My 3 Favorite Things about Sarah & Graydon:

1.  Because Sarah & Graydon are both musicians music was a large part of their wedding day.  Graydon even composed the piece Sarah walked down the aisle to and the reception was one big party thanks to several amazing bands.

2.  They’re tough. They both have black belts and Graydon is currently training for a marathon.   Not to mention the fact that they got married on the hottest day of the year…and toughed it out for outdoor photos.

3.   Their families embraced the occasion.  Graydon’s father played guitar for their first dance, Sarah’s mother danced while Graydon played bass during the reception, and Grandma Dot totally tore up the dance floor.

I’ve known this family for what seems like a lifetime; Emma was just a baby when I met Sarah.  I have to say that, while I haven’t seen the girls in 5 years, their individual personalities are just how I remember them.

My 3 Favorite things about Sarah, Emma, & Alyssa:

1.  Alyssa is brainy, patient, and seems to have no idea how beautiful she is. Soon enough.
2.  Emma is fiercely loyal, a serious cut-up, and loves shoes. She wouldn’t let me photograph her athletic sandals, but I got a few in without her noticing.
3.  As a mom and a friend, Sarah is an incredible supporter and cheerleader. Speaking of…did you see the mad ups she got in that first frame?!

You guys?  It was so much fun seeing all of you.  Thank you for a great evening!

My 3 Favorite Things About Erin & Paul’s Wedding:

1.  Erin and her bridesmaids assembled their wildflower bouquets just moments before the ceremony.  I admire Erin’s laid back sensibilities.
2.  During the lawn party, I witnessed Paul hugging his new mother in law and sharing his gratitude.  Classy man.
3.  It was a simple but thoughtful and beautiful event.  Every single detail held special significance.

My 3 Favorite Things about Sarah & Dave:

1.  When we arrived to start photographing, Dave announced, “I’m going to take a nap now.”  No. We don’t have any photos of this event.   Yes. We DO have photos of the look on Sarah’s face when we delivered the “Dave’s napping” news.
2.   We met up about two weeks prior to the wedding for their engagement session.  Mainly so that Sarah could practice in front of the camera.  Pretty sure it paid off.
3.  Dave surprised his mom with a Polka for the mother-son dance.  I’ve never seen wedding guests so excited for a polka before.  Nicely done.

My 3 Favorite Things about Tony & Alison *NEW*

1. After only knowing each other for 4 months, they came to my wedding. And they appeared in the background of many of our photos. Alison said, “yeah. we do that.” Well, there’s a little surprise for them in their photos. Let’s just say I hope they enjoyed Where’s Waldo as children. Happy searching!
2. They way they look at each other. It’s not just loving, it’s…ADORING. And, yes, I cried at their wedding.
3. Tony & Alison went all out with their bridal party. 11 on each side. It seemed just right for them.

My 3 Favorite Things about Katelyn & Peter:

1.  They’ve decided to get married in January.  In Minnesota. And they’re not afraid of outdoor photos.
2.  They’re so fresh faced and wholesome.  It’s endearing and refreshing.
3.  Katelyn approaches everything like it’s the most exciting thing happening at that given minute. Between the two of us, our email exchanges read like color commentary.

My 3 Favorite Things about Kristin & Ryan:

1.  They challenged me to find three things I liked about them; I think they were just trying to pressure me into getting more than 3.  Nice try, suckers.
2.  Kristin “raised the roof” when passersby honked at them. I can’t wait to see the moves she breaks out at the wedding.
3.  hmmm.  Well…  This is awkward…  Just kidding!  I insisted that Ryan was done with his ice cream cone.  He insisted he wasn’t.  I like obstinance.

Thanks for being so much fun, you two!

My 3 Favorite Things about Chantel & Levi

1.  Chantel’s expressions: Pure elation.  Levi’s expressions: Happy to be here.
2.  When I was shooting her portraits, Chantel whispered to me, “I’ve been practicing in the mirror.”  Atta girl.
3.  Working with these two felt like working with family.  But not the icky, have to hang out with you because we share the same genetic material type of family.  The other type of family.

My 3 Favorite Things about Gretchen & Gabe:

1.  Alliteration.  Their names just sound good together, right?!
2.  They both went to college in Iowa.  I mean, who doesn’t love Iowa?  Granted, it isn’t my preferred college of choice, but…it’ll do.
3.  Gretchen & Gabe actually met in a laundromat.  I thought that only happened in Meg Ryan movies.

My 3 Favorite Things about Kerrie & Ben

1.  They’re both teachers.  My parents are teachers.  It takes a special type of person to be a teacher.

2.  Kerrie has an incredibly expressive face.

3. They enjoyed the Farmer’s Market as much as I did.  If not, they at least pretended they did.