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Jay & Michelle I Wedding

Michelle and Jay have known each other as friends for the last 2 years. They started dating in May [2011], by June they were engaged, now its July and they're married!

I've known Michelle for the past few years and never have I seen her so content and full of joy as she is now. The wedding day was beautiful, with an intimate ceremony outside of Michelle's parents house surrounded by their closest friends and family. A truly amazing day to be apart of.

As wonderful as the day was, Michelle's twin, Brittney and her family weren't going to be there because of a recent move to Montana and on top of that Brittney had just had a baby 2 months earlier. Michelle was bummed but they were going to be "live-streaming" the wedding to them so they could "be there".

Right after Michelle had gotten her wedding dress on, the bedroom door opened and two of her nieces from Montana peered through the door! The night before Brittney and her husband Nate had made the last minute decision to drive through the night with all four kids and surprise everyone. Despite one of their van tires blowing up at 3am, they arrived just an hour before the ceremony. It couldn't have been more perfect!

Reception was held near St. Anthony Main, at an old historic restaurant.

Kelli & Michael I Wedding

When I first met Kelli and Michael back in December it was obvious they were meant to be. Kelli had lived in Montana as a school teacher and Michael worked at a radio station living in Wyoming. They met on Eharmony and not long after Michael proposed to Kelli during a hike in Wyoming. Kelli said, "I love knowing that Michael is the one God had planned for me from the very beginning!" Its true, they really are perfect for each other.

Kelli & Michael, it was joy meeting you, and being apart of such a special day of your lives. Have a wonderful time in England!

Josh & Katie I Engagement

A few weeks ago a friend and I were talking about relationships and marriage. We were remarking on different couples; Observing that all of them were in love, we noticed that certain couples stood out in a different way. It was how they lived out their love for one another on a daily basis. Katie and Josh are one of those unique matches that entices the attention of everyone around them. When they glance at each other it's as if they share a secret that no one else could possibly understand. They work as a team balancing out each others strengths and weaknesses, becoming stronger together through the storms of life. Their love isn't an artificial love seen in the Bachelor or Big Love; instead it is deeper and grounded on a firm foundation. They are "living life" together.

Josh and Katie met during their first year of college [at the same school I attend]. They began spending more time together as the year went on. In May, I remember Katie coming into the dorm beaming after Josh had asked her out. Fast forward a few months to 1:30 A.M. the morning of Valentines Day, beaming even brighter as she came into the dorm, but this time with tears in her eyes and a diamond shimmering on her left hand. Engaged! When I asked Josh what he appreciated the most about Katie he looked at her and said, "I know this sounds dumb but I really love everything."

They're getting married in July and I cannot wait for their wedding but especially to see them start living life together.

Sushi Lovin

What better way to celebrate Valentines Day than with a little heart sushi?

Finally, here's a sneak of more to come from a styled shoot with Gina last weekend.

Abby Anderson I Wedding Photographer in Detroit Lakes, MN

So excited for Abby of Studio A Photo who is debuting her new brand and website today!! I was thrilled when she contacted me to take pictures of her for her new brand and website. We met in late October [just before the freezing temps and snow moved in] and had a fun time running around downtown. I immediately fell in love with her! She is probably one of the most joy filled, fun-loving people I have ever met.

These yellow flowers [commonly known as "billy balls"] really inspired her and became a huge part of her brand.

Finally, Abby wanted her brand to be "simple, stunning, and fun" I think that is exactly how it turned out and a perfect description of who she is as a person. This final image is a personal favorite from the whole shoot.