During mid-April I was one of the 14 lucky ladies to attend the God + Life + Photography retreat in Maple, WI hosted by the incomparable Erin Johnson and Shelley Paulson.  I met amazing women photographers with deep relationships with god and their craft.  There was a lot of laughs, great conversations and many tears shed as we peeled away our rough layers to expose our vulnerable sides and express our fears to one another.  I left feeling rejuvenated and gained a stronger relationship with God.  This blog gives you a glimpse into our sessions with our model married and engaged couples.  They were a delight to photograph and I loved working next to such phenomenal women photographers.  

I started off with the lovely bride and groom Emily and Patrick as Erin Johnson shared her posing ideas and help coach each of us to sharpen our skills.  I could not get over how amazing Emily's blush colored wedding gown was!

Our two groups switched and had the pleasure to learn from Shelley Paulson as she taught about composition with the lovely engaged couple: Kelly an Jason.  Although these two weren't engaged a the time, they have recently become engaged...Congratulations to Kelly & Jason! 

This was an experience that I went into with an open heart and an open mind.  I didn't really know how much I needed an experience like this in my life, but I came back with a clearer vision about my life and my photography business.  Words are not enough to express how grateful I am to Erin Johnson and Shelley Paulson for opening up and sharing such intimate parts of themselves with us. The women of GLP 2013 will always hold an special place in my heart.  In two words: Thank You!

Retreat: God + Life + Photography
Retreat Leaders: Erin Johnson & Shelley Paulson
Retreat Location: Lake Superior Barn

Between mixes of rain and sun in the forecast, we were blessed with an exceptional morning for Helen & Brad's session.  Both Helen and I were crossing our fingers that the weather would cooperate, and Mother Nature delivered.  I had such a wonderful time celebrating and sharing in the love the two of these have together.  I found myself not wanting the session to be over...I enjoyed reliving the morning through the photos - now its your turn :)

Congratulations to Helen and Brad!  They will be walking down the isle this September.  I am so excited and honored that I get to be a part of their special day, thank you both for choosing SweetCheeks Photography!

This couple helps define exactly what I love about my job - the great people I get to work with. They came energized and ready to put their love on display with the sun shining just for them. Even when I wasn't clicking, these two couldn't help but be adorable together.  They had me laughing, awing and enjoying every moment witnessing their love! 

I can always tell when two people not only love each other but are the best of friends...and these two are one of those couples.  Congratulations Lauren and Joey, I know the road ahead of you will be a love-filled, fun one!

The Roach family may have been fighting off colds that had recently swept their household but you wouldn't be able to tell by these pictures.  Mom and Dad definitely have their hands full with these energetic triplets.  As they tried to tickle out smiles and keep the bunch together I was clicking away catching fun fleeting moments with this adorable family :)

I love being around families like this and creating photos that help commemorate the stages of your lives.  Thank you for making some of your family memories with SweetCheeks!  

After being together for eight years, these two will be making it official this June!  I had such a great time with them on a windy afternoon down by the Rock River.  These two have something special and it shows through in the images we captured together that day.

Congratulations to Nichole & Ryan!  I can't wait to click away at the alter in just one month as you become Mr & Mrs.