These photographs are very near and dear to my heart.  Joel and Karime are two of the sweetest and most genuine people that I know.  I feel so honored to have been given this opportunity to come into their home to take these photographs.

Helena is incredibly beautiful.  She looks so much like her daddy, but she definitely has her mommies big brown eyes.  Melt!!!

Isn’t their mid-century modern home amazing?!  It is privately set among trees and wooded area.  Karime paints and draws and is a true artist all around.  Her organic and beautiful taste is expressed throughout their home!

I hope to start taking more documentary family photographs.  Letting me into your home is what gets me excited to capture your family and make intimate photographs (and no, you don’t have to have a perfect looking home like this either ; ).  I love the real every day life with messes and all!

I love this cozy shoot.  It almost looks like these photographs were taken in the fall, but they were actually taken a few weeks ago right before things started to green up.  This winter was the mildest that I have ever experienced.  It sure made photographing outdoors pleasant!  These two are getting married this coming September, so I think this engagement shoot will look lovely with their colors.  These two are SUPER cool and we’re looking forward to their wedding!

I could just drink her in..  Those hand dimples are too much!

Being her Mother has been so incredible.  After having two miscarriages, I often felt like I might not be able to have a baby.  There were many nights that I would lie awake and just wonder what it would be like to actually have a child.  When I found out that I was pregnant for the third time, I’m not going to lie,  I was terrified.  I really thought in my heart of hearts that I would have another miscarriage.  I remember going in for an ultrasound at eight weeks and just closing my eyes so tight.  I could not make myself look at that screen.  Then I heard the most amazing words….  ”There’s a heartbeat of 156.  I quickly opened my eyes and hot tears came streaming down my face.  I saw the most darling, tiny baby squirming around. that was it. my heart was stolen.  Little did I know that this love only grows stronger with each passing day.

This was a new years eve wedding. What a great way to ring in the new year!  The ceremony was here in Ames, IA at the Memorial Lutheran Church and the reception followed at the Scheman Building.  I am amazed that the grass was green and it was nice enough to be outdoors.  Congratulations Taylor & Robin -your wedding was beautiful!

I hope you enjoy this winter wedding!  The weekend of Dec. 10th had the only bit of snowfall so far this year.  Not only was there a blanket of snow, but it was also very nice out!

Finally getting caught up on all these blog posts after having the baby!  Wow, what a whirlwind it has been.  We found this pretty yellow flower field while we were out at the apple orchard.  I love unexpected surprises.  It was cloudy with the sun sporadically peeking through.

I met Sarah and her dear children at a park to take these photos.  Sadly, her husband Brian couldn’t make it due to the harvest season (farmers have such a small window of time when the weather is just right). These cuties are always so much fun to photograph!

I had six weeks left in my pregnancy and this was the last wedding before my due date.  I am so glad we didn’t turn this wedding down.  I loved the warm colors from this September day.  The venue for the reception was at the Saints Center in Stewart, IA.  I can’t even tell you how beautiful it was in person.