What's better than getting to see my long lost 2nd cousin Callie?...Getting to take her engagement pictures in the gorgeous Twin Cities!  

After scarfing down my favorite pizza in the whole world (Garlic Mashed Potato from Pizza Luce) I headed to spend the afternoon by the Stone Arch Bridge in dowtown Minneapolis, MN.

Not only is Callie adorable, but she is also one of the most vibrant, happy people I have had the pleasure to be around.  She shared stories about how Southeast Asia is a "must do" trip...about how friendly the people are and how good the food is (as soon as she said food - I was sold). 

She was all giggles when it came to having some of the "posed" shots (see below).  But, she obliged and I am sure glad she did because she made it look natural in every shot...just like her!  It was easy to tell that Aaron admires and loves Callie.  Her "giggly", carefree and vivacious qualities were complemented by Aaron's calmness.

One thing I learned from them was that Aaron loves "bouldering".  Okay, so you may be like me and be saying: "What is "bouldering"?  And the best way I can explain it is that it's an activity where the person climbs/scales random structures like: stone walls, trees, or whatever they see fit.  So thank you to Callie and Aaron for teaching me a new slang word :)  Check out one of the fun pics we captured to show off Aaron climbing talents below...I think I called him a "monkey" :)

I am SO honored to be a part of Callie & Aaron's wedding coming up this fall and I can't wait to see more of the awesome personalities shine through the eye of my camera.  Congratulations to Callie & Aaron - may your love continue to flourish as you embark on your new journey together in the Twin Cities!

After meeting with Jamie & Shane at Meg's Daily Grind this past winter, I knew right off the bat that I was going to love working with them.  They have such a carefree and relaxed nature, which I really love when I'm photographing.  After TWO rain delays, we finally got the chance to get out and capture these two's beautiful smiles and love for each other (curse you spring season).  

Jamie and Shane we were up for anything.  While I snuck in my usual types of photos for this area (see above), I really was hoping to catch these two in a new way.

The pictures below are an idea that hadn't come to fruition so I was excited when I began editing and I could put this duo together.  Their bright smiles and the glow of the background helped to bring harmony to this concept.

On our walks I found out that Jamie manages a couple bars which I really identified with considering I did that for 3 years of my life.  I also found out that Shane was somewhat of a professional bowler!  The two of them had just traveled to New Orleans the week before this shoot so Shane could compete - if only I would have known I would have tried to get a bowling ball for us to use for the photo shoot:)

As we were walking along all of a sudden I stopped dead in my tracks...they probably thought I was crazy.  But there it was, right before my very eyes...the illusive trolley!!  We got SO lucky that the trolley car was parked right outside the garage - I felt like a little kid in a candy store.  I have been in this area 4 times this year and FINALLY the trolley was here.  It quickly become a very necessary prop!

We were already in the trolley taking pictures when I noticed the "conductors" were sitting on the benches watching us nearby - I quickly said "I hope it's okay we are using the trolley for some pictures", and they kindly obliged.   

I am so excited to share their wedding day with them this August.  I can't wait to be behind the lens and get to see them go from five years in love in Freeport to husband and wife for the rest of their lives.  It was an all-around great start to my Saturday, congratulations to Jamie & Shane!