robin & eric {engaged}

Lake Zorinsky has been a nice location for some recent shoots. Normally, I don’t recall the grass being so green this time of year, so having that plus the awesome leaf colors was just perfect. This time, I met up with Robin and Eric for their engagement photos! Such a cute couple they are. They were awesome at not showing how cold it actually was. The wind was pretty crazy/chilly, but they were all smiles the whole time! We even attempted holding an umbrella for a few shots.. and well…that failed as it flipped inside out. Oh well, they didn’t need many props, just each other, and, the adorable signs shown towards the end of the shoot held by Robin’s niece and nephew. Such a fun idea! I am very excited to be a part of Robin and Eric’s wedding next year!

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kelly & paulie {engaged}

Kelly and Paulie are one of those couples whom upon meeting for the first time, you feel like you’ve known them forever. I was excited for their engagement shoot right away as they came to me with a few ideas.. one including Paulie’s Harley. Since he proposed to Kelly while on a motorcycle ride (while stopped of course!), it was only fitting to include a few shots with it. I love that they have that “biker look” (don’t judge me for using that term… ha);), yet, have such a sweet personality. They were not afraid to show their love/closeness to one another, but also had such a good sense of humor. Many laughs were had that day. We started off near the old grain elevators near I80 and 35th St, and although a little…. umm… smelly…. it was such a cool location! Very fitting for what they were looking for. I had a great time with these two and am so excited for their wedding next year!! If it’s anything like their engagement session, it will be equally as fun.

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jenny & paul {engaged}

I was super excited when Jenny and Paul came to me asking if I’d photograph their wedding next year. Jenny is the sister of Mike, who’s wedding is one of the very first that I shot on my own! (shown here). She also knows the “group” that I’ve become so fond of since I’ve been shooting a lot of their weddings/babies/kids/puppies (wait…no puppies… yet. 😉 So, in meeting Jenny and Paul for their engagement session, I saw that same sweetness with this couple that I have seen with so many of the others. Have I mentioned how awesome all my clients are? 😉

Anyways, I had a wonderful time with these two! Despite it being a bit windy and more on the cool side, we still got some awesome shots — even with some wind-blown hair. It was so sweet when Paul would occasionally brush Jenny’s hair away from her face or tuck it behind her ear. Even just seeing them together for the first time, I can tell that these two are so right for each other. I am so happy for them and excited for their wedding!

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caitlin & adam {engaged}

Caitlin & Adam met on a hay rack ride, so having their engagement photos taken out in the country was the perfect location for these two. It was such a beautiful fall evening and the lighting was amazing — look at how Caitlin’s eyes pop! Wow. It was a very romantic setting, even when the horses decided to stop in for a few shots. 😉 Starting off in all red, what better way to show support for your football team than including a few shots with your adorable dog wearing a Husker sweater? 😉 So cute. I enjoyed meeting these two and am already looking forward to their wedding next year at A View in Fontenelle Hills! Congrats to Caitlin and Adam on your engagement!!

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amanda & justin {married}

Amanda & Justin were married last weekend at the Bellevue Berry Farm. The details of this wedding were amazing. And, they did it all themselves! From the handpicked wildflowers on all the tables to the flower girl’s adorable tutu! From the small stenciling on the candy table to the large letters wound with yarn. Wow. I was in awe the whole time and have added Amanda to the (small) list of people I recommend becoming a party planner. 😉 It was such a fun day, and Amanda and Justin looked absolutely amazing. Despite it being incredibly cold and having a few bumps on the technology side, they sailed through the day with all smiles and embraced this time with family and friends. To those that could not be there that day, I know they were watching over this beautiful couple and dancing right along the side of them. Congrats to the newlyweds ~ I wish you a lifetime of happiness and love!

[Thank you so much to the talented miss Amanda Kohler for helping second shoot!]

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jillian & mark {engaged}

Last weekend I had the opportunity to spend some time with two people who have become really good friends over the last few years. I was so happy when Jillian and Mark (finally! ;)) got engaged, and even happier when they asked me to photograph their big day. I am already so excited for their wedding as it’s going to be at a vineyard that looks absolutely gorgeous. During their engagement shoot, they were so natural with one another, so it was easy to capture some sweet moments. They are amazing individuals and even more amazing together as a couple. I enjoyed capturing them express their love, as well as rivalry shown at the end of the shoot. Again, sorry Mark for the Raiders loss! 😉

Enjoy a sneak peek of their session!

