Sonnets and Blazing Sun. | Milwaukee Wedding Photographer.

I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where.
I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride;
so I love you because I know no other way
- Sonnet 17 Pablo Neruda

Sunday I had the pleasure of shooting Stephanie and Ben's lovely wedding. I was watching the weather channel like a hawk all week hoping the blazing heat that had plagued our area as of late would take a bit of a break. I remembered my own wedding which took place on a 100 degree day (not a good idea to go with a ballgown in that case, BTW)....so I was hoping for a bit of relief for Stephanie and Ben.

Well, it wasn't 100 degrees...but it was hot. And it was Memorial Day weekend, so festive moods were had all around....heat or not!

The ceremony was held at the lovely Mequon United Methodist Church, which reminded me of old-school, country weddings with it's big double doors leading into the chapel area. Absolutely lovely. The ceremony was personalized and heartwarming.

After stopping at one of my favorite spots, Klode Park, for pictures we headed over to Villa Filomena for the reception. This place is wonderful, I could move right in. Lots of shabby chic vintage touches.

The day was hot, but beautiful and we had a great time dancing the night away to the Pete Fleming Orchestra (these guys are PHENOMENAL...highly recommend them!).

Enjoy the sneak peek!!

Ben...he's a bit of a crier, that one. ; )

A look before leaping.

Ceremony: United Methodist Church Mequon, WI
Pictures: Klode Park Whitefish Bay, WI
Reception: Villa Filomena Milwaukee, WI
Caterer: Louise's
Flowers: Jaime Beauchamp
Cake: Eat Cake
Band: Pete Fleming Orchestra

Yes....We Dance. | Milwaukee Wedding Photographer.

Before this dance is through
I think I'll love you too
I'm so happy when you dance with me
I don't want to kiss or hold your hand
If its funny try and understand
There is really nothing else I'd rather do
'cause I'm happy just to dance with you
- The Beatles

I sat down with Chad and Laura a few weeks ago and we went over the final plans for their wedding day. We were discussing receptions and I mentioned that it's great when you have a group of people who are not afraid to dance, to really get out there...makes for some great pictures and really shows the energy of the night.

Chad says: "Oh.....we dance"

Um...yeah, just a TAD. Holy. COW do they ever. I kid you not, every single last solitary person who attended Chad and Laura's wedding reception was a stellar dancer. AMAZING. I just stood back and took it all in...I have never seen dancing like that. It was awesome. I later remarked to the bride's grandmother that I felt incredibly uncoordinated in this room full of talent!

The rest of the day was fabulous as well. You couldn't ask for better weather, Laura's dress and shoes were to die for and Chad looked quite dapper (in fact, all the men looked quite dapper).

It was a great day and one I was honored to be a part of. Enjoy the sneak peek!

Killer shoes. I envy people who have great shoe taste.

Ladies and gentlemen...I present GORGEOUS PERSONIFIED.

Chad was not too shabby either!

These guys took the GQ serious look to a whole new level. Way to work it out.

The dancing, like I said.....positively AMAZING....

Ceremony: Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses
Reception: Hyatt Regency Milwaukee

Friday Fractured Thought | Milwaukee Wedding Photographer

Ok ok ok. So, it's only 11:43....not exactly Friday yet...AND I missed last week. I'm a slacker..a slacker who can't tell time. But, given my schedule as of late you're gonna get this Fractured Thought on a Thursday Night and LIKE IT. : )

* This weekend is the first of a few "Double Header" wedding weekends I have this season. Two in a row. And it's supposed to be GORGEOUS...so bring it on!

* This weekend we (and when I say "we" I mean husband and father-in-law) start the massive paint project on Casa Foreclosure. Every room needs paint...some several coats (to cover up the oh-so-awesome sponge painting!) Then, it's on to new carpet and new appliances. Weee!!!

* The mother-in-law and I headed over to Hobby Lobby in Janesville today to scope out decorative items. Holy cow is that place dangerous for the pocket book. I stuffed my cart and walked away quite satisfied with my haul. And, I kept my penchant for all things bird related in check....somewhat (never bring up the infamous bird lamp to the husband.....unless you want a story about how terrible my home decor taste is!)

* I've had a bit of run on orders for guest books featuring engagement sessions. If you want to add one of these to your package, let me know. They are super-cute. Guests like 'em. They will make you cooler by association.

* Let's talk American Idol, shall we? I personally think Crystal got a bit robbed. However, she'll have a career regardless of losing, so no worries. The finale was busting out some old school fun (hello, HALL AND OATES! Oates San-Mustasche!). Michael McDonald is always fabulous....who doesn't love a little Takin' it To the Streets. However, the one big thing missing was a duet with Crystal and Kenny Loggins on my all-time favorite song "I'm Alright". That would have been killer.

And here's the Peanut, hanging out @ Grandma and Papa's house......

2. And a Half. | Milwaukee Child Photographer.

I think 2 1/2 might just be my favorite age. Of course, I've said that about newborns. And 6 months. But, Betty is 2 1/2 and they are just so fun. They have their own little personalities and their tendency to jump from one topic to another is just....precious.

Aiden, the subject of today's sitting, is the same age as my kiddo, and I remarked how similar they sounded, even if Aiden was a boy. Just the way 2 1/2 year olds phrase things, it's so distinctively cute!

We hit up Klode Park today, which is still one of my favorite places to shoot but man-oh-MAN was it packed today! Chock full o' people....enjoying the unseasonably HOT weather.

We worked around the throngs quite nicely! Enjoy the sneak peek!

Locations: Klode Park Whitefish Bay, WI

"Issues". | Racine Family Photographer.

According to Little Ben's mom, "Issues" is one of his newest and most favorite recent phrases. I think he was trying to tell me something.

As in: "Lady...you're going to have issues getting me to do much else other than run away from you and your camera"

Ben is certainly on the move....and he is quite possibly one of the quickest toddlers I have yet to attempt photographing! Despite the kind of less-than-stellar morning weather on the banks of the lake in Racine, and despite Ben wanting nothing much to do with me, we still got some nice family shots in for Ben, his mom, grandma, and uncle.

Enjoy the sneak peek! Great to see you again!

THIS was a feat. Seriously. He plopped himself down and BAM, camera connection for a fraction of a second.

Location:
Wind Point Lighthouse Racine, WI

Sounds of the City. | Milwaukee Engagement Photographer.

Sounds Brandon, Julie, and I heard today on our trip around the Riverwalk area:

"Hey man, I could use some shoes!" (directed towards Brandon, who was carrying his sneakers)

"Are you guys going to the Safehouse?" (asked in a rather creepy manner....by a rather creepy guy....at 4pm)

Some heavy police siren action!

Ahh, the sounds of Milwaukee. It's one of the best parts of wandering around aimlessly downtown. You never know what you're going to come across. I've shot downtown more times than I can really count and I always manage to find something new and interesting....or hear something new and interesting.

Today Julie, Brandon, and I came upon some timely and appropriate graffiti (someone loves love in Milwaukee!) and various neat nooks in the area to use for their engagement session. It was a lot of fun and I love that even though I don't live in the city anymore, I can come back on a regular basis to experience the sounds, smells, and sights with my couples.

Enjoy the sneak peek!

We happened upon this great graffiti....just out of nowhere. Gotta love it.

This too....so perfect. It was like some vandal knew we were coming!

The couple's first date was at the Rock Bottom....and it ended with a parking ticket. Still must have been a great first date though! Because here we are.... : )

Locations:
Riverwalk Milwaukee
Rock Bottom Restuarant
Pere Marquette Park
John Hawks Pub Telephone Booth

Monsignor About Town. | Milwaukee Family Photographer.

I've heard a lot of baby nicknames in my day, but never "Monsignor". Well...meet Monsignor Declan (and his mom and dad). Kind of fits him, I think!

Today I took Monsignor Declan and his parents around the Third Ward and McKinley Beach in Milwaukee

Declan was a trooper despite the less-than-Springy weather and our attempts to make him look at the camera. He held out nicely until we got to the beach, and then after a few smiley blanket poses he let us know that "The Monsignor is DONE"

Nevertheless, we got some cute shots. Enjoy, guys!

Really just an excuse to show off Maggie's great shoes!

I had to include this shot. Is that not the best "mad baby" face ever?

Locations:
Historic Third Ward Milwaukee
McKinley Beach Milwaukee