engagement Session

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of hanging out with the super awesome Megan and Ross for a few hours to take some engagement photos in the Madison cold. It's not often that I have couples opt to take their engagement photos in the winter time, and even less often (aka never) that I have a couple suggest we walk even further onto the frozen lake than we already are. They were not afraid of the cold, so we were able to get some pretty gorgeous photos out in the snow on Lake Monona (so happy, it was a lot of fun). We ran into the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile (it was a mini one! so cute) so of course we had to stop and take a quick photo with that just because we could.

Then we headed back to their apartment to warm up with Megan and Ross's favorite drink, the Old Fashioned, made the old fashioned way. I spent some time just hanging out with them at home capturing them in their natural environment. I got to meet their adorable cat, June who was pretty suspicious of what I was doing there, and then I kind of learned to play cribbage while I snapped some photos of them playing (I didn't really catch on very well... I'll say it's because I was concentrating on taking pictures hah). We took a few more photos around the house before calling it a day. This was my first day in the life style engagement session and it was so much fun. I love how laid back it was, and it was great for Megan and Ross to feel a little more comfortable (not to mention warm!) with a camera in their faces. I would definitely love to do more shoots in this style.

I absolutely can't wait to capture their big day this coming October with their ceremony at Burrows Park and reception at Inn on the Park. It's going to be a beautiful day.

California Vacation Photos

Hello! It's been a little while since I've blogged anything, and I realized I never shared any California photos with you guys! I am holed up in my room right now because it's like -20 degrees outside right now, so I'm looking through these photos trying to pretend I'm still there and it's actually 70 degrees and sunny outside right now (big dreams).

I always have so much fun seeing my family (as much as they drive me crazy, I love them all). It's just a plus that that means I get to visit one of the best places in the world. I absolutely love California. It's a happy place. I'm so lucky to have such a great place to visit every year. I wish it was a little closer, but being far away makes me appreciate my time there that much more.

This past visit, I was there for 2 whole weeks and it was awesome. I didn't actually take a ton of photos because I was just enjoying my time there for the most part. BUT, I did get some hanging out with my siblings and enjoying nature and the sunshine.

So, if you're like me and you're stuck in the arctic tundra that is the midwest right now, let these photos transport you to a warmer place (mentally at least).

:)

Jessie + Mat | Couples Session

This session is unique because this couple is not engaged! This is a non engagement session with my little sister, Jessie, and her boyfriend, Mat. While I was in California for the holidays, I knew I wanted to do a photo session with the awesome light out there (not to mention warm weather). I mentioned to Jessie that I wanted to take some pictures, and she was all about it. I told her if she could convince Mat, then we could do some photos of the two of them! Luckily, Mat was a very good sport, and we had a lot of fun. AND I got to get some real shooting in along with all of my tourist photos (which I will blog about next, don't you worry)! So take a look at this beautiful California couples session and try not to get too upset at the fact they didn't have to wear coats in January. ;)