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genna & dave {married}

Ever since their engagement session (shown here), I was very much looking forward to Genna & Dave’s wedding. The two looked absolutely stunning, just as they did during their engagement shoot. Taking place in Genna’s hometown of Harlan, IA, it had such a perfect balance of small town fun, yet was glamorous and elegant. There was also a wonderful balance of emotions… from tons of laughs to many tears. I have to admit that, while editing these photos, one in particular actually made ME tear up! Don’t miss one of Genna dancing with her dad. Although I had no idea what was being said between the two, the emotions just spoke volumes. This type of closeness was shown throughout the day with all of the families. I am so happy to have been a part of it all and am excited to share how their beautiful day unfolded!

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katharine & geoffrey {married}

Katharine & Geoffrey were married this last weekend on a beautiful day here in Omaha. The ceremony took place at First Covenant Church and the reception at the Omaha Press Club downtown. I was so happy to be a part of this couple’s beautiful day. Since they currently reside in Minneapolis, I had only met Katharine once prior to the wedding and Geoffrey on the actual day. Even still, I felt comfortable with them immediately (hopefully this was mutual! 😉 — as they are such a genuine, fun and loving couple. They both looked absolutely amazing, and the details of the day were very thought out. Have I mentioned how much I love the color combo? All around gorgeous! Here’s a peek at how their day unfolded.

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amanda + justin {engaged}

Amanda and Justin have known each other/been dating for many, many years, so, although they just got engaged this last spring, they were well-prepared (anxious;) to get married right away this coming fall. Even though their wedding is just over a month  from now, they still wanted engagement photos, and I fully agreed to the idea. After all, what better time is there to take a bunch of fun/romantic/quirky [non-stressed out] photos together showing who you are as a couple? The wedding day is wonderful of course, but engagement photos show you in such a relaxed manner… so, getting to our shoot this last Tuesday… I had so much fun with this couple! We met at Bayliss Park in Council Bluffs, and I must say that I was pleasantly surprised that there was such a beautiful location over there! Not only that, there were fun, old buildings for backdrops and a park that had a view of downtown Omaha. I think the best part of the day was when they decided to kick off their shoes and hop into the water fountain to cool off! Oh, and another highlight was asking some boys if they could scooch over a little for a sec so I could get a pulled back shot of this fabulous arch, and well, they decided to step in and smile for the photo. 😉 It was cute.

I am very excited for their wedding coming up this fall! Enjoy a sneak peek from their engagement session.

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laura & matt {married}

A few weeks ago, my husband and I ventured up to a few small towns in Minnesota for Laura and Matthew’s wedding! The ceremony took place in Tyler, MN and the reception in Marshall, MN. What a fun day it was! And, we could not have asked for more beautiful weather. Out of the group of friends that were there, this was my third couple who’s wedding I’ve shot. Because of that, I’ve gotten to know and recognize quite a few faces while at these events, making the day even more fun. Laura and Matthew looked absolutely amazing and their happiness was so obvious. The details of day were wonderful and very fitting to their personalities. I’m so glad that they asked me to be a part of their big day! Congratulations Laura and Matthew!! 🙂

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genna & dave {engaged}

I first met Genna back in 2009 after my cousin sent me her way when looking for a hair salon for our wedding. Genna works at The Grove and did an amazing job with my hair, as well as others within our party. She was so sweet and easy to talk to, that I ended up going back to her consistently for haircuts and such over the years. I would always bug her asking her if she had a ring yet, and to my surprise, one day she said yes! Not only that, she wanted me to be her wedding photographer! I was so excited for them, and for the opportunity to be a part of their big day. She and Dave are a stunning couple and I couldn’t be more happy with the way their engagement session turned out. I’m having such a hard time editing down the photos from this session because they all turned out so beautiful in their own way! Their adorableness, our surroundings and lighting all added up to a beautiful session that I hope they can cherish forever. 🙂 I’m very much looking forward to their big day!

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second shooting {wedding}

This last summer, I had the chance to second shoot a wedding again with my friend, Julie Branyan, here in Omaha. It was a lovely day filled with lots of love between the adorable couple, Stephanie and Matt. My favorite part was when we took the golf carts out and stopped at a place just as the sun was setting. Stephanie and Matt practiced their first dance moves, and it was so cute! We got a preview, and they had a chance to warm up. 😉 Here are just a few shots from the day.

