Britta + Drew / University of MN Landscape Arboretum engagement session

Shortly after Christmas, Britta and Drew traveled from Rhode Island and joined me and some freshly fallen snow out on the beautiful grounds of the U of M Landscape Arboretum. They were total champs as we spent a lot of time outside on a very chilly afternoon. Thankfully, a nearby greenhouse gave us sporadic relief from the elements. Right now, they are probably waste deep in snow from the recent east coast storm. I hope as they prepare for a great wedding back in Minneapolis this Fall, these photos help get them through the Winter. Thanks Britta and Drew. You guys rock! 

So far, 2016 is shaping up to be my busiest year yet and its not even close. 2016 is already filled with so many inspiring people and locations I'm practically freakin' out. I still have a handful of dates available for weddings in 2016 and would really love more individual portrait sessions and always love more family sessions. Contact me now if you want to get on my calendar this year!!! Thanks for following along, its gonna be a great year. 

Ash Imagery visit / family photo's

When I started taking photos more intentionally back in 2011, a handful of current photographers were on my radar. Mike was one of those photographers. He's constantly using different cameras and pushing himself to make powerful images. I admire his commitment to film in all its varieties. But, its weird when you grow so fond of someones work, but don't really know them. I followed him from a distance through social media (Mike's from Philadelphia) but recently, had the opportunity to connect on a more personal level. Immediately, after finding out he planned to visit Minneapolis, I contacted him and booked a family session. I value his work so much and I didn't want to miss an opportunity to have him photograph one of the most important things to me. 

I won't get into all the craziness that happened in our life leading up to the session, but suffice it to say we put Mike in a really tough spot. Michelle and I were pretty stressed emotionally and the kids were fresh off a weekend away and had just arrived back home...tired, crabby, and everything else you can imagine. He handled it with grace and ease. It rained, kids cried and it was messy. BUT, we have days like this as a family and this time we had someone with us to document it. Beautifully. Thanks so much Mike. We will cherish these photos our entire lives.      

Laura and Ladd / Minneapolis engagement session

These two are amazing...I could say that about every couple I photograph, but these two really are amazing. Laura contacted me because a previous wedding client (Jessica) basically told her she had to (which blows me away). I'm not sure how that all went down but eventually the three of us grabbed some food and drinks during our consultation and by the end of it, I had booked another wedding for 2016. It wasn't just another wedding, though. Its a great couple with a great story who thinks I'm the perfect photographer to help tell it. I've said this many times, but there's just something amazing that happens when the right people find you and believe in your work and put trust in you. Its scary, but so life-giving and fulfilling, creatively speaking.  

The other side of this whole thing you just need to know is that during the time between booking and this shoot, Ladd was in a really bad car accident. The kind that takes MONTHS to recover. The kind that makes walking during an engagement session months and months later almost unbearable. The kind that makes you thankful for life and breath and another day. But, they are on the other side of this now. Closer and closer to a recovery that feels more like how it used to be. Way to go Ladd. Way to be a steady and loving supporter and encourager, Laura. You both inspire me and I'm pretty stoked to help celebrate your life together in June!!!