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anna & bart {engaged}

I recently had yet another wonderful engagement session on a beautiful fall day. Anna and Bart met at church and couldn’t be a cuter couple. I loved their outfit choices which showed both their classy and playful sides. I really didn’t have to say much to get these two to laugh, as Bart’s goofiness did just that. There was non-stop playfulness, which is particularity shown in the last few photos where Anna is a pro at making a fish face, but Bart may need a little more practice. 😉 I can tell that these two are going to have a lifetime of happiness and love together.

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Laura & Matthew {engaged}

A few weeks ago, Laura, Matthew and I had a fun-filled engagement session on what couldn’t have been a more beautiful fall day. The leaves were starting to finally hit their peak colors, and although a little chilly and windy, Laura and Matthew looked so cute cuddled up together. One of my favorites parts was when they walked through a pack of geese. The geese were definitely not afraid of people, or they were just that hungry. We parted ways as soon as one of them started to nibble on Matthew. 😉  I had a great time getting to know this couple and look forward to their wedding next summer in Minnesota!

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Karen & Dave {engaged}

I met Karen and Dave a few weeks ago for an engagement session. I keep referring to this couple as being so in love, and I think you’ll see from these photos exactly what I mean. The way that they look at each other is just so genuine, it’s undeniable that they carry that spark. There is more behind their story that perhaps allows them to feel more open and blessed with where they are in life. About a year and a half ago, Dave was given a diagnosis that would completely turn their world upside down. He was told that he had Amyloidosis, an incurable disease that destroyed his heart and kidneys and holds an average life expectancy of only 1 year past diagnosis. Dave received a new heart and kidneys and was then told he only then had days to live. After having a bone marrow transplant to stop the new heart and kidneys from being destroyed, he is now proud to say that 1 year later, his heart and kidneys are functioning normally and there is no rejection to the organs. He feels blessed to have a second chance at life.

Their story still gives me goosebumps, as it really allows you to appreciate the ones your with, as well as the life you’re given. I feel honored to have gotten to know them and to have captured their love.

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Laura & Chris {married}

Have I mentioned lately that I love my job? Being able to photograph people during some of the most significant moments of their lives gets me every time. I was fortunate to be a part of yet another beautiful wedding which took place here in Omaha, NE on October 15. The ceremony was at St. Cecilia Cathedral and the reception at The Scoular Ballroom. The family are long-time friends of my husband’s, so it is always fun to have people you know at the wedding. Laura and Chris were glowing throughout the entire day and are absolutely adorable together! Although I had only just met them during their engagement session last winter, they are the kind of people that you feel like you’ve known forever. I have no doubt that they are going to have a lifetime of happiness together.

Congratulations Laura and Chris!!

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Sarah & Quinn {married}

Before moving on to Denver, CO, Sarah and Quinn tied the knot on September 24, surrounded by family and friends here in Omaha. It was a gorgeous fall day, so of course we had to get outside for a few fun moments. After that, how could they (the WHOLE wedding party!)  then resist going into Dairy Queen for some delicious soft-served cones!? It was a fun memory, and a first, I’d day, time as a photographer to capture some moments in  a DQ. 🙂 The whole day was full of laugher and love, and I’ve really enjoyed getting to know their families, as, I captured Sarah’s sister’s wedding awhile back too.

Now that Sarah and Quinn have moved on to their next new adventure in Denver, I wish them all the best, and I know that Nebraska and their families here will miss them dearly.

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Lauren & Cameron {married}

I am probably going to post way too many photos from this wedding, but it’s hard not to, everything was just so beautiful! Lauren and Cameron were married in lovely St. Augustine, FL, where they both attended college. After having first met on a cruise ship, something close to the beach only made sense for these two lovebirds. 🙂 The ceremony took place in the lovely Oldest House Garden and the reception at The White Room. There were many small touches throughout the day that made their wedding very memorable, including a sparkler sendoff to end the night. It was also great to be surrounded by family and friends (since Lauren is Scott’s cousin), and I was so happy that they asked me to be a part of their big day! I mean, how could I possibly turn down a destination wedding with such beautiful surroundings!? 😉

Congrats Lauren and Cameron! You guys looked amazing and we wish you all the best!

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Joanna & Neil {married}

Going back to Duluth, which is where I attended college, was so much fun – and to be photographing a friend’s wedding made the visit all that much more exciting! Joanna and Neil were married on  9.10.11 (love that date!) at a beautiful location called the Greysolon Ballroom. As a photographer, you couldn’t ask for a more beautiful place to shoot – both the interior and the exterior had amazing surroundings to work with. Not to mention, the bride and groom, along with the whole wedding party, looked amazing! I am so happy that they asked me to be a part of their special day and am so excited to share these photographs!

Congratulations Joanna and Neil ~ I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness! 😉

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katie & dylan {married}

Katie and Dylan were married on a beautiful, but incredibly hot, afternoon at First United Methodist Church in Omaha. The day was filled with all kinds of emotions, including some tears and much laughter. As many Nebraskan’s are huge Huskers fans, they were definitely true fans that weren’t afraid to show their support. Having lived in NE for a few years now, I think that I’ve decided that I really do need to attend an actual game one of these times to understand what all the craziness/fun is all about! 😉 Along with showing their support of their favorite team, they chose to acknowledge Katie’s parent’s 40th wedding anniversary. It was really a sweet touch, as, after they cut their cake, they had her parent’s cut their own little cake and also displayed photos of when they were younger and now. It was very thoughtful, and I have no doubt that Katie and Dylan will share 40+ years together as well as a happily married couple!

Thank you both for having me be a part of your beautiful day!

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Jenna & Matt {married}

Jenna and Matt are the type of people that are not only beautiful on the outside but as well as within. And together as a couple, they are just so sweet and fun to be around. You could tell that they truly have a love for one another and have kept that love going since meeting in confirmation class  years ago. I was so happy to shoot their wedding on July 23 in Omaha at the Countryside Community Church. The reception took place at Oak Hills Country Club, and it was there that I got a little teary eyed from the words that came from Matt’s speech. There’s just something about the way a groom talks about his bride, and then seeing the reactions of others around (other teary eyes), that really gets to me. Not only that, but the little looks they would give each other throughout the night were just so sincere. I had a wonderful time capturing both the sweet moments as well as fun side of the whole day.

Congratulations Jenna and Matt! I wish you a lifetime of happiness and love! 🙂

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kim & lee {married}

As I sit here writing this blog, a storm is rolling in with expected 60 mph winds and hail. Although I love a good storm every once in awhile, I feel thankful for the most perfect weather we had last weekend for Kim and Lee’s wedding day! It was a beautiful day overall, and I am so fortunate to have been a part of it. The wedding took place 2 hours North of Omaha, in a little town called Sioux Center. It was the place that Kim grew up, so it had much meaning to her. My husband was kind enough to come along on this trip, and I was happy he was there to help. 🙂 Kim and Lee looked absolutely stunning, and Kim was just glowing the whole day. They are such an easy-going couple whom I’ve really enjoyed getting to know. At one point in the day, Lee told me, “you’re the boss, just tell us where you want us!” 😉 I made sure to get some creative, fun and romantic shots so that they can look back at it all for years to come. They definitely put a lot of thought into the details of their big day. One very creative and cute idea included the game Plinko (from The Price is Right) — where they dropped a chip onto a couple’s name and they had to kiss. There were also some beautiful moments shared between Lee’s daughter and both Kim and Lee which you’ll see below. They are an absolutely adorable family and I hope to keep in touch!

Thank you to Kim, Lee and their friends and family for welcoming my husband and I into your lives to share such a beautiful day!

**Be sure to check out even more photos from the day on my facebook page soon!

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{baby, it’s cold outside}

Yesterday, I took engagement photos of Laura and Chris, who live in Las Vegas, and were only in Omaha for a short time over the holidays. Of course the one day we had planned ended up being 40 degrees COLDER than the day before, with snow/sleet/messiness — and did I mention it being cold? 😉 After taking a few indoors, they were troopers and went outside, and we were able to get some amazing shots with what ended up to be some beautiful lighting. I am so happy for this sweet couple and am looking forward to their wedding in October!

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{a time to celebrate}

Until last night, I’ve never really been to an engagement party, or, at least one that was so well-planned with  tons of cute details. My friend, Katie, recently got engaged to the brother, Jared, of one of my other good friends, Mandy, whose wedding was one of the first that I shot solely. (Did you follow all of that!?) 😉 I met Katie for the first time at Mandy’s bachelorette party, and it was there that we all met Jared, who happened to just “crash” the girls’ night out. 😉  Katie and Jared hit it off right away and have been dating ever since. They were recently engaged in Las Vegas, which brings us to last night — a fun-filled celebration surrounded by family and friends. It was in a way a send-off to Jared as well, who will be stationed in Afghanistan for about a year. I hope the time goes by quickly for these two so that they can begin their new lives together as a married couple! Thanks Katie and Jared for asking me to capture this special time in your lives!